Best LVN Programs in Riverside 2026
Explore Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs in Riverside, California with details on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing requirements and career paths for vocational nurses in the Riverside area.
2027 Best LVN Programs in Riverside, CA
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Public 2-Year - chaffey.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaffey College's Vocational Nursing Certificate, accredited by the BVNPT since 1955, offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming an LVN. The program blends classroom instruction, hands-on labs, high-fidelity simulation, and clinical rotations across ten partnered healthcare facilities. Students study anatomy, physiology, patient care, nursing skills, medical terminology, gerontology, and communication under expert faculty. Graduates are prepared for roles in acute care, long-term care, physicians' offices, and urgent care settings. According to California EDD labor data, LVNs earn between $52,000 and $70,000 annually, with strong demand projected. The program offers two start terms per year and advanced placement options for transfer students. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more.
- BVNPT accredited
- According to California EDD Labor Market Data for 2020, Licensed Vocational Nurses can expect to earn between $52,000 and $70,000 annually
- Prerequisite courses required
- BVNPT accredited since 1955
- Hands-on classes and simulation
- Clinical partnerships with 10 facilities
- Faculty expertise across specialties
- Prepares for rewarding healthcare careers
- Advanced placement for transfer students
- Information sessions for applicants
Riverside City College
Riverside, CA - Public 2-Year - rcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Riverside City College’s 12-month Vocational Nursing (LVN) certificate prepares students for the NCLEX-PN. The curriculum blends theory with hands-on clinicals, covering patient care, medication administration, and communication. Courses include anatomy, psychology, and nursing concepts, reinforced by supervised rotations and a self-paced lab. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Approved by BVNPT and ACEN candidate. Admission requires a CNA certificate, prerequisites, CPR, and a 2.0 GPA. Fall start with random selection. Total cost around $2,000 for 51 credits; financial aid and scholarships available. Kaplan Test Prep included; fingerprint submission for licensure. No wait list.
- BVNPT, ACEN accredited
- $46 per credit
- 12-Month program
- 51 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Citrus College
Glendora, CA - Public 2-Year - citruscollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Citrus College's Vocational Nursing certificate immerses students in the clinical and theoretical foundations of practical nursing. Through coursework spanning medical-surgical care, maternal-child health, pharmacology, and nutrition, learners develop the competencies needed for LVN practice. Clinical experiences at area hospitals and clinics provide real-world patient interaction, reinforcing critical thinking and collaborative teamwork. The curriculum is structured to align with NCLEX-VN success, and credits may ladder into an associate degree for those pursuing further education. Emphasizing compassionate care and professional accountability, this program prepares graduates for entry-level nursing roles in diverse healthcare settings.
- 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 offers a two-semester Vocational Nursing certificate program designed to prepare students for the VN-NCLEX and licensure as Licensed Vocational Nurses. The curriculum blends classroom instruction in anatomy, psychology, and math with hands-on clinical experiences in acute hospitals, extended care, home health, and medical offices. Students develop competencies in patient assessment, medication administration, and care coordination. The program holds approval from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, meeting state standards. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, prerequisite coursework, CPR certification, physical exam, drug screening, and criminal background check. With one spring start date annually, graduates are equipped for entry-level nursing positions across 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
Career Networks Institute
Santa Ana, CA - Private 4-year - cnicollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Diploma Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Career Networks Institute offers a 12-month Vocational Nursing Diploma Program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN and LVN licensure. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pediatric and medical-surgical nursing, mental health, and leadership, delivered through classroom instruction and hands-on practice in a high-fidelity simulation lab. Clinical rotations in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and home health settings provide real-world experience. The program requires admission exams (TEAS or HESI) and prerequisite courses, and features small clinical groups of 8-10 students, evening theory classes, and weekend clinicals for flexibility. With ATI resources for NCLEX prep, a 100% licensure pass rate, and a 71% job placement rate, graduates receive strong support. Financial aid, military benefits, laptops, and career services are available.
