Top LPN/LVN Programs in California

California LVN Programs, License Requirements, Salary, and Job Outlook

The state of California is focused on meeting the health demands of the ill and injured people by encouraging the students to avail LVN programs offered by many nursing schools, accredited by the State Board. The state also provides remarkable opportunities to the vocational nurses to practice in the state and achieve stability and success in life. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated a significant rise in the percentage of employment of vocational nurses in the upcoming years.

After a detailed review of the colleges based on the NCLEX pass rates, we have prepared a list of top nursing schools in California, including technical institutes, open-door community colleges, and private career schools. Students, who look forward to getting a certificate or degree in vocational nursing and are having trouble in choosing the best LVN programs in California, should take a look at this list.

List of Accredited Nursing Schools in California
OUR METHODOLOGY +

A nursing school ranks on the top according to the following criteria-

  • Higher Passing Rate of Alumni in NCLEX
  • Financial Aid that a school provides
  • Higher number of students

The nursing schools were then included in the ranking on the basis of following factors-

  • Well-developed Architecture
  • Better Infrastructure
  • Superior Technology
  • Ranking in US News and World Report
  • Teachings offered by world-class faculty
  • Inclusion of world-class facilities
  • World-class Opportunities

We hope that the list will help you to opt the best college as per your preferences in the state. The programs available in these colleges will give you an opportunity to begin your journey as a successful nurse.

1
Rank

San Bernardino Adult School

Type of Course:Certificate

San Bernardino Adult School enriches the students with interpersonal as well as professional skills, high-quality training sessions with GED preparations, and in-depth medical education. Due to diversification in the ways of education, the students gain important life experiences and grow as skilled individuals. The school also has a counseling center and student transition center.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.80 %
  • Address:

    1200 North East Street, San Bernardino, California 92405
  • Contact Number:

    909.388.6000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
2
Rank

Riverside City College

Type of Course:Certificate

Riverside City College (RCC) strives to instill enhanced employability skills by offering workforce development programs, small classrooms, and frequent career counseling. RCC is an open-door, two-year college. This leading community college serves more than 19,000 students each semester. The college fosters global awareness, critical thinking, and inculcates technological literacy and information competency among students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.60 %
  • Address:

    4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506
  • Contact Number:

    951.222.8000
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
3
Rank

Santa Rosa Junior College

Type of Course:Certificate

Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is one of the most recognized and well-known colleges in the state. It also has its campuses in Windsor, Forestville, and Petaluma. SRJC provides flexible class schedules, low cost of attendance, financial aid and scholarships, and various online learning courses. Approximately 28,000 students take admission in this college each semester. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.40 %
  • Address:

    1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, California 95401-4395
  • Contact Number:

    707.527.4011
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
4
Rank

Santa Barbara City College

Type of Course:Certificate

Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is well-known for its state-of-the-arts facilities, small classes, outstanding faculty, and student support services. SBCC provides a great number of degrees and certification programs to assist the students in making a bright career in the desired field. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and College, this college also offers transfer programs.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.00 %
  • Address:

    721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93109-2394
  • Contact Number:

    805.965.0581
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
5
Rank

Santa Barbara Business College– Santa Maria

Type of Course:Certificate

Santa Barbara Business College is one of the best colleges in California that aims at delivering accountable, skilled, and responsible employees. SBB has a total of four campuses in California: Santa Maria, Venture, Rancho Mirage, and Bakersfield. SBBC emphasizes on empowering the students with exceptional technical knowledge and experience in technologically advanced labs. SBBC offers financial aid to the low-income students so that they can also get equal chance to fulfill their dreams and serve the community.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.60 %
  • Address:

    303 Plaza Drive, Santa Maria, California 93454
  • Contact Number:

    866.749.7222
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
6
Rank

Career Development Institute, Inc.

Type of Course:Certificate

Career Development Institute, Inc. (CDI) is located in Los Angeles and offers a 13-month accelerated vocational nursing certificate program, emphasized on enhancing the technical knowledge, teamwork capabilities, and practical skills of the students. It provides small-sized classrooms and valuable free tutoring services to let them grow as successful individuals in the future. Exceptional teaching staff at CDI is focused on the personal, technical, and professional growth of every student and promote lifelong learning.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.60 %
  • Address:

    1830 South Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90035
  • Contact Number:

    310.559.0225
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
7
Rank

College of the Siskiyous

Type of Course:Certificate

College of the Siskiyous (COS) emphasizes on serving the community by delivering the exceptionally educated and highly trained nursing individuals. With a great success rate in the NCLEX-PN exam, COS prides itself for its advanced labs, student support, professional development programs, and a good balance between the theory and clinical sessions. Small class sizes let the instructors pay individual attention to every student.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.00 %
  • Address:

    800 College Avenue, Weed, California 96094
  • Contact Number:

    530.938.5555
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
8
Rank

Gavilan College

Type of Course:Certificate

Gavilan College provides equal learning opportunities to the students irrespective of their backgrounds. It uses innovative teaching techniques for the advancement of knowledge. The college offers evenings, days, weekends and online programs and courses. It aims to prepare the students to get success in the multicultural and dynamic world.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    95.80 %
  • Address:

    5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard, Gilroy, California 95020
  • Contact Number:

    408.848.4800
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
9
Rank

Tulare Adult School

Type of Course:Certificate

Tulare Adult School helps the students to be independent thinkers, active community participants, effective communicators, and lifelong learners by providing them a variety of remarkable education programs, personal development classes, and equal attention. Labs are well-equipped with high-tech equipment, and classrooms are small-sized that enlighten the students with advanced knowledge.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    95.40 %
  • Address:

    575 West Maple Avenue, Tulare, California 93274
  • Contact Number:

    559.686.0225
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
10
Rank

Bakersfield Adult School

Type of Course:Certificate

Bakersfield Adult School (BAS) has been serving the community since 1917. It conducts both day and evening classes. The college enriches the lives of the students by providing workforce development classes, GED preparation classes, technical, and theoretical training. It offers lifelong learning to the vocational nursing students who want to ensure good employment in the healthcare industry.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    95.20 %
  • Address:

    501 South Mount Vernon, Bakersfield, California 93307
  • Contact Number:

    661-835-1855
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
11
Rank

MiraCosta College

Type of Course:Certificate

MiraCosta College has a total of four campuses in California- one each at Carlsbad, Cardiff, and two campuses in Oceanside. It is one of the oldest colleges in the United States that is running vocational nursing program for more than 50 years. Currently, it has a strength of over 14,000 students and a staff of over 1,000. The small-sized classrooms, friendly learning environment and diverse ways of teaching encourage a great number of students to join the college.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    94.40 %
  • Address:

    1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, California 92056
  • Contact Number:

    760.757.2121
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
12
Rank

Copper Mountain College

Type of Course:Certificate

Copper Mountain College (CMC) is located in Joshua Tree, California, with an additional campus in Twenty Nine Palms. It offers a certificate program in vocational nursing along with many other degrees, diploma, and certificate programs in other fields. It is dedicated to supporting the community by utilizing advanced on-campus technology, equipment, knowledge, and resources.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    94.00 %
  • Address:

    6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree, California 92252
  • Contact Number:

    760.366.3791
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
13
Rank

Baldy View Regional Occupational Program

Baldy View Regional Occupational Program trains the vocational nursing students with a well-organized and highly-experienced team of faculties so that they can provide extensive patient healthcare under the instructions of a registered nurse or physician. Over 500,000 students take admission in this program to prepare themselves for a bright career. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    94.00 %
  • Address:

    2890 Inland Empire Boulevard, Suite 100, Ontario, California 91764
  • Contact Number:

    909.980.6490
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
14
Rank

Beaumont Adult School

Type of Course:Certificate

Beaumont Adult School aims towards improving the interpersonal and professional skills and strives to develop proficiency and expertise in the students by providing quality education and career instructions. The dedicated team of instructors focuses on helping the students to meet their goals by improving their foundation skills and bringing out their potential.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    93.60 %
  • Address:

    1575 Cherry Avenue, Beaumont, California 92223
  • Contact Number:

    951.845.1631
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
15
Rank

Rio Hondo College

Type of Course:Certificate

Established in 1960, Rio Hondo College (RHC) has been serving the community for over 50 years. It provides dynamic educational opportunities to the students, focusing on the lifelong learning and basic skills proficiency. Various career-technical programs offer full transfer curriculum.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    93.00 %
  • Address:

    3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California 90601
  • Contact Number:

    562.692.0921
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
16
Rank

Health Occupations Center

Type of Course:Certificate

Health Occupations Center is located in Santee, California, and enriches the students with academic excellence and work field dexterity so that they can grow as skilled individuals and serve the society at their level best. It not only improves the technical skills of the nursing aspirants by advanced lab sessions and clinical experiences, but also augments the learning experience of the aspirants by paying individual attention.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.60 %
  • Address:

    9368 Oakbourne Road, Santee, California 92071
  • Contact Number:

    619.956.4300
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
17
Rank

Los Medanos College

Type of Course:Certificate

Los Medanos College (LMC) has two campuses in California: one in Pittsburg and the other in Brentwood. LMC focuses on encouraging lifelong learning by providing a good blend of technical and theoretical knowledge and developing excellent leadership skills among the students. Classrooms and labs are managed by experienced, caring, and professional teachers. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and College.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.52 %
  • Address:

    2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg, California 94565
  • Contact Number:

    925.439.2181
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
18
Rank

Butte College

Butte College is one of the biggest colleges in California and serves over 26,000 students each year. It serves the community by providing over 160 academic programs, including various technical degree programs, certificate courses, diploma programs, personal and workforce development programs. It focuses solely on enhancing the overall skills of the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.25 %
  • Address:

    3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, California 95965
  • Contact Number:

    530.895.2511
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
19
Rank

Ukiah Adult School

Type of Course:Certificate

Ukiah Adult School offers traditional and advanced degree courses, certificate, and training programs at affordable costs. It provides free GED preparation classes, academic and career training sessions, and various professional advancement programs to make students the productive members of the community. Financial aid is also available to the deserving candidates.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.20 %
  • Address:

    1056 North Bush Street, Ukiah, California 95482
  • Contact Number:

    707.463.5217
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
20
Rank

North Orange County Regional Occupational Program (ROP)

Type of Course:Certificate

North Orange County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) is located in Anaheim and is providing quality education for the last 45 years. Offering a wide range of technical, GED development, degree and diploma programs, North County Regional Occupational Program is counted amongst the best nursing programs in California.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.00 %
  • Address:

    385 North Muller Street, Anaheim, California 92801
  • Contact Number:

    714.502.5800
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
21
Rank

Mission Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

Mission Community College is an open-door, two-year public college and is located in Santa Clara. It focuses on improving the learning skills of the students and preparing them for the upcoming job opportunities. The college also offers a transfer from two-year college to a four-year institution so that students can pursue higher education. With an energetic environment, Mission College is affordable and accessible to all with an option of financial aid.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.60 %
  • Address:

