If you’re considering a career in healthcare and are based in Sacramento, then you may be interested in becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). LVNs are an essential part of the healthcare industry, providing basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. One of the best ways to become an LVN is to enroll in a vocational nursing program, which typically takes around one year to complete.
We have compiled a list of LVN programs in Sacramento, including information about their cost, program duration, class schedules, and NCLEX-PN pass rates. We also highlight why applying to vocational nursing programs is a great way to start your career in healthcare.
Featured LPN Programs
Below is a curated list of top LPN programs in the Sacramento area. These programs have been thoroughly researched to ensure they provide optimal opportunities for pursuing LPN licensure. Stay confident in your educational journey by exploring additional details through the provided links for each school.
Unitek College
If you’re looking to start your career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), the Vocational Nursing (VN) program at Sacramento, California might be a good fit for you. The program has a comprehensive curriculum that can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program also offers a 16-month evening program for those who prefer night classes.
The program’s seasoned staff is committed to helping students prepare for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. The program’s curriculum includes NCLEX-style questions and incorporates test-taking strategies and subjects from Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). This approach helps students achieve higher pass rates and better results.
The VN program at Sacramento focuses on teaching students fundamental skills, including but not limited to assessing and monitoring patients, reporting adverse reactions to medication or treatment, gathering information from patients, promoting good health habits, supervising nursing assistants and aides, administering prescribed medicines, starting intravenous fluids, and providing care to ventilator-dependent patients. The program also offers students access to simulation exercises and labs to practice their clinical skills.
The program provides individual student desks, whiteboards, projectors, and screens for lecture presentations in classrooms. The labs contain patient-care stations to simulate actual hospital settings. The LVN program offers various variations, and classes are offered during the day or evening, full-time or part-time, to accommodate students’ schedules.
Sacramento is home to various resources for college students, including apartments, eateries, employment opportunities, and more. The campus is centrally located in an urban college district and provides access to the library, student lounge, and multiple laboratories.
The LVN program at Sacramento partners with medical offices, hospitals, and surgical centers in Northern California, offering students unique opportunities to work closely with physicians, registered nurses, and clinical teams. Graduates of the program find employment in long-term care, urgent care, hospitals, clinics, schools, and pediatric settings.
Admission Requirements
Here are the admission requirements for the program:
- Obtain a high school diploma
- Complete the pre-requisite course
- Meet the Director of Nursing
- Attend a career development session and admissions interview
- Pass the entrance exam
- Submit a general application
- Sign an enrollment agreement
- Arrange financing for the program
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 86% |
| Cost | Inquire with program |
| Program Duration | 12 – 16 months |
| Class Schedule | Full time and part time class options |
| Website | https://www.unitekcollege.edu/programs/vocational-nursing/sacramento/ |
| Location | 1111 Howe Avenue Suite #300, Sacramento, CA 95825 |
| Phone | 916-414-9415 |
Sacramento City College
The Licensed Vocational Nursing Program is a BVNPT-approved, full-time program that spans three semesters. The curriculum involves instruction four days a week, with varying schedules for clinical and theory courses. After completing the program, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement, and if they meet the additional course requirements, they may also earn an Associate in Science Degree.
Upon graduating, students may take the BVNPT licensure exam to become licensed vocational nurses. The program admits applicants through a lottery system, which selects qualified applicants and alternates for the Fall/Spring semester. The selection process ends once the number of eligible applicants and alternates has been reached.
The program sends acceptance notifications to selected applicants via email within 8 to 10 weeks of the acceptance period’s close. Upon acceptance, students receive information on how to fulfill enrollment requirements and secure their spot in the program.
The Licensed Vocational Nursing Program is an excellent option for students who want to become licensed vocational nurses. The program is rigorous, and students will be expected to attend classes and clinicals four days a week. However, the program’s coursework and clinical experience will prepare students for the BVNPT licensure exam and a career in vocational nursing. The program’s lottery system admission process ensures equal opportunity for applicants, and successful applicants will receive timely notification of their acceptance and instructions for enrollment.
Admission Requirements
- Required: drug screen, background check, CPR cert. for healthcare providers, health screening.
- Proof of: high school graduation/equivalent or AA/AS degree.
- Transcript proof of: 3.0 GPA in Anatomy and Physiology, 2.5 GPA in Medical Language, Psychology, Nutrition, and Human Development Life Span.
- ATI TEAS test scores: hard copy required, electronic transcript sent to SCC.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 75% |
| Cost | Resident tuition and enrollment: $46 per unit Non-resident tuition and enrollment: $480 per unit |
| Program Duration | 3 semesters |
| Class Schedule | Variable |
| Website | https://scc.losrios.edu/academics/nursing-program-details/vn-program-and-apply |
| Location | 3835 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95822 |
| Phone | (916) 558-2111 |
Carrington College
Carrington College offers both Practical Nursing and Vocational Nursing programs to prepare graduates for entry-level nursing careers. The programs provide real-world skills through a combination of academic and clinical training. The Vocational Nursing degree and certificate programs can be completed in as few as 12 months and are conveniently available at four of the college’s campuses.
