Start Your Nursing Career With These 20 Best LVN Programs in California

Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic patient care, including taking vitals, helping with bathing and dressing, changing bandages, and offering other support as needed. While no difference exists between LVNs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), Texas and California are the only states that call these nurses LVNs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be 34,900 new jobs for LVNs between 2022 and 2032, making it a great time to consider this growing healthcare career.

To get into an LVN program in California, you must typically meet the following requirements:

Once enrolled, you need to complete all curricular requirements, which includes 1,530 theoretical and clinical hours.

Online LVN students must still participate in in-person clinical rotations, but they can often complete theoretical coursework online. After meeting all requirements, you’ll earn a diploma, certificate, or associate degree.

undefined

Read About Our Methodology Here

Accreditation matters a great deal when it comes to LVN programs in California. You should only attend a school that holds institutional accreditation and an LVN program that holds programmatic accreditation.

Look for schools accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). At the programmatic level, prioritize LVN programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Failing to follow either of these steps could cause you difficulties when seeking licensure or finding a job.

Though courses in LVN programs in California can vary, LVN coursework generally emphasizes the knowledge and skills you’ll need to be able to work in clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

Coursework can focus on surgical, maternity, or pediatric nursing. Most programs, even online LVN programs in California, require in-person labs and clinicals so that students can apply their skills in a real-world setting.

Here are some common courses you’ll see in LVN programs:

California offers the highest median annual salary for LVNs, making it a great place to start your nursing career. California LVNs earned a mean salary of $76,580 in 2023, according to the BLS.

LVNs work in myriad settings that can affect their earning potential. Common work environments include hospitals, clinics, correctional facilities, home care agencies, and doctor’s offices.

If you want to take your career to the next level, consider pursuing an LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN bridge program to become a registered nurse (RN). In 2023, RNs earned a median salary of $86,070.

Just like RNs, LVNs must have a state-issued license to practice in California.

In addition to earning a vocational nursing degree or certificate, you must pass the NCLEX-PN, an exam that tests your knowledge of practical nursing concepts.

Other licensure requirements include passing a criminal background check and paying a fee. The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) takes about 4-6 weeks to process an application.

LVNs who have a license in another state can practice in California if they meet certain requirements, such as proof of passing the NCLEX-PN.

California LVNs can improve their employability and earning potential by supplementing their license with optional postgraduate certifications from private organizations.

Here are some common LVN certifications you can get:

According to BVNPT, LVN programs can last between 12 and 20 months, depending on whether you choose a full-time or part-time course of study.

You can become an LVN in California by completing an approved vocational nursing program or by gaining equivalent experience and education. This includes 54 hours of pharmacology, 51 months of paid bedside nursing experience, and skill proficiency verification, according to BVNPT.

The cost of LVN programs in California can vary drastically, so it’s important you check costs for several options before committing to a program. At Pasadena City College, for example, students pay $46 per credit, or $4,463 for the entire LVN program.

As an LVN, you can work in a variety of healthcare settings to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or doctor. You can also work one-on-one in a home healthcare setting, provide extended care in a long-term care facility, or offer support in a doctor’s office.

According to the BLS, LVNs in California earned an average hourly rate of $36.82 in 2023, which comes out to an average salary of $76,580.

All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.