    3000 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, California 95054-1897
  • Contact Number:

    408.855.5083
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Associate in Science Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
22
Rank

Hartnell College

Type of Course:Certificate

Hartnell College was established as Salinas Junior College in 1920. It was renamed in 1948. It offers high-quality career education, workforce development programs, and skills enhancement training to its students. Labs are equipped with modern equipment, and the teaching staff includes experienced professional instructors who focus on innovative ways of learning.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.80 %
  • Address:

    Hartnell College, 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, California 93901
  • Contact Number:

    831.755.6700
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
23
Rank

Carrington College – Sacramento

Type of Course:Certificate

Carrington College is located in Sacramento, with six additional campuses in Pleasant Hills, Citrus Heights, San Jose, Pomona, San Leandro, and Stockton. It assists the students to avail better job opportunities and helps achieve success in future by identifying their potential. It provides education support with a caring team of professionals. It uses various creative, innovative and intellectual way to develop deep understanding, personal, and physical development.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.60 %
  • Address:

    8909 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, California 95826
  • Contact Number:

    916.585.7770
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
24
Rank

Annenberg School of Nursing

Type of Course:Associate Degree in LVN

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.60 %
  • Address:

    19300 Sherman Way, Reseda, California 91335
  • Contact Number:

    818-757-4431
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Associate Degree in LVN
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
25
Rank

College of the Redwoods

Type of Course:Certificate

The college offers flexible schedules and online classes to ensure every student gets the education no matter whether s/he can attend the classes at the campus or not. It is dedicated to developing exceptional learning experience through innovative teaching methods and engaging learning environment.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.33 %
  • Address:

    Eureka Main Campus, 7351 Tompkins Hill Road, Eureka, California 95501
  • Contact Number:

    707.476.4100
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
26
Rank

Citrus College

Type of Course:Certificate

Citrus College is focused on promoting the personal and professional growth of every vocational nursing student. It offers intellectual education, technical lab sessions, and traditional as well as modern concepts training so that students can grab the employment opportunities. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    88.60 %
  • Address:

    1000 West Foothill Boulevard, Glendora, California 91741-1885
  • Contact Number:

    626.963.0323
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
27
Rank

Merced Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

Merced Community College fulfills the educational needs of the community and students with its specialized education programs. It has been serving the community for 54 years, and currently, enriching over 10,000 students with affordable and relevant academic education. It also provides transfer programs, certificates, and associate degrees. We partner with the community to respond to technological, economic, educational, and cultural needs.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    88.33 %
  • Address:

    3600 M Street, Merced, CA 95348-2806
  • Contact Number:

    209.384.6000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
28
Rank

College of Nursing and Technology

College of Nursing and Technology is located in Reseda, and offers workforce development programs, continuing education, community education, and personal development sessions. Work field skills and professional expertise are inculcated through regular clinical training sessions and advanced methods of education. It offers a responsive curriculum.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    87.60 %
  • Address:

    18700 Sherman Way #203, Reseda, California 91335
  • Contact Number:

    818.343.1022
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
29
Rank

Bakersfield College

Type of Course:Certificate

Established in 1913, Bakersfield College provides advanced educational opportunities to the students and is focused on enhancing the time management skills, classroom involvement, and innovative ways of learning. Being one of the oldest colleges in California, Bakersfield College helps the students attain their educational and career goals by offering many degrees, diploma, and certificate programs, with flexible timings.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.60 %
  • Address:

    1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, California 93305
  • Contact Number:

    661.395.4011
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
30
Rank

Stanbridge College

Type of Course:Certificate

Stanbridge College is a private college committed to offering high-quality learning opportunities and attentive environment to the students to promote their overall growth and success. It provides flexible class schedules, on-campus and online courses in Nursing and Allied Health. The programs are customized to fulfill the individual needs, and the faculty encourages the students to realize their highest potential.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.40 %
  • Address:

    2041 Business Center Drive, Suite 107 Administration, Irvine, California 92612
  • Contact Number:

    888.378.6676
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
31
Rank

Imperial Valley College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.20 %
  • Address:

    380 East Aten Road, Imperial, California 92251
  • Contact Number:

    760.352.8320
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
32
Rank

Sacramento City College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.00 %
  • Address:

    3835 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, California 95822
  • Contact Number:

    916.558.2111
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
33
Rank

Cuesta College

Type of Course:Certificate

Cuesta College delivers highly qualified, efficient, capable, and enduring professionals to the society by providing various technical degree & certificate programs, workforce and interpersonal skills development programs. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Apart from the serene learning environment, the college offers several services like Disabled Student Programs and Services, bookstore, Student Success Center & Tutoring Services, etc., to help students achieve their personal and academic goals.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    85.80 %
  • Address:

    Highway 1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
  • Contact Number:

    805.546.3100
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
34
Rank

Unitek College – Hayward

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    84.60 %
  • Address:

    21615 Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward, California 94541
  • Contact Number:

    855.808.2732
  • Type of Course:

    Associate Degree & Certificate in LVN/LPN
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
35
Rank

Blake Austin College

Type of Course:Certificate

Blake Austin College offers high-quality education to empower the students with excellence, perfection, and competence in order to achieve professional success. It motivates students to develop self-discipline, technical expertise and avail all the educational and job opportunities provided in the safe environment of the college. The college provides educational programs that fulfill the current demands of the job market.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    84.60 %
  • Address:

