Los Medanos College, located in the city of Pittsburg in the East Bay area, is a two-year public school with nearly 11,000 students. The vocational nursing program is three semesters in length. In addition to a high school diploma, students must first complete prerequisite coursework, including Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Nutrition and Medical Terminology, before being admitted to the LVN program. Once admitted, students take courses in pharmacology, vocational nursing practices, surgical nursing and family nursing. The program consists of classroom work as well as clinical experiences. Graduates of the program receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the national licensing exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, known as the NCLEX-PN.
Los Medanos College
2700 East Leland Rd.
Pittsburg, CA 94565
925-439-2181
losmedanos.edu
Merritt College, located in Oakland, is also a two-year public institution. Merritt serves over 7,000 students each year. Its vocational nursing program leads to a certificate of completion. Students may also choose to pursue an Associate in Science in Vocational Nursing. A biology course, or anatomy and physiology course, is a prerequisite to the program, along with a high school diploma. The certificate program requires three semesters to complete. The first several weeks are spent in classroom study, covering basic patient care skills. Students then spend 18 hours per week in a clinical setting in addition to classroom instruction learning theory and implementation of the skills. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Merritt College
12500 Campus Dr.
Oakland, CA 94619
510-531-4911
merritt.edu
The Antioch branch of Carrington College California (formerly Western Career College) is another East Bay option for students interested in vocational nursing. A high school diploma is required for admission to the program. Students can pursue a certificate of completion or an associate's degree. The program prepares students to become LVNs and also serves as a foundation for continued study to become a registered nurse. Students learn basic patient care for common health problems and are prepared to work in pediatric, geriatric, surgical and ER settings. The program is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Carrington College California--Antioch
2157 Country Hills Dr.
Antioch, CA 94598
925-522-7777
carrington.edu