Start Your Nursing Career With These 20 Best LVN Programs in California
Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic patient care, including taking vitals, helping with bathing and dressing, changing bandages, and offering other support as needed. While no difference exists between LVNs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), Texas and California are the only states that call these nurses LVNs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be 34,900 new jobs for LVNs between 2022 and 2032, making it a great time to consider this growing healthcare career.
How To Get Into LVN Programs in California
To get into an LVN program in California, you must typically meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school or GED diploma
- Meet all minimum GPA requirements
- Complete all prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old
Once enrolled, you need to complete all curricular requirements, which includes 1,530 theoretical and clinical hours.
Online LVN students must still participate in in-person clinical rotations, but they can often complete theoretical coursework online. After meeting all requirements, you’ll earn a diploma, certificate, or associate degree.
Did You Know?
- You’ll need to complete 1,530 total curricular hours to work as an LVN in California.
- Most LVN programs in California require 12-14 months of full-time study or 18-20 months of part-time study.
- Nearly 150 colleges, high schools, private schools, and regional occupational centers offer LVN programs in California.
Explore Related Online Nursing Degrees
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Top LVN Programs in California
Los Medanos College
- Pittsburg, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,288
- Out-of-state$8,540
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,435
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationNo
Napa Valley College
- Napa, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$7,464
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,292
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationNo
City College of San Francisco
- San Francisco, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$0
- Out-of-state$6,968
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled24,441
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationNo
Pasadena City College
- Pasadena, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$7,488
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled26,971
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationNo
College of the Redwoods
- Eureka, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$1,143
- Out-of-state$6,783
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,665
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationNo
MiraCosta College
- Oceanside, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$7,464
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,992
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationNo
Butte College
- Oroville, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$6,720
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,100
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationNo
Allan Hancock College
- Santa Maria, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,288
- Out-of-state$7,440
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,894
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationNo
Gavilan College
- Gilroy, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$7,152
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,573
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationNo
College of the Desert
- Palm Desert, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$1,297
- Out-of-state$8,577
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,919
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationNo
Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center
- Sacramento, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled243
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Santa Barbara City College
- Santa Barbara, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,380
- Out-of-state$8,140
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,133
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationNo
Hartnell College
- Salinas, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,400
- Out-of-state$8,940
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,024
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationNo
Cuesta College
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,288
- Out-of-state$8,848
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,281
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationNo
Citrus College
- Glendora, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$7,560
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,130
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationNo
Southwestern College
- Chula Vista, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$1,288
- Out-of-state$7,420
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled19,231
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationNo
Sacramento City College
- Sacramento, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$0
- Out-of-state$7,824
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled20,829
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationNo
Feather River Community College District
- Quincy, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$1,380
- Out-of-state$9,360
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,058
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationNo
Imperial Valley College
- Imperial, CA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$1,104
- Out-of-state$6,024
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,511
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationNo
Homestead Schools
- Torrance, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled182
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment4%
- AccreditationYes
Why Accreditation Matters for LVN Programs in California
Accreditation matters a great deal when it comes to LVN programs in California. You should only attend a school that holds institutional accreditation and an LVN program that holds programmatic accreditation.
Look for schools accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). At the programmatic level, prioritize LVN programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Failing to follow either of these steps could cause you difficulties when seeking licensure or finding a job.
What Courses Do You Take in an LVN Program?
Though courses in LVN programs in California can vary, LVN coursework generally emphasizes the knowledge and skills you’ll need to be able to work in clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Coursework can focus on surgical, maternity, or pediatric nursing. Most programs, even online LVN programs in California, require in-person labs and clinicals so that students can apply their skills in a real-world setting.
Here are some common courses you’ll see in LVN programs:
- Anatomy and physiology
- General psychology
- Introduction to pharmacology
- Maternal-child-adult health
- Medical administration
- Nutrition
How Much Do LVNs Make in California?
Region | Total Employment | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Salary |
---|---|---|---|
California | 79,150 | $75,610 | $36.35 |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 3,290 | $84,500 | $40.63 |
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 8,580 | $83,650 | $40.22 |
Napa, CA | 280 | $78,680 | $37.83 |
Santa Rosa, CA | 900 | $78,560 | $37.77 |
Salinas, CA | 680 | $77,750 | $37.38 |
Sacramento—Roseville—Arden-Arcade, CA | 4,410 | $77,270 | $37.15 |
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 800 | $76,280 | $36.68 |
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 31,710 | $75,570 | $36.33 |
California offers the highest median annual salary for LVNs, making it a great place to start your nursing career. California LVNs earned a mean salary of $76,580 in 2023, according to the BLS.
LVNs work in myriad settings that can affect their earning potential. Common work environments include hospitals, clinics, correctional facilities, home care agencies, and doctor’s offices.
If you want to take your career to the next level, consider pursuing an LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN bridge program to become a registered nurse (RN). In 2023, RNs earned a median salary of $86,070.
Do You Need LVN Licensure in California?
Just like RNs, LVNs must have a state-issued license to practice in California.
In addition to earning a vocational nursing degree or certificate, you must pass the NCLEX-PN, an exam that tests your knowledge of practical nursing concepts.
Other licensure requirements include passing a criminal background check and paying a fee. The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) takes about 4-6 weeks to process an application.
LVNs who have a license in another state can practice in California if they meet certain requirements, such as proof of passing the NCLEX-PN.
California LVNs can improve their employability and earning potential by supplementing their license with optional postgraduate certifications from private organizations.
Here are some common LVN certifications you can get:
Frequently Asked Questions About LVN Programs in California
How long is an LVN program in California?
According to BVNPT, LVN programs can last between 12 and 20 months, depending on whether you choose a full-time or part-time course of study.
What are the requirements to become an LVN in California?
You can become an LVN in California by completing an approved vocational nursing program or by gaining equivalent experience and education. This includes 54 hours of pharmacology, 51 months of paid bedside nursing experience, and skill proficiency verification, according to BVNPT.
How much is an LVN program in California?
The cost of LVN programs in California can vary drastically, so it’s important you check costs for several options before committing to a program. At Pasadena City College, for example, students pay $46 per credit, or $4,463 for the entire LVN program.
What does an LVN do in California?
As an LVN, you can work in a variety of healthcare settings to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or doctor. You can also work one-on-one in a home healthcare setting, provide extended care in a long-term care facility, or offer support in a doctor’s office.
How much do LVNs make per hour in California?
According to the BLS, LVNs in California earned an average hourly rate of $36.82 in 2023, which comes out to an average salary of $76,580.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.