Best California LVN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
California provides multiple LVN to RN bridge options that combine classroom education with extensive clinical training. These programs emphasize advanced patient care, leadership in nursing, and critical thinking. Students progress through coursework that aligns with California’s licensure requirements, leading to RN practice opportunities across the state.
2026 Best LVN to RN Programs in California
National University
San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu
Associate - LVN to RN 30 Unit Option
Campus Based - Visit Website
National University's LVN to RN 30 Unit Option is a campus-based program tailored for Licensed Vocational Nurses in California, offering a concise 10-month pathway to RN licensure. Requiring 44.5 quarter units, it emphasizes flexibility for working professionals through in-person learning, with no application fee. The curriculum focuses on transitioning to professional nursing, integrating clinical experiences to enhance skills without a specific concentration. As a bachelor's-level equivalent, it does not require ACT or SAT exams, aligning with California's board approval and military-friendly policies.
- In-person program option
- 10 months average completion time
- Zero application fee
- California state-specific program
- Designed for working LVNs
- 44.5 quarter units required
- Focuses on professional nursing transition
Bachelor's - Licensed Vocational Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LVN to BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The LVN to BSN program at National University provides a hybrid format for LVNs seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, blending online and on-campus elements for accelerated career advancement. Covering 180 quarter units, it includes monthly starts and focuses on advanced nursing skills, leadership, and evidence-based practice without a concentration. Accredited by WSCUC, it requires a current LVN license but no ACT or SAT entrance exams, catering to veterans and emphasizing culturally competent care in diverse healthcare settings.
- Hybrid online and on-campus
- Monthly program starts
- WSCUC Accredited program
- Current LVN license required
- 180 quarter units total degree
- Nonprofit university program
- Advanced nursing skills training
- Professional nursing leadership focus
- California state board approved
- Veteran-friendly institution
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - pointloma.edu
Bachelor's - LVN to BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Point Loma Nazarene University's LVN to BSN program, approved by the California Board of Nursing, offers a faith-based curriculum that builds on LVN experience to prepare students for RN roles with over 1,100 clinical hours. Emphasizing holistic patient care and technical skills, it requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and six months of LVN experience, with no specific entrance exam mentioned. Graduates are equipped for career advancement in San Diego's top healthcare settings, benefiting from personalized mentorship and networking opportunities.
- California Board of Nursing approved
- Over 1,100 clinical hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Six months LVN experience needed
- Faith-based nursing curriculum
- Advanced placement options
- Competitive healthcare networking
Riverside City College
Riverside, CA - Public 2-Year - rcc.edu
Associate - LVN to ADN Flexible (FLEX) Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Riverside City College's LVN to ADN Flexible (FLEX) Program is a hybrid option designed for licensed vocational nurses seeking to advance to registered nursing roles. It features video-streamed lectures accessible online, ideal for working professionals needing flexibility. The program requires a minimum 2.3 GPA in science prerequisites and costs about $6,500 total, covering tuition, books, and uniforms. Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by ACEN, it emphasizes quality education. Preference is given to LVNs employed at community partner facilities, enhancing practical integration. No entrance exam is mentioned, as it's an associate degree level.
- Hybrid video-streamed lectures
- Approved by California BRN
- Flexible for working LVNs
- Minimal 2.3 science GPA
- Approximately $6,500 total cost
College of the Desert
Palm Desert, CA - Public 2-Year - collegeofthedesert.edu
Associate - LVN to RN Transition Option
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
College of the Desert's LVN to RN Transition Option offers a hybrid pathway for Licensed Vocational Nurses to advance their careers efficiently. This program provides advanced placement, enabling completion in just 2-3 semesters at an estimated total cost of $3,480. Prerequisites include science courses, an unencumbered LVN license, and a transition course, with a required science GPA of 2.5 and IV certification. Students must achieve a TEAS exam score of at least 62% for entry. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with clinical experiences, accredited by ACEN, and includes a background check. Since this is an LVN to RN program, no ACT or SAT is mentioned as required.
