Vocational Nursing
UPDATE (April 9, 2025):
A certificate of CNA program completion or CNA certificate will no longer be required as a prerequisite to NRS 100: Introduction to Vocational Nursing beginning the fall 2025 semester. In addition, a student may only enroll in 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.
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.
What is a 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.
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 the 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.
Program Costs/Expenses
The
estimated costs for the program are as follows
(as of April 2025):
- Enrollment, parking, student service fees, campus service fee: $2,323
- Uniforms, shoes, watch, etc.: $300
- Books, NCLEX preparatory materials: $2,000
- Criminal background check/program tracker fee: $100
- Physical exam, labs, immunizations: $495
-
Total = $5,218
- Post-program completion costs (license fees, pin, etc.): $900
*All fees are subject to change
