Licensed Vocational Nursing
Certificate Vocational Nursing · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Licensed Vocational Nursing curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. This is the examination required by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Students must meet program requirements before receiving permission to enroll in vocational nursing courses. Information about the enrollment process is available in the Health and Safety Science (Nursing Department) office. The program is accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Graduates receive a certificate of achievement from the college and are recommended as qualified for the national licensure examination. Students must maintain a minimum grade of "C" in each required course to graduate. A minimum grade of "C" in clinical and theory is mandatory. The BVNPT may deny licensure to individuals who have been convicted of a felony. An individual who has such a conviction and who is seeking enrollment into the nursing program should contact the Board to receive advice about their status. The Board may be contacted by writing or calling: Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205 Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 263-7800 Additional information about the Vocational Nursing Practice Act can be found on the Internet at www.bvnpt.ca.gov which is the BVNPT's Web site. Students will participate in supervised day and evening clinical experiences in local accredited hospitals and health care agencies in each semester. A student who is given permission to enroll in the program is guaranteed space in all vocational nursing courses that year, providing the student remains in good academic standing. The program is demanding and includes many hours of class, clinical, and homework. Students should consider their own needs relevant to work, family, health, finances, and leisure in addition to the hours needed for study in this program.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: Complete all of the following | 51 | |
| Prerequisite Course: Complete all of the following | 3 | |
| NF 100 | Nutrition | 3 |
| Core Courses: Complete all of the following | 45 | |
| BIOL 100 | Elementary Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| VN 119 | Fundamentals of Patient Care for Vocational Nurses | 2.25 |
| VN 120 | Self-Care Fundamentals, Pharmacology | 12.25 |
| VN 121 | Medical-Surgical Nursing for the Adult and Child | 15.5 |
| VN 122 | Vocational Nursing in the Child-Bearing Family and Pediatric Patient | 5.25 |
| VN 123 | Nursing Leadership and Medical-Surgical Nursing | 6.75 |
| Core Course - Choose one | 3 | |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 101H | General Psychology Honors | 3 |
Recommended Pathway
Vocational Nursing Required Courses
Prerequisite (3 units)
- NF100 - Nutrition (3)
Term 1 (6 units)
- PSY101 - General Psychology (3)
- PSY101H - General Psychology Honors (3)
- BIOL100 - Elementary Human Anatomy and Physiology (3)
Term 2 (14.5 units)
- VN119 - Fundamentals of Patient Care for Vocational Nurses (2.25)
- VN120 - Self-Care Fundamentals, Pharmacology (12.25)
Term 3 (5.25 units)
- VN122 - Vocational Nursing in the Child-Bearing Family and Pediatric Patient (5.25)
Term 4 (15.5 units)
- VN121 - Medical-Surgical Nursing for the Adult and Child (15.5)
Term 5 (6.75 units)
- VN123 - Nursing Leadership and Medical-Surgical Nursing (6.75)