    611 Orange Drive Suite K, Vacaville, California 95687
  • Contact Number:

    707.455.0557
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
36
Rank

Unitek College – Sacramento

Type of Course:Certificate

37
Rank

Cerro Coso Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

Cerro Coso Community College (CCCC) seeks to provide high-quality education at affordable prices. It offers degree and certificate courses in various streams. Along with personalized instruction, it also offers scholarships, grants and other student assistance programs. The college focuses on preparing the students for today’s job market.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    84.00 %
  • Address:

    3000 College Heights Boulevard, Ridgecrest, CA 93555-9571
  • Contact Number:

    760.384.6100
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
38
Rank

Xavier College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    83.60 %
  • Address:

    1130 North El Dorado Street, Stockton, California 95202
  • Contact Number:

    209.941.0968
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
39
Rank

North– West College– Riverside

Type of Course:Certificate

North-West College is located in Riverside, California, with additional campuses in West Covina, Pomona, Pasadena, Santa Ana, Glendale, and Long Beach. It is one of the best colleges for healthcare education. Since 1966, it has enriched over 45,000 graduates and is committed to providing employment and career-focused education as well as hands-on practical classes to improve the work field capabilities of its nursing students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    83.60 %
  • Address:

    4550 La Sierra Avenue, Riverside, California 92505
  • Contact Number:

    951.324.4157
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
40
Rank

San Joaquin Delta College

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    83.00 %
  • Address:

    5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California 95207
  • Contact Number:

    209.954.5151
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
41
Rank

Professional Medical Careers Institute

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    83.00 %
  • Address:

    920 Hampshire Road, Suite S, Westlake Village, California 91361
  • Contact Number:

    805-497-4064
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
42
Rank

Southern California Medical College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    82.80 %
  • Address:

    333 Palmer Drive, Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93309
  • Contact Number:

    661.832.2786
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
43
Rank

College of the Desert

Type of Course:Certificate

College of the Desert (COD) is located at Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert, California, and serving over 10,000 students every year since 1962. It is a community college that offers high-quality education with an ambient learning environment. It provides a success-oriented vocational nursing program so that students can contribute to the welfare of the community and can grow as a successful individual in the healthcare industry.

44
Rank

Clovis Adult Education School

Type of Course:Workforce Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    82.20 %
  • Address:

    1452 David East Cook Way, Clovis, California 93611
  • Contact Number:

    559.327.2800
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Workforce Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
45
Rank

College of the Redwoods – Eureka

Type of Course:Certificate

The College of the Redwoods offers a three-semester vocational nursing program. Apart from on-campus courses, the college also provides distance education options and online classes. This three-year college has agreements with four-year universities, and it partners with the community to fulfill the learning needs of the students and contribute to the economic development of the community.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    82.00 %
  • Address:

    7351 Tompkins Hill Road, Eureka, California 95501
  • Contact Number:

    707.476.4100
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
46
Rank

American Career College – St. Francis

Type of Course:Certificate

47
Rank

Long Beach City College

Type of Course:Associate Degree

Long Beach City College has two campuses in Long Beach- one at East Carson Street and another at East Pacific Coast Highway. It was founded in 1927 and has been serving the community for more than 85 years with a goal to assist nursing students to achieve their personal and professional goals. The labs are well-equipped with modern equipment. Student support services like financial aid and counseling are also provided by the college.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    81.50 %
  • Address:

    4901 East Carson Street, Long Beach, California 90808
  • Contact Number:

    562.938.4111
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Associate Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
48
Rank

Unitek College – San Jose

Type of Course:Certificate

Unitek College is located in San Jose with five other campuses situated in Concord, Fremont, South San Francisco, Sacramento, and Hayward, in California. The college offers a two-semester vocational nursing program to the students who want to advance their career in the healthcare field. The experienced trainers at the college provide employment assistance and the attention you deserve. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

49
Rank

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Modesto

Type of Course:Diploma

50
Rank

Medical Allied Career Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.20 %
  • Address:

    12631 East Imperial Highway, Building Drive, Suite 108, Santa Fe Springs, California 90670
  • Contact Number:

    562.807.2420
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
51
Rank

Colton Redlands Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    79.80 %
  • Address:

    533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200, Burlingame, California 94010
  • Contact Number:

    650.696.1060
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
52
Rank

North – West College – Glendale

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    79.60 %
  • Address:

    221 North Brand Boulevard, Lower Level, Glendale, California 91203
  • Contact Number:

    818.696.0102
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
53
Rank

Antelope Valley College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    79.60 %
  • Address:

    3041 West Avenue K, Lancaster, California 93536
  • Contact Number:

    661.722.6300
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
54
Rank

Unitek College – Fremont

Type of Course:Certificate

The main campus of Unitek College is located in Fremont with five additional campuses in San Jose, Sacramento, Concord, Hayward, and South San Francisco. It encourages the students to aid in the welfare of the community with full potential by enriching their knowledge and honing their practical skills. The college focuses on enhancing the leadership skills, work field skills, and excellence by promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

55
Rank

Marian College, School of Nursing

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    79.40 %
  • Address:

    5900 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 101, Van Nuys, California 91411
  • Contact Number:

    818.782.6163
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
56
Rank

American Career College – Ontario

Type of Course:Diploma

From over 35 years, the American Career College aspires to deliver extremely talented graduates to the community to aid in the health and wellness. The faculty is dedicated to helping the students achieve success in their life with excellence and a high degree of competence. The vocational nursing program at American Career College is accredited by the California Nursing Board. Career placement assistance is also offered by the college.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    78.40 %
  • Address:

