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 prepare the Certified Nursing Assistant to function as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Students must complete 1530 hours in classroom and clinical experience to be eligible to take the state board examination. We offer both a part time, and full time program.
| Part Time LVN Program | Full Time LVN Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of program | 24 months | 14 months |
| Clinical days per week | One 10 hour day per week (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) | Two 10 hour days per week (Tuesday and Wednesday) |
| Lecture days per week | One day per week - after 4:00pm | Two days per week - during the day |
| Total hours per week | 15 hours plus studying | 30 hours plus studying |
| Summer requirements | Two summer sessions (NURS 172 and NURS 275) | Two summer sessions (NURS 170 and NURS 275) |
| Program start dates | Fall 2026, Fall 2028 | Summer 2025, Summer 2026 |
Please Note: This schedule is subject to change without notice.
- Unofficial transcript of high school graduation, diploma, or GED OR transcript of degree from an accredited college. Must be uploaded with application.
- Completion of the following prerequisites with a grade no less than “C”:
- Nursing 151 - Body Systems Survey for Health Professionals or BIO210 or BIO220
- Pharmacology 100 - Basic Pharmacology
- As of April 2025 an active California CNA certificate is required to apply
- Students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and be willing to receive the influenza vaccine each year while in the program.
- ALL nursing students are required to complete the background check and urine drug screen before beginning a program in San Diego County. This is a Hospital/Health Care Agency requirement. If you have any convictions on your background check in the last 7 years, you will not be eligible to start the program. Students will be given the information to obtain these requirements at the orientation and advisement.
- A valid SSN or ITIN is required
You must have an active MCC student account to apply to our LVN program. Students are inactivated at MiraCosta after two semesters of non-attendance. To access the online nursing program applications please submit a new MCC application online.
The online application to the Licensed Vocational Nursing Program will be available in SURF under "Student Forms" March 1-7, 2026 (to apply for summer 2026 or fall 2026). All applicants with a complete application will be placed in a lottery for admission.
LVN Application Navigation in SURF
Transcript Requirement
Please submit official transcripts of prerequisite courses to Admissions and Records two weeks prior to the application deadline. Send official transcripts to transcripts@miracosta.edu. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm all official transcripts are on file with Admissions and Records (admissions@miracosta.edu).
Foreign Transcripts
If you took a prerequisite course in a foreign country, foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service for determining U.S. equivalency. View list of approved agencies.
Applicants selected for enrollment in the program must have a physical examination, laboratory tests, and immunizations just prior to starting the Nursing Program. The student must be free from communicable diseases, infections, and must be able to perform the essential requirements of the program with or without reasonable accommodations for disability. Students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted two months prior to beginning the Program.
ALL nursing students are required to complete the background check and urine drug screen before beginning a program in San Diego County. This is a Hospital/Health Care Agency requirement. If you have any convictions on your background check in the last 7 years, you will not be eligible to start the program. Students will be given the information to obtain these requirements at the orientation and advisement.
Students should plan on spending approximately $3,500 during the LVN Program for tuition, uniforms, books, and the required physical examination and immunizations.
Students must have reliable transportation to travel to various clinical agencies throughout San Diego County and should budget for these expenses.
Scholarships and loans are available for qualified students. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further details.
Vocational Nursing Program Pass Rates
The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians may deny a license regulated by the Business and Professional Code, Section 480, on such grounds as: being convicted of a crime, acts of dishonesty, fraud or deceit. All students selected for enrollment in the nursing program will be assessed for past criminal activity prior to clinical experiences. Please contact the Program Director if you have questions.
For program and application questions, please email the Nursing & Allied Health Department
at
nursingandalliedhealth@miracosta.edu
The Licensed Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
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!
The mission of the MiraCosta College Nursing Program is to educate a diverse population of qualified students to become safe, competent, and caring nurses who will provide care in a variety of settings throughout the community. The program also serves as a foundation for educational mobility, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
The Nursing Program directly aligns with the college mission by providing educational opportunities to a diverse population of students in a supportive, caring environment.
