Starting July 1, 2022 we will no longer be accepting applications to the LVN Program until further notice.
Are you interested in a career in healthcare? This self-assessment tool will help you decide if Healthcare is a good fit for you. The Licensed Vocational Nursing Program at MiraCosta College was founded in January 1965, and is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. The curriculum is designed to prep the Certified Nursing Assistant to function as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Students must complete 1536 hours in classroom and clinical experience in order to be eligible to take the state board examination.
The part time LVN program is predominately weeknight/weekend program that begins in the fall semester of every even year and runs over 2 years inclusive of summers. During the Fall and Spring semesters the schedule will include a weekday evening class for 4.5 hours, and Saturday or Sunday clinical for approximately 12 hours. The more condensed Summer session may include some day hours.
The full time LVN program is an accelerated program that begins in June of every year completing in 14 months. All courses are taught over 8 weeks with a schedule that includes two on campus 4.5 hour classes and two 12 hour clinical days per week. Clinical days could be scheduled on week days or on the weekend and could include evening hours.
Please Note: This schedule is subject to change without notice.
The Licensed Vocational Nursing program at MiraCosta College meets the state educational requirements for a Licensed Vocational Nursing license in the state of California. MiraCosta College has not determined if the program at MiraCosta College meets the state educational requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
2535 Capitol Oaks Dr. Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
916.263.7843
Our graduates have a 94% pass rate on the State Board Exam!
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program have successfully found employment. The annual salary for Licensed Vocational Nurses, according to the Department of Labor May 2023 is approximately $70,000. They may seek employment in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, physicians’ offices, industry, public health agencies or various governmental agencies. The Licensed Vocational Nurse may also work at private duty in hospitals or homes.
Associate Degree
You may receive an associate degree upon completion of additional course requirements as listed in the college catalog.
Course Content
MiraCosta College meets the state requirements by providing a minimum of 1536 hours of training prior to qualifying for LVN licensure.
- Theory – 576 hours
- Clinical – 960 hours
The following content will be covered in this program: Nutrition, gerontology, communicable disease, medical-surgical nursing, oncological nursing, mental health nursing, perioperative nursing, integumentary, and neurosensory systems, orthopedic nursing and rehabilitation. Content further includes care of patients with circulatory, hematological, respiratory, endocrine and gastrointestinal diseases and
disorders. Obstetrics and pediatric nursing as well as home health care and genito-urinary nursing is covered as well as leadership, supervision and entry into practice skills.
Prerequisites
- Nursing 151 - Body Systems Survey for Health Professionals or BIO210 or BIO220.
- Pharmacology 100 - Basic Pharmacology. Please note: the prerequisite for PHAR100 is MATH28 or qualification through the Math Competency Exam.
- Nursing 60 - Certified Nursing Assistant OR current California CNA license. Please note: the prerequisite for NURS60 is an American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR Card and completion of ENG50 or ESL50 or passing score on English assessment exam. These prerequisites must be completed with a grade “C” or better prior to applying for the program.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for the MiraCosta College LVN Program applicants must be 17 years of age or older, and have the following:
- Official transcripts of high school graduation or degree from an accredited college
- Official transcripts of prerequisite courses
If you have any convictions on your background check in the last 7 years, you will not be eligible to start the program
Residency/Tuition
Residency laws require that a student 1) reside in California for a period of one year immediately preceding the opening date of the term, and 2) provide evidenced intent of residency in California or be subject to nonresident tuition. Please see class schedule for detailed information.
Expenses
Students should plan on spending approximately $3500 during the LVN Program for tuition, uniforms, books, and the required physical examination and immunizations. Since the clinical portion of the program is taught at local long term care facilities and hospitals, students must have reliable transportation to these sites and should budget for these expenses.
Scholarships and loans are available for qualified students. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further details.
Courses listed are subject to change. Please check requirements with the department chair or a MiraCosta College counselor.
MiraCosta College is committed to providing equal education and employment opportunities to all persons regardless of, but not limited to, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital or parental status, disability, age, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. Individuals with verifiable disabilities may be accommodated with advance notice.
