Best LPN Programs in Irvine 2026
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs in Irvine, California with details on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing steps and career paths for vocational nurses in the Irvine area.
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2026 Best LVN Programs in Irvine, CA
Career Networks Institute
Santa Ana, CA - Private 4-year - cnicollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Diploma Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Career Networks Institute in Santa Ana offers a 21-month Vocational Nursing Diploma Program designed to train students as Licensed Vocational Nurses. The curriculum integrates classroom learning with extensive clinical experiences, emphasizing patient care, pharmacology, and essential nursing skills. Graduates are well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, with financial aid options available for those who qualify. A key feature is the hands-on training in real healthcare environments, ensuring practical readiness for the field.
- 21-month program duration.
- Combines classroom and clinical training.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Financial aid available.
- Hands-on real-world training.
The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - Private 4-year - thechicagoschool.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certificate in Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Chicago School at Los Angeles offers a 51-week full-time Certificate in Vocational Nursing that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. This campus-based program provides comprehensive training in patient care, medical terminology, and nursing procedures through hands-on learning experiences. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, passing a nursing school admissions test, and a background check. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking skills essential for nursing roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, with no specific concentration mentioned.
- 51-week full-time program
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam
- Covers patient care and procedures
- Admission requires high school diploma
- Background check required
- Emphasizes hands-on learning
- Focuses on critical thinking skills
Riverside City College
Riverside, CA - Public 2-Year - rcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Riverside City College's Vocational Nursing program offers a 12-month, full-time curriculum approved by BVNPT and ACEN, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With 51-67 units covering essential medical skills, graduates can earn a Certificate of Achievement or Associate of Science Degree. Admission requires prerequisites like Biology and Psychology, plus an active CNA certificate, making it accessible for aspiring LVNs. Annually accepting 40-70 students, the program costs around $2,000 per year, providing a cost-effective path to licensure in California without a specific concentration focus.
- 12-month full-time program
- BVNPT and ACEN approved
- 51-67 total units
- NCLEX-PN exam eligibility
- Active CNA certificate required
- Two credential options
- 40-70 students accepted yearly
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Cost approximately $2,000 annually
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA - Public 2-Year - lbcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Long Beach City College's Vocational Nursing program delivers a three-semester, full-time curriculum accredited by the BVNPT, focusing on critical thinking and practical skills for LVN licensure. Students engage in comprehensive clinical training across various settings, covering pharmacology, mental health nursing, and specialized treatments. Prerequisites include CNA certification and life science courses, with no entrance exam required as it's a vocational program. Graduates are prepared for roles in home health, clinical care, and other healthcare environments, leveraging multiple practice locations for hands-on experience.
- 3-semester full-time program
- BVNPT accredited program
- Prepares for LVN licensure
- Comprehensive clinical training
- CNA certification required
- Multiple clinical practice locations
- Career paths in healthcare
Citrus College
Glendora, CA - Public 2-Year - citruscollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Citrus College offers a one-year full-time Vocational Nursing certificate program that prepares students for the California State Board Examination to become Licensed Vocational Nurses. With a small class size of 24 students, the program emphasizes direct patient care training under medical supervision, ensuring graduates are ready for entry-level roles in hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies. This California Board-approved program focuses on comprehensive skill development for various healthcare career paths, making it ideal for career-focused individuals seeking efficient licensure preparation.
- One-year full-time program
- Prepares for LVN licensure
- California Board approved
- 24-student class size
- Full-time track recommended
- Direct patient care training
- Multiple healthcare career paths
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, prepares noncredit adult students for immediate entry into healthcare roles, focusing on nursing science to build skills for hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. It emphasizes readiness for the NCLEX-PN exam, required for California licensure, and is regulated by the BVNPT for quality assurance. The program supports diversity and requires passing core courses for admission, offering a pathway to future career advancements in health fields without a specific concentration.
- 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.
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 Practical/Vocational Nursing Diploma Program prepares students for healthcare careers through a 13-month full-time or 20-month part-time schedule. The curriculum covers anatomy, pharmacology, and mental health nursing, with 66.5 credit hours, 198 lab hours, and 757 clinical hours for hands-on experience. It includes NCLEX-PN review for licensure and offers daytime or evening/weekend schedules. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students, and the program is approved by BVNPT, providing a solid foundation in patient care from birth to elder years.
- 13 or 20-month program options.
- 66.5 credit hours required.
- 198 lab hours for hands-on practice.
- 757 clinical hours for real-world experience.
- Daytime or evening/weekend schedules.
- NCLEX-PN review included.
- Covers anatomy and pharmacology.
- Financial aid available.
- Scholarships for qualifying students.
- Approved by BVNPT.
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Public 2-Year - chaffey.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaffey College's Vocational Nursing program, established in 1955, offers comprehensive training through hands-on classes, labs, and clinical rotations. The curriculum focuses on practical skills and compassionate care, preparing graduates for licensure and employment in high-demand healthcare settings. Admission requires prerequisites like human anatomy/physiology and a current California CNA certification, with random selection for entry. The program emphasizes supportive faculty and real-world experience, ensuring readiness for competitive salaries in nursing. No entrance exams are mentioned, aligning with its vocational nature.
- Accredited since 1955.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Supportive expert faculty.
- Prepares for licensure exam.
- Competitive graduate salaries.
- Requires CNA certification.
- Human anatomy prerequisite.
- Practical skills focus.
- High demand for graduates.
- Compassionate care training.
