Bakersfield, a city located in California, is home to several vocational nursing programs that can provide individuals with the opportunity to kick-start their career in healthcare. These programs offer a comprehensive education that includes both theoretical and practical components to prepare students for the workforce. The cost, program duration, class schedules, and NCLEX-PN pass rates vary among programs, so it is essential to research and compare different options before making a decision. Vocational nursing programs are an excellent choice for those who are interested in working in the healthcare industry, as they can lead to fulfilling career opportunities and provide a pathway for further education and specialization.
San Joaquin Valley College
San Joaquin Valley College Vocational Nursing program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to provide professional care to the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. The program offers an Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing, which can be earned in as little as 15 months. The curriculum includes classes such as pharmacology dosages and calculations, medical-surgical nursing, maternal and pediatric nursing, and anatomy and physiology, among others.
The program aims to prepare students for their future careers as healthcare professionals. Upon completion of the program, students will have acquired the nursing knowledge needed to care for patients of all ages in various practice settings, while also providing a safe environment for themselves and their patients within their scope of practice as licensed vocational nurses.
One of the program’s unique features is its clinical rotation, which allows students to gain hands-on experience in a real-world medical environment. This hands-on training enhances the learning experience and enables students to develop a work history while completing their studies.
SJVC’s Vocational Nursing program is available at three of its other campuses in California besides its Bakersfield campus, providing students with flexible learning options. Tuition costs vary by program and location, but SJVC strives to offer affordable tuition to all its students.
SJVC’s Vocational Nursing program is designed to give students the necessary skills and knowledge to become licensed vocational nurses and provide professional care to patients. With a focus on hands-on training and flexible learning options, this program aims to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare.
Admission Requirements
- Achieve passing scores on both the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test (WBST) and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
- Be in good health and meet the physical fitness requirements.
- Meet the age requirement of being at least 18 years old by the expected start date.
- Provide current CPR certification issued by the American Heart Association.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 58% |
| Cost | $42,475 |
| Program Duration | 15 months |
| Contact Hours | 1900 total hours |
| Class Schedule | Day, weekend and evening classes available |
| Website | https://www.sjvc.edu/location/bakersfield/ |
| Location | 201 New Stine Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93309 |
| Phone | (661) 834-0126 |
Unitek College
The Unitek College Bakersfield Vocational Nursing (VN) program offers a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum that can be completed in just 12 months. The program also offers an evening option that can be completed in as little as 17 months, allowing students to accommodate their busy schedules. The program provides students with outstanding faculty support and career services team assistance, both before and after graduation.
The Unitek College VN program at Bakersfield is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experience required to pass the VN licensure exam and launch a successful career as a Vocational Nurse. Students will complete more than 900 hours of applied training in simulations, labs, and healthcare facilities, in addition to receiving professional, in-class instruction taught by seasoned instructors. The program covers a range of nursing duties, including assessing and monitoring patients, administering prescribed medications, and supervising nursing aides and assistants.
The curriculum includes nursing fundamentals, introduction to pharmacology, medical-surgical, maternal and newborn, pediatrics, and professional development. The Bakersfield campus maintains multiple classrooms, skills labs, computer labs, administrative offices, and a student lounge, all located in a standalone, fully self-occupied building.
The program provides practical experience through on-campus simulation training and supervised externships. Graduates have praised the supportive facilities, including the campus library, no-cost printing policy, and well-stocked vending machines. The instructors are also noted for their helpfulness, providing Friday tutoring sessions to help students pass their NCLEX exam on their first attempt. The program’s clinical sites and financial aid team have also received positive feedback from graduates.
Admission Requirements
- Attend a career development session and admissions interview.
- Pass an entrance exam.
- Submit a general application.
- Sign an enrollment agreement.