The curriculum for the Vocational Nursing program includes courses in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Anatomy, and Physiology. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The program aims to provide a foundation for continued learning and success as a vocational nurse.
To be eligible for the Associate of Science degree program in Vocational Nursing, applicants must have earned a Certificate of Achievement in Vocational Nursing from an approved accredited program. It is important to note that completion of the Vocational Nursing program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the Carrington LVN to ADN program.
Upon completion of the Vocational Nursing program, graduates will be able to implement the nursing process in providing care for patients in a variety of clinical settings, demonstrate academic preparedness to take the NCLEX-PN examination for licensure as a vocational nurse, and demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and professionalism.
Interested students are encouraged to talk to an enrollment services representative about their options. It is important to note that while Carrington College provides students with the knowledge and skills to take certification and licensure exams, the college does not guarantee successful passage of these exams or certification or licensure as a result of completing the program.
Carrington College’s Vocational Nursing program offers a flexible and affordable option for those interested in pursuing an entry-level nursing career. Graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide nursing care for patients with common health problems and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN examination for licensure as a vocational nurse.
Admission Requirements
- Meet standard admission requirements
- Provide proof of good physical and mental health
- Interview with the Dean of Nursing or an authorized representative
- Pass a drug screening and background check
- Score at least 53% on the ATI TEAS Admission Assessment, with two retakes available
- Submit two recommendation letters
- Provide a valid American Heart Association CPR card
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 78% |
| Cost | $41,010 |
| Program Duration | 48 weeks: 54 semester credit hours |
| Contact Hours | Lecture hours: 606 Lab hours: 338 Clinical hours: 616 |
| Class Schedule | Variable |
| Website | https://carrington.edu/program/practical-nursing/ |
| Location | 8909 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95826 |
| Phone | (916) 585-7770 |
Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center
The Licensed Vocational Nursing Program offered by Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center (CAJ) is a 35-week program that includes a total of 1652 hours, out of which 1408 hours are dedicated to VN training. The program aims to prepare students for employment in the healthcare profession as Licensed Vocational Nurses. The curriculum is approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Training, ensuring that students receive quality education that meets industry standards.
The program covers various aspects of nursing practice and process, including standards of care, ethical and legal issues, health promotion and preventive care, genetics, respiratory health, cardiovascular health, neurologic and sensory health, gastrointestinal and nutritional health, renal, genitourinary, and reproductive health, metabolic and endocrine health, immunology, musculoskeletal health, emergency nursing, maternity and neonatal nursing, pediatric nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
To be eligible for the program, students must complete seven prerequisite courses in a highly accelerated format. These courses are designed to provide fundamental knowledge required by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician for application to the Vocational Nursing program.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, the program had a total of 47 enrolled students, out of which 22 completed the program. Sixteen students continued their education to the 2022-23 academic year. The completion rate for the program was 71%, with an employment placement rate of 89%. All students who took the licensure exam passed, achieving a licensure exam pass rate of 100%.
CAJ’s Licensed Vocational Nursing Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for a career in the healthcare profession as Licensed Vocational Nurses. The high completion rate and employment placement rate indicate that the program provides effective training, and the 100% licensure exam pass rate is a testament to the quality of education provided by the program. Students who are interested in becoming LVNs can consider this program and benefit from its rigorous curriculum and high-quality training.
Admission Requirements
- Possession of a High School Diploma or an equivalent certificate
- Attendance at CAJ Orientation
- Completion of Assessment Test with a minimum score of 254 in Reading and 236 in Math
- Proof of at least 200 hours providing nursing care under a licensed professional
- Possession of CPR/First Aid Certification
- Completion of Nursing Entrance Exam from Kaplan, C-NET, HESI, or TEAS
- Passing a drug test and criminal background clearance
- Negative results for TB test (2-step) or Chest X-ray
- Prerequisites include possession of a CNA License
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 82% |
| Cost | $22,899 |
| Program Duration | 35 weeks |
| Contact Hours | 1652 total hours |
| Class Schedule | Monday – Friday 8 hours per day |
| Website | https://caj.scusd.edu/program-study/vocational-nursing |
| Location | 5451 Lemon Hill Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95824 |
| Phone | (916) 395-5800 |
Gurnick Academy
Gurnick Academy’s Vocational Nurse program is a 13-month diploma program that does not require prior experience. The faculty at Gurnick Academy is dedicated to providing students with an optimal learning experience to produce vocational nursing professionals who demonstrate high standards of ethics, professionalism, clinical competency, and critical thinking while providing compassionate and respectful patient care.
The program is designed to progress along the simple-complex continuum, utilizing the organizing principle of homeostasis to address various anatomical systems and specialty areas in nursing. It includes academic lectures, laboratory training, and a clinical component that correlates with theoretical knowledge. Students who complete the program can work as vocational nurses in hospitals or medical clinics.
