Best LVN Programs in Fresno 2026

Discover Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs in Fresno, California with information on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about licensing requirements and career opportunities for vocational nurses in the Fresno area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.

Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.

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2026 Best LVN Programs in Fresno, CA

If you're looking for the best LVN programs in Fresno, CA, you've come to the right place. At practicalnursing.org, we carefully rank these programs to help you find one that fits your needs. Our rankings consider factors like pass rates, cost, and student support, giving you a clear picture of your options. We want to make it easy for you to start your nursing career with confidence. Check out our detailed methodology to see how we create these rankings. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/

Madera Community College

Madera, CA - Public 2-Year - maderacollege.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Vocational Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Madera Community College's LVN program is an intensive 3-semester campus-based curriculum accredited by BVNPT, blending theoretical foundations with extensive hands-on clinical experience. Students must complete prerequisites in medical terminology, nutrition, and anatomy & physiology before admission. The program emphasizes safe, caring nursing practices in structured healthcare settings and prepares graduates for the LVN licensing test. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, requiring a completed packet for entry. This pathway equips learners with essential skills for vocational nursing careers without requiring entrance exams.

3-semester program.
Combines theory and clinical skills.
Prepares for LVN licensing test.
Prerequisites required.
Ongoing application acceptance.
Accredited by BVNPT.
Focuses on safe nursing practices.
Hands-on clinical experience.
Medical terminology prerequisite.
Nutrition course required.

Institute of Technology

Clovis, CA - Private 2-year - iot.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Institute of Technology's 50-week Practical Nursing program in Clovis provides intensive, campus-based training that integrates classroom instruction with hands-on clinical practice. This accelerated pathway covers essential nursing skills for diverse healthcare environments and includes the NCLEX-PN exam fee in tuition. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible for career changers. The program emphasizes practical experience to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce as Licensed Practical Nurses, focusing on real-world applications without specialized concentrations.

50-week program length
Campus-based learning
NCLEX-PN exam fee included
Hands-on clinical experience
High school diploma required

*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Fresno LVN Program Overview

Licensed Vocational Nurses play a vital role in Fresno’s healthcare delivery, providing direct patient care under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. In a region served by large hospital systems, a federal veterans health care facility, numerous skilled nursing and long term care centers, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies, LVNs support patient monitoring, medication administration, wound care, and care coordination that helps facilities meet daily staffing needs and maintain quality and safety across settings.

Employers in the Fresno metropolitan area rely on LVNs across inpatient units, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation and post-acute care, primary care and specialty clinics, and home health. Consistent with findings from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for LVNs is driven by the needs of an aging population and ongoing demand in long term and community-based care. Public-sector providers in the region, including county health services and the federal veterans health system, contribute to a diversified job market for LVNs alongside private and nonprofit organizations.

Fresno-area LVN programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level practice and licensure. While schedules vary by institution, typical timelines are:

Full-time programs: approximately 12 to 18 months
Part-time or evening/weekend programs: approximately 18 to 24 months

Curricula follow state requirements and commonly combine classroom instruction, skills laboratory practice, and supervised clinical rotations in medical-surgical, maternal-child, and long term care settings. Programs align their coursework and clinical hours to the content tested on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, and many incorporate structured NCLEX-PN preparation.

Licensure in California is overseen by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, which approves LVN programs, sets education standards, and requires candidates to pass the NCLEX-PN and meet all state application, background check, and eligibility requirements. Prospective students should verify that any Fresno-area LVN program is Board-approved and review the Board’s current guidance on education, examination, and licensure.

Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Fresno

The healthcare sector in Fresno, California, presents a robust and expanding employment landscape for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), a role equivalent to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in many other states. Healthcare has been a significant driver of job growth in the region, with projections indicating a continued, strong demand for nursing professionals. Nationally, job openings in healthcare and social assistance are considerably higher than pre-pandemic levels, reflecting an ongoing need for qualified healthcare staff, including LVNs, across various settings.

LVNs in Fresno can find diverse employment opportunities across a wide range of healthcare facilities:

Hospitals:Major hospital systems frequently hire LVNs for units such as medical-surgical, critical care step-down, and specialized services.
Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Homes:These facilities often seek LVNs for direct patient care, staff development, and quality coordination roles.
Home Health Agencies:LVNs are crucial in providing in-home medical care, patient education, and support during transitions of care.
Assisted Living and Senior Living Facilities:Opportunities exist for LVNs as wellness coordinators and care supervisors to support the needs of elderly residents.
Rehabilitation Centers:Facilities focusing on sub-acute care and rehabilitation frequently employ LVNs for patient care.
Private Practices and Clinics:LVNs are needed in various clinic settings, including primary care, specialty clinics (e.g., surgical, vision care), and outpatient facilities.
Behavioral Health Facilities:Opportunities exist in centers providing mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Correctional Facilities:The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation hires LVNs for patient care within state prisons.
Government and Public Health:LVNs can work in public health programs, providing clinical, case management, and outreach services.

Several prominent healthcare organizations in Fresno are known for actively hiring LVNs:

Community Health Systemis the region’s largest healthcare provider, encompassing Community Regional Medical Center, Clovis Community Medical Center, and Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital.
Maxim Healthcare Services is a significant employer for home health LVNs in Fresno.
United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valleyrecruits LVNs for their numerous health center sites.
Kaiser Permanente, a large integrated healthcare provider in California, also offers LVN positions within the region.
Horizon Health and Subacute Center and Trinity Health (Saint Agnes Home Health) are other notable employers.
The Veterans Health Administrationoffers vocational nurse positions for those serving the veteran community.
Smaller, vital facilities such as Oakwood Gardens Care Center, Evergreen Care Center, and Vintage Gardens also contribute to the local demand for LVNs.