LVN Programs in California

California LVN Training

Many business experts are saying that now is one of the best times to think about going back to school, but many people think going back to school means that they will have to be in school for years. This is why so many people are enrolling in California LVN training, which allows them to start working within a year. This also gives individuals a foundation to start from if they later want to become an RN. California LVN training consists of specialized courses designed to help an individual become a licensed vocational nurse. LVN is the first and most basic level of nursing degree, and it allows an individual to provide care for sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients while working under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses.

Becoming an LVN in California

In California, LVNs are referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Individuals can become licensed either by examination or endorsement. The first step in becoming licensed is to complete the education requirement. To become an LVN in California, an individual must have completed 1,530 education hours, including 576 hours of theory, 954 of clinical, and 54 hours of pharmacology. A full-time LVN program takes 12-14 months, and a part-time program takes 18-20 months. The LVN training includes:

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Psychology
• Pharmacology
• Nursing Process
• Communication
• Patient Education
• Nutrition
• Normal Growth and Development
• Rehabilitation Nursing
• Maternity Nursing
• Nursing Fundamentals
• Pediatric Nursing
• Medical/Surgical Nursing
• Gerontological Nursing
• Supervision
• Leadership
• Communicable Disease including Human Immunodeficiency Virus

After Completing the Training

Once the education requirement is met, an applicant must register for an pass the NCLEX-PN.LVNs in California typically make $14-$24 per hour ($26,880-$46,080 per year). To become an LVN in California by endorsement, an individual must have done one of the following:

• Graduated from a state-approved LVN program
• Graduated from another state's approved LVN/LVN program
• Completed equivalent education and experience
• Completed education an experience as a corpsman in the United States military

Those who wish to become licensed by endorsement must also submit verification of current licensure. Such applicants must have received a passing score on either the NCLEX or SBTPE prior to original licensure.

Renewing an LVN License

In California, licenses are renewed biennially. There is not continuing education requirement the first time a license is renewed, unless it has been delinquent for over 2 years. After the first renewal, 30 continuing education requirements must be met in year 2 year renewal period.

Additional Resources

• California Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians