Vocational Nursing Program

Vocational Nursing Program Certificate of Achievement

Vocational Nursing Program Mission The mission of the Bakersfield College Vocational Nursing Program is to prepare entry-level vocational nurses as providers of care cross the health/illness continuum and as members within the profession. Upon completion of the program of study for Vocational Nursing, the student is eligible for a Certificate of Achievement. Estimated Program Costs (Gainful Employment): The estimated cost for the entire program is approximately $5,910. (This includes tuition for Nursing courses only.) For information on Estimated Program Costs (and program information), please visit our website. Requirements for the Vocational Nursing program: Prerequisite Requirements 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. • 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. • PSYC B1A (General Psychology) at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college. • TECM B52, MATH B75, or higher level of math as determined by BC placement process. Equivalent course from another accredited college is accepted. • Eligibility for ENGL B1A or ENGL B1AL (Expository Composition) as determined by BC placement process. Equivalent course from another accredited college is accepted. with a C or higher. • Active Nurse Assistant certification. • MEDS B60 (Medical Terminology) – highly recommended. Note: Students desiring to continue their education and become a registered nurse need to refer to the prerequisites required for the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Application Procedure: The Allied Health office must receive all application forms and transcripts during the designated filing periods. For detailed information on the application period and procedures, please refer to the Allied Health web site or in the Bakersfield College Allied Health Office in MS 178. 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. Program Costs: An estimated cost for the first semester of the program is approximately $3,400. Transfer and Challenge by Exam Policy: For transfer and challenge by exam policies, contact the Nursing Department for further information. Program Approval/Accreditation: The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians accredits the Bakersfield College Vocational Nursing Program. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Bakersfield College. Licensure/Certification Eligibility: Conviction of any offenses other than minor traffic violations must be reported to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians at the time of application for licensure. For clarification contact the VN Program Director or the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, California, 95833, (916) 263-7800. Applicants for VN Licensure must submit a valid Social Security number at the time of application. Career Opportunities: Employment as a Licensed Vocational Nurse can be in a variety of health care settings. Additional employment information can be found online. Pursuant to SB 1393, a student of a registered nursing program with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution is not required to complete any coursework other than that which is unique and exclusively required to earn a nursing degree from that institution. All course work must meet the graduation requirements and licensure eligibility requirements as set forth by the Board of Registered Nursing. To Achieve the Certificate of Achievement: Upon completion of the required courses with at least a “C” grade in each course, the student will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

Program Learning Outcomes

• 1. Demonstrate an understanding of how to use and practice basic assessment (data collection), participate in planning, execute interventions in accordance with the care plan or treatment plan, and contribute to evaluation of individualized intervention related to the care plan or treatment plan. Assessment:Test

• 2. Perform direct patient/client care in which the student a. Performs basic nursing services b. Administers medications c. Applies communication skills for the purpose of patient/client care and education; and d. Contributes to the development and implementation of a teaching plan related to self-care for the patient/client. Assessment:Test

Program Requirements