
Thomas Reed, RN
June 2, 2025
If you’re eager to launch a hands-on healthcare career, California’s Licensed Vocational Nurse programs deliver the practical training and state certification you need. From classroom fundamentals to real-world clinical rotations, aspiring LVNs build the skills and confidence to thrive in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings across the Golden State.
Los Angeles, CA - Private 4-year - thechicagoschool.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Chicago School's Vocational Nursing Certificate offers a comprehensive 51-week pathway into nursing, strategically designed to equip students with robust clinical skills and comprehensive patient care knowledge. Meticulously structured, the program prepares students to successfully challenge the NCLEX-PN examination while developing critical thinking capabilities essential in healthcare settings. Students undergo rigorous training covering medical terminology, nursing procedures, and hands-on patient care techniques. Admission criteria include a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of a nursing admissions test, and a thorough background check. Graduates emerge prepared to work in diverse healthcare environments like hospitals and nursing facilities, with a strong foundation in practical nursing competencies.
San Jose, CA - Private 4-year - gurnick.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts provides a comprehensive Vocational Nurse program that transforms aspiring healthcare professionals through strategic clinical training. Located in San Jose, the program meticulously integrates nursing principles with behavioral and physical sciences, creating a robust educational pathway. Students gain extensive hands-on experience, learning to deliver patient-centered care under medical supervision. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills across diverse healthcare settings, preparing graduates for successful licensure and immediate professional deployment. With multiple California campuses, Gurnick offers flexible educational opportunities for students committed to launching a dynamic nursing career. Military-friendly status and comprehensive clinical experiences distinguish this program in the competitive healthcare education landscape.
Santa Ana, CA - Private 4-year - cnicollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Career Networks Institute's Vocational Nursing Diploma Program delivers a comprehensive 21-month educational pathway for aspiring Licensed Vocational Nurses in Santa Ana. Students engage in an intensive curriculum blending rigorous classroom learning with immersive clinical training, strategically designed to develop comprehensive nursing competencies. The program's distinctive approach emphasizes practical skills development across patient care, pharmacological management, and critical nursing techniques. Graduates receive targeted preparation for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination, with dedicated support for financial aid-eligible students. The curriculum's hands-on methodology ensures students gain real-world healthcare experience, positioning them competitively in California's dynamic nursing employment landscape.
Glendale, CA - Private 4-year - success.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Glendale Career College delivers a comprehensive Vocational Nursing program strategically crafted to transform aspiring healthcare professionals. Their curriculum integrates advanced practical training with cutting-edge medical technologies, ensuring students develop robust clinical competencies. Professional instructors guide learners through immersive hands-on experiences, preparing them for dynamic healthcare environments. The program distinguishes itself through exceptional career placement support, helping graduates seamlessly transition into nursing roles. Students benefit from a structured learning approach that emphasizes real-world skill application, making this program an ideal launching pad for those passionate about vocational nursing careers in California's competitive healthcare landscape.
Eureka, CA - Public 2-Year - redwoods.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Situated in Eureka, College of the Redwoods' Licensed Vocational Nursing Program offers an intensive three-semester pathway into healthcare. This comprehensive campus-based curriculum meticulously prepares students for professional nursing practice through a strategic blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical training. Prospective students must demonstrate academic readiness with prerequisite course grades of C or higher and achieve a minimum TEAS assessment score of 62%. The program's carefully structured approach ensures graduates are fully equipped to successfully challenge the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Financial aid opportunities and a streamlined admission process, including mandatory background checks and drug screenings, make this program an attractive option for aspiring vocational nurses seeking a robust educational foundation.
The state of California does not provide fully online LVN programs because it requires students to complete clinical hours in person, but educational institutions have started offering hybrid learning options. Students in hybrid programs learn theory-based subjects through virtual classrooms while they must attend in-person clinicals and lab sessions. The hybrid learning format benefits students who need flexible scheduling because they work or have family responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Los Medanos College |
|
|
| Santa Rosa Junior College |
|
|
| Napa Valley College |
|
|
| Certifying Board | California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians |
|---|---|
| Certification | NCLEX-PN |
| License Renewal Period | 2 Years |
| Continuing Education | 30 hours per renewal period |
| License Application Fee | $300–$330 (first time), $305 (renewals) |
| Clinical Hours | 954 hours |
| Application Processing Time | 4–6 Weeks |
| License by Endorsement | LVNs licensed in another state may apply by endorsement (fee $300) |
Licensed vocational nurses in California are some of the highest paid in the nation. During the most recent reporting period, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded that California LVNs net an average annual income of $69,930. An LVN’s salary varies according to the work site of the LVN, his or her length of experience as an LVN, and the type of employer. On account of the high cost of living and increasing demand for healthcare workers, you’ll find that LVNs in San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Francisco earn $75,000 or even more annually. The LVN job outlook in California remains positive, as there is a steady need for more healthcare workers in the state. The healthcare access reforms have led to more people seeking routine care, which has strengthened the vital role of vocational nurses in service delivery.
| Salary & Career Outlook | California | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $76,580 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $36.82 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$88,140 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $66,090 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$52,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 12% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~6,910 | ~54,000 |
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and California Employment Development Department (EDD).
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside City College |
|
|
| College of the Redwoods |
|
|
| City College of San Francisco |
|
|
The California healthcare system offers vocational nursing as a flexible and rewarding career path. The well-designed LVN program creates a practical and affordable pathway to healthcare that provides both long-term LVN practice and opportunities for advanced nursing career advancement. LVNs can explore career advancement with the following nursing programs.
Additional Nursing Programs in California
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website