    3130 East Sedona Court, Ontario, California 91764
  • Contact Number:

    909.218.3253
  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
57
Rank

Feather River College – Quincy

Type of Course:Workforce Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    78.20 %
  • Address:

    570 Golden Eagle Avenue, Quincy, California 95971
  • Contact Number:

    800.442.9799
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate or Associate Degree in LVN
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
58
Rank

West Coast Ultrasound Institute– Ontario

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    78.00 %
  • Address:

    3700 East Inland Empire Boulevard, Suite 235, Ontario, CA 91764
  • Contact Number:

    909.483.3808
  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
59
Rank

Hacienda La Puente Adult Education – Willow

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    77.60 %
  • Address:

    14101 East Nelson Avenue, La Puente, California 91746
  • Contact Number:

    626.934.2801
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
60
Rank

Summit College – Colton

Type of Course:Workforce Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    77.20 %
  • Address:

    851 East Cooley Drive, Colton, California 92324
  • Contact Number:

    888.497.3382
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
61
Rank

El Monte – Rosemead Adult School

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    77.20 %
  • Address:

    10807 Ramona Boulevard, El Monte, California 91731
  • Contact Number:

    626.258.5800
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
62
Rank

Visalia Adult School

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    76.40 %
  • Address:

    3110 East Houston Avenue, Visalia, California 93292
  • Contact Number:

    559.730.7646
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
63
Rank

Brightwood College – Sacramento

Type of Course:Diploma

64
Rank

Allied Medical and Health Services, Inc.

Type of Course:Certificate

Allied Medical and Health Services, Inc. (AMHS) is committed to developing professionalism and self-attitude in students. It offers the highest standards of academic training at an affordable cost. It empowers the students to be competent enough to meet the health requirement of the patients as well as the community.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    76.00 %
  • Address:

    730 South Central Avenue, Suite 208, Glendale, California 91204
  • Contact Number:

    818.637.7871
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
65
Rank

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Fresno

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    75.80 %
  • Address:

    7335 North Palm Bluffs Avenue, Fresno, California 93711
  • Contact Number:

    559.222.1903
  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
66
Rank

University of Antelope Valley

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    75.00 %
  • Address:

    44055 North Sierra Highway, Lancaster, California 93534
  • Contact Number:

    661.726.1911
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
67
Rank

CNI College

Type of Course:Certificate and Degree

CNI College is committed to providing affordable certificate and degree programs in nursing with extreme flexibility. It emphasizes on the professional, social, and intellectual development of the nursing students to help them grow as active, efficient, adaptable, and capable individuals. Small-sized classrooms and peaceful learning environment at CNI promote excellence.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    75.00 %
  • Address:

    702 Town and Country Road, Orange, California 92868
  • Contact Number:

    888.976.5120
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate and Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
68
Rank

North-West College- Pasadena

Type of Course:Certificate

North-West College, Pasadena, is one of the leading colleges in health education in California, and also has campuses in Santa Ana, West Covina, Long Beach, Glendale, Riverside, and Pomona. It endeavors to provide affordable vocational nursing and other healthcare programs which are aimed to prepare students for a successful career. It has served over 45,000 students who are now working in several leading hospitals and other healthcare organizations.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    74.60 %
  • Address:

    530 East Union Street, Pasadena, California 91101
  • Contact Number:

    626.389.8536
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
69
Rank

Pacific College

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    74.20 %
  • Address:

    7445 Mission Valley Road, Suite 105, San Diego, California 92108
  • Contact Number:

    866.276.0717
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
70
Rank

Institute of Technology – Redding

Type of Course:Diploma

71
Rank

Chaffey College

Type of Course:Certificate

Chaffey College is one of the oldest and renowned colleges in California which focuses on improving the lives of the people through education. It enriches and fulfills the educational needs of the society by offering a variety of courses to its students. Besides this, the college seeks to achieve excellence through engaging, supportive and dynamic learning environment and advanced teaching methods.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    73.40 %
  • Address:

    5885 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, California 91737-3002
  • Contact Number:

    909.652.6000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
72
Rank

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Concord

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    73.20 %
  • Address:

    1401 Willow Pass Road, Suite 450, Concord, California 94520
  • Contact Number:

    925.687.9555
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
73
Rank

Downey Adult School

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    73.00 %
  • Address:

    12340 Woodruff Avenue, Downey, California 90241-5610
  • Contact Number:

    562.940.6200
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
74
Rank

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – San Mateo

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    72.20 %
  • Address:

    2121 South El Camino Real, Building C-200, San Mateo, California 94403
  • Contact Number:

    650.685.6616
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
75
Rank

California Nurses Educational Institute

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    72.20 %
  • Address:

    5200 East Ramon Road, Suite I-1, Palm Springs, California 92264
  • Contact Number:

    760.416.5955
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
76
Rank

Advanced College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    72.00 %
  • Address:

    13180 Paramount Boulevard, South Gate, California 90280
  • Contact Number:

    562.408.6969
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
77
Rank

Brightwood College– San Diego

Type of Course:Diploma

78
Rank

Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    71.20 %
  • Address:

    5451 Lemon Hill Avenue, Sacramento, California 95824
  • Contact Number:

    916.643.7400
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
79
Rank

Career Care Institute – Lancaster

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    71.20 %
  • Address:

    43770 15th Street West, Suite 115, Lancaster, California 93534
  • Contact Number:

    661.485.2102
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
80
Rank

Homestead Schools, Inc.

