Best LVN Programs in Stockton 2026

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

Are you looking for the best LVN programs in Stockton, CA? practicalnursing.org has carefully ranked top options to help you find a great fit for your nursing career. Our list highlights programs that offer quality education, hands-on training, and strong support for students. We focus on what matters most, like pass rates and job placement, so you can make a smart choice. Start your journey toward becoming a licensed vocational nurse with confidence using our trusted rankings. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/

Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, CA - Public 2-Year - losmedanos.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Los Medanos College's Vocational Nursing Program spans three semesters, blending theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical experience to equip students for LVN roles under RN or physician supervision. The curriculum meets state guidelines and emphasizes progressive skill mastery in caring for clients of all ages across diverse healthcare settings. Focused on practical abilities and ethical practice, this campus-based program prepares graduates for immediate entry into nursing careers. Prospective students should consult the LVN Applicant Handbook for detailed prerequisites and application requirements.

Three semesters to complete.
Meets state curriculum guidelines.
Blends theory with clinical experience.
Prepares for care in various settings.
Focuses on progressive skill mastery.
Requires supervision by RNs or physicians.
Supports college's educational philosophy.
Detailed prerequisites in handbook.
Campus-based program.
Focus on ethical practice.

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. Students are readied for the NCLEX-PN exam, essential for California vocational nurse licensure, with a curriculum regulated by the BVNPT to ensure quality. The program emphasizes a supportive, diverse learning environment and requires passing core courses for admission, paving the way for future career advancements in health fields without needing entrance exams.

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.

*National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Stockton LVN Program Overview

Licensed Vocational Nurses play a direct, hands-on role in Stockton’s healthcare system by delivering bedside care, monitoring patient status, administering medications, and supporting care plans under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. In a regional hub like Stockton, LVNs are essential in maintaining access to routine and acute care for diverse patient populations across the city and surrounding San Joaquin County.

Healthcare employers in Stockton include acute care hospitals, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and community clinics. The city’s position as the county seat means LVNs also find opportunities within county-operated services and nearby regional facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of licensed practical and vocational nurses is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, reflecting steady demand for LVN skills in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health.

Stockton-area LVN programs typically offer multiple scheduling options to accommodate working adults. Full-time pathways commonly span about 12 to 18 months, while part-time or evening/weekend formats may take 18 to 24 months. Curricula blend classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and supervised clinical rotations at local healthcare sites to build competency for entry-level practice.

Programs are designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN, the national licensure exam required for LVN practice in California. Program approval and LVN licensure are overseen by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, which sets education standards, regulates scope of practice, and verifies eligibility for the exam.

Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Stockton

The healthcare employment landscape for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Stockton, California, is experiencing an increased demand for these vital professionals. This growth is largely attributed to an aging population within the region and a rising prevalence of chronic health conditions. LVNs in Stockton find diverse opportunities across various healthcare settings, playing a crucial role in patient care.

LVNs commonly secure positions in a wide array of facilities, including hospitals, where they assist Registered Nurses with patient monitoring, medication administration, and daily care activities. Long term care facilities and nursing homes are also significant employers, with numerous options such as Brookside Care Center, Windsor Hampton Care Center, Stockton Nursing and Rehab, and Noble Care Center. These facilities rely on LVNs to provide essential care to elderly or disabled patients, often collaborating closely with Certified Nursing Assistants.

Beyond traditional inpatient settings, opportunities for LVNs extend to home health agencies, where professionals provide direct patient care in individuals’ homes under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Agencies like Always Home Nursing Services, Inc. and Focus Health are active in the Stockton area. Clinics and various outpatient settings also seek LVNs to assist physicians with patient assessments, administer medications, and manage administrative tasks. Employers such as Community Medical Centers Inc. and MedMark Treatment Centers exemplify these roles.

Rehabilitation centers, including Creekside Center and Meadowood a Health and Rehabilitation Center, employ LVNs to support patient recovery. Senior living facilities, like Quality Elderly Care (QEC Stockton), also frequently hire LVNs to provide specialized care for residents. Specialized areas such as hospice care offer roles with organizations like Hospice of San Joaquin, while plasma donation centers such as BioLife Plasma Services (a Takeda company) also have positions in the city. Behavioral health facilities, including Crestwood Behavioral Health in Stockton, also provide employment for LVNs.

Major healthcare systems and employers known for hiring LVNs in the Stockton area include Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and CommonSpirit Health, which operates Dignity Health facilities across California. Additionally, San Joaquin County lists employment opportunities within its Health Care Services Administration, further demonstrating the breadth of roles available for LVNs in this growing healthcare market.