Vocational Nursing AS

What Can You Do With a Vocational Nursing Degree?

Pass the California LVN certification exam and become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) with the Vocational Nursing AS. Also known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), an LVN works in the hospital, typically under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), doctor, or practitioner.

You can work in places like:

General hospitals
Blood banks
Doctors’ offices
Dialysis centers
Prison clinics

Further Your Education

With an AS in Vocational training, you’re able to gain the experience you need when you decide to advance your education and become a registered nurse (RN).

CMC’s LVN to RN program does just that—begins your RN training and education if you’re already an LVN. With the experience you’ve already gained, you can begin thinking about an area you’d like to specialize in.

Start Sooner

Studying to become an LVN takes a lot less time than it takes to become a registered nurse (RN). In fact, the CMC LVN program only takes 3 semesters, whereas other nursing programs take longer than that (3 years in some cases).

That means you can study, get certified, and begin working within two years. With your early experience, you’ll also have a greater chance to continue your education. Some schools, such as CMC, offer programs that take your experience as an LVN into account, giving you another reason to get a head start on your healthcare career as an LVN.

How Do I Apply?

The Vocational Nursing program requires different steps before you can begin registering for classes. You must complete your prerequisites and submit an application to be entered into the Vocational Nursing program.

Failure to meet any of these requirements will impact your ability to register.

To complete the AS in Vocational Nursing, additional units must be completed.

Finish Your Prerequisites
Before you can submit your prerequisites, it’s expected you complete the prerequisite classes. The list of prerequisite classes is:
- Human Anatomy (BI 022) | 4.00
- Physiology (BI 023) | 5.00
- Basic Pharmacology (HS 064) | 3.00
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 003) | 3.00
You must also undergo a criminal background check and a drug screen. Depending on the results, you can be rejected from entering the VN program at CMC.
Fill Out & Submit Your Application
Applications are accepted between February 1 – 28. You can only submit an application after you complete, or when you are about to complete, your prerequisite classes.

The Vocational Nursing program application packet must include the following:
- Vocational Nursing Program application
- Official transcripts for all college coursework/postsecondary schools
- Official high school/GED transcripts
There are two options for turning in your application:
1. Mail the application packet via USPS:
  
  It must be postmarked February 1 – 28 and sent to the following address as follows:
  
  Copper Mountain College
  Attention: VN Program Admissions Committee
  PO Box 1398
  Joshua Tree CA 92252
  
  The packages can’t be sent requiring a signature or with FedEx or UPS. It must be sent via USPS without a signature requirement.
2. Drop off your application in a sealed envelope.
  
  The sealed envelope must contain:
  
  Your Name
  VN Program
  Admission Committee
  
  It must also be printed on the front and dropped off in the white drop box at the entrance to the Phase II courtyard near 200 on/before February 28 at 1600.
  Drop off your application in a sealed envelope.
You will be contacted via email if you are accepted into the program.

If you have any questions, please contact the Health Services department for more information.
Attend Vocational Nursing Classes in the Right Sequence

After you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork and completed the required prerequisites, then it’s time to register for classes.

The three Vocational Nursing courses (VN 010, VN 020, VN 030) must be taken in the correct sequence, with VN 010 offered in summer, VN 020 offered in fall, and VN 030 offered in spring.

If you have any questions, please contact the Health Services department for more information.
Complete Additional Units
Completing the prerequisites and Vocational Nursing courses reward you with the certificate in Vocational Nursing and the ability to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX -PN) for vocational nursing in California.

To earn an Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing, additional units need to be completed. The courses you need to complete are:
- College Composition (ENG 3A) | 3.00
- Intermediate Algebra (MATH 040)
- Or a higher math course | 4.00
- General Psychology (PSY 001) | 3.00
- Introductory Sociology (SOC 001)
  Or
- Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 002) | 3.00
- Interpersonal Communication (SP 001)
  Or
- Public Speaking (SP 004)
  Or
- Decision Making and Advocacy (SP 007)
  Or
- Intercultural Communication (SP 015) | 3.00
You will still need to take a Humanities course; Perspectives on Death & Dying (PHIL 013) is recommended. You must pass each course with at least a C or better.

An Associate Degree offers you the chance to transfer credits and continue your education and career when you’re ready.

If you have any questions, please contact the Health Services department for more information.