Pass the California LVN certification exam and become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) with the Vocational Nursing AS from CMC. Also known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), an LVN works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), doctor, or practitioner.
With a Vocational Nursing certificate, you can work in places like:
- General hospitals
- Blood banks
- Dialysis centers
- Addiction service clinic
- Psychiatric hospitals
Start Your Career Sooner
One of the many benefits of becoming an LVN is that you’re able to begin your career in the health industry much sooner. At CMC, the Vocational Nursing program is three semesters long, not including the required prerequisites.
Unlike getting certified as a registered nurse (RN), LVN training and certification takes roughly half the amount of time. With healthcare changing rapidly every day, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities will see your help as invaluable.
Rule #1 – Quality Care
As a vocational nurse, you’re able to work in almost any healthcare setting. From blood banks to surgical hospitals, everyone is looking for more nurses, yourself included. No matter where you go, though, one thing is clear: a CMC VN certificate prepares you to provide quality care for everyone.
Even though the nature of healthcare is always changing, especially among settings—dialysis centers and psychiatric hospitals have different care needs—the one constant is the patient. As an LVN, the number one rule is to provide the best care possible.
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.
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Finish Your Prerequisites
Before you can submit your application, you’re expected to have already completed your 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 may be rejected from the program at CMC.
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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:
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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 92252The packages can’t be sent requiring a signature or with FedEx or UPS. It must be sent via USPS without a signature requirement.
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Drop off your application in a sealed envelope.
The sealed envelope must contain:
Your Name
VN Program
Admission CommitteeIt 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.
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.
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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. You attend and pass the classes in the correct order.
If you have any questions, please contact the Health Services department for more information.
Vocational Nursing Cert.: What to Expect
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Completion Requirements
- Completion of prerequisite work
- 56 degree units
- Minimum grade “C” for required courses
- GPA of at 2.0 or better
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Required Courses
Prerequisites
Human Anatomy (BI 022) | 4.00
Human Physiology (BI 023) | 5.00
Basic Pharmacology (HS 065) | 3.00
Developmental Psychology (PSY 003) | 3.00
Courses
Vocational Nursing I (VN 010) | 9.00
Vocational Nursing II (VN 020) | 16.00
Vocational Nursing III (VN 030) | 16.00
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What You Learn
- Communicate effectively with patients, clients, and your team.
- Document patient care issues competently.
- Assess the physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs of clients.
- Plan and provide safe interventions offering experienced nursing care standards.
- Determine priorities, goals, effectiveness of care, and referrals for your patients.
- Adhere to the nursing code of ethics.
- Work within the scope of a Vocational Nurse.
- Manage your actions by taking responsibility.
- Become an advocate for patients through political, economic, and societal activities.
- Acquire patient information and data using technology.
- Required Forms & Documents
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