Best LVN Programs in Long Beach 2026
Explore Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs in Long Beach, California with information on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about licensing requirements and career opportunities for vocational nurses in the Long Beach area.
2027 Best LVN Programs in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA - Public 2-Year - lbcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Beach City College offers a Vocational Nursing program designed for aspiring LVNs. This full-time, three-semester curriculum covers Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology, Maternal-Infant Nursing, and Common Health Deviations, emphasizing patient care, medication administration, and critical thinking. Graduates qualify for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. The program holds BVNPT accreditation and admits 30 students twice annually, fostering small cohorts and personalized instruction. Daytime weekday classes and tutoring support create a structured learning environment. Applicants must hold a CNA license. Students can pursue a certificate or an Associate of Science degree, enhancing career flexibility.
- BVNPT accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Full-time enrollment
- 2 start dates per year
- Prepares for LVN licensure
- Admits 30 students twice a year
- Daytime weekday classes
- CNA license required
- Certificate and AS degree options
- Tutoring available
Citrus College
Glendora, CA - Public 2-Year - citruscollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Citrus College offers a Vocational Nursing certificate program designed to prepare students for a career as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). The curriculum includes medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, pharmacology, and nutrition, combining classroom instruction with clinical rotations at local hospitals and clinics. Students develop skills in patient care, problem-solving, and teamwork, and are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-VN exam for state licensure. The certificate can be applied toward an associate degree, allowing for educational advancement. Offered through the Health Sciences division, the program provides a solid foundation for entry into the nursing field.
- Prepares for NCLEX-VN
- Develops skills required for licensed vocational nurse
- Clinical experience in local hospitals and clinics
- Coursework applies toward associate degree
- Certificate of Achievement awarded
- Learning outcomes include problem-solving skills
- Offered by Health Sciences division
Rio Hondo College
Whittier, CA - Public 4-Year - riohondo.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rio Hondo College's two-semester Vocational Nursing certificate program prepares students for LVN licensure and the VN-NCLEX. The curriculum covers essential nursing skills, patient assessment, medication administration, and care coordination across acute hospitals, extended care, home health, and medical offices. Prerequisites include anatomy, psychology, and math, with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, ensuring state standards. Hands-on clinical experience is central, supported by dedicated faculty. Classes start in spring; applications for Spring 2027 open by August 28, 2026. Applicants must pass criminal background checks, drug screening, physical exams, and hold CPR certification. Graduates are prepared for entry-level LVN positions in diverse healthcare settings.
- California State Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians accredited
- 2-Semester program
- Apply by 2026-08-28
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for VN-NCLEX
- Approved by California BVNPT
- Prerequisites include Anatomy and Psychology
Homestead Schools
Torrance, CA - Private 4-year - homesteadschools.net
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Homestead Schools' Vocational Nursing Program in Torrance, CA delivers campus-based training for aspiring LVNs. The curriculum covers patient care, vital signs, and health education, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN and entry-level roles. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, demonstrate English proficiency, achieve a preadmission test score of 76% or higher, pass background checks, and meet physical exam, immunization, and CPR requirements. Approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and accredited by ABHES, the program offers financial aid, scholarships, and tutoring. With a projected 21% job growth and median salary of $39,030, graduates enter a robust healthcare market.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for LVN licensure.
- Entry-level nursing skills.
- High school diploma required.
- English proficiency needed.
- Preadmission test score 76%.
- Background check clearance.
- Physical exam required.
- Immunizations and CPR card.
- Financial aid available.
Career Networks Institute
Santa Ana, CA - Private 4-year - cnicollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Diploma Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Career Networks Institute (CNI College) delivers a 12-month Vocational Nursing Diploma leading to LVN licensure. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pediatric and medical-surgical nursing, mental health, and leadership. Students train in a high-fidelity simulation lab, mastering medication administration, patient assessment, and wound care before clinical rotations in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and home health. ATI resources support NCLEX-PN prep, with a 100% pass rate. The cohort-based program features small clinical groups, evening theory, and weekend clinicals for working adults. Prerequisites and an entrance exam (TEAS/HESI) are required. Financial aid, job placement assistance, and military benefits are available; laptops are provided to all students.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS, HESI
- 12-Month program
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
- 71% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Military benefits accepted
- Financial aid available
Concorde Career College-Garden Grove
Garden Grove, CA - Private 2-year - concorde.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical / Vocational Nursing Diploma Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Concorde Career College-Garden Grove offers a Vocational Nursing Diploma Program designed to equip students for LVN licensure. The curriculum integrates foundational nursing concepts, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and mental health care, with emphasis on practical skills through on-campus labs and clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and home health. The program includes NCLEX-PN review and is approved by the California BVNPT. Students can choose a 13-month full-time daytime track or a 20-month part-time evening/weekend option, both featuring 757 clinical hours and 66.5 credit hours. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students, and the program is noted as military-friendly.
