Earn Your California LVN License with Hands-On Clinical Training & NCLEX-VN Preparation
Ready to make a real difference in patients’ lives? National Career College’s Vocational Nursing program in California prepares you for licensure as an LVN in just 14 months. You’ll gain comprehensive clinical training, complete 842 hours of hands-on patient care, and graduate fully prepared to pass the NCLEX-VN exam and begin your nursing career.
California LVNs earn strong salaries with steady job growth projected through 2034. It’s a recession-resistant healthcare career where you provide essential nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
💡 Complete rigorous training, pass the NCLEX-VN, and become a licensed vocational nurse in California. Our graduates provide compassionate care in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health settings.
California Vocational Nursing Program at a Glance
| Credential | Diploma (prepares for California LVN licensure) |
| Program Length | 57 weeks (14 months) including clinical rotations |
| Location | On our campus in Panorama City, Los Angeles, CA |
| Schedule | Day classes (Mon-Thu) Evening & Weekend Classes (Wed-Thu Evenings & Sat-Sun Days) |
| Total Credits | 58.5 semester credit hours |
| Total Clinical Hours | 842 hours in actual healthcare facilities |
| Accreditation | ABHES-accredited, CA Board of Vocational Nursing approved |
What You’ll Learn in NCC’s California Vocational Nursing Program
Our California Board-approved curriculum prepares you for professional nursing practice across diverse healthcare settings:
Core Nursing Skills: | Professional Nursing Competencies: |
Fundamentals of Nursing Care | Patient Assessment & Vital Signs Monitoring |
Anatomy & Physiology | Wound Care & Infection Control |
Pharmacology & Medication Administration | IV Therapy & Medication Administration |
Medical-Surgical Nursing I, II, III | Patient Education & Communication |
Maternal Health (Obstetrics) | Documentation & Medical Recordkeeping |
Child Health (Pediatrics) | Emergency Response & Critical Thinking |
Mental Health Nursing | NCLEX-VN Preparation & Test-Taking Skills |
842 Clinical Hours: Gain hands-on nursing experience in hospitals, nursing facilities, & clinics with real patients | |
NCLEX-VN Preparation:
Our curriculum aligns with the NCLEX-VN test blueprint. You’ll practice NCLEX-style questions
throughout the program to ensure you’re fully prepared for licensure.
👉 Want the complete curriculum breakdown? View our full Course Catalog
Why Choose NCC’s California Vocational Nursing Program?
- Graduate in 14 Months – Accelerated timeline to licensure and career entry
- 842 Clinical Hours – Extensive hands-on patient care experience in real healthcare facilities
- NCLEX-VN Focused – Comprehensive exam preparation integrated throughout the curriculum
- CA Board Approved – Meets all California Board of Vocational Nursing licensure requirements
- Multiple Clinical Sites – Experience diverse healthcare settings and patient populations
- Small Class Sizes – Personalized attention from experienced nursing faculty
- Rigorous Training – Prepares you for the demands of professional nursing
- Job Placement Support – Career services, resume help, and employer connections
Our Graduates Pass the NCLEX-VN and Begin Their Nursing Careers Our Career Services team provides resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search support. The strong foundation you build in our program prepares you for success on the NCLEX-VN and in your nursing career.
Admissions Requirements
Getting started at NCC’s Vocational Nursing program requires meeting higher academic standards:
You’ll Need:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET)
- California residency (required)
- Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) score of 21+
- TEAS entrance exam with a minimum 45.0% Basic Score Range at ATI “Academic Preparedness Levels.”
- Personal interview and campus tour
- $75 registration fee (non-refundable)
Ready to apply? Start Your Application
Program Cost & Financial Aid
| Tuition: | $31,325.00 |
| Materials & Supplies: | $1,995.00 |
| Books & Uniforms: | $2,490.00 |
| Registration Fee: | $75.00 |
| Estimated Total Cost: | $35,885.00 |
| Financial Aid Options for California Residents: | |
| Federal Pell Grants | Direct Parent PLUS Loans |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) | Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) |
| Cal Grants (California residents) | Private loans and scholarships |
💵Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Our financial aid team helps you explore every funding option.
💰 Calculate your actual cost: Use our Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate based on students like you.
NCLEX-VN Licensure Requirement
IMPORTANT: Upon graduation, you MUST pass the NCLEX-VN examination to become licensed and work as an LVN in California.
Our program prepares you comprehensively for this licensure exam through:
- Curriculum aligned with the NCLEX-VN test blueprint
- NCLEX-style practice questions throughout the program
- Critical thinking and clinical judgment development
- Comprehensive final preparation in Term IV
You cannot practice as an LVN without passing the NCLEX-VN and obtaining California licensure through the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
Ready to Start Your Vocational Nursing Career?
The demand for skilled LVNs in California remains strong. With NCC’s 14-month program, you can be working as a licensed vocational nurse providing essential patient care, earning a stable income in a recession-resistant career that makes a real difference.
Our Campus:
National Career College 14355 Roscoe Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402
Convenient location with accessible public transportation and ample parking.
We serve students throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and Southern California.
Call us at 888-988-2301 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM)
Frequently Asked Questions
LVNs (Licensed Vocational Nurses) provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs (Registered Nurses) or physicians. RNs have more advanced training through associate or bachelor's degree programs, can make independent clinical decisions, develop care plans, and supervise LVNs. Our program prepares you for LVN licensure; you can pursue RN later if desired through LVN-to-RN bridge programs. The NCLEX-VN is a challenging but passable exam with proper preparation. Our curriculum is designed around NCLEX content, and you'll practice NCLEX-style questions throughout your training. The exam uses adaptive testing to assess your nursing knowledge and clinical judgment. With our comprehensive preparation, you'll be ready to pass. Yes, but the program is intensive with both classroom and clinical requirements. We offer day and evening schedules to provide some flexibility, but many students reduce their work hours during the program to focus on their studies and clinical rotations. The 842 clinical hours require daytime availability at healthcare facilities. You'll work in real healthcare facilities under the supervision of licensed nurses and clinical instructors, providing actual patient care. Clinical rotations include medical-surgical units, long-term care, maternal-child health, and mental health settings. This hands-on experience is where you apply classroom learning to real patients and develop your nursing skills and confidence. Yes. Our Career Services team provides resume assistance, interview preparation, job search support, and employer connections. California has a strong demand for LVNs, and our graduates work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health, clinics, and various healthcare settings throughout the state. What's the difference between an LVN and an RN?
How difficult is the NCLEX-VN exam?
Can I work while in the Vocational Nursing program?
What happens during the clinical rotations?
Will NCC help me find a job after graduation?
Learn More About Vocational Nursing Careers
Explore our Vocational Nursing blogs for salary guides, career pathways, skills development, and everything you need to know about becoming a licensed vocational nurse in California.
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