The program’s goals and objectives are to incorporate nursing, behavioral, and physical sciences principles to provide competent care to clients of different ages with different biopsychosocial needs, apply knowledge of specific disease conditions in clients’ prevention, treatment, nursing care, and rehabilitation, differentiate the role of the Vocational Nurse within the medical team, adhere to professional standards incorporating a vocational nurse’s legal and ethical responsibilities, utilize critical thinking in assessing, planning, intervening, and evaluating client care within the scope of Vocational Nurse practice, and organize, prioritize, and delegate care while communicating effectively with medical team members.
Clinical experience is an essential component of healthcare education, and students in the Vocational Nurse program must rotate through affiliated medical facilities while attending nursing school. The program provides a library and classrooms with modern audiovisual teaching aids, textbooks and journals, and anatomical charts and models. The ratio of instructor to student is 1:15 in laboratory and clinical, 1:30-50 in residential lectures, and 1:25 in online lectures depending on the campus.
Students spend thirty to forty hours per week attending classes, and the program consists of four modules. Students receive 616 hours of didactic and laboratory instruction and 954 hours of laboratory and clinical education, allowing them to apply the lecture topics to practical use. The curriculum provides students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in the field.
The program’s expected completion time is 52 weeks (about 13 months), excluding holidays and vacation, and students are prepared for NCLEX during the final program module. Graduation requires passing an exit exam, with up to two attempts permitted based on guidelines in VN440. Job placement assistance is available, and veteran and military benefits are accepted. Overall, Gurnick Academy’s Vocational Nurse program provides a comprehensive education for those interested in pursuing a career in vocational nursing.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum age of 17 (with consent) for the prerequisites course, and 18 for the core program
- Earn a grade of ‘C’ or above in the Essential Medical Bioscience prerequisites course
- Waivers available for those who completed specific courses or pass a challenge exam
- Possible interview requirement if the applicant pool is large
- Complete a Distance Education Questionnaire
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 65% |
| Cost | $37,322 |
| Program Duration | 13 months |
| Class Schedule | Monday – Friday, variable class times |
| Website | https://www.gurnick.edu/programs/vocational-nurse-program/ |
| Location | 8810 Cal Center Dr 3rd floor, Sacramento, CA 95826 |
| Phone | (916) 588-2060 |
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates: source
LVN Salaries in Sacramento
Let’s take a look at the data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and discuss how LVN salaries in Sacramento compare to the national and state averages.
According to the table, there are approximately 4,200 LVNs in Sacramento. Their hourly wage is $34.27, which results in an annual salary of $71,280. Comparing this to the national average, we can see that LVNs in Sacramento earn higher salaries. The national average hourly wage for LVNs is $19.51, with an annual salary of $40,580. This indicates that LVNs in Sacramento make significantly more than the national average.
In terms of the state average for LVN salaries in California, which is $33.62 per hour and an annual salary of $69,930, LVNs in Sacramento also have higher wages. Their hourly wage of $34.27 and annual salary of $71,280 exceed the state average, highlighting the relatively higher earnings in the Sacramento area.
| # of LVNs | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| California | 73,740 | $ 33.62 | $ 69,930 |
| Sacramento | 4,200 | $ 34.27 | $ 71,280 |
Influences on LVN Salaries in Sacramento
When it comes to LVN salaries in Sacramento, there are several key factors at play that can significantly impact earning potential. From the cost of living to experience levels, various elements shape the compensation landscape for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in the vibrant capital city of California. In this article, we’ll dive into the influences that can unlock the secrets behind LVN salaries in Sacramento.
- Cost of Living: Sacramento is known for its thriving urban environment, but the cost of living can be demanding. Factors like housing, transportation, and general expenses can be higher compared to other regions. As a result, employers may offer higher salaries to LVNs to ensure they can afford the cost of living while providing quality care to their patients.
- Experience and Education: Just like in any profession, experience, and education play a crucial role in determining LVN salaries. LVNs with a strong track record and a wealth of practical experience often command higher wages. Likewise, obtaining additional certifications, specialized training, or pursuing higher education can open doors to better-paying opportunities in Sacramento’s competitive healthcare landscape.
- Healthcare Setting: The type of healthcare setting in which an LVN works can significantly impact their salary. Hospitals, medical centers, and specialized clinics may offer higher wages compared to long-term care facilities or outpatient centers. These settings often require specialized skills and demand a higher level of expertise, leading to increased compensation for LVNs.
- Unionization: Being part of a union can be advantageous for LVNs in Sacramento. Unions often negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of their members. With collective bargaining power, unionized LVNs can push for higher salaries and secure a more favorable compensation package.
- Regional Demand: The demand for LVNs in Sacramento can also influence salaries. A higher demand for LVNs in the area can drive wages up as healthcare facilities compete to attract and retain qualified professionals. Factors such as population growth, demographics, and healthcare trends can contribute to the demand for LVNs and subsequently impact their earning potential.