Nursing – Vocational Nursing Certificate

Certificate | SC Program: CT.3265

Program Overview

To learn more about the program including cost, application process, enrollment criteria, and more, please visit the Vocational Nursing Certificate Program website.

Vocational Nursing Certificate

This curriculum is designed to prepare selected individuals to provide nursing care requiring technical-manual skills under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or physician. Upon successful completion of the program, a student receives a Certificate of Completion and is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a Vocational Nurse. Students who have had previous education and experience in nursing will be given the opportunity to receive credit toward completion of the program.

This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of the listed requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate:

• 90% of those students who are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN) will pass the examination within the first six months of the first attempt.

Requirements for Enrollment into the Program 

Space in the program is limited. A new class is enrolled every three semesters. In order to be eligible for enrollment, students must satisfy the prerequisites listed Below and file an enrollment packet with the Admissions Office during designated enrollment periods in each semester. All qualified applicants are placed on a waiting list and enrolled on a space available basis in the order of their accepted application date. Specific information is available in the Enrollment Process tab on our website.

Students must meet all of the following requirements for application:

• Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Students must be a current Certified Nurse Aide (CNA).
• Students must complete the following prerequisite courses with a C grade or better. No in-progress courses will be accepted.

Prerequisite Courses

• BIOL 5 Introduction to Human Biology 3
• BIOL 6 Human Biology Lab 1
• ECE 1 Human Development 3
• NUTR 25 Nutrition 3
• PSYC 1A General Psychology 3 OR PSYC 14 Psychology of Personal/Social Adjustment

Total Prerequisite Units: 13

Health & Safety Clinical Clearance

Upon acceptance for enrollment, students must meet additional clinical requirements. All students participating in clinical experiences must submit proof of immunity of specific immunizations or serum titers, cleared criminal background check, negative drug screen, current physical examination and negative TB screening, and provide current valid Basic Life Support-Health Care Provider card (CPR) which includes adult, child & infant resuscitation with two person rescue and AED training). Students are financially responsible for meeting these requirements according to established program process. Specific information is available on the Health and Safety Requirements tab on the website or students may call the Division Office (530) 339-3600.

Certificate Requirements

Students must be enrolled in the program in order to take the courses listed below.

NOTE: Students must show competence in both clinical and theory components (a grade of C or better) in order to progress through the curriculum. A failing grade in either theory or clinical components will require withdrawal or result in failure of the program.

• VOCN 160 Foundations of Nursing Practice 15
• VOCN 161 Nursing of Adults 13
• VOCN 162 Nursing of Adults and Children 13

Total Units for Certificate: 41

Recommended Courses (Not required)

• ENGL 190 Reading and Writing II
• HEOC 11 Medical Terminology
• MATH 220 Basic Mathematics

For reference only as of 2019/2020