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    70.20 %
  • Address:

    23800 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 200, Torrance, California 90505
  • Contact Number:

    310.791.9975
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
81
Rank

American Career College – Orange County

Type of Course:Certificate

82
Rank

Integrity College of Health

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    69.80 %
  • Address:

    1460 North Lake Avenue, Suite 102, Pasadena, California 91104
  • Contact Number:

    626.808.0215
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
83
Rank

Angeles Institute

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    69.80 %
  • Address:

    17100 Pioneer Boulevard, Suite 170, Artesia, California 90701
  • Contact Number:

    562.531.4100
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
84
Rank

Glendale Career College

Type of Course:Certificate in LVN

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    69.60 %
  • Address:

    240 North Brand Boulevard, Lower Level Glendale, California 91203
  • Contact Number:

    800.639.3384
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate in LVN
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
85
Rank

WestMed College – Merced

Type of Course:Certificate

86
Rank

Unitek College – South San Francisco

Type of Course:Associate Degree & Certificate in LVN

87
Rank

Brightwood College– North Hollywood

Type of Course:Diploma

88
Rank

Brightwood College – North County

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    69.00 %
  • Address:

    2022 University Drive Vista, California 92083-7736
  • Contact Number:

    760.630.1555
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
89
Rank

American Career College – Los Angeles

Type of Course:Associate Degree and Certificate in LVN

90
Rank

Lynwood Community Adult School

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    68.00 %
  • Address:

    11277 Atlantic Avenue, Lynwood, California 90262
  • Contact Number:

    310.603.1485
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
91
Rank

Shasta College

Type of Course:Certificate

Shasta Community College, founded in 1948, is a part of the California Community College System and is accredited by the Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. To fulfill different needs and goals of the students, the college offers various services and programs, including workshops, lecture series, cultural events, financial aid, tutoring, counseling, etc. The college empowers the students so that they can contribute to the economic, intellectual, cultural, and social development of the community.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    67.80 %
  • Address:

    11555 Old Oregon Trail, P.O. Box 496006, Redding, California 96049-6006
  • Contact Number:

    530.242.7500
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
92
Rank

North-West College – West Covina

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    67.60 %
  • Address:

    2121 West Garvey Avenue North, West Covina, California 91790
  • Contact Number:

    626-343-5266
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
93
Rank

City College of San Francisco

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    67.40 %
  • Address:

    50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, California 94112
  • Contact Number:

    415.239.3000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
94
Rank

Southwestern College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    67.20 %
  • Address:

    900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, California 91910
  • Contact Number:

    619.421.6700
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
95
Rank

Marian College – Los Angeles

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    67.20 %
  • Address:

    3325 Wilshire Boulevard, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90010
  • Contact Number:

    213.388.3566
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
96
Rank

Trinity School of Health and Allied Sciences

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    66.80 %
  • Address:

    1149 West 190th Street, Suite 2000, Gardena, California 90248
  • Contact Number:

    310.834.3065
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
97
Rank

Career Care Institute– Ventura

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    66.80 %
  • Address:

    2151, Alessandro Drive, Suite 150, Ventura, California, 93001
  • Contact Number:

    805.639.8989
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
98
Rank

Career Care Institute – Moreno Valley

Type of Course:Diploma

99
Rank

California Career Institute – Garden Grove

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    66.80 %
  • Address:

    12141 Brookhurst Street, Garden Grove, California 92840
  • Contact Number:

    714.539.5959
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
100
Rank

West Coast Ultrasound Institute – Beverly Hills

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    66.40 %
  • Address:

    291 South La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California 90211
  • Contact Number:

    310.289.5123
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
101
Rank

Santa Barbara Business College– Bakersfield

Type of Course:Diploma

102
Rank

California Career College – Canoga Park

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    66.20 %
  • Address:

    7003 Owensmouth Avenue, Canoga Park, California 91303
  • Contact Number:

    818.710.1310
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
103
Rank

Curam College of Nursing

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    65.00 %
  • Address:

    6520 44th Street #312, Sacramento, California 95823
  • Contact Number:

    916.427.4400
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
104
Rank

Carrington College of California– San Jose

Type of Course:Certificate or Associate Degree

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    63.40 %
  • Address:

    5883 Rue Ferrari, Suite 125, San Jose, California 95138
  • Contact Number:

    408-337-3829
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate or Associate Degree
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
105
Rank

North – West College – Pomona

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    63.00 %
  • Address:

    134 West Holt Avenue, Pomona, California 91768
  • Contact Number:

    909.236.7106
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
106
Rank

Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    62.60 %
  • Address:

    816 West Lancaster Boulevard, Lancaster, California 93534
  • Contact Number:

    661.726.5060
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
107
Rank

Pasadena City College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    62.40 %
  • Address:

    1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, California 91106
  • Contact Number:

    626.585.7123
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
108
Rank

Community Enhancement Services (CES) College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    62.20 %
  • Address:

    401 South Glenoaks Boulevard, Suite 211, Burbank, California 91502
  • Contact Number:

    818.563.9822
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
109
Rank

Lassen Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    61.00 %
  • Address:

    478-200 Highway 139, Susanville, California 96130
  • Contact Number:

    530.257.6181
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
110
Rank

InfoTech Career College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    59.00 %
  • Address:

    8527 Alondra Boulevard, Suite #174, Paramount, California 90723
  • Contact Number:

    562.804.1239
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
111
Rank

High Desert Medical College

Type of Course:Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    58.75 %
  • Address:

    701 West Avenue K, Suite 123, Lancaster, California 93534
  • Contact Number:

    888.633.4362
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
112
Rank

Palo Verde Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    57.80 %
  • Address:

    One College Drive, Blythe, California 92225
  • Contact Number:

    760.921.5500
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
113
Rank

Casa Loma College – Van Nuys

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    57.20 %
  • Address:

    6725 Kester Avenue, Van Nuys, California 91405-4523
  • Contact Number:

    818.785.2726
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
114
Rank

Angeles College of Nursing

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    53.00 %
  • Address:

    3440 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310, Los Angeles, California 90010
  • Contact Number:

    213.487.2211
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes

California LPN Licensing Requirements

Every LVN/LPN aspirant must have a license in order to practice as a licensed nursing professional in various clinical settings. For this, they either need to clear the NCLEX-PN exam or can gain it by endorsement (if already holding a license in another state) from the California Board of Nursing. To know about the prerequisites that one needs to fulfill in order to become licensed in both the cases, read further.

