If you are a CNA looking to be come a LVN in the Sacramento area, there are three school options to choose from to complete necessary training:

• Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center: Offers a 35-week intensive Vocational Nursing program with 1,652 training hours, emphasizing extensive training across various medical topics, designed to thoroughly prepare students for the California State Boards Exam.
• Unitek College: Provides a flexible Vocational Nursing program with options for daytime (12 months) and evening (16 months) classes, focusing on practical skills through lab work and simulated exercises, aimed at preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam.
• Sacramento City College: Delivers a comprehensive three-semester Vocational Nursing program, blending theoretical learning and clinical practice, focusing on specialized areas like pediatric and psychiatric nursing, with a path to earn an Associate in Science Degree.

Get a more in-depth analysis of each CNA to LVN program in our detailed descriptions of each option below:

Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center

The Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center in Sacramento offers a comprehensive 35-week Vocational Nursing program, designed to prepare students for a career in nursing with a total of 1,652 training hours, which includes prerequisites and additional hours for CNA certification. This program is structured to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the healthcare industry, covering a wide range of medical topics and practical skills training.

Program Details

Students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program will undergo extensive training, including 1,408 hours dedicated to specific nursing education spread across 35 weeks. The curriculum is meticulously designed to cover various critical areas such as health promotion, standards of care, ethical and legal issues in nursing, along with specialized training in fields like genetics, emergency nursing, and pediatric nursing. The program aims to thoroughly prepare students for the California State Boards Exam, ensuring they are ready to enter the healthcare workforce as competent professionals.

Educational Support and Benefits

The institute provides support for veterans, including a school certifying official to assist with education benefits, ensuring that all eligible students can access the resources they need. The program’s structure allows for flexibility with potential extended breaks aligned with health protocols, ensuring students’ education is not disrupted under unforeseen circumstances.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the Vocational Nursing program at Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Attend an orientation session at CAJ
• Pass an assessment test with minimum scores in reading and math
• Provide proof of at least 200 hours of nursing care under a licensed professional
• Hold a CPR/First Aid Certification
• Clear a nursing entrance exam (Kaplan, C-NET, HESI, or TEAS)
• Pass a drug test and criminal background clearance
• Provide a negative TB test result or chest X-ray

Additionally, prerequisites for the program include a valid CNA license and courses in anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, math for meds, medical terminology, nutrition, introductory pharmacology, and psychology. These prerequisites ensure that students are well-prepared for the rigorous training and responsibilities they will face in their nursing careers.

Unitek College

The Vocational Nursing (VN) program at Unitek College is designed to be completed quickly—with daytime students finishing in just 12 months and evening students in 16 months. This program may be a great option for CNAs who are looking to become LVNs in as short of a timeframe as possible.

Program Structure and Instruction

At the Sacramento campus, the program provides a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on practical skills necessary for the VN licensure exam. This is achieved through a blend of expert instruction, lab work, and simulated exercises. The curriculum ensures that students are well-prepared not only to pass their licensing exams but also to excel in their nursing careers immediately upon graduation.

Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

The main goal of the program is to equip students with the skills needed for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, enabling them to pursue entry-level LVN positions. Students will learn how to assess and monitor patients, manage medications, and promote healthy habits, among other nursing responsibilities. The training is intensive and hands-on, incorporating simulations that mimic real-world medical settings to enhance learning and preparation for clinical experiences.

Admissions Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a VN prerequisite course at Unitek.
• Interview with the program director.
• Completion of a background check.
• Physical exam including required immunizations and TB testing.
• Arrangement of all financial obligations prior to the start of the program.

Campus and Additional Benefits

Located in an urban college district near Sacramento State, the campus offers various student resources within walking distance. The facilities include a library, student lounge, and advanced labs designed to simulate hospital settings. With a commitment to maintaining a small campus feel, Unitek College ensures personalized attention and support for all students, whether they opt for day or evening classes.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Understanding the diverse needs of its students, Unitek offers both day and evening classes to accommodate different schedules. This flexibility allows students to manage their educational commitments alongside personal responsibilities effectively.

By attending the VN program at Unitek College’s Sacramento campus, students are positioned in a vibrant hub of healthcare, benefiting from strong partnerships with local medical facilities. This ensures that the clinical skills taught are relevant and meet high industry standards, providing graduates with numerous opportunities for immediate employment in various healthcare settings.

Sacramento City College VN Program

Sacramento City College offers a full-time Vocational Nursing (VN) program that spans three semesters and is accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The program provides instruction four days a week, balancing between theoretical learning and clinical practice. Successful graduates receive a Certificate of Achievement and have the option to earn an Associate in Science Degree by completing additional courses. This qualification prepares graduates to take the BVNPT licensure exam, opening up career opportunities in various healthcare settings.

Program Structure and Content

The VN program at Sacramento City College is designed to be comprehensive and intensive, with instruction spread over four days each week. The curriculum includes both classroom theory and clinical experiences, ensuring that students are well-prepared for real-world nursing challenges. The program focuses on a wide range of nursing topics, from basic care skills to more specialized areas like pediatric, maternity, and psychiatric nursing.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the VN program at Sacramento City College requires:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of specified prerequisite courses with a grade “C” or better. In-progress courses are not accepted.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in science courses and 2.5 in non-science courses.
• Passing scores on the ATI TEAS test Version 7, taken at any ATI testing site.
• Completion of a background check.
• A negative TB test (either a two-step test or chest X-ray).
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster, as mandated by clinical facility requirements.

This program is ideal for individuals seeking a structured and rigorous path to becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse. The experienced faculty and the robust curriculum are geared towards not only passing the licensure exam but also excelling in a competitive healthcare environment.