- Advanced placement for LVNs
- 2-3 semester program length
- Estimated $3,480 total cost
- Hybrid learning format
- Accredited by ACEN
- Science GPA 2.5 requirement
- IV certification required
- TEAS exam score 62%+
- Multiple science prerequisites
- Background check required
Mt San Jacinto Community College District
San Jacinto, CA - Public 2-Year - msjc.edu
Associate - LVN to RN Transition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mt. San Jacinto Community College District's LVN to RN Transition program is an Associate of Science degree that enables licensed vocational nurses to advance to registered nursing roles. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with clinical experiences, focusing on NCLEX-RN exam preparation over approximately two years. Prerequisites include anatomy, microbiology, and psychology courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and applicants must hold an active California LVN license. With tuition costs around $3,500-$4,000, the program emphasizes comprehensive clinical training and skill labs, approved by the State Board of Nursing.
- State Board of Nursing approved
- Active LVN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA prerequisite
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Multiple semester progression
- Extensive skill labs included
Associate - LVN to RN Transition Thirty Unit Option
Campus Based - Visit Website
The LVN to RN Transition Thirty Unit Option at Mt. San Jacinto Community College District provides a condensed pathway for LVNs to become RNs, requiring only 30 semester units. Key courses cover Role Transition and medical-surgical nursing, emphasizing hands-on learning for NCLEX-RN eligibility. Admission demands a California VN license and prerequisite completion with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Financial aid and scholarships support students, focusing on practical skills without an entrance exam, as this is an associate-level program.
- 30 semester units required.
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam.
- California VN license needed.
- Hands-on learning approach.
- Financial aid available.
- Prerequisites GPA 2.5+.
- Role Transition course included.
- Medical-surgical nursing skills.
- Licensing exam preparation.
- Scholarships for eligible students.
California LVN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
California uses the LVN title. Most LVN to RN bridge pathways in the state offer advanced placement into an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing program so you can build on your LVN education and experience. Typical requirements include:
- Active, unencumbered California LVN license and current CPR certification for healthcare providers.
- Official transcripts from your LVN program and any college coursework.
- Completion of science prerequisites with labs commonly required for RN programs in California such as human anatomy, human physiology, and microbiology, along with general education courses like English composition and communication. Programs may also require psychology or lifespan development. Minimum grade and recency standards are common.
- Background check, health clearances, immunizations, drug screening, and proof of eligibility to participate in clinical placements.
- Program-specific criteria such as minimum GPA, prerequisite completion before entry, and possible skills assessments or challenge exams for advanced placement.
California programs must have policies for advanced placement of LVNs, which can include challenge examinations and credit for prior learning based on your LVN education and verified competencies. Many campuses schedule evening, weekend, or part-time options designed for working LVNs, though availability varies by region.
California also permits a 30-unit option for LVNs. This non-degree pathway allows qualified LVNs to complete a set of courses, typically including physiology, microbiology, and designated nursing content, to become eligible for the NCLEX-RN in California. Graduates do not earn a degree, may be recognized as RNs only in California, and can face limits with interstate licensure or academic progression. For licensure rules, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LVN to RN curricula in California build on your practical nursing background and cover the BRN-approved prelicensure content required for safe entry-level RN practice. Coursework typically includes:
- Medical-surgical nursing across adult and geriatric populations with emphasis on clinical judgment, care prioritization, and interprofessional collaboration.
- Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing focused on family-centered care and growth and development.
- Mental health and community-based nursing addressing behavioral health, population health, and culturally responsive care.
- Pharmacology, pathophysiology, advanced assessment, and evidence-based practice.
- Leadership, patient safety, quality improvement, and delegation aligned to RN scope of practice.
Clinical education occurs in hospitals and community settings approved by the BRN, where you apply theory to direct patient care under faculty supervision. Simulation may be used to supplement, but not fully replace, direct patient care.
Program approval by the BRN is required for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain California RN licensure. Many schools also hold national nursing accreditation, which can support transferability of credits, employer recognition, and admission to graduate study. When comparing programs, verify BRN approval and consider whether national accreditation aligns with your long-term goals in California.
LVN to RN Schools and Classes
California LVN to RN pathways are offered by community colleges, state universities, and some private institutions. Community colleges commonly offer advanced placement into ADN programs for LVNs, while universities may offer LVN to BSN options. Availability varies by region and by space in clinical placements.
Expect a blend of didactic, skills lab, simulation, and clinical rotations. Representative course topics include:
- Advanced adult health nursing with complex medical-surgical conditions and telemetry.
- Maternal-newborn, pediatrics, and family nursing emphasizing health promotion and risk reduction.
