Vocational Nurse

Modesto Junior College Vocational Nursing Program prepares students to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) who provides basic care for sick or injured patients under the guidance and administration of licensed providers or registered nurses. The program prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), leading to licensure as a Vocational Nurse (VN). The program is approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). It is a five-semester evening program which requires the student to complete 576 hours of theory and 954 hours of clinical. During the fifth term, the preceptorship course VOCNR 317 requires students to be in the clinical area on a full-time basis. Students must be flexible and prepared to accept these assignments as they can be day, evening or nightshift requirements. Program expenses vary for each individual. The estimated cost for the program is $7,000. These costs include enrollment and materials fees, background check and drug screen fees, health clearance, Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, uniforms, books, and a pre-licensure readiness examination. Daily access to a computer and the internet is required for student success. For information on financial aid, call (209) 575-7700. For more information about the Vocational Nursing program and the selection process, please call the School of Health Professions, (209) 575-6362 or visit www.mjc.edu/alliedhealth and search Vocational Nursing (VN) Program. If you are just beginning your preparation for the Vocational Nursing program and need academic advising, contact the Counseling Center (209) 575-6080.

The VN Program prepares its graduates for employment as entry-level vocational nurses in community health settings. The program teaches and emphasizes the systematic application of the nursing process, assessment, clinical skills, and the development of professional and ethical caring behaviors in the provision of nursing care.

To afford students the opportunity to apply theoretical learning and acquire clinical experience, the Vocational Nursing Program contracts with acute care, long-term care, and outpatient facilities in the community throughout the program’s curriculum.

The Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement comprises five semesters of combined didactic and clinical work on campus and at affiliated healthcare facilities. Upon satisfactory completion of the prerequisites and the nursing courses, a Certificate of Achievement is awarded, and the student is then eligible for the National Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).

Upon satisfactory completion of the program’s required discipline courses, the student will be able to:

• Provide client-centered care using effective communication.
• Integrate teamwork to foster collaborative relationships with the interprofessional health care.
• Assimilate critical thinking principles and evidenced based practice to ensure safe care.
• Integrate nursing informatics and technology to support clinical decision-making.
• Assume accountability by functioning within the legal/ethical scope of practice of a vocational nurse.
• Integrate concepts of the Roy Adaptation Model to individualize client care planning.
• Relate cultural factors to the planning and implementation of client care.
• Implement the elements of the nursing process for improved client care outcomes.
• Plan nursing care to meet the unique needs of our geriatric client population.
• Assist community-based organizations to provide wellness education and foster health promotion for clients and their support systems.

The Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement Terminal Program Objectives are as follows:

Program Outcome 1: The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement on the licensure examination.

Expected Level of Achievement: NCLEX-PN pass rates will be at least 80% for all first- time test takers during the same 12-month period.

Program Outcome 2: The program demonstrates evidence of students’ achievement in completing the Vocational Nursing program.

Expected Level of Achievement: On-time program completion will be 70% or greater.

Program Outcome 3: The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement in job placement.

Expected Level of Achievement: 70% or greater of graduates will be employed as a licensed vocational nurse or obtaining an advanced degree within one year of graduation.

Program Outcome 4: The program demonstrates evidence of students’ competency on evidenced nursing skills and competencies throughout the program.

Expected Level of Achievement: 100% of the students will pass each theory and clinical course with a passing percentage of 75% or higher.

Admission to The Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement Program shall be in adherence to all applicable policies and procedures of the Modesto Junior College.

ELIGIBILITY AND PREPARATION FOR THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM

• Admission to Modesto Junior College

• Official Transcripts on File in MJC Enrollment Services:

All transcripts (from colleges other than MJC and Columbia College (CC)) must be submitted with the VN application during the VN online application period unless the transcripts are already on file in the MJC Enrollment Services, Student Services Building 102, (209) 575-6853. Supporting Documentation must be submitted online with the VN application during the VN online application period (Feb 1-15).

REQUIRED PREREQUISITES FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ADN PROGRAM

FDNTR 219 or equivalent.........................3 Units

ANAT 125 Human Anatomy .........................4 Units

MDAST 321 Medical Terminology .........................3 Units

VOCNR 300 Introduction to Vocational Nursing……1 Unit

PROGRAM APPLICATION

The VN program application is online. Applications are accepted for the VN Program Annually. The annual application period is in April 1^st and closes April 31st. Students are selected from the annual applicant pool for acceptance each academic year. Applications are available on the Allied Health website (www.mjc.edu/alliedhealth) during the April application period only.

Screening and Selection Criteria 

Student selection for admission to the Modesto Junior College Vocational Nursing Program will be irrelevant to race, color, gender, or national origin.

Each applicant must: 

1. Be eighteen years of age or older.

2. Have a High School Diploma, GED, or the U.S. equivalent. If a student graduated from high school in a foreign country, an evaluation of records is required for any diplomas or degrees received outside of the United States. The evaluation report will validate if the educational equivalency is that of a U.S. diploma or degree.

