Learning Outcomes
What licensure will I receive after completing the program?
The Vocational Nursing program is accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States) and become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Graduates may also take advantage of a “Step Up” program - you will qualify for one year of credit toward a registered nursing program at local community colleges and some universities.
What will I learn in this program?
Vocational nurses are vital members of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care in acute, long-term care, and convalescent hospitals. Licensed Vocational Nurses administer medications, provide bedside care and treatments, and perform other technical nursign skills under the direction of a physician and/or a registered nurse.
Our VN program is one of the best in the country! We have a team of nursing faculty that are all professionals in various areas in the nursing field. Students have access to nursing supplies, equipment, a nursing lab, and many other resources to help attain their goals
Course topics covered in this program include:
- Medical Terminology
- Growth and Development
- Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Medical/Surgical Nursing I/II
- Maternal/Neonate Nursing
- Pediatrics
- Leadership
Requirements
What are the requirements for this program?
In order to submit an application you must have:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A current active California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
- ATI TEAS Test (most current version) score - ADDITIONAL ATTEMPTS MUST BE AT LEAST 6 MONTHS APART
- Anatomy and Physiology course (Please note: Anatomy and Physiology together needs to be within the last 7 years, Anatomy alone needs to be within the last 10 years and Physiology alone needs to be within the last 7 years)
Opportunities to take the ATI TEAS, complete the CNA certification, and A&P requirement are available on the HOC campus and are reviewed in the VN orientation video.
Schedule
When is the program offered?
The Health Occupations Center VN Program is 3 semesters in length, excluding summer. The curriculum includes didactic lessons (classroom theory), nursing lab (on-campus), clinical rotations (numerous rotations in various hospitals and clinics in San Diego), as well as web-based instruction for enhanced learning. Class schedules vary by semester, but this is a full-time program and you can expect to spend 5 – 8 hours of class time daily, Monday through Friday. Evening hours may be required for some clinical rotations.
Cost
How much does the program cost?
The program registration fee for the 2023-2024 school year will be $5500. The registration fee payment is broken up over the 3 semesters - $3000 semester 1, $1500 semester 2, and $1000 semester 3.
Are there any additional costs associated with the program?
Additional fees that need to be considered average approximately $3000 over the 3 semesters and include:
- ATI curriculum management system
- Scrubs
- Textbooks
- Background check (Complio)
- Drug screens
- Immunizations
- Exam fees
Is financial aid or tuition assistance available?
As a K-12 adult school we are unable to offer financial aid. We do partner with the San Diego Workforce Partnership, local career centers, and other organizations whenever possible to offer opportunities for fees to be reduced or covered for qualified participants. For more information on what is available for this program, attend an orientation to connect with a transition services specialist.
What is the refund policy?
Students have until the last day of the second week of class to request a refund for the registration fee minus a $25 processing fee.
Prices subject to change. Please check the program guide to for the most current cost.
Job Outlook
What is the job outlook?
According to the California Economic Development Department, employment opportunities for LVNs are predicted to increase by 17% or 11,800 jobs between 2016 and 2026. Explore the links below for more information about the labor market for LVNs.
Instructor
All instructors in the Vocational Nursing program are Licensed Vocational Nurses and/or Registered Nurses from a variety of specialties. The Vocational Nursing Program Director is Barbara Brock, RN.
Willie Abelgas
Ronalae Blanks
Barbara Brock
Kenneth Brock
Kimberly Brown
Ashley Bruce
Christine Butcher
Carroll Ann Daly
Farah Danandeh
Fleure Fraser
Tamra Jacob
Ariel Kitagawa
Dawn Page
Lonnie Raimond
Jennifer Wade
Facilities
Next Steps
I'm interested! What are my next steps?
The LVN program accepts students twice a year with programs starting in January and July each year. If you would like to pursue a career as a LVN, review the Application Process for the most current or upcoming class.
Please note: The VN orientation and application process is different than the process for all of the other programs at HOC.