Nursing students in class performing resuscitation on a training manekin

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Vocational Nursing at Citrus College

NOTICE: An in-state certificate of program completion or CNA certificate from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is required as a prerequisite to NRS 100: Introduction to Vocational Nursing. A student must have a valid Citrus College student ID number and Citrus College student email address in order to submit the required documentation to be considered for enrollment. Communication with the health sciences department will be via your Citrus College student email only. A student may only attempt NRS 100: Introduction to Vocational Nursing for a maximum of two (2) attempts. A Course Repetition Petition (3-Peat) for NRS 100 will not be approved. To forward your documentation, please fill out and submit the NRS 100 Pre-Requisite Submission Form.

​The program is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student to function as a vital member of the health care team, providing direct care to patients.

Students who have successfully completed the LVN program of studies may become eligible to take the California State Board Examination for Licensed Vocational Nurse - NCLEX.

Vocational nursing employment opportunities include vocational nurse, nurse assistant, home health aide, and acute care nurse aide.

Do you have questions about the nursing programs at Citrus?
Click here for scheduling options with a nursing counselor.

What is an VN?

The vocational nurse (VN or PN), works under the supervision of the physician or RN. This is a professional nurse who provides nursing care at all levels. The VN student is prepared for entry-level position on completion and is ready to take the California licensure examination.

Citrus College Vocational Nursing Program Information Sheet

How long does it take to complete the VN program?​

Citrus College offers a full-time VN certificate program that conforms to the regulations of the California Board of Vocational Nursing (BVNPT).

The full-time program takes one calendar year to complete. A class of 24 students starts every fall and spring semester. On t​he full-time track, classes meet five days a week with some evening clinic ​rotations or weekend experience. Students also must attend the mandatory orientation meeting. Due to the demanding nature of the program, we recommend that students following the full-time track not be employed while completing the course work. The part-time program is not currently offered.

Vocational nursing students can pursue an associate of science degree (minimum of 60 units ​required). Eighteen (18) units from the vocational nursing program are applied to this. There is a requirement of at least 22 units of general education and a physical education requirement. The remaining units are elective.

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Vocational Nursing at Citrus College