Vocational Nursing Program Certificate of Achievement

The Bakersfield College Vocational Nursing Program provides comprehensive training in nursing fundamentals, anatomy, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric care, maternal-child health, and basic mental health nursing. Students will develop critical skills in patient care, clinical procedures, communication, and healthcare ethics. The prerequisites for the program include: 
• Proof of graduation from high school or equivalent education.
• BIOL B18 (Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology) at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college.
• PSYCC1000 (General Psychology) at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college.
• TECM B40, TECM B52, MATH B27, or higher level of math as determined by BC placement process. Equivalent course from another accredited college is accepted
• ENGLC1000, ENGLC1000E (Academic Reading and Writing), EMLS B1A, or EMLS B1AL.
Equivalent course from another accredited college is accepted.
• MEDS B37 (Medical Terminology) – highly recommended. 
(All prerequisites must be completed prior to the start of the Program with a C grade or higher. Priority is provided to students with all prerequisite courses completed at the time of submitting an enrollment form)

By completing the program, students will be equipped to provide compassionate, competent care in diverse healthcare settings. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam and pursue careers as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health environments, with opportunities for career advancement in specialized areas of nursing. 

The program is a 3-semester program, upon completion of all required courses with  a "C" grade or higher, the student will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

The estimated cost for the entire program is approximately $7,896.91. (This includes tuition for Nursing courses only.) For information on Estimated Program Costs (and program information), please visit our website

Program Learning Outcomes:
1. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to demonstrate completing a basic assessment (data collection), participate in planning, execute interventions in accordance with the care plan or treatment plan, and contribute to evaluation of individualized interventions related to the care plan or treatment plan.
2. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to perform direct patient/client care in which the student performs basic nursing services, administers medications, applies communication skills for the purpose of patient/client care and education; and contributes to the development and implementation of a teaching plan related to self-care for the patient/client.

20-25 students will be enrolled every fall term, with 20-25 completing the program annually.

Upon completion of the Vocational Nursing Program, students will have achieved key competencies required for a vocational nurse, including the ability to provide safe and effective patient care, administer medications, perform clinical assessments, assist in medical procedures, educate patients and families, and effectively communicate with healthcare teams. Additionally, students will be skilled in managing patient records, applying nursing theories to practice, and demonstrating a strong understanding of healthcare ethics and legal responsibilities. These competencies ensure that graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality nursing care in a variety of clinical settings.

Upon completion of the program of study for Vocational Nursing, the student is eligible for a Certificate of Achievement. 

The prerequisites for the program are included below, all prerequisites must be completed prior to the start of the program with a C grade or higher. Priority is provided to students with all prerequisite courses completed at the time of submitting an enrollment form. Prerequisites include:
• Proof of graduation from high school or equivalent education.
• BIOL B18 (Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology) at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college.
• PSYCC1000 (General Psychology) at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college.
• TECM B40, TECM B52, MATH B27, or higher level of math as determined by BC placement process. Equivalent course from another accredited college is accepted
• ENGLC1000, ENGLC1000E (Academic Reading and Writing), EMLS B1A, or EMLS B1AL.
Equivalent course from another accredited college is accepted.
• MEDS B37 (Medical Terminology) – highly recommended. 

Conditional Enrollment:
As a condition of enrollment in any Nursing/Allied Health Program, students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screening, a background screening, and physical examination clearance (at the student’s expense). Please note the following:
• A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.
• If a student cannot obtain background clearance from the clinical agencies, it will not be possible to place the student in the clinical areas, which is a required component of the program. In the event that a student cannot obtain a background clearance, the space will be forfeited. Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency after admission to the program shall be subject to dismissal from the program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations.
• A physical examination completed by a physician of the student’s choice is required after acceptance to the Program to demonstrate that a student meets the technical standards necessary to meet the Program objectives. Appropriate immunizations and/or vaccinations and mask fit testing are also required and are performed at the student’s expense.

The program is a 3-semester program, upon completion of all required courses with  a "C" grade or higher, the student will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement. The program courses include:
Term 1 of program courses
VNRS B67- Principles of Pharmacology (2 units)
VNRS B68- Basic Medical Surgical Nursing Practice (3 units)
VNRS B69- Foundations for Vocational Nursing Practice (6 units)
VNRS B69L- Foundations for Vocational Nursing Practice Lab (3 units)
VNRS B98NC- Vocational Nursing Level 1 Essentials
Term 2 of program courses
VNRS B79- Intermediate Medical Surgical Nursing (9 units)
VNRS B79L- Intermediate Medical Surgical Nursing Lab (6 units)
Term 3 of program courses
VNRS B83- Critical Thinking and Leadership for the Vocational Nurse (1.5 units)
VNRS B84- Maternal Child Pharmacology (1 unit)
VNRS B88- Maternal Child Nursing (3 units)
VNRS B88L- Maternal Child Nursing Lab (3 units)
VNRS B89- Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing (3.5 units)
VNRS B89L- Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Lab (3 units)