Vocational Nursing

About the Program

The Vocational Nursing program at Bakersfield College prepares students for a rewarding career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Students learn the skills needed to provide safe and effective care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

The program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-child nursing. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical training in real healthcare environments.

After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become Licensed Vocational Nurses.

What is Vocational Nursing?

Vocational Nursing, also called Practical Nursing, focuses on providing basic nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or physician. LVNs monitor vital signs, give medications, help patients with daily activities, and offer emotional support to patients and their families.

Vocational nurses are an important part of the healthcare team and work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health settings.

Is Vocational Nursing Right for Me?

If you want to start a career in healthcare and enjoy helping others, this program may be right for you. Vocational Nursing is a good choice if you want to enter the workforce quickly and build a foundation for future nursing opportunities.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Are compassionate and patient
• Pay attention to details
• Communicate well with others
• Can stay calm under pressure
• Have good problem-solving skills
• Work well as part of a team

This program usually takes 12 to 18 months to complete and provides a fast path to becoming a licensed nurse.

Vocational Nursing Program (Advanced Placement/Transfer)

The VN Advanced Placement/Transfer option is for students who have prior nursing or healthcare experience, such as transfer students, military veterans, or current Licensed Vocational Nurses. Qualified students may receive credit for previous learning and be placed into the Registered Nursing Associate of Science program.

Vocational Nursing Program (Advanced Placement/Transfer)

Vocational Nursing Certificate

Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement

Vocational Nursing Program Mission The mission of the Bakersfield College Vocational Nursing Program is to prepare entry-level vocational nurses as providers of care across the health/illness continuum and as members within the profession.

Select the certificate title for the catalog description and requirements.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Vocational Nursing Careers

Graduates with a Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement can pursue a variety of nursing careers in healthcare. Common career options include:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
• Home Health Nurse
• Nursing Home Nurse
• Medical Office Nurse
• Dialysis Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• School Nurse

Vocational nurses work in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, and patients’ homes. They play a key role in providing quality care, comfort, and support to patients and families across all stages of life.

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Transfer Pathways

Academic Department: Nursing

Career & Learning Pathway: Health Sciences (HS) Pathway

Courses: Vocational Nursing (VNRS)