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Medical and Dental Programs

Vocational Nursing

SJVC’s Vocational Nursing program gives students the skills needed to help others as they offer professional care to the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.1 Earn an associate degree in as few as 15 months.

SJVC Vocational Nursing Student

REAL-WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

Earn an Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing in as few as 15 months.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available at 4 of our campuses.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.
SJVC Vocational Nursing Program Details

Program Details

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

SJVC’s Vocational Nursing program prepares students for careers as healthcare professionals. Students will acquire the nursing knowledge to care for patients across the lifespan in diverse practice settings while providing a safe environment for the patient and themselves within their scope of practice as licensed vocational nurses.

The Vocational Nursing program includes a clinical rotation that allows students to further their studies in a real-world medical environment. This hands-on clinical training enhances the learning experience and allows students to develop a work history while completing their studies.

COST & FINANCIAL AID

Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Academic Catalog to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Advisor to discuss the costs of your chosen program and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

SJVC’s Vocational Nursing program is available at the following campuses:

ACCREDITATION & APPROVALS

Institutional Accreditation
San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, Phone: 510-748-9001, Fax: 510-748-9797.

www.wscuc.org

The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

State Approvals
CALIFORNIA

SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website. (www.bppe.ca.gov)

View additional State Approvals for SJVC

What Will I Learn?

Pharmacology Dosages & Calculations

MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING

Maternal & Pediatric Nursing

Anatomy & Physiology

Ready to Do This?

Find your path in Vocational Nursing

Talk to an admissions advisor about your options and earn your Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing in as few as 15 months.

Discover What It’s Like to Become a Vocational Nurse

Discover What It’s Like to Become a Vocational Nurse

Career Opportunities

Graduates who pass the NCLEX-PN are licensed by the Board of Vocational Nursing and are authorized to use the credential Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), which is a requirement to work in this field.

Licensed Vocational Nurses can work in hospitals, medical offices, clinics, and correctional facilities. On the job, vocational nurses can expect to perform the following duties:2

  • Administer prescribed medications and start intravenous fluids
  • Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients’ conditions
  • Evaluate nursing intervention outcomes, conferring with other healthcare team members
  • Assemble and use equipment, such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, and oxygen suppliers
  • Collect samples, such as blood, urine, and sputum from patients
  • Prepare patients for examinations, tests, treatments, and explain procedures
  • Set up equipment and prepare medical treatment rooms
  • Inventory and requisition supplies and instruments
  • Assist in delivery, care, or feeding of infants
SJVC Vocational Nursing Career Opportunities

Check out our guide on Vocational Nursing in California

Nurses are, above all, caregivers. People who feel drawn to caring for people, who love helping others, and who want to make a difference in the world can choose a career in nursing. Learn more about LVNs and other nursing career paths in our career guide.

SJVC Vocational Nursing Career Guides

Successful Grads

Ask one of our graduates about their SJVC experience and they’ll likely describe it as life-changing.

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Vocational Nursing FAQs

What is LVN nursing?
Like a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is a medical professional trained in providing basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or doctor. Responsibilities in LVN nursing can include monitoring patient health, recording vital signs, preparing patients for treatments, collecting samples and more. After pursuing a relevant education, LVN nursing candidates must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN)* exam. * SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will
Is an LVN a nurse?
Yes, an LVN is a nurse—a licensed vocational nurse, to be exact. Like licensed practical nurses (LPNs), these nurses must go through LVN training at a school with a quality program. Then they must take, and pass, the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN)*. At SJVC, our Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing is designed to give you the skills and insights you need to pursue your nursing aspirations in as few as 15 months. *SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.
What does an LVN nurse do?
A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) provides basic care for patients. Under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or doctor, this care can include administering medications, using medical equipment, collecting patient samples, preparing patients for exams and more. A quality LVN nursing program, such as the Vocational Nursing program offered at SJVC that can be completed in as few as 15 months, offers hands-on learning opportunities to build the skills you could use to launch your vocational nurse career.
What does LVN stand for in nursing?
LVN stands for licensed vocational nurse. These healthcare professionals work under the supervision of registered nurses (RN) to provide basic patient care in clinics, hospitals, healthcare systems and other medical facilities. Like a licensed practical nurse (LPN), LVNs are licensed professionals who have completed a quality program from an accredited school and successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN)*. * SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.