- BVNPT accredited
- Complete in as few as 13-months
- Full-time and part-time options
- 757 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- NCLEX-PN review included
- Real-world clinical rotations
- Daytime or evening/weekend options
Concorde Career College-North Hollywood
North Hollywood, CA - Private 2-year - concorde.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Concorde Career College-North Hollywood's Vocational Nursing Diploma is a campus-based program approved by the California BVNPT, offering a direct path to LVN licensure. Students can choose a 13-month daytime track or a 20-month evening/weekend option, both totaling 66.5 credit hours. The curriculum integrates nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and mental health nursing, with 198 lab hours and 757 clinical hours providing hands-on training across patient populations from birth to elderly. NCLEX-PN review is embedded, and financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students. The school is military-friendly and provides career services support, making it a practical choice for aspiring LVNs in the Long Beach area.
- 13-month daytime program.
- 20-month evening/weekend option.
- 66.5 credit hours.
- 198 lab hours.
- 757 clinical hours.
- Campus-based learning.
- NCLEX-PN review included.
- California BVNPT approved.
- Financial aid available.
- Scholarship opportunities.
National Career College
Panorama City, CA - Private 2-year - nccusa.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing (VN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
National Career College's Vocational Nursing diploma program in Panorama City is a 14-month track leading to California LVN licensure. It features 842 clinical hours across multiple facilities and covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal/child health, and mental health. NCLEX-VN preparation is built in, and the program holds ABHES accreditation and California Board of Vocational Nursing approval. Day and evening classes, small cohorts, and hands-on training support student success. Applicants need a high school diploma, California residency, entrance exams, and a personal interview; the $75 registration fee applies. The total program cost is approximately $35,885, with financial aid options. Graduates are prepared for hospital, clinic, and nursing home positions.
- 14-month program length.
- Diploma credential awarded.
- On-campus location in Panorama City.
- Day and evening class schedules.
- 58.5 semester credit hours.
- 842 clinical hours required.
- ABHES accreditation.
- CA Board of Vocational Nursing approved.
- NCLEX-VN exam preparation included.
- Small class sizes.
North-West College-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA - Private 2-year - nw.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nurse
Campus Based - Visit Website
North-West College's Vocational Nurse program in Long Beach is a campus-based track designed for aspiring Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California. Offering over 1,530 clock hours, the curriculum integrates nursing fundamentals, anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical externships to build hands-on patient care skills. Students train across multiple healthcare settings and can choose from several campus locations, with no online option. Admissions require meeting state and college criteria, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Accredited by the BVNPT, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, focusing on immediate career readiness and direct patient care competencies.
- Program length: Over 1,530 clock hours.
- Campus-based program only.
- Meets California LVN licensure requirements.
- Includes clinical externships.
- Covers nursing fundamentals and anatomy.
- Pharmacology training included.
- Multiple campus locations available.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Career-focused curriculum.
- Hands-on patient care training.
North-West College-West Covina
West Covina, CA - Private 2-year - nw.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
North-West College-West Covina delivers a Vocational Nursing curriculum designed to launch students into LVN licensure. The program blends theoretical instruction in nursing fundamentals, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing with practical training in child and maternal health. Students gain hands-on experience in direct patient care, including administering injections, monitoring vital signs, preparing lab samples, recording medical histories, and assisting with exams. Day and evening schedules accommodate working learners. The campus features modern, well-equipped facilities and a supportive, family-like atmosphere. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN/VN exam. The program is accredited by ACCSC, emphasizing career-focused technical skills and compassionate patient comfort care.
- Vocational Nursing program available.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN/VN exam.
- Day and evening classes offered.
- Hands-on clinical experience included.
- Curriculum covers nursing fundamentals.
- Includes anatomy and physiology.
- Pharmacology training provided.
- Child health nursing covered.
- Maternal health nursing included.
- Medical surgical nursing taught.
Long Beach LVN Program Overview
Licensed Vocational Nurses play a frontline role in Long Beach, delivering bedside care, monitoring vital signs, administering medications under supervision, and coordinating with registered nurses and physicians. In a city served by major hospitals, community clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies, LVNs help expand access to essential nursing services and support patient flow across acute, post-acute, and community settings.
