Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic patient care, including taking vitals, helping with bathing and dressing, changing bandages, and offering other support as needed. While no difference exists between LVNs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), Texas and California are the only states that call these nurses LVNs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be 17,100 new jobs for LVNs between 2024 and 2034, making it a great time to consider this growing healthcare career.
How To Get Into LVN Programs in California
To get into an LVN program in California, you must typically meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school or GED diploma
- Meet all minimum GPA requirements
- Complete all prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old
Once enrolled, you need to complete all curricular requirements, which includes 1,530 theoretical and clinical hours.
Online LVN students must still participate in in-person clinical rotations, but they can often complete theoretical coursework online. After meeting all requirements, you'll earn a diploma, certificate, or associate degree.
Did You Know?
- You'll need to complete 1,530 total curricular hours to work as an LVN in California.
- Most LVN programs in California require 12-14 months of full-time study or 18-20 months of part-time study.
- Nearly 150 colleges, high schools, private schools, and regional occupational centers offer LVN programs in California.
Top LVN Programs in California
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Why Accreditation Matters for LVN Programs in California
Accreditation matters a great deal when it comes to LVN programs in California. You should only attend a school that holds institutional accreditation and an LVN program that holds programmatic accreditation.
Look for schools accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). At the programmatic level, prioritize LVN programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Failing to follow either of these steps could cause you difficulties when seeking licensure or finding a job.
What Courses Do You Take in an LVN Program?
Though courses in LVN programs in California can vary, LVN coursework generally emphasizes the knowledge and skills you'll need to be able to work in clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
Coursework can focus on surgical, maternity, or pediatric nursing. Most programs, even online LVN programs in California, require in-person labs and clinicals so that students can apply their skills in a real-world setting.
Here are some common courses you'll see in LVN programs:
- Anatomy and physiology
- General psychology
- Introduction to pharmacology
- Maternal-child-adult health
- Medical administration
- Nutrition
How Much Do LVNs Make in California?
| Region | Total Employment | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 79,610 | $77,170 | $37.10 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 2,930 | $92,840 | $44.64 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 8,290 | $90,810 | $43.66 |
| Napa, CA | 320 | $81,820 | $39.34 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 820 | $80,180 | $38.55 |
| Salinas, CA | 630 | $80,600 | $38.75 |
| Sacramento—Roseville—Arden-Arcade, CA | 4,350 | $79,460 | $38.20 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 800 | $80,380 | $38.64 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 32,320 | $76,290 | $36.68 |
California offers one of the highest median annual salary for LVNs, making it a great place to start your nursing career. California LVNs earned a mean salary of $82,340 in 2024, according to the BLS.
LVNs work in myriad settings that can affect their earning potential. Common work environments include hospitals, clinics, correctional facilities, home care agencies, and doctor's offices.
If you want to take your career to the next level, consider pursuing an LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN bridge program to become a registered nurse (RN). In 2024, RNs earned a median salary of $93,600.
Do You Need LVN Licensure in California?
Just like RNs, LVNs must have a state-issued license to practice in California.
In addition to earning a vocational nursing degree or certificate, you must pass the NCLEX-PN, an exam that uses real-world case studies to measure your ability to think critically and make the right decisions.
Other licensure requirements include passing a criminal background check and paying a fee. The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) takes about 4-6 weeks to process an application.
LVNs who have a license in another state can practice in California if they meet certain requirements, such as proof of passing the NCLEX-PN.
California LVNs can improve their employability and earning potential by supplementing their license with optional postgraduate certifications from private organizations.
Here are some common LVN certifications you can get:
Frequently Asked Questions About LVN Programs in California
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.