Licensure by Examination

Getting an LVN license after completing the training is the first step towards career advancement for a nursing aspirant. Students, who have pursued their vocational nursing course from the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) accredited school, and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-VN), can apply for the vocational nursing license online through BVNPT's DCA BreEZe service. The applicant must ensure that s/he fulfills the following requirements in order to apply for a license.

  • Proof of 12th grade schooling or equivalent along with the proof of age. The applicant must be at least 17 years old.
  • A complete and signed application for the vocational nursing licensure
  • A complete and thoroughly filled ‘Record of Conviction' form
  • DOJ and FBI fingerprints
  • The applicant must have passed the NCLEX or the Nursing State Board Test Pool Examination for Practical Nurse (SBTPE).
  • Submit the application fee. In case; you are providing hard card fingerprints instead of live scan, you need to submit $49 extra as fingerprint processing fees.
  • Write your address and name on the postcard provided. Don’t forget to place a postage stamp on the postcard to get verified that your application was received by the Board. This process is not applicable to the application forms downloaded from the Internet.
  • Submission of the initial license fee after the BVNPT has processed your licensure application.
  • Social Security Number
  • One 2" X 2" passport size photograph with front view, shoulders and head, and your signature at the back

The requisites mentioned above are for the graduates from the accredited schools of practical/vocational nursing in the state of California. There are three other cases where candidates can apply for licensure by examination. In addition to completing the requirements given above, they are required to submit some additional documents.

1. Graduates of an Out-of-State School of Practical/Vocational Nursing

  • A record of nursing program and official transcripts in a sealed business envelope along with the application form.

2. Equivalent Education and/or Experience

  • Submit a record of your nursing program and all the official transcripts or documents related to it. If you have undergone graduation in a foreign language, you need a certified English-language translation completed either by an independent professional translator (who is not related to you) or by the school. All these documents are needed to be enclosed with your application in an envelope.
  • A record of the experience, if any, in the nursing profession
  • Employment verification forms must be sent by you to all your employers. You need to request them to fill it and send to you in a closed envelope. Then, you have to submit it unopened with your application form.
  • Evidence of 54 theory hours of classes in Pharmacology.

3. Military Applicants

  • Submit completely filled 55A-4 form that shows your record of military service.
  • Copies of military service assessment that shows the wards assigned, dates of service, and duties performed for each and every assignment. You must provide the proof that you have rendered at least 1 year of patient care.
  • Documents or "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" (DD214) that demonstrate the completion of a primary course of instruction in nursing required by his/her specific branch of the Armed Forces.
  • DD214 or other military transcript demonstrating that service in the Armed Forces or their general discharge has been under honorable conditions.

For the offline application for licensure by examination, click here.

Once you qualify the NCLEX-PN exam, your name gets enlisted on the California Nurse Aide Registry.

License by Endorsement

The applicants who hold a practical nursing license in another state, a territory of another state, or a foreign country and want to work as an LVN in the state of California can obtain the license in California without giving the examination again. Before applying for the license by endorsement, the applicant must ensure that s/he has attended and completed an LPN/LVN program from a nursing school approved by the respective State Board and has passed the NCLEX-VN or the National League for the Nursing State Board Test Pool Examination for Practical Nurse (SBTPE). To apply for a licensure by endorsement, the following proofs and documents are required.

  • Proof of the current and valid practical/vocational nursing license or equivalent
  • Valid proof of passing the NCLEX-PN or SBTPE
  • A completed and signed application for the vocational nursing licensure
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Passport size (2 inches X 2 inches) photograph
  • Fingerprint cards
  • An application fee of $150 will be required
  • An FBI fingerprint card processing fee of $17
  • A DOJ fingerprint card processing fee of $32
  • Verification of the current licensure
  • A completed and signed Record of Conviction form
  • A signed copy of the current license, reflecting the expiration date (in the case; the applicant is working in another state than the actual state of licensure).

For the offline application form for licensure by endorsement, click here.

Verification of Licensure

Applicants can stay updated about the status of their vocational nursing license through the online license verification service- BreEZe. It is an all-in-one service provided by the Department of Consumer Affairs to provide access to the consumer and licensees to check the status of their licenses by their names, Board or Bureau names, license number, city, or by county. To search the status of the license by its number, the applicants would need to select their respective Nursing Boards and enter their license numbers.

If the state where you are licensed participates in the NURSYS verification system, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. website at www.ncsbn.org to get instructions and fill the NURSYS License Verification Request Form available there.

