Pay is part of the appeal. Licensed practical and vocational nurses earn a national median of $62,340 a year (BLS, May 2024), and California is among the highest-paying states for the role. Many LVNs later bridge to an RN license, where the national median rises to $93,600.
Several established California LVN programs are listed below. Tuition, schedules, and accreditation status change, so confirm current details directly with each school. (School list last reviewed 2021.)
Carrington College runs a Practical/Vocational Nursing program across several California campuses.
- Campus: Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Minimum time: One year
- Online: No
- Entry requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Gurnick Academy combines didactic coursework, lab training, and a required internship, with an emphasis on how anatomical systems and homeostasis relate to patient problems.
- Campus: San Mateo, Concord, Modesto, Fresno
- Accreditation: Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
- Tuition: $29,379.50
- Minimum time: 13 months
- Online: No
- Entry requirement: Prerequisite courses
The College of the Redwoods offers both a certificate of achievement and an associate of science in vocational nursing. Both qualify graduates for the NCLEX-PN.
- Campus: Mendocino, Eureka, Del Norte
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
- Tuition: Roughly $10,122 to $21,882 total; financial aid often available
- Minimum time: 60 units (associate of science) or 46 units (certificate)
- Online: No
- Entry requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
Clovis Adult Education prepares students for the NCLEX-PN and encourages graduates to continue toward an RN at Fresno City College.
- Campus: Clovis
- Accreditation: Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners
- Tuition: Varies; financial aid may be available
- Minimum time: 13 months
- Online: No
- Entry requirements: Two recommendation letters, prerequisite classes, Level A TABE test, personal interview
Merritt College in Oakland offers several vocational nursing pathways, all leading to eligibility for California licensure.
- Campus: Oakland
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Tuition and time: Vary by pathway
- Online: No
- Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, health clearance, prerequisite courses
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an LVN program take in California? Most run about one year to 13 months full time. Associate-degree vocational nursing options can take longer because they add general education credits.
What exam do California LVN graduates take? The NCLEX-PN. Graduating from a program approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians makes you eligible to apply for licensure and sit the exam.
What is the difference between an LVN and an LPN? None in scope. California and Texas use the title LVN; the other states call the same license LPN. Both work under an RN or physician and pass the NCLEX-PN.
How much do LVNs earn? Licensed practical and vocational nurses earn a national median of $62,340 a year (BLS, May 2024), and California pays among the highest in the country. Setting, experience, and region all move the number.
Can I become an RN after working as an LVN? Yes. LVN-to-RN and LVN-to-BSN bridge programs build on your vocational training and qualify you for the NCLEX-RN, where the national median wage rises to $93,600.
Does the program need to be accredited or approved? Yes. Enroll only in a program approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, since approval is required to sit for the NCLEX-PN.