Best LVN Programs in Sacramento 2026
Discover Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs in Sacramento, California with information on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about licensing requirements and career opportunities for vocational nurses in the Sacramento area.
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2026 Best LVN Programs in Sacramento, CA
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA - Public 2-Year - mtsac.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mt. San Antonio College's Vocational Nursing program in Walnut, CA, equips noncredit adult students for swift entry into healthcare roles, targeting immediate employment in hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. It centers on nursing science to build essential skills for passing the NCLEX-PN exam, a requirement for vocational nurse licensure in California. Regulated by the BVNPT, the program maintains high standards and fosters a diverse, supportive learning atmosphere. Admission mandates passing core courses, paving the way for career advancement in health fields without requiring entrance exams, as it's a vocational-level program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN examination.
- Regulated by BVNPT.
- Focuses on nursing science.
- Supports diverse student groups.
- Leads to vocational nurse licensure.
- Employment in various health settings.
- Noncredit program for adult students.
- Emphasizes immediate employment readiness.
- Requires passing core courses.
- Offers future health career ladders.
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA - Public 2-Year - scc.losrios.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Sacramento City College's Vocational Nursing program is a full-time, three-semester course that combines classroom theory with clinical practice over four days weekly. Approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians, it leads to a Certificate of Achievement and eligibility for an Associate in Science Degree with further study. Graduates are prepared for the BVNPT licensure exam. Prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA in science courses, a 2.5 GPA in non-sciences, and the TEAS exam, with no minimum score specified. COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory due to clinical requirements, and the program uses a lottery selection process for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 cohorts.
- Full-time, three-semester program.
- Approved by BVNPT.
- Four days a week instruction.
- Certificate of Achievement awarded.
- Associate in Science Degree option.
- Prepares for BVNPT licensure exam.
- 3.0 GPA in sciences required.
- 2.5 GPA in non-science courses.
- TEAS exam prerequisite.
- COVID-19 vaccination mandatory.
Sacramento LVN Program Overview
Sacramento’s Licensed Vocational Nurses play a frontline role in patient care across the region’s hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. LVNs support care teams by performing fundamental nursing procedures, monitoring patients, and educating families, working under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. As the state capital and a regional healthcare hub, Sacramento benefits from an academic medical center, county-operated health clinics, federal and state facilities, and a large network of long-term care providers, which together sustain consistent demand for LVNs in acute and post-acute settings. State labor market and federal occupational data indicate ongoing LVN opportunities in long-term care, rehabilitation, ambulatory care, and home health in the Sacramento area.
LVN programs in Sacramento are designed to be career-entry pathways that balance classroom instruction, nursing skills labs, and supervised clinical rotations. Full-time options commonly span about 12 to 18 months, while part-time or evening/weekend tracks often extend to 18 to 24 months, allowing working learners to progress at a manageable pace. California requires a competency-based curriculum with substantial hands-on training; approved programs typically meet a minimum of 1,530 total hours that include both theory and supervised clinical practice across core areas such as medical-surgical, gerontology, maternal-child, and mental health care.
Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN, the national licensing examination required for LVN licensure in California. Program approval, educational standards, and licensure eligibility are regulated by the BVNPT, which also oversees background checks and other applicant requirements. Prospective students should verify that any Sacramento-area LVN program they consider is BVNPT-approved and aligns its curriculum to NCLEX-PN test plans, ensuring a clear pathway from training to licensure and employment in the local healthcare system.
Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Sacramento
The healthcare sector in Sacramento, California, is a robust and continuously growing industry, presenting significant and increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, including Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). This strong growth is largely fueled by an aging population and ongoing advancements in medical technology, mirroring the positive outlook for healthcare employment across California.
LVNs in Sacramento find diverse employment opportunities across various healthcare settings. Common employers span a wide range of facilities, each offering unique environments and patient care experiences:
- Hospitals:LVNs provide essential medical care within various hospital departments, typically under the supervision of Registered Nurses.
- Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities:These facilities are significant employers, offering LVNs opportunities to build strong relationships with residents while assisting with daily living activities and personal care.
- Home Health Agencies:LVNs deliver medical care directly in patients’ homes, managing a variety of duties across different residences.
- Outpatient Care Centers and Clinics:These settings often provide a faster-paced work environment, focusing on scheduled appointments and procedures.
- Physicians’ Offices:LVNs can gain valuable clinical experience by assisting physicians with patient intake, basic procedures, and administrative tasks.
- Rehabilitation Centers:Facilities such as UC Davis Health Rehabilitation Hospital hire LVNs to support inpatient acute rehabilitation services.
- Senior Living Facilities:LVNs are employed in roles such as Wellness Nurses, providing direct care and monitoring residents in assisted living and other senior care environments.
- Specialized Clinics:This category includes facilities like MedMark Treatment Centers, where LVNs may serve as dispensing nurses in addiction treatment, and dialysis centers requiring acute care.
- Correctional Settings:The State of California offers roles for Vocational Nurses within its correctional healthcare system.
- Occupational Health Clinics:Some employers hire LVNs as onsite health technicians to manage employee health and wellness programs.
- Hospice Care:Hospice providers, such as Bristol Hospice, employ LVNs for per diem roles, focusing on palliative care and comfort for patients with terminal illnesses.
Sacramento is home to several prominent healthcare systems and facilities that are major employers of LVNs. These include large university medical centers and extensive integrated networks. Job seekers can explore opportunities with institutions such as UC Davis Health, a leading academic medical center; Kaiser Permanente, known for its integrated care model; Dignity Health, part of the CommonSpirit Health network; and Sutter Health, a large Northern California-based not-for-profit system. Additionally, companies like Aveanna Healthcare specialize in pediatric home care, and local facilities such as Windsor Sacramento and Windsor El Camino Care Center, Midtown Oaks Post Acute, and Quality Elderly Care also regularly seek qualified LVNs for their teams.
List of LVN Programs in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento City College
- Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time, three-semester program.
- Approved by BVNPT.
- Four days a week instruction.
- Certificate of Achievement awarded.
- Associate in Science Degree option.
- Prepares for BVNPT licensure exam.
- 3.0 GPA in sciences required.
- 2.5 GPA in non-science courses.
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