- 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's Vocational Nursing Diploma Program equips students for LVN licensure, blending classroom theory with intensive practical training. Coursework spans anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and mental health, reinforced by hands-on labs and clinical rotations across hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health agencies. The program includes dedicated NCLEX-PN preparation and is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Students can choose a 13-month full-time daytime track or a 20-month part-time evening/weekend schedule, totaling 66.5 credit hours and 757 clinical hours. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students, and the college is 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
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 offers a campus-based Vocational Nursing program that prepares students for LVN licensure and the NCLEX-PN/VN exam. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, child health, maternal health, and medical-surgical nursing. Students gain hands-on clinical experience, learning to record patient histories, monitor vital signs, prepare lab samples, administer injections, and provide comfort care. Day and evening classes accommodate varied schedules, and the college’s modern facilities provide a supportive, family-like atmosphere. Accredited by ACCSC, this career-focused program emphasizes technical skills and direct patient care, giving graduates the tools to succeed in entry-level nursing roles.
- 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.
North-West College-Anaheim
Anaheim, CA - Private 2-year - nw.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nurse
Campus Based - Visit Website
North-West College-Anaheim's Vocational Nursing program offers career-focused training for aspiring LVNs. Accredited by the BVNPT, the campus-based curriculum exceeds California's 1,530 clock-hour licensure requirement, blending classroom instruction with hands-on clinical externships. Coursework spans nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, maternal and child health, mental health, and medical-surgical nursing. Students develop practical skills in patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, medication administration, and CPR, preparing them to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The program also emphasizes professional development and provides career services. With flexible class options, it accommodates various life stages, and financial aid is available for eligible students. This comprehensive pathway equips graduates with the knowledge and clinical experience needed for LVN licensure and entry into practice.
- Campus-based program.
- Meets California licensure requirements.
- Exceeds 1,530 clock hours.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Includes clinical externships.
- Covers nursing fundamentals.
- Teaches anatomy and physiology.
- Includes pharmacology training.
- Offers maternal health courses.
- Covers child health topics.
Platt College-Anaheim
Anaheim, CA - Private 4-year - plattcollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Platt College-Anaheim provides a Vocational Nursing program that prepares students for licensure as an LVN. The program offers both an Associate's Degree and diploma track, with completion in as little as 18 months. Flexible full-time and part-time schedules accommodate diverse student needs. Instruction combines classroom theory, laboratory practice, and interpersonal skills training, complemented by clinical experiences at healthcare facilities. Graduates are qualified to take the NCLEX-PN exam. This program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Financial aid options include federal grants, state programs, and loans for those who qualify. The college also offers career services, job referral assistance, resume writing workshops, and convenient class schedules across multiple campuses. As a military-friendly institution, it supports veteran students. All these features make it a solid choice for aspiring LVNs.
- Associate's Degree or diploma.
- Complete in 18 months.
- Full-time and part-time options.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Campus-based lectures and labs.
- Eligible for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Approved by California BVNPT.
- Financial aid available.
- Federal and state grants.
- Career services support.
California Career Institute
Anaheim, CA - Private 2-year - calinstitute.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California Career Institute's Vocational Nursing Program leads to a Diploma of Vocational Nursing, delivered through a flexible hybrid format. Spanning 1,574 hours, the curriculum integrates classroom theory with hands-on clinical training, equipping students for roles across various healthcare environments. The program is available at its Anaheim and Hawthorne campuses, offering small class sizes and personalized instruction from experienced faculty. Financial aid is accessible to qualifying students. Practical exposure is emphasized through externships and real-world healthcare partnerships, while career services provide job placement support. Part-time hybrid schedules accommodate working students, and the program's industry connections enhance employment prospects upon completion.
- Hybrid modality
- 1574 hours duration
- Diploma of Vocational Nursing
- Anaheim and Hawthorne locations
- Classroom and clinical experience
- Financial aid available
- Small class sizes
- Experienced instructors
- Career services support
- Externships for hands-on training
Riverside LVN Program Overview
In California, practical nursing is licensed under the title Licensed Vocational Nurse. LVNs are essential members of Riverside’s care teams, providing bedside nursing, medication administration, basic wound care, and patient education under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. In the city of Riverside and the wider Inland Empire, LVNs support patient care across hospitals, skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, primary and specialty clinics, and home health agencies, helping expand access to timely, team-based care.
