Nursing and Health Careers

Vocational Nursing Program - Program Requirements


The three-semester Vocational Nursing program is designed to prepare the student for beginning practice in nursing care. Theory content provides each student with a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities of vocational nurses in providing health care to all age groups. After course completion and licensure, students are prepared to function completely and skillfully in a wide variety of health care settings.

Certificate: Vocational Nursing (54 units)

ATTENTION:  The fall 2013 Vocational Nursing application period has been pushed back to March 18, 2013 thru April 19, 2013.The next vocational nursing nursing program will begin fall 2013. The fall 2013 application is now available. Please review this web site for program information.  For further information, contact the Nursing Office at (530) 841-5929.  *** All Prerequisites must be completed prior to submitting an application for the Vocational Nursing Program.                                                                                                                                               A Spring 2014 vocational nursing program is also anticipated.                                                                                                                                                                                             
Prerequisites for Admission:

  • Eligibility for MATH 0851 or MATH 0852 (or approved course) by either successfully completing MATH 0830 (or approved course) or through the assessment process (assessment scores are valid for two  years only).
  • Completion of ENGL 0950 (or approved course) or higher or through the writing assessment process with a score of 65 or above.
  • Official College transcripts.
  • Must be at least 17 years of age by the time of the licensure exam.
  • Official high school diploma, GED or high school equivalency certificate.
  • Completion of Human Anatomy (BIO 2700) (or approved course) with a C grade or better.
  • Completion of Nutrition (FCS 1011) (or approved course) with a C grade or better.
  • Completion of Medical Terminology (NURS 1045) (or approved course) with a C grade or better.
  • Use this link for a list of approved prerequisite classes from other colleges.            

   

  • Pass a physical exam (forms available in the Nursing Office) and verification of required immunizations: Chicken Pox, annual influenza, MMR, Tdap, Hep. B series of 3, annual TB skin test (within 2 months of program start date)
  • American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR card valid for the duration of the program
  • Criminal background clearance and drug screening clearance prior to the start of the program.
  • Completion of a Nursing Transcript Evaluation Form. Instructions: How to Run a DegreeWorks Transcript Evaluation for Nursing Program Prerequisites You will need to submit a copy of your completed transcript evaluation with your application packet.                                         ***Please note that standard evaluation time is 4-8 weeks AFTER official transcripts (unofficial transcripts for COS classes only) are received at COS’s Enrollment Services; although evaluations are approached in a timely manner-completion time can be impacted by the prime registration periods. Copies will NOT be sent directly to the nursing department. It is the student’s responsibility to have the evaluation done in a timely manner and submit results with the nursing application. 
  • Must be able to provide own transportation to and from clinical facilities.
Certificate Vocational Nursing Program:
 Units
First Semester:  
NURS 0951 Vocational Nursing 15
NURS 0899 Support Course - Clinical Skills Practice .5 - 1
     
Second Semester:  
NURS 0952 Vocational Nursing 15
NURS 0899 Support Course - Clinical Skills Practice .5 - 1
     
Third Semester:  
NURS 0953 Vocational Nursing 14
NURS 0899 Support Course - Clinical Skills Practice .5 - 1
     
Additional Support Courses:  
NURS 0966 IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal 1.5
NURS 2929 Special Studies 1-2
     
Prerequisite Classes: Units
BIO 2700 Human Anatomy
4
FCS 1011 Nutrition
3
NURS 1045 Medical Terminology
3
Total Units Required
54

Associate Degree Major: In addition to the 54 unit Vocational Nursing Program students must also complete general education requirements.

    * Please refer to the Associate Degree general education requirements in the Schedule of Classes for a list of acceptable courses. Make an appointment with a COS counselor for assistance in completing the  general education requirements.

Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Board Examination. A passing score entitles you to become an LVN. In order to take the NCLEX exam, students must possess a U.S. Social Security card.

To learn more about the application process for this program, contact the Nursing Office at                (530) 841-5929.

Vocational Nursing Certificate (PDF)

Vocational Nursing Associate Degree (PDF)



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