- Psychiatric-mental health nursing including crisis intervention and therapeutic communication.
- Pharmacology and medication safety with IV therapy and infusion principles within RN scope.
- Public and community health, epidemiology basics, and care transitions.
- Leadership and professional practice, legal and ethical aspects of nursing in California, and preparation for NCLEX-RN.
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in California work in acute care hospitals, ambulatory clinics, long-term care, home health, hospice, public health departments, schools, correctional health, and telehealth. Many roles involve 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; others offer daytime hours in outpatient or community settings. California’s minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in acute care hospitals influence workload and scheduling practices.
Demand for RNs remains strong across much of the state, though opportunities can vary by region and specialty. Compared with LVNs, RNs in California have a broader scope of practice that includes comprehensive assessments, independent care planning, patient education, IV medication administration, and leadership of care teams. This expanded scope generally corresponds to wider job options and higher earnings potential. Advancement opportunities for RNs include specialty certification, charge roles, case management, public health, and pathways to advanced practice with further education.
LVN to RN Program Length
- Full-time bridge: Often 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites for LVN to ADN pathways. LVN to BSN options typically take longer due to additional upper-division and general education requirements.
- Part-time or evening/weekend: Designed for working LVNs, these formats commonly extend total time to completion to about 18 to 30 months depending on course sequencing and clinical availability.
- 30-unit option: Frequently completed in roughly 12 to 18 months, depending on how the program schedules required science and nursing courses.
Actual timelines depend on prerequisite completion, space availability, clinical scheduling, and whether you receive advanced placement or successfully challenge portions of the curriculum.
2026 Fastest LVN to RN Programs in California
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Point Loma Nazarene University |
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| Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science |
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| Ohlone College |
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Tuition and Costs
Costs vary widely by institution type and your residency status.
- California Community Colleges: The state-mandated enrollment fee for residents is typically charged per unit, and total program enrollment fees for an LVN to ADN pathway often fall in the low thousands of dollars before books and supplies. Campus fees apply.
- Public Universities: Annual systemwide tuition is generally in the mid four figures for in-state undergraduates, plus campus-based fees. LVN to BSN students should plan for several terms of upper-division coursework.
- Private Institutions: Tuition can range from the tens of thousands per academic year.
Additional expenses include textbooks, electronic resources, uniforms, shoes, stethoscope, skills lab kits, background checks, drug screens, immunizations, health exams, transportation to clinical sites, and application and examination fees for California RN licensure and the NCLEX-RN. Housing and living costs in California vary significantly by region. Students commonly budget for shared housing or commuting from lower-cost areas when feasible.
2026 Affordable LVN to RN Programs in California
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside City College |
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| Mt San Jacinto Community College District |
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| American River College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Prelicensure RN education in California cannot be completed fully online because direct patient-care clinical experiences are required under BRN-approved supervision at clinical facilities. Many schools offer hybrid formats where some lecture courses are delivered online, combined with on-campus skills labs and in-person clinical rotations. Programs may also incorporate simulation to enhance clinical learning, consistent with BRN standards. Fully online LVN to RN pathways that replace hands-on clinicals are not permitted for California RN licensure.
Working LVNs often find that hybrid or evening/weekend schedules provide flexibility for employment, but all students should plan for mandatory in-person clinical shifts that can include day, evening, or weekend hours.
LVN to RN Licensure Requirements in California
California LVNs who complete an approved ADN or BSN bridge program become eligible to apply for RN licensure with the California Board of Registered Nursing and must pass the national NCLEX-RN exam to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state.
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
- After your program submits transcripts and the California Board of Registered Nursing confirms you meet educational and legal requirements, you become eligible to register for the NCLEX-RN examand receive an Authorization to Test.
- The NCLEX-RN is a computer adaptive test administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. You must meet the national passing standard set by NCSBN.
- If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after the minimum 45-day waiting period set by NCSBN. California does not impose a separate cap on the number of attempts.
- Testing accommodations are available with appropriate documentation; request them during your application and registration process.
- The California Board of Registered Nursing issues official pass or fail results after testing and, if successful, will move your application toward license issuance once all requirements are complete.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
- California licenses out-of-state RNs through licensure by endorsement. You must hold a current, active RN license in another U.S. state or territory, have passed the NCLEX-RN or State Board Test Pool Examination, meet California’s education requirements, complete fingerprint-based background checks, and provide license verification. A temporary license may be available while the Board completes its review.
