Becoming an LVN in Bakersfield
At present, there are five colleges in Bakersfield offering LVN programs. Vocational nursing is a great way for those with a passion for a medical career to do so in a non-degree environment. The advancing average age will put greater pressure on the healthcare industry in the coming decade, making this career a great choice. There are 1,200 LVNs operating in this area.
How long it will take to complete your LVN program depends on the school and your personal circumstances. Typically, full-time study is one academic year while part-time programs are spread over two years. A program is typically a mix of classroom study and assessment, scenarios in simulated labs, and actual healthcare experience.
The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians is responsible for accrediting vocational nursing programs and licensing.
LVN programs usually cover the following topics:
- Nursing care
- Human development
- Anatomy & physiology
- Dietetics or Human Nutrition
- Pediatrics and Maternity
- Pharmacology
- Surgery
Schools That Offer LVN Programs in Bakersfield, CA
High Desert Medical College
- Website: https://hdmc.edu/course/vocational-nursing/
- Address: 2000 24th Street, Bakersfield, California 93301
- Phone: 661-579-2901
HDMC provides a range of training experiences for medical professionals across the board. It offers both on-campus and hybrid programs, full-time and part-time. Students of the LVN will learn pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, obstetrics, nursing in surgery, mental health, child health leadership, anatomy, physiology, and pediatrics. You will also learn in a classroom environment, simulated situations, and in real hospitals and other health facilities.
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 18 years old though 17-year-olds may apply with a parental signature
- High school diploma or GED transcripts
- Pass the Wonderlic entry exam: minimum 19 score
- Pass the prerequisite coursework: minimum 75%
- Pass the HESI entrance exam: minimum 75+
- Answer a brief (150-word) essay: “Why do you want to be a nurse?”
- Background checks
- Final approval of admittance subject to Director of Nursing decision
- Mandatory student orientation session
Bakersfield Adult School
- Website: http://www.basmedical.org/
- Address: 2727 F. Street Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Phone: 661-861-1151
Bakersfield Adult School provides vocational schooling to adults in Bakersfield. They offer a range of programs in medical training and have two campuses. BAS vocational nursing students will take courses in both theory and clinical practice, and the curriculum covers a range of professional skills to ensure that the small class sizes get the best training possible.
Admission Requirements:
- High School Diploma, GED, or International Equivalent
- Applicants must 18 or older
- Must be a current CNA or CMA and passed either the California Certification Test or National Certification Test. A copy of the license is required at the application
- Submit to background checks, including DMV
- AH CPR Card
- Minimum C grades on four pre-requisite courses covering physiology, medical terminology, medical mathematics, and psychology
- Three TABE tests
- TEAS test is encouraged but not mandatory
Bakersfield College
- Website: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/nursing/vn
- Address: Panorama Campus (Main), 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305
- Telephone: (661) 395-4011
Bakersfield College provides a foundation for students entering vocational nursing careers. The school prides itself on innovation in a learning environment, especially regarding cultural sensitivities in healthcare. The curriculum involves a process of study through collaboration in classrooms, in the labs, and in simulated and actual healthcare scenarios.
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 18 years of age at the program start date
- CPR Certification
- Proof of High School graduation, GED, or equivalent
- Pre-requisite courses in human anatomy and physiology, general psychology, and elementary algebra
- Background check and criminal records declaration. Any such history could render you ineligible for clinical situations
- Physical health check as completed by a physician of your choosing
- Proof of immunizations and vaccinations, and a mask fit test
Unitek College
- Website: https://www.unitekcollege.edu/
- Address: 333 Palmer Dr. Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 94520
- Phone: 888-919-4220
Founded in 2002 as a private health college, Unitek College has several campuses across California, as well as one in Nevada. Their LVN course includes 1,620 theoretical hours; 660 of which is classroom based while the remaining 960 includes supervised frontline care. Eligible students may also apply to complete an Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing.
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 at the time of program start date
- Mandatory interviews covering career planning and admissions
- High school diploma (supply transcripts), GED, or equivalent
- Entrance exam
- Application form
- Background security and criminal records check
- Valid US identification and social security card
- Complete the obligatory access courses at least one year before VN program begins
- A physical exam
- Proof of immunizations, including TB testing
- CPR certification (current) BLS for Healthcare Providers issued from the American Heart Association
San Joaquin Valley College
- Website: https://www.sjvc.edu/
- Address: 5300 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309
- Phone: (661) 834-0126
San Joaquin Valley College Vocational Nursing program prepares students for entry-level healthcare roles across the state. Students will spend time in classrooms and lecture theaters, working with hands-on simulations, and completing supervised clinical work. Enrolled students learn practical skills along with patient care through a range of modules totaling 1,900 hours of study. It takes 64 weeks for a full-time student to complete.
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 at the program’s expected start date
- Candidate must be in good general health and physically fit for nursing. Mandatory physical examination
- Proof of up-to-immunizations
- Must test negative for TB test
- CPR certification from the American Heart Association, current and in date
- High school diploma or GED
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Submit to a drug screening
Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Bakersfield, CA
If you’re looking for employment as an LVN in Bakersfield, here is a list of organizations offering employment most often:
- Valley Children’s Healthcare
- Adventist Health Bakersfield
- Encompass Health
- Kern Medical
- County of Kern
- Kern River Transitional Care
- Vibra Healthcare
- San Joaquin Nursing & Rehab
Other healthcare employers:
Bakersfield NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Bakersfield | California | |
---|---|---|
NCLEX-PN Students Total | 209 | 6,649 |
NCLEX-PN Students Passed | 153 | 5,229 |
NCLEX-PN Pass Rate | 73.1% | 78.6% |
Top Ranked LVN Programs in Bakersfield
Listed below are the top LVN schools in Bakersfield based on our LVN program rankings for CA out of 119 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- Bakersfield College - #12
LVN Programs Near Me in Bakersfield
Bakersfield
Bakersfield College
1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA (661) 395-4011
Santa Barbara Business College - Bakersfield
5300 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA (661) 835-1100
Unitek College - Bakersfield
333 Palmer Dr. Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA (888) 912-8512