Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and clinical hours at accredited vocational nursing schools near Alhambra
How do you find a BVNPT-approved vocational nursing program near Alhambra that’s affordable and consistently prepares students for the NCLEX-PN?
Alhambra sits at a crossroads in the San Gabriel Valley, putting residents within reach of LVN training options across Los Angeles County. But the differences between programs are stark: net price can range from under $5,000 at a public community college to more than $30,000 at a private institution, and first-time NCLEX pass rates can swing by 20 percentage points or more.
The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) approval is the non-negotiable starting point: the cornerstone of all accredited LVN programs in California. Every program considered on this page has been evaluated for that status. For Alhambra students, the real work isn't finding a program: it is identifying the one that balances upfront cost, accreditation, and a track record of getting graduates licensed.
These LVN programs in the Alhambra area are ranked based on net price, institution-wide graduation rates, and program-level outcomes, with an emphasis on schools within commuting distance. Our analysis identifies options that balance affordability with strong student support and licensure preparation.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Homestead Schools | Torrance, CA | $16,000/yr (net price) | Career changers needing structured support | |
Homestead Schools is a private institution in Torrance that reports an institution-wide graduation rate of 93%, one of the highest in this ranking. Its campus-based Vocational Nursing Program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and offers tutoring support, with a preadmission test requirement and accreditation by ABHES and approval by BPPE. While net price is higher, strong student outcomes in licensing exams make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing completion rates.
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| #2 | Citrus College | Glendora, CA | $4,000/yr (net price) | Budget-conscious local learners | |
Citrus College in Glendora offers a public, budget-friendly Vocational Nursing certificate with an institution-wide graduation rate of 41%. The BVNPT-approved program includes clinical rotations in local hospitals and clinics, and coursework can count toward an associate degree. Its low net price makes it an accessible pathway for San Gabriel Valley students.
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| #3 | Rio Hondo College | Whittier, CA | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | San Gabriel Valley students seeking quick entry | |
Rio Hondo College in Whittier is a public community college with a two-semester Vocational Nursing Program approved by the California BVNPT. The program starts each spring and requires a 2.5 GPA and prerequisite courses. Institution-wide graduation rate is 24.5%, and net price is moderate, with graduates prepared for the VN-NCLEX.
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| #4 | Riverside City College | Riverside, CA | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Riverside City College provides an affordable 12-month Vocational Nursing certificate with an institution-wide graduation rate of 37%. The program uses a random selection process, which can benefit out-of-district applicants, and its low per-credit cost makes it one of the most budget-friendly options for Alhambra residents willing to commute. BVNPT approved and a candidate for ACEN accreditation, it includes a self-paced nursing lab.
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| #5 | Career Networks Institute | Santa Ana, CA | $50,000/yr | ||
Career Networks Institute (CNI College) in Santa Ana is a private institution with an institution-wide graduation rate of 89%. Its 12-month Vocational Nursing Diploma includes hands-on simulation lab training and small clinical groups, with a reported 100% licensure pass rate. While tuition is higher, the program offers strong career placement support and flexible evening/weekend schedules.
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| #6 | Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA | $2,000 – $13,000/yr | ||
Long Beach City College offers a public, BVNPT-approved Vocational Nursing certificate with a three-semester full-time curriculum. The program admits 30 students twice a year and provides tutoring support. Institution-wide graduation rate is 29.8%, and net price is among the lowest in the region, making it a financially accessible option.
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| #7 | Career Care Institute | Lancaster, CA | $50,000/yr | ||
Career Care Institute in Lancaster is a private school with an institution-wide graduation rate of 71%. Its 14-month Vocational Nursing program boasts a 92% job placement rate and accepts transfer credits. With quarterly starts and multiple campuses, it provides flexibility, though it is one of the farthest options from Alhambra.
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The net price, an estimate of total costs after grant aid, varies considerably across LVN programs serving Alhambra. Public community colleges like Madera Community College, College of the Redwoods, and Riverside City College report net prices between $4,179 and $8,377 per year, while private institutions such as Gurnick Academy, Glendale Career College, and Career Networks Institute range from $32,427 to $49,677. These differences largely reflect the higher tuition at private schools and the availability of federal and state grants.
The NCLEX-PN pass rate is a key indicator of an LVN program's effectiveness, reflecting how well graduates are prepared for licensure. The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) publishes these rates annually, and the statewide average for LVN programs was 81% in late 2023. Individual programs near Alhambra show a wide range, from 43% at Platt College Alhambra to 95% for Stanbridge University's Orange County campus.
| School | NCLEX-PN Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Platt College Alhambra | 43% (Oct-Dec 2023; range 40-62% from Jan 2022-Dec 2023) |
| Stanbridge University, Orange County | 95% (2023) |
| Stanbridge University, Los Angeles | 93% (2023) |
The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) holds the keys to your nursing license; understanding its approval process is non-negotiable before enrolling in any Alhambra-area LVN program.
Most LVN programs in the Alhambra area share a core set of admission requirements:
Specific requirements can differ. For example, Platt College’s Alhambra campus requires a campus visit, an advisor meeting, and a standardized entrance exam, while other approved schools might add an interview or require CNA certification as a prerequisite. Always confirm directly with each program.
Full-time LVN programs in Alhambra typically span 12 to 18 months. Platt College’s vocational nursing track, for instance, takes about 60 weeks (roughly 15 months of continuous enrollment), though the total calendar time from start to completion may extend to 18 months depending on schedule breaks. Part-time paths, when available, take longer.
BVNPT approval exists in two forms:
Currently, Platt College Alhambra operates under provisional approval through 2026. Its most recent NCLEX-PN pass rate of 43% (2024) illustrates the scrutiny provisional programs face. By contrast, Platt College’s Riverside campus holds full approval. Always check a program’s current approval status directly on the BVNPT website.
BVNPT approval is the sole pathway to NCLEX-PN eligibility in California. Regional or national accreditation (such as WASC) is separate and may affect credit transfer or federal financial aid, but without BVNPT approval you cannot become a licensed vocational nurse. When evaluating Alhambra-area schools, make BVNPT status your first filter.
A sustained demand for skilled nursing care across Southern California has made vocational nursing a steady career choice, and Alhambra graduates are positioned to benefit from average LPN salaries that consistently beat the national average.
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $54,620 for licensed vocational nurses, with the bottom 10% earning less than $40,490 and the top 10% earning more than $72,650.1 In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area, the average annual salary reaches $68,530 (mean), reflecting both a higher cost of living and strong regional demand.1 This places the LA metro area well above the national median and makes it one of the more competitive markets for LVNs in the state.
California remains one of the top-paying states for LVNs. While a statewide median is not separately available, the LA metro mean of $68,530 far exceeds the national median. Within the state, however, wages vary significantly. The San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metro area tops the list with a mean annual wage of $80,470. The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region also posts similarly high averages, often exceeding $75,000, driven by healthcare demand in the Bay Area.1 Alhambra’s proximity to major healthcare employers in Los Angeles County means graduates can access wages near the top of the national spectrum without needing to relocate to the most expensive Northern California markets.
The California Employment Development Department projects steady job growth for LVNs, fueled by an aging population and expansion of outpatient and long-term care. Home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities are particularly hungry for LVN talent in the region. Many Alhambra-area programs have clinical partnerships with local facilities, giving students a direct path into these high-demand roles after licensure.
Given the moderate cost of many LVN programs around Alhambra, the return on investment is attractive. U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data for nearby schools provides a realistic earnings benchmark. For instance, alumni of The Chicago School at Los Angeles report median annual earnings of $56,899, while Glendale Career College graduates report median earnings of $41,472. Even for lower-cost options like Riverside City College (net price under $9,000), median earnings exceed $41,000. These figures represent earnings after graduation and demonstrate that LVN training can quickly pay for itself, especially for students who choose programs with manageable debt loads and strong NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Choosing the right LVN program starts with clear answers. Below we address the most common questions about cost, duration, approval status, salary, and admissions for LVN programs in Alhambra, California.