- California does not have one-to-one reciprocity agreements with other states. All out-of-state RNs must apply for endorsement to practice in California.
- California is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs licensed in compact states must still obtain California licensure by endorsement before working in the state. California RN licenses are single-state licenses and do not confer multistate privileges.
Licensure Requirements
The California Board of Registered Nursing regulates RN licensure. For LVN-to-RN graduates seeking initial RN licensure by examination:
- Complete a California BRN-approved RN program such as an ADN or BSN bridge. Programs must include required theory and supervised clinical hours in medical-surgical, maternal-child, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health nursing.
- Submit an application for licensure by examination, pay required fees, and have official transcripts sent directly to the Board.
- Undergo fingerprint-based background checks via Live Scan (in California) or fingerprint cards (out of state); DOJ and FBI clearances are required.
- Provide a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number as required by California law for license issuance and renewal.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN.
California also offers an LVN 30-unit option that can qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN without earning a degree. This results in a California-only RN license that is generally not recognized by other states and cannot be converted to a graduate RN status later.
License Renewal
- California RN licenses renew every two years. Complete renewal online and ensure your legal name and address are current.
- Continuing education: Complete 30 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education during each two-year renewal period. Keep CE certificates for at least four years in case of audit.
- First renewal: If your initial RN license was issued less than two years before its first expiration, the 30 CE hours are typically not required for that first renewal period.
- Clinical practice hours are not required for renewal, but you must have fingerprint clearances on file; the Board may require fingerprints if none are on record.
- If you miss the renewal deadline, you may renew late with additional fees; practicing on an expired license is not permitted. You may also place the license on inactive status if you are not practicing and do not need to complete CE until you reactivate.
Average LVN State Salary in California
$79,090
2024 LVN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average RN State Salary in California
$148,330
2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LVN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 11 to 18 months. Some programs may be completed in as little as one year.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Focus:
Emphasizes the development of core clinical skills and hands-on patient care to prepare graduates for entry-level RN positions. The curriculum is more focused on direct patient care.
Average In-State Tuition in California:
Varies, but generally falls between $3,500 and $10,500 for the entire program at public community colleges.
Best For:
LVNs who want a faster and more affordable route to becoming an RN and entering the workforce quickly.
School Types:
Primarily offered at California Community Colleges.
LVN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 3 years. Some accelerated options may be completed in under three years.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Program Focus:
Provides a broader, more comprehensive nursing education that includes leadership, research, community health, and evidence-based practice, in addition to advanced clinical skills.
Average In-State Tuition in California:
Annual tuition at public universities can range from approximately $5,700 to over $8,600 for California residents. Private universities can have significantly higher tuition costs.
Best For:
LVNs aiming for leadership roles, advanced practice, and a wider range of career opportunities, as many healthcare employers prefer or require a BSN.
School Types:
Offered at California State Universities (CSU) and private universities.
Choose LVN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Workforce: These programs offer the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse, allowing for an earlier start to an RN career.
- Lower Cost: The overall tuition for an ADN program at a community college is significantly less expensive than a BSN program at a university.
- Strong Foundation in Clinical Skills: The curriculum has a heavy emphasis on developing the hands-on clinical competencies required for direct patient care.
- Pathway to Further Education: Graduates can begin working as an RN and later pursue an RN to BSN bridge program, often with employer tuition assistance.
Choose LVN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles. It can also open doors to positions in public health and nursing education.
- Higher Earning Potential: Registered nurses with a BSN often have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- Foundation for Advanced Degrees: The BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing.
- Employer Preference: Many hospitals and healthcare organizations, particularly those with Magnet status, prefer or require a BSN for their registered nurses.
