Becoming an LVN in Bakersfield

Last Updated/Verified: Sep 29, 2023

At present, there are five colleges in Bakersfield offering LVN programs. Vocational nursing is a great way for those with a passion for a medical career to do so in a non-degree environment. The advancing average age will put greater pressure on the healthcare industry in the coming decade, making this career a great choice. There are 1,200 LVNs operating in this area.

How long it will take to complete your LVN program depends on the school and your personal circumstances. Typically, full-time study is one academic year while part-time programs are spread over two years. A program is typically a mix of classroom study and assessment, scenarios in simulated labs, and actual healthcare experience.

The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians is responsible for accrediting vocational nursing programs and licensing.

LVN programs usually cover the following topics:

Nursing care
Human development
Anatomy & physiology
Dietetics or Human Nutrition
Pediatrics and Maternity
Pharmacology
Surgery

Schools That Offer LVN Programs in Bakersfield, CA

High Desert Medical College

Website: https://hdmc.edu/course/vocational-nursing/
Address: 2000 24th Street, Bakersfield, California 93301
Phone: 661-579-2901

HDMC provides a range of training experiences for medical professionals across the board. It offers both on-campus and hybrid programs, full-time and part-time. Students of the LVN will learn pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, obstetrics, nursing in surgery, mental health, child health leadership, anatomy, physiology, and pediatrics. You will also learn in a classroom environment, simulated situations, and in real hospitals and other health facilities.

Admission Requirements:

Minimum 18 years old though 17-year-olds may apply with a parental signature
High school diploma or GED transcripts
Pass the Wonderlic entry exam: minimum 19 score
Pass the prerequisite coursework: minimum 75%
Pass the HESI entrance exam: minimum 75+
Answer a brief (150-word) essay: “Why do you want to be a nurse?”
Background checks
Final approval of admittance subject to Director of Nursing decision
Mandatory student orientation session

Bakersfield Adult School

Website: http://www.basmedical.org/
Address: 2727 F. Street Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: 661-861-1151

Bakersfield Adult School provides vocational schooling to adults in Bakersfield. They offer a range of programs in medical training and have two campuses. BAS vocational nursing students will take courses in both theory and clinical practice, and the curriculum covers a range of professional skills to ensure that the small class sizes get the best training possible.

Admission Requirements:

High School Diploma, GED, or International Equivalent
Applicants must 18 or older
Must be a current CNA or CMA and passed either the California Certification Test or National Certification Test. A copy of the license is required at the application
Submit to background checks, including DMV
AH CPR Card
Minimum C grades on four pre-requisite courses covering physiology, medical terminology, medical mathematics, and psychology
Three TABE tests
TEAS test is encouraged but not mandatory

Bakersfield College

Website: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/nursing/vn
Address: Panorama Campus (Main), 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305
Telephone: (661) 395-4011

Bakersfield College provides a foundation for students entering vocational nursing careers. The school prides itself on innovation in a learning environment, especially regarding cultural sensitivities in healthcare. The curriculum involves a process of study through collaboration in classrooms, in the labs, and in simulated and actual healthcare scenarios.

Admission Requirements:

Minimum 18 years of age at the program start date
CPR Certification
Proof of High School graduation, GED, or equivalent
Pre-requisite courses in human anatomy and physiology, general psychology, and elementary algebra
Background check and criminal records declaration. Any such history could render you ineligible for clinical situations
Physical health check as completed by a physician of your choosing
Proof of immunizations and vaccinations, and a mask fit test

Unitek College

Website: https://www.unitekcollege.edu/
Address: 333 Palmer Dr. Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 94520
Phone: 888-919-4220

Founded in 2002 as a private health college, Unitek College has several campuses across California, as well as one in Nevada. Their LVN course includes 1,620 theoretical hours; 660 of which is classroom based while the remaining 960 includes supervised frontline care. Eligible students may also apply to complete an Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing.

Admission Requirements:

Minimum age of 18 at the time of program start date
Mandatory interviews covering career planning and admissions
High school diploma (supply transcripts), GED, or equivalent
Entrance exam
Application form
Background security and criminal records check
Valid US identification and social security card
Complete the obligatory access courses at least one year before VN program begins
A physical exam
Proof of immunizations, including TB testing
CPR certification (current) BLS for Healthcare Providers issued from the American Heart Association

San Joaquin Valley College

Website: https://www.sjvc.edu/
Address: 5300 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Phone: (661) 834-0126

San Joaquin Valley College Vocational Nursing program prepares students for entry-level healthcare roles across the state. Students will spend time in classrooms and lecture theaters, working with hands-on simulations, and completing supervised clinical work. Enrolled students learn practical skills along with patient care through a range of modules totaling 1,900 hours of study. It takes 64 weeks for a full-time student to complete.

Admission Requirements:

Minimum age of 18 at the program’s expected start date
Candidate must be in good general health and physically fit for nursing. Mandatory physical examination
Proof of up-to-immunizations
Must test negative for TB test
CPR certification from the American Heart Association, current and in date
High school diploma or GED
Submit to a criminal background check
Submit to a drug screening

Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Bakersfield, CA

If you’re looking for employment as an LVN in Bakersfield, here is a list of organizations offering employment most often:

Other healthcare employers:

Bakersfield NCLEX-PN Pass Rates

	Bakersfield	California
NCLEX-PN Students Total	209	6,649
NCLEX-PN Students Passed	153	5,229
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate	73.1%	78.6%

Top Ranked LVN Programs in Bakersfield

Listed below are the top LVN schools in Bakersfield based on our LVN program rankings for CA out of 119 other accredited programs offered in the state: