Becoming an LVN in Riverside

Last Updated/Verified: Sep 29, 2023

Several schools in the California city of Riverside present opportunities to study vocational nursing and embark on a rewarding entry-level nursing career.

If you’re looking for a stable career in the medical industry, licensed vocational nursing is a good choice as we expect a much higher than average job demand across nursing in the foreseeable future.

Every two years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases its current report on the state of every industry operating in the U.S. Most recently, the report in May 2021 recorded 7,810 vocational nurses in Riverside. That was around 20% of all nurses in the Riverside Metro Area.

Want to study full-time? You can expect an LVN program to take around one year to complete. Part-time students can spread studies over two years, with most programs taking 24-30 months.

In California, the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians approves nursing education programs and licenses nurses once they pass relevant exams.

The LVN curriculum typically covers the following subjects:

Information Technology
Pediatric Nursing
Women’s Health Nursing
Nursing for Older Patients
Physiology
People Skills
Nutrition and Diet
Nursing Pharmacology
Surgical Nursing
Addiction & Mental Health Nursing
Psychosocial Nursing

Schools That Offer LVN Programs in Riverside, CA

Riverside City College – School of Nursing

Website: http://www.rcc.edu/pathways/health-related-sciences/vocational-nursing.html
Address: 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (951) 222-8000

This LVN program takes 12 months to complete and consists of 51 units. It promotes critical thinking in clinical settings for superior healthcare delivery, focusing on quality patient care. It mixes traditional lectures along with lab work, simulated health settings, and frontline health for a wide range of nursing skills.

Admission Requirements:

Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade on each (psychology, anatomy & physiology, and nursing 55A with a grade of C)
Submit high school transcripts or proof of GED
Minimum applicant age is 17
Submit to health exam
Provide details of CPR certification
Submit to background check
Submit to drug screening
Submit CNA certificate

North-West College

Website: http://www.nw.edu/programs/vocational-nurse/
Address: 4550 La Sierra Avenue, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: 951-324-4157

The curriculum at North-West College comprises 1,701 hours of both classroom and practical study. Alongside some of the common subjects listed above, students will also engage in seminar study (as well as classroom) on Nursing Fundamentals. You will also get practical experience on the job in a healthcare setting.