Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and career outcomes for San Bernardino's vocational nursing schools
LVN students in San Bernardino face a stark trade-off between cost and speed. Accelerated private programs can graduate licensed vocational nurses in 12 months, while public community college tracks stretch to three semesters but carry tuition under $3,000.
Demand is clear: LVNs in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area earned a median annual wage of $61,880 in 2023.
The programs included here all meet BVNPT standards and are within commuting distance, yet NCLEX pass rates, bridge pathways, and net prices vary sharply.
Narrowing the field means deciding whether a lower upfront cost or a faster entry into the workforce better serves your long-term earnings trajectory.
The following rankings highlight LVN programs that serve the San Bernardino area, considering accreditation, cost, and student outcomes. While some schools are located outside the immediate region, each offers a pathway to California LVN licensure with distinct strengths.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Riverside City College | Riverside, CA | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Inland Empire residents needing affordable training | |
Riverside City College stands out as the most directly relevant option for San Bernardino-area students, offering a 12-month Vocational Nursing program that is both BVNPT- and ACEN-approved. The program provides two credential pathways, a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate of Science Degree, and accepts 40 to 70 students each year, keeping class sizes manageable. With an approximate total cost of $2,000, it represents one of the most affordable routes to LVN licensure in the Inland Empire.
| |||||
| #2 | The Chicago School at Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | $22,000/yr | Aspiring nurses seeking a 51-week program | |
The Chicago School at Los Angeles delivers a university-based 51-week Certificate in Vocational Nursing, designed for students seeking an accelerated, full-time pathway. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and a curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and hands-on learning, the program caters to those ready for an intensive experience. Graduates report median earnings of $56,899 a decade after enrollment, and the institution's median graduate debt is $20,000.
| |||||
| #3 | Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | San Jose, CA | $30,000 – $35,000/yr | Learners valuing multiple California campus options | |
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts operates multiple California campuses, making its Vocational Nurse program accessible to students across the state. The curriculum integrates nursing theory with behavioral and physical sciences, and graduation rates stand at 63.9%. With a net price of $32,427 and median graduate debt of $17,317, the program balances cost with strong earnings potential, as alumni report median annual earnings of $66,844.
| |||||
| #4 | Career Networks Institute | Santa Ana, CA | $50,000/yr | ||
Career Networks Institute in Santa Ana offers a 21-month Vocational Nursing Diploma Program with a strong track record of student success, including an 89.3% graduation rate and 100% retention. While the net price is $49,677, the program provides extensive support like high-fidelity simulation labs, small clinical groups, and laptops for students. A reported 100% licensure pass rate and 71.43% career placement rate underscore its commitment to outcomes.
| |||||
| #5 | Glendale Career College | Glendale, CA | $49,000/yr | ||
Glendale Career College provides a campus-based Vocational Nursing program known for its career placement assistance and high placement rates. The school reports a median graduate debt of just $9,500, making it an attractive option for those concerned about post-graduation finances. With a 90% retention rate, the program effectively supports students through hands-on training and modern technology.
| |||||
| #6 | College of the Redwoods | Eureka, CA | $7,000/yr | ||
College of the Redwoods in Eureka offers a three-semester LVN program with an approximate cost of $6,500, making it a low-debt option with a median graduate debt of $8,080. The program serves a high-need population, with 95.8% of students receiving Pell Grants. While located far from San Bernardino, it remains a viable choice for those willing to relocate for an affordable, accredited program.
| |||||
| #7 | Madera Community College | Madera, CA | ~$4,000/yr (est.) | ||
Madera Community College provides a low-cost Licensed Vocational Nursing program with an in-state tuition of $1,378 and a net price of $4,179. The three-semester curriculum is BVNPT-accredited and prepares students for the California LVN licensing exam. While it does not publish median earnings or debt data, its affordability and ongoing application acceptance make it accessible for Central Valley and beyond.
| |||||
Most LVN program rankings give students a list of schools with little explanation of how they arrived at those picks. We built this list differently, every factor is disclosed so you know what went into the order.
Our ranking prioritizes affordable LVN programs by focusing on net price after grants and scholarships, because what you actually pay matters more than the advertised tuition. High institutional graduation rates also weigh heavily; a school that consistently moves students to completion demonstrates strong support systems. We set a 75-mile search radius from San Bernardino, which brings in schools across the Inland Empire, including Redlands, Riverside, and Ontario, because local access cuts commuting time and costs.
NCLEX-PN pass rates, tracked by the BVNPT, are checked where available, but they do not drive the ranking alone. A strong pass rate suggests solid test preparation, yet it says little about clinical placement quality or job readiness. We view it as one indicator among several.
