Vocational Nursing (LVN)
Certificate of Achievement (C) School of Nursing · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Vocational Nursing program prepares applicants to practice as competent, compassionate and ethical Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The program provides a high quality vocational education program which is sensitive to the diverse needs of our students and our community. We facilitate educational access and academic excellence through a learner-centered nursing program, and prepare students to successfully pass the National Licensing Exam (NCLEX PN) and to practice Vocational Nursing in a variety of health-related settings: skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, Residential care facilities, memory-care units, sub-acute care units, hospice and home health agencies, school districts, jails, clinics, surgery centers and physician’s offices.
The mission of the Vocational Nursing program is to provide a high-quality vocational education program that is sensitive to the diverse needs of our students and our community. We facilitate educational access and academic excellence through a learner-centered equitable nursing program and prepare students to practice Vocational Nursing in a variety of healthcare settings.
LVNs Care for ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled persons in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. There are abundant job openings for LVNs in SB county.
Requirements
Certificate of Achievement Requirements
Complete all Major Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement with a C or better or Pass in each course. Candidates for a Certificate of Achievement are required to complete at least 35% of the major requirements through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements: | ||
| Required Core | ||
| Prior to first semester | ||
| BMS 100 | The Human Body | 4-8 |
| orBMS 107 & BMS 108 | Human Anatomy and Human Physiology | |
| Qualifying score on TEAS exam | ||
| First Semester | ||
| VN 161 | Fundamentals for Nursing Practice 1 | 5 |
| VN 162 | Care of the Older Adult | 1.5 |
| VN 163 | Pharmacology for Nurses | 4 |
| VN 164 | Nursing Practicum I | 6 |
| Second Semester | ||
| VN 165 | Medical Surgical Nursing I | 3.5 |
| VN 166 | Medical Surgical Nursing II | 3.5 |
| VN 167 | Nursing Care of Children | 2 |
| VN 168 | Mental Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| VN 169 | Nursing Practicum II | 6 |
| Third Semester | ||
| VN 170 | Medical Surgical Nursing III | 4 |
| VN 171 | Medical Surgical Nursing IV | 4 |
| VN 172 | Maternal Newborn Nursing | 1.5 |
| VN 173 | Preparation for Professional Vocational Nursing Practice | 1.5 |
| VN 174 | Nursing Practicum III | 6 |
| Total Units | 54.00-58.00 | |
- CNA 101 (Certified Nursing Assistant) is a prerequisite to VN 161.
Learning Outcomes
- Function within the scope of practice of the LVN, as outlined by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians.
- Apply the nursing process to practice by collaboratively assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care.
- Practice within professional and legal standards, ethical principles and demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural differences of patients.
- Apply principles of oral, written and verbal communication to convey relevant, accurate and complete information.
- Demonstrate the art and science of professional caring incorporating professional values and client advocacy.
- Be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.