List of LVN to RN Programs in California
Aptos, CA
Cabrillo College
- Associate - Advanced Placement for LVNs
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Military personnel with relevant experience eligible
- Transfer separation within 2 years required
- Placement based on space availability
- LVN applications currently paused
Chula Vista, CA
Southwestern College
- Associate - Step-Up LVN to ADN Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- Complete in three semesters in total (spring-fall-spring)
- Apply by 2026-09-04
- Starts spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
Cupertino, CA
De Anza College
- Associate - LVN Transition to Registered Nurse
Campus Based - Website
- Rolling admissions
- 100% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Award-winning Gold Workforce Star program
- 155% earnings increase for students
- 85% earn at or above living wage
- State-of-the-art labs and equipment
Cypress, CA
Cypress College
- Associate - Career Mobility Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 3 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Cohort-based structure
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
El Cajon, CA
Grossmont College
- Associate - LVN-RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- California LVN license required
- Challenge exams for advanced placement
- 30-unit option for California only
- No associate degree awarded
Fremont, CA
Ohlone College
- Associate - Advanced Placement for LVNs
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Minimum TEAS score 62%
- One year LVN experience required
- Transfer into third semester
- LVN-RN bridge course required
Glendora, CA
Citrus College
- Associate - Advanced Placement Option (LVN to RN)
Campus Based - Website
- Associate Degree Nursing Program
- Provides direct client care skills
- Covers life span health needs
- Multiple entry pathway options
- Advanced Placement Option available
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Career-focused healthcare training
Huntington Beach, CA
Golden West College
- Associate - LVN-RN Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Cohort-based structure
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Seamless transition to BSN
- Associate Degree in Nursing awarded
Lancaster, CA
Antelope Valley Community College District
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses
- Prerequisite courses: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics, English
- LVN IV certification required for bridge
Loma Linda, CA
Loma Linda University
- Bachelor's - LVN to BS in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/winter/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach City College
- Associate - LVN to RN Career Ladder
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- BRN approved program
- Associate in Science degree
- Student-centered learning environment
- Career ladder nursing program
- Transfer to BSN programs
- Tutoring available
Los Angeles, CA
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Bachelor's - LVN to BSN Track
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time BSN track for LVNs
- 99 total program credits
- 650 clinical hours
- CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Two years LVN experience needed
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Public Health Nurse certification
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
- LVN to RN Bridge
Merced, CA
Merced College
- Associate - LVN to RN 30-unit option
Campus Based - Website
- Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 30 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 3 high-fidelity manikins for simulation
Modesto, CA
Modesto Junior College
- Associate - Advanced Placement Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- $4,562 total program tuition
- $46 per credit
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- TEAS score of 427+ required
- Approved by California BRN
Monterey Park, CA
East Los Angeles College
- Associate - LVN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- California LVN license required
- 30-unit certificate option
- Waiver for some nursing courses
- Application by email
- Associate degree not currently offered
Norwalk, CA
Cerritos College
- Associate - OPTION C: LVN - RN Degree (Advanced Placement Student)
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Apply by 2026-02-27
- Full-time enrollment
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
Oceanside, CA
MiraCosta College
- Associate - LVN-RN Career Ladder Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- 85% licensure pass rate
- 75% job placement rate
- 2.5 GPA minimum
Palm Desert, CA
College of the Desert
- Associate - LVN to RN Transition Option
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- $2,744 total program tuition
- $46 per credit
- 1-Year program
- 23 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena City College
- Associate - LVN to RN (Career Ladder) Nursing Option
Campus Based - Website
- California Board of Registered Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 3-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts summer/winter
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Associate Degree in Nursing awarded
- Certificate of Achievement in Registered Nursing
- Builds nursing theory and clinical skills
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Chaffey College
- Associate - ADN Advanced Placement (LVN to RN)
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
Riverside, CA
Riverside City College
- Associate - LVN to ADN Flexible (FLEX) Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- California BRN, ACEN accredited
- $46 per credit
- Asynchronous online classes
- Cohort-based structure
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Rocklin, CA
Sierra College
- Associate - LVN to RN Upward Mobility Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Complete in one or one and a half-year
- Cohort-based structure
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- California LVN license required
- Prerequisite sciences within 7 years
Sacramento, CA
American River College
- Associate - LVN-to-RN Career Mobility Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 1-Year program
- Apply by 2026-01-30
- Starts summer
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for National Licensing Examination
- Military benefits accepted
- Grant funded program
Sacramento City College
- Associate - LVN-to-RN Career Mobility program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Complete in year-long track or an eighteen-month track
- Apply by 2027-02-28
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Military benefits accepted
- Financial aid available
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino Valley College