- Arrange for financing options, if necessary.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 73% |
| Cost | Inquire with program |
| Program Duration | Full time: 12 months Part time: 17 months |
| Contact Hours | 900 hours |
| Class Schedule | Full time and part time (evening classes) |
| Website | https://www.unitekcollege.edu/programs/vocational-nursing/bakersfield/ |
| Location | 333 Palmer Dr. Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93309 |
| Phone | (661) 690-4765 |
Bakersfield Health Careers
The Bakersfield Health Careers Licensed Vocational Nursing Program is an excellent option for individuals who are interested in becoming LVNs. As an LVN, individuals work under the supervision of RNs to provide quality care and comfort measures to patients. They perform many clinical responsibilities, including basic care and assistance to patients in various healthcare environments like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care institutions. The duties of an LVN may vary based on the work environment, but they usually involve monitoring a patient’s health and providing basic nursing care. LVNs also perform assessments and take vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
The program has class meetings from Monday to Wednesday, and the program hours vary based on clinical rotations. The program’s comprehensive curriculum provides theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare individuals for their future roles as LVNs. The hands-on training in various clinical settings helps students to apply their knowledge in real-life situations and build valuable skills.
The Bakersfield Health Careers Licensed Vocational Nursing Program costs $6,500.00, which is subject to change. While the program may seem costly, it’s essential to consider the value of the education and training received. It’s an investment in the individual’s future career, and they will gain valuable knowledge and skills to succeed as an LVN.
Financial assistance is available for eligible applicants through the Career Resource Department. Students can reach out to the department for more information and guidance on how to apply for financial aid. The Career Resource Department can also provide support to students who are searching for job opportunities upon graduation.
The Bakersfield Health Careers Licensed Vocational Nursing Program is an excellent choice for individuals interested in pursuing a career as an LVN. The program provides valuable education and practical training to prepare individuals for their future roles, and financial assistance is available for eligible applicants. While the program cost may seem high, it’s essential to consider the value of the education and training received. Overall, this program is a great investment in an individual’s future career as an LVN.
Admission Requirements
- Must be 18 years old or above
- Possession of an active CNA or CMA license is necessary
- High school diploma or GED is mandatory
- Submission of application form is required
- Clear background check, including DMV, is necessary
- AHA CPR card is mandatory
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 100% |
| Cost | $6,500 |
| Program Duration | Undisclosed |
| Class Schedule | Monday – Wednesday |
| Website | https://bakersfieldhealthcareers.org/programs/#lvn-program |
| Location | 2727 F St, Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
| Phone | (661) 861-1151 |
High Desert Medical College
High Desert Medical College’s Vocational Nursing Program is a full-time, 56-week diploma program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter one of the fastest-growing professions in the healthcare industry. Nursing is a critical allied health profession that provides care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.
The program combines theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on skills through coursework and clinical labs, preparing students to provide basic nursing care, administer medications, document patients’ signs and symptoms, and perform therapeutic and rehabilitative measures. Additionally, students gain real-world on-the-job experience through an externship.
Graduates of the program receive a Certificate of Completion, Vocational Nursing diploma. They also have the option to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree by completing additional General Education courses, which would take a total of 101 weeks.
It’s important to note that students interested in the Vocational Nursing program must complete the Vocational Nursing Pre-Requisite course online before admission. The course takes four weeks to complete.
High Desert Medical College’s Vocational Nursing Program appears to be a comprehensive and well-rounded program that prepares students for a career in nursing. The externship component of the program provides students with valuable real-world experience, which is an excellent opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a professional setting.
Admission Requirements
- Step 1: Fill out the Admissions Interest Form by either answering a set of questions or calling their phone number.
- Step 2: Schedule a tour of the campus either virtually or in-person to meet with staff and future instructors.
- Step 3: Meet with the Admissions and Financial Aid to plan out which program and schedule best suits your lifestyle and discuss Federal Financial Aid options for qualifying programs.
- Step 4: Discuss your decision with family and friends to gain their insights and support.
- Step 5: Complete paperwork and enroll in the chosen program to start a career in healthcare.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 77% |
| Cost | $50,441 – $70,357 (depends on part time or full time and living factors) |
| Program Duration | Full time: 13 months Part time: 22 months |
| Contact Hours | 1,679 hours |
| Class Schedule | Full time or part time |
| Website | https://hdmc.edu/course/bakersfield-vocational-nursing-program/ |
| Location | 2000 24th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
| Phone | (661) 579-2901 |
Bakersfield LVN Salaries
| Area | Total LVNs | Hourly Wage | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 1,230 | $31.56 | $65,650 |
| California | 73,740 | $33.62 | $69,930 |
| United States | 632,020 | $26.86 | $55,860 |
Based on the table provided, we can observe that LVNs in Bakersfield earn a lower salary compared to the California average but still earn a significantly higher amount than the national average for LVNs in the United States.