Vocational Nurse Training

San Diego College of Continuing Education is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 

The San Diego College of Continuing Education Vocational Nurse Training Program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).   

Questions and concerns regarding approval status may be addressed to:

BVNPT
2535 Capitol Oaks Dr #205
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 263-7800 or by email at [email protected]. 
Department Telephone Number: (619) 388-1910.  

The mission of the SDCCE Vocational Nurse Training Program is to empower a diverse community of learners by providing equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive nursing education. We are committed to preparing graduates who deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to individuals from all backgrounds. Our program fosters an environment that values and respects diversity, promotes social justice, and equips students with the skills and understanding necessary to address the unique health needs of all communities.

Commitment to Academic Excellence - The vocational nursing faculty is dedicated to promoting interactive learning and skill development by encouraging the application of evidence-based research to practical nursing care across diverse healthcare settings. 

Appreciation of Diversity 
We promote an inclusive learning environment that values and respects the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and contributions of every individual within our nursing community. 

Collegiality 
We recognize and value the collaborative efforts of students, faculty, staff, and community partners, encouraging open dialogue and shared decision-making to enhance the educational experience. 

Commitment to Student Success 
We believe that comprehensive student support services are essential for empowering vocational nursing students to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. 

Integrity 
We uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all aspects of our program, expecting integrity from faculty, staff, and students alike. 

Caring 
We cultivate a culture of compassion and empathy, both within our Vocational Nurse Training Program and in the broader healthcare community, preparing students to deliver patient-centered care. 

Accountability 
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of nursing education and practice, holding ourselves responsible to our students, the nursing profession, our college, and the community to ensure excellence in instruction and positive student outcomes.

 

Information sessions are held twice per month. Email to sign up to reserve your seat!

Eligibility Requirements  

1. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 17 years old by the start of the program.   
2. Educational Background:
   1. A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED) is required.  
   2. Completion of SDCCE Healthcare Careers or a college level Anatomy and Physiology course or equivalent  (within the past five years) with a grade of “C” or higher.  
   3. Official transcripts must be submitted for high school or equivalent and Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent course.  
3. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Certificate: 
   1. A current, valid, and unencumbered California CNA certificate is required.  
   2. Proof of certification must be submitted with the application.  
4. TEAS Test: 
   1. Applicants must achieve a passing score  in each category (Reading, Math, Science and English) on the Test of Essentials Academic Skills (TEAS).  
   2. The passing score will be determined by ATI.  
   3. Official ATI TEAS scores (electronic only) must be submitted.  

If you meet the eligibility requirements, follow these steps to apply:

1. Apply to SDCCD
2. Request an application
3. Submit all documents noted above by the application period end date.

Applicant Selection  

1. Application Period: January 1, 2027-April 30, 2027. 
2. Application Submission: 
   1. Completed applications must include all required documents, including  official transcripts and proof of CNA certification.  
   2. Applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for admission.  
   3. Only completed applications will be considered.
3. Selection
   1. Admission to the nursing program will be determined by random selection of individuals from the group of applicants who meet all eligibility requirements.  
   2. Selected applicants will be provided a “respond by” date.  Those that decline acceptance or do not respond will be removed from the roster.   
   3. Any remaining open seats will be determined by random selection from the remaining group of applicants who meet eligibility requirements.   
   4. Students not selected will need to resubmit at the next application period.   
4. After Acceptance 
   Upon acceptance