- Associate - LVN to RN Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 1 year full-time LVN experience
- ATI TEAS required by invitation
- Background check and health requirements
San Diego, CA
National University
- Associate - LVN to RN 30 Unit Option
Campus Based - Website
- No entrance exam required
- 10-Month program
- 13 total courses
- Rolling admissions
- $0 application fee
- Military benefits accepted
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Bachelor's - Licensed Vocational Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LVN to BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 180 total credit hours
- 12 start dates per year
- Starts rolling
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Monthly starts with accelerated classes
Point Loma Nazarene University
- Bachelor's - LVN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- 1100 clinical hours
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Faith-based curriculum
San Diego City College
- Associate - Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse (LVN to RN)
Campus Based - Website
- 45 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Prerequisites: Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology
- Offers LVN to RN advanced placement
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN)
- Curriculum includes Medical/Surgical Nursing III and IV
- Includes Mental Health & Gerontological Nursing
- Includes Leadership in Nursing course
San Diego State University
- Associate - LVN-RN 30-Unit Option
Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Career ladder for California LVNs
- 30-unit non-degree program
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
- Only recognized in California
San Jacinto, CA
Mt San Jacinto Community College District
- Associate - LVN to RN Transition Thirty Unit Option
Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Eligibility for NCLEX-RN exam
- Non-degree program option
- Associate - LVN to RN Transition
Campus Based - Website
- California State Board of Registered Nursing accredited
- 38 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Approved by California BRN
San Jose, CA
Evergreen Valley College
- Associate - LVN-RN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 1 start dates per year
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Active California LVN license required
- No TEAS required before applying
San Luis Obispo, CA
Cuesta College
- Associate - Accelerated RN (LVN to RN)
Campus Based - Website
- California Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 1-Year program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Community-based internships and preceptorships
San Marcos, CA
California State University-San Marcos
- Bachelor's - LVN to BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 3-Year program
- 56 total credit hours
- Full-time enrollment
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Cohort-based structure
- Requires California LVN license
- Direct entry for transfer students
Palomar College
- Associate - LVN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- Starts fall/spring
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Space available basis only
- Competitive multi-criteria point system
Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana College
- LVN to RN
Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara City College
- Associate - LVN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- 3-Semester program
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Requires valid LVN license
- Leads to Associate Degree in Nursing
- Prepares for RN licensing exam
- Graduates wear SBCC nursing pin
- Accredited nursing program
Santa Clarita, CA
College of the Canyons
- Associate - LVN to RN Career Ladder
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 4 total courses
- Apply by 2026-10-30
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- Cohort-based structure
- Prepares for NCLEX
Santa Maria, CA
Allan Hancock College
- Associate - LVN-to-RN Program
Campus Based - Website
- California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- 2-Semester program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Military benefits accepted
Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa Junior College
- Associate - VN to ADN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Starts fall/spring
- Financial aid available
- Clinical rotations on day/evening/weekends
- Approximately 32 hours per week in class and clinical
- Study groups highly recommended
- Collaborative BSN/MSN pathway with Sonoma State
- Prepares for entry-level professional nursing
Ventura, CA
Ventura College
- Associate - Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Starts spring/fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Advanced placement into second or third semester
- 30-unit option does not award associate degree
Victorville, CA
Victor Valley College
- Associate - LVN to RN Entry
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Credit by exam for Nursing Process 1
- TEAS exam score 70 required
- 30-unit option without degree
- Military entry option available
- Placement based on space availability
Visalia, CA
College of the Sequoias
- Associate - LVN to RN Bridge/Advanced Placement
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- LVN certificate and license required
- IV Certification required
- California driver's license needed
Walnut, CA
Mt San Antonio College
- Associate - Licensed Vocational Nurse to RN
Campus Based - Website
- California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
- 2-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Clinical practice at local hospitals
- Associate in Science Degree in Nursing
Whittier, CA
Rio Hondo College
- Associate - LVN-ADN Program (Option #2)
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Active California LVN license required
- Associate - Non-graduate 30 Unit Option for LVN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Semester program
- 30 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
Woodland Hills, CA
Los Angeles Pierce College
- Associate - Advanced Placement LVN to RN Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Admission by random lottery
- Requires ATI TEAS exam
- Current California LVN license
- Criminal background check required
- Associate - LVN 30 Unit Option Program
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Admission by lottery for eligible LVNs
- Not eligible for ADN degree or nursing pin
- RN licensure not recognized in all states
- Requires current California LVN license
- Requires criminal record clearance and drug screen
- 4 semesters of prescribed courses
- Includes courses in psychiatric and adult health care
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