Rio Hondo College
Whittier, CA - Public 4-Year - riohondo.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rio Hondo College's Vocational Nursing Program offers a focused two-semester curriculum approved by the California State Board, preparing students for LVN licensure through the VN-NCLEX exam. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on patient care skills applicable in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, completion of human anatomy and psychology prerequisites, a background check, physical exam, and CPR certification. Graduates can pursue an Associate of Science degree by fulfilling additional general education requirements, enhancing career advancement opportunities in diverse healthcare environments.
- Two-semester nursing program
- California State Board approved
- Multiple healthcare work settings
- 2.5 minimum GPA required
- Prerequisites: Anatomy, Psychology
- LVN licensure exam preparation
- Background check mandatory
- Physical exam required
- CPR certification needed
Downey Adult School
Downey, CA - Public 2-Year - das.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Downey Adult School's Vocational Nursing Program is a 12-month, BVNPT-approved course that combines 576 hours of theory with 960 clinical hours for a comprehensive 1536-hour curriculum. It prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam through hands-on training in diverse nursing fields, leading to various healthcare roles. The total cost is $17,499, covering books and fees. Admission requires an entrance exam, with top candidates progressing to mandatory orientation and a Pre-VN course. This full-time day program is designed for individuals dedicated to impactful healthcare careers.
- 12-month program duration.
- BVNPT-approved curriculum.
- 1536 total hours.
- 576 theory hours.
- 960 clinical hours.
- Covers diverse nursing fields.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Estimated cost $17,499.
- Includes books and fees.
- Entrance exam required.
Irvine LVN Program Overview
Licensed Vocational Nurses play a vital role in Irvine’s healthcare system by providing direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. In hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living settings, and home health, LVNs support medication administration, wound care, vital sign monitoring, and patient education, helping expand access to timely, team-based care across the city.
- Local healthcare landscape:Irvine and neighboring communities host major healthcare employers, including Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center and Hoag Hospital Irvine, along with numerous long-term care and rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. These settings commonly hire LVNs for bedside care, chronic disease support, and post-acute services.
- Employment outlook:The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports steady national demand for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, driven by aging populations, chronic conditions, and the need for long-term care and home health services. This trend is reflected across California’s urban regions, including Orange County, where a diverse mix of hospital and post-acute providers supports ongoing LVN hiring.
- Typical program timelines in Irvine:Full-time LVN programs commonly take about 12 to 18 months to complete, while part-time or evening/weekend formats may span 18 to 24 months. Programs include classroom instruction, skills lab, and supervised clinical rotations in medical-surgical units, geriatrics, and community or long-term care.
- State oversight and NCLEX-PN preparation:California LVN programs are approved by the California BVNPT, which sets curriculum and clinical training standards. BVNPT-approved vocational nursing programs typically include at least 1,530 total hours of instruction, combining theory and supervised clinical practice, and are designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN and initial licensure in California.
Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Irvine
The healthcare employment landscape in Irvine, California, demonstrates a consistent demand for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), also known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Irvine is situated within Orange County, an area with a vibrant healthcare industry projecting significant job growth over the next decade. While a broader nursing shortage has been identified in Orange County, LVNs remain a vital part of the healthcare workforce, sought after for their foundational nursing skills and ability to provide direct patient care under supervision.
LVNs in Irvine find opportunities across a diverse range of healthcare settings, reflecting the varied needs of the community. Common types of facilities that actively hire LVNs include:
- Hospitals:LVNs are employed in various hospital departments, such as specialty clinics, urgent care centers, employee health, and infusion services.
- Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities:These facilities are significant employers, offering positions in long-term care and specialized units, including sub-acute pediatric care.
- Senior Living Facilities:LVNs play a crucial role in providing care within assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities, supporting the needs of older adults.
- Home Health Agencies:Home health is a prominent area for LVN employment in Irvine, with opportunities in private duty nursing, shift care, and hospice services, often providing flexible schedules.
- Rehabilitation Centers:LVNs contribute to patient care in centers focused on recovery and therapy, helping individuals regain function and independence.
- Private Practices/Clinics:Outpatient settings, including specialty clinics and physician offices, hire LVNs to assist with patient assessments, medication administration, wound care, and other clinical support.
- Schools:Positions are also available for LVNs working as school nurses.
- Other Specialized Settings:Opportunities extend to mental health facilities, hospice care, and roles such as lead care managers.
Several prominent healthcare organizations and networks in and around Irvine are recognized for employing LVNs, contributing to the robust local job market:
- City of Hope:This comprehensive cancer center in Irvine hires LVNs for various roles, including Employee Health LVN – Infusion, LVN II, and LVN Supervisor positions, supporting its mission in treating cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases.
- HumanGood (Regents Point):Regents Point, a life plan community located in Irvine, is a notable employer of LVNs for assisted living services, frequently offering competitive compensation and incentives for full-time hires.
- MemorialCare:This healthcare system has a substantial presence throughout Orange County, including Irvine, and regularly employs nursing and support professionals across its network.
- Kaiser Permanente:Operating multiple facilities in Irvine and the broader Orange County area, Kaiser Permanente offers diverse nursing opportunities, including roles for LVNs.
- Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian:Hoag operates hospitals and health centers, including Hoag Hospital Irvine, and employs various nursing staff within its comprehensive network.
- Aveanna Healthcare:As a major provider of pediatric home care, Aveanna Healthcare actively recruits LVNs in California for in-home nursing services, including specialized private duty roles.
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