3. Be a Certified Nurse Assistant with an active unencumbered certification.

4. Have worked a minimum of 1000 hours within the past 5 years.

5. Pass the HESI A2 Admission Exam recommended best practice 75% pass score.

6. Complete the following pre-requisite classes with grade “C” or higher:

• VOCNR 300 Introduction to Vocational Nursing (VOCNR 300 must be taken at MJC-no equivalents available at this time)
• Med Asst 321 Medical Terminology
• ANAT 125 Elementary Human Anatomy
• FDNTR 219 Food and Nutrition

NOTE: Pre-requisite courses taken at other accredited schools may qualify for transfer credit (does not apply to VOCNR 300)

Official transcripts from the school of attendance must be presented and must meet the BVNPT and MJC requirements.

7. Complete and submit a VN application to the School of Health Professions with the following original documents:

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency

• Nurse Assistant Certification

• 1000 hours proof of employment as a CNA

-Letter from the Human Resources Department

-Work pay stubs designating 1000 hours

• Valid Government issued photo I.D

• Valid Social Security Card

• American Heart Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card-Valid

• One 2x2 passport photo

Complete Oral interview conducted by the Director, VN Assistant Director, Faculty, or a combination.

Upon acceptance into the VN Program, each applicant will have to complete the following: 

• MJC Health Clearance Requirement Packet which includes:

1. Once accepted into the program, all confirmed accepted students and all alternate students must attend a mandatory orientation approximately two weeks or more before the class starts. If any student fails to attend, then alternate students that attend the orientation will be offered a confirmed accepted spot.

2. Health Clearance:

1. A medical history and physical examination must be completed by a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner within 6 months prior to program start date. The physical must state that the applicant does not have any health condition that would create a hazard to self, employees, or patients.

2. Documentation of required immunizations. Immunizations (2-Step TB skin test, MMR, Hepatitis B titer, Tdap (pertussis), Varicella Zoster, Covid-19 Vaccine and booster and current in-season flu shot)

3. A negative PPD skin test must be obtained. If a positive reaction is obtained or previous vaccination history (BCG) was given, a chest xray must be taken unless medically contraindicated then a waiver must be signed.

4. Applicant must be able to lift 50lbs.

3. Background Check

1. A background check and drug screening by Castle Branch before the first day of class.

2. All students participating in clinical assignments are required by acute care hospitals to:

1. Complete a background check and

2. Be cleared by the clinical facility to participate in the clinical experience.

4. Drug Screen

1. All students participating in clinical assignments must pass a drug screen as required by the clinical agencies.

Process for Denial of Licensure:

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians protects the public by screening applicants for licensure to identify potentially unsafe practitioners. Statutory authority for denial of licensure is found in the Business and Professions Code. Any student, considering a career in nursing, who has a criminal record, is advised to contact the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians for advisement, prior to entering the Vocational Nursing Program.

BOARD OF VOCATIONAL NURSING AND PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIANS

Licensing Division
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833

(916) 263-7800

https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/contact.shtml

Email: bvnpt@dca.ca.gov

Selection Criteria

Students will be selected according to the following formula:

Upon satisfactory completion of the minimum admission criteria above, on a first come, first serve basis from the applicant pool, 45 students will be selected to complete an interview.

The interview will be scored according to the interview rubric by each of those on the interview panel. An average score will be tabulated.

Selection Percentages will be as follows:

1. 80% based on point system from the VN MSPAR

2. 20% randomized selection (minimum qualification must be satisfied)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTED APPLICANTS ONLY

Accepted applicants will receive information regarding clinical clearance.

CLINICAL CLEARANCE/HEALTH CLEARANCE

• A medical history and physical examination completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner within six months prior to program start date or re-entry date. The physical must state that the applicant does not have any health conditions that would create a hazard to self, employees, or patients.

• Documentation of required immunizations.

• A negative tuberculosis skin test (TST) must be obtained. If a positive reaction is obtained, or has previously been obtained, a chest x-ray must be taken unless medically contraindicated.

** Proof of the COVID vaccine is required by clinical facilities for clinical placement. Clinical placement is a required component of the ADN program.

BACKGROUND CHECK All students participating in clinical assignments are required by acute care facilities to complete a criminal background check and be cleared by the clinical facility in order to participate in the clinical experience. See Policy for Denial of Licensure below.

DRUG SCREEN All students participating in clinical assignments will be required to pass a drug screen.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) CERTIFICATION All students must have current certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS for Healthcare Providers, which may not lapse during the program. A list of approved BLS providers will be made available to students.

SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS Continuation in the Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement Program is dependent upon completion of all courses with a grade of C or better. If a student receives less than a C in any required course, that course must be repeated with a C or better in order to qualify for the NCLEX-PN. The Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement Program, seventy six percent (75%) is the minimum score required to obtain a grade of C.

Pre-nursing students with a criminal record should attempt to have convictions expunged prior to applying for entrance into the Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement Program. A criminal record may prevent students from clinical placement and therefore, continuing in a nursing program.

To earn a Vocational Nursing Certification of Achievement, the student must complete each course selected and completed with a 75% or better.

Total Program: 49.5 Units or 1530 Hours

Theory: 32 Units or 576 hours

Clinical: 17.5 Units or 954 hours