Riverside’s healthcare landscape includes a large county-operated acute care center, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, as well as multiple community hospitals, long-term care facilities, federally qualified health centers, and home health providers serving a diverse and growing population. These settings commonly employ LVNs for direct patient care in medical-surgical, geriatric, rehabilitation, and outpatient clinic roles, reflecting steady regional demand for entry-level nurses who can deliver hands-on care and support care coordination.
LVN education in Riverside follows statewide standards. California requires a minimum of 1,530 program hours, including classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice in medical-surgical nursing with experience in both maternity and pediatric nursing. Full-time programs in the area typically take about 12 to 18 months to complete, while part-time or evening/weekend options often extend to roughly 18 to 24 months, depending on the school’s schedule and clinical placement availability.
Graduates of Riverside LVN programs prepare for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Licensure, program approval, applicant eligibility, and scope of practice are regulated by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, which oversees standards for education, fingerprinting and background checks, and ongoing professional practice for LVNs statewide.
Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Riverside
The healthcare sector in Riverside, California, offers a robust and growing landscape for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), also known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). As part of the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), this region projects significant demand for LVNs. According to the California Employment Development Department, the employment of LVNs in this MSA is expected to increase by 18.9% between 2020 and 2030, translating to approximately 820 annual job openings. This positive outlook is further reflected in competitive compensation, with the hourly mean wage for LVNs in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA reported at $34.52 as of the first quarter of 2023.
LVNs in Riverside can find diverse employment opportunities across various healthcare settings, providing essential patient care in a wide array of environments.
- Hospitals and Medical Centers:Major healthcare providers in Riverside consistently seek LVNs for roles in numerous departments, including oncology, urology, and pediatrics. Prominent employers include Kaiser Permanente, which operates multiple medical offices and centers, and Riverside Medical Clinic, a large multi-specialty group. Riverside University Health System also hires LVNs for its general health services.
- Skilled Nursing Facilities and Rehabilitation Centers:These facilities are vital for long-term care and patient rehabilitation, with local examples such as Community Care And Rehabilitation Center and Asistencia Villa Rehabilitation and Care Center frequently hiring LVNs.
- Home Health Agencies:A significant and growing area for LVN employment is home health, where nurses provide direct care to patients in their residences. Agencies like California Home Health Agency, Desire Home Care, Lorian Health, and Maxim Healthcare Services are active in the Riverside area.
- Senior Living Facilities and Assisted Living:LVNs are crucial caregivers in residential settings for the elderly. Employers in this sector include Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. and Windsor Cypress Gardens.
- Private Practices and Clinics:Specialized clinics and private physician offices, such as Riverside Family Physicians and SAC Health (which hires for ophthalmology), offer roles for LVNs. California Baptist University also seeks LVNs for its mobile health clinic positions.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities:LVNs contribute to specialized care in facilities addressing mental health and substance abuse. Examples include Telecare Western Riverside Mental Health Urgent Care and Whiteside Manor, a women’s substance abuse program.
- Correctional Health Services:Riverside University Health System’s Correctional Health Services Department recruits LVNs to provide care within correctional facilities.
- Hospice Care:LVNs provide compassionate care to terminally ill patients in hospice settings. Employers include Kaiser Permanente’s Magnolia Village, Angel Care Hospice and Palliative, and VITAS.
- Schools:LVNs are employed by various school districts within Riverside County for school nurse and substitute roles. Examples include the Corona-Norco Unified School District and Springs Charter Schools.
- Other Healthcare Settings:Opportunities extend to managed care organizations like Molina Healthcare, which hires for Field Care Manager roles, and plasma donation centers such as BioLife Plasma Services (a subsidiary of Takeda).
Overall, the Riverside area provides a robust and expanding job market for LVNs, offering a wide variety of roles across established healthcare systems and specialized care providers. For specific licensing requirements and further information, prospective LVNs can consult the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
List of LVN Programs in Riverside, CA
Riverside, CA
Riverside City College
- Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- BVNPT, ACEN accredited
- $46 per credit
- 12-Month program
- 51 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
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