California Nursing License Renewal

Licensed Vocational Nurses must renew their license after every two years. The renewal of the nursing license can be done online through BreEZe, an online service provided by the California Department of Consumer Affairs. If you are using BreEZe online services for the first time, then you are first required to register your name, email, and user ID. In order to complete your California license renewal form, the applicant will need to provide the following-

  • Completed and signed form with your full name, address, date of birth, and contact details.
  • Social Security Number
  • License number and the license expiration date
  • Confirmation of whether you are applying for renewal of an active license or an inactive one
  • Fingerprint cards
  • If you are renewing the license for the first time after the issuance or desire an "inactive" status, you need not undergo Continuing Education (CE). However, if you want an "active" status, complete 30 hours of CE within 2 years before the license renewal date.
  • A renewal fee of $155 if the applicant renews his/her license prior to the expiration date
  • The applicant will be required to pay $380 as a renewal fee if his/her license has been expired for the last two years.
  • A renewal fee of $230 if the applicant renews his/her license after the expiration of 30-days grace period

To download the application form for license renewal, click here.

California Nursing License Replacement

In case; your vocational nursing license is updated with wrong details or has been damaged, lost, or stolen, you can apply for the replacement of the license by filling out a simple form and paying an application fee of $25. To apply for replacement of the nursing license, you will be required to provide:

  • A completed and signed form with your full name, address, date of birth, and contact details
  • Social security number
  • Confirmation of whether there was a change in your name or the address
  • Confirmation of whether your license was damaged, issued in your former name or earlier address (if applicable), lost or stolen.
  • A check or money order of $25 payable to the "Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)"

Name Change

In case; you have undergone name change recently, you have to inform about it to the Board officials. For this, fill a name change form and send it to the State Nursing Board.

Average Annual Salary of Vocational Nurses in California

According to the indeed.com, the average salary of Licensed Vocational Nurses in California was $46,380 per annum (as of September 16, 2016). As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual and mean hourly salaries of LPNs/LVNs in California were $51,870 and $24.94, respectively, as of May 2015.

Various Job Titles for LPNs/LVNs with Average Annual Salaries

Job Title Salary
LPN Cma Rma $33,000
LPN Ambulatory $36,000
LPN Long Term Care $35,000
Renal Dialysis Nurse $56,000
LPN LVN $44,000
Long Term Care LPN $29,000
Correctional Prison Facility LPN $25,000
Medical Assistant Family Practice $31,000
Nurse RN LPN $52,000
Psychiatric Nurse $61,000
CNA Medical Surgical $29,000
Nar Nursing Assistant Hope $27,000
Patient Care Technician Student $18,000
LPN Primary Care $50,000
Clinical Nurse LPN $40,000

Information Source: Indeed.com (as of September 16, 2016)

According to the data depicted in the above table, the maximum salary (i.e., $61,000) was earned by the Psychiatric Nurses, while the minimum salary (i.e., $18,000) was made by the Patient Care Technician Students.

Annual Average Salaries of LVNs in Various Cities of California

As of August 29, 2016, the average annual salaries of Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) as per salary.com were as follows:

City Salary
Anaheim $49,819
Apple Valley $47,679
Antioch $49,999
Bakersfield $46,390
Berkeley $52,208
Burbank $49,302
Carson $49,819
Carlsbad $47,622
Chico $46,345
Coachella $46,585
Chula Vista $47,721
Concord $50,238
Corona $47,530
Daly City $55,901
Costa Mesa $49,432
Downey $49,819
El Cajon $47,721
Elk Grove $48,131
El Monte $49,302
Escondido $47,295
Fairfield $50,238
Fremont $53,941
Fontana $47,530
Fresno $45,926
Fullerton $49,819
Glendale $49,302
Garden Grove $49,819
Hayward $52,208
Huntington Beach $49,432
Irvine $49,432
Inglewood $49,302
Lancaster $47,264
Lompoc $45,890
Los Angeles $49,302
Long Beach $49,819
Modesto $47,836
Monterey $49,945
Murrieta $48,149
Moreno Valley $47,530
Newhall $49,302
Norwalk $49,819
Oceanside $47,739
Oakland $52,208
Ontario $47,530
Orange $49,432
Palmdale $47,573
Oxnard $48,310
Pasadena $49,400
Petaluma $50,238
Rancho Cucamonga $47,530
Pomona $49,819
Rialto $47,530
Richmond $55,901
Roseville $48,131
Riverside $47,530
Sacramento $48,131
Salinas $49,945
San Diego $47,721
San Bernardino $47,530
San Francisco $55,901
San Jose $53,941
Santa Barbara $49,790
Santa Ana $49,432
Santa Clara $53,941
Santa Clarita $47,533
Santa Maria $45,831
Santa Cruz $51,950
Santa Rosa $49,990
Simi Valley $47,246
Sunnyvale $53,941
Stockton $48,175
Temecula $47,838
Thousand Oaks $46,975
Torrance $49,819
Ventura $48,310
Vallejo $50,238
Victorville $48,025
Visalia $45,183
West Covina $49,819

Information Source: salary.com (as of August 29, 2016)

After analysis of the above table, we can conclude that the maximum salary (i.e., $55,901) of LVNs was in San Francisco, Daly City, and Richmond, while the minimum salary (i.e., $45,183) was in Visalia.

Job Outlook for Licensed Vocational Nurses in California

California is one of the largest states in the United States with a large number of clinics, hospitals, and elite healthcare service providers. Over the years, the state has been a favorite work destination for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses. As per the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2015), a total of 65,250 LPNs were employed in the state. Employment per thousand jobs was 4.21. From 2014 to 2024, the employment of LPNs and LVNs is expected to grow 16%. A large number of these professionals will be required in home health and residential care facilities. Those who want to grab the lucrative job opportunities must enroll in the state-accredited LVN program soon.