Unlike many competitor rankings that offer no transparency or rely on subjective reviews, this approach lets you see why a school landed where it did and weigh what matters most to you.
LVN students in California can access federal Pell Grants, WIOA workforce training funds, and the California College Promise Grant, which covers enrollment fees at community colleges. Program-specific aid includes the HCAI Vocational Nurse Scholarship (up to $20,000) and the Project Heartbeat LVN Scholarship (up to $10,000). The table below compares costs and Pell recipient shares for ranked LVN programs serving the San Bernardino area.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid | Pell Grant Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madera Community College | $1,378 | $8,638 | $4,179 | N/A |
| College of the Redwoods | $1,196 | $8,852 | $6,904 | 95.8% |
| Riverside City College | $1,428 | $12,498 | $8,377 | 99.1% |
| Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | N/A | N/A | $32,427 | 74.9% |
| Glendale Career College | N/A | N/A | $49,195 | 82.0% |
| Career Networks Institute | N/A | N/A | $49,677 | 61.6% |
NCLEX-PN pass rates offer a direct measure of how well an LPN program prepares students for the licensing exam. Choosing a program with a strong track record can significantly improve your chances of passing on the first attempt, which can save you time, money, and the stress of retaking the exam.
The most recent data from the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) covers testing year 2024. The average pass rate for California nursing programs during that period was 86%. Below are the first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates for LVN programs in the San Bernardino area, as reported by the BVNPT.1
Many programs in the area exceed the statewide benchmark, with several reaching pass rates of 90% or higher. A few programs fall below the state average, an important factor to weigh alongside cost, schedule, and clinical opportunities. Remember that pass rates can fluctuate from year to year, so reviewing the most current data during your program research is always worthwhile.
Licensing eligibility in California rests on a single non-negotiable requirement: your LVN program must hold approval from the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Without that stamp, regardless of a school’s reputation or other credentials, you cannot sit for the NCLEX-PN.
Institutional accreditation, such as that from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), signals a school meets broad academic standards, but it does not replace BVNPT approval. A program can be institutionally accredited yet lack BVNPT authorization, which bars graduates from licensure. Conversely, a BVNPT-approved program at a community college or private vocational school may carry separate institutional accreditation, but the BVNPT status is what the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians requires to issue an LVN license. Always confirm both, but prioritize the BVNPT stamp.
Because approval can lapse or a school may close its vocational nursing track, visit the BVNPT website directly before enrolling. Look up the program by name or location to see its current status. Do not rely on a school’s marketing materials alone; cross-check the official list. This simple step protects you from investing time and tuition into a dead-end program.
A common inquiry: “Does CSUSB offer an LVN program?” The answer is no. California State University, San Bernardino does not provide a standalone LVN certificate. What it does offer is the LVN 30-Unit Option, a non-degree pathway for current LVNs to challenge the NCLEX-RN. This option bypasses an associate degree in nursing and instead requires 30 semester units of specified coursework. However, it is not an entry point for aspiring LVNs; it is a bridge for those already licensed as vocational nurses. CSUSB’s nursing programs are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), not the BVNPT, because they lead to RN licensure.
Several nearby schools provide legitimate LVN-to-RN pathways. San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), which does offer an LVN certificate, runs an Advanced Placement LVN to RN Program. Candidates need a current LVN license and at least one year of full-time or two years of part-time work experience. Successful completion leads to an associate degree in nursing and RN eligibility. For those aiming directly for a bachelor’s, CSUSB’s LVN 30-Unit Option is a faster but narrower route, it fulfills the BRN’s minimum requirements for the RN exam but does not award a degree. Afterward, graduates typically enroll in an RN-to-BSN program. CSUSB also collaborates with Riverside City College, Chaffey College, and SBVC through concurrent enrollment arrangements, allowing students to take general education courses at partner community colleges while progressing toward a BSN. Note that a direct LVN-to-BSN pathway does not exist at CSUSB; the sequence is LVN → ADN or 30-Unit Option → RN → RN-to-BSN.
Many LVNs use the credential as a springboard. By working in the field, they gain experience and an income while completing bridge coursework. This model keeps debt low and strengthens clinical judgment. In San Bernardino County, where demand for nurses remains strong, the LVN-to-RN route offers a practical, stepwise ascent into professional nursing.
In the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area, Licensed Vocational Nurses earned a median annual wage of $61,880 as of May 2023. This is below the California statewide median of $65,140 but above the national median of $59,730. The top 10% of LVNs in the region earn over $80,320 per year. The California Employment Development Department projects steady demand for LVNs in the Inland Empire, with hundreds of annual job openings expected through 2030.
Prospective nursing students often have questions about vocational nursing programs in the Inland Empire. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries about LVN training in the San Bernardino area.