Long Beach’s healthcare landscape includes large acute care centers such as MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach, St. Mary Medical Center, the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, and College Medical Center, along with numerous skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health providers. These environments commonly employ LVNs for direct patient care, chronic disease management support, and transitional care tasks.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metropolitan area is among the nation’s largest markets for LVN employment, reflecting broad opportunities across hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, physicians’ offices, and home health organizations. Local demand is influenced by the region’s population size, an aging demographic, and ongoing needs in long-term and community-based care.
In California, LVN programs approved by the state typically range from about 12 to 18 months for full-time cohorts and 18 to 24 months for part-time study. State requirements include at least 1,530 total instructional hours, with a minimum of 576 hours of theory and 954 hours of supervised clinical practice. Programs serving Long Beach students commonly place clinical rotations at area hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community clinics to build hands-on competencies.
LVN curricula in Long Beach are designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians approves LVN programs, sets curriculum and clinical hour standards, and oversees the licensure process, including eligibility and authorization to test for the NCLEX-PN.
Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Long Beach
The healthcare employment landscape in Long Beach, California, presents a positive outlook for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), which is the designation for Licensed Practical Nurses in California. The demand for LVNs is projected to grow, with a variety of opportunities available across diverse healthcare settings in the Long Beach area.
Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth for LPNs and LVNs from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driven in part by the aging baby-boom population and an increased prevalence of chronic conditions, leading to greater demand for healthcare services in residential care facilities and home health environments. California specifically employs nearly 80,000 LVNs, with an annual mean wage of approximately $76,580. In Long Beach, the average annual salary for LVNs is around $62,946, which is higher than the national average. When adjusted for the local cost of living, which is about 19.5% higher than the national average, the adjusted annual earning is approximately $52,674.
LVNs in Long Beach can find employment across a diverse range of healthcare facilities:
- Hospitals:Major hospitals in Long Beach are significant employers for LVNs. Roles involve providing basic medical care, collecting samples, inserting catheters, taking vital signs, administering medication (oral and intravenous), and wound care, all under the supervision of Registered Nurses. Prominent healthcare systems like MemorialCare, which includes Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach, and City of Hope actively hire LVNs. Opportunities may also be found within the larger network of CommonSpirit Health.
- Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities:These long-term care settings are among the most common employers for LVNs. In these facilities, LVNs assist with day-to-day patient routines, personal care, activities of daily living, and navigation of social services. Examples in Long Beach include Beachside Post Acute, Long Beach Post Acute, Bel Vista Healthcare Center, Sunset Villa Post Acute, Intercommunity Care Center, Long Beach Healthcare Center, Catered Manor Nursing Center, Royal Care Skilled Nursing Center, Windsor Convalescent Center of North Long Beach, and Villa Serena Healthcare Center.
- Home Health Agencies:Home health care represents a growing sector for LVNs, offering a varied work environment where nurses travel to patients’ homes to provide personal medical care. Agencies in the Long Beach area that hire LVNs for home health services include Ivory Home Health Care, CHS Homecare, Excell Home Care, Haven Home Care, Distinctive Home Health, Oxford Healthcare, Bixby Knolls Home Health, All Care Home Health Provider, and Providence.
- Rehabilitation Centers:LVNs are integral to rehabilitation centers, including sub-acute and mental health rehabilitation facilities. Examples include Bixby Knolls Towers Health Care & Rehab Center, St Edna Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center, and La Casa Mental Health Rehabilitation Center.
- Senior Living Facilities:Facilities such as Glen Park at Long Beach and Ivy Park at Seal Beach frequently employ LVNs, often in roles like Health Services Director.
- Private Practices and Clinics:LVNs can gain valuable clinical experience in physicians’ offices and outpatient care centers, which offer a fast-paced work environment. City of Hope, for instance, hires LVN II positions for direct patient care under supervision in clinics and for employee health screenings.
- Other Settings:Additional opportunities exist in specialized areas such as school-based healthcare settings, where LVNs assist students, and in hospice care, often on a per diem or part-time basis.
The demand for LVNs in Long Beach continues to be strong across these varied settings, offering numerous career paths for qualified professionals.
List of LVN Programs in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach City College
- Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- BVNPT accredited
- 3-Semester program
- Full-time enrollment
- 2 start dates per year
- Prepares for LVN licensure
- Admits 30 students twice a year
- Daytime weekday classes
- CNA license required
North-West College-Long Beach
- Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nurse
Campus Based - Website
- Program length: Over 1,530 clock hours.
- Campus-based program only.
- Meets California LVN licensure requirements.
- Includes clinical externships.
- Covers nursing fundamentals and anatomy.
- Pharmacology training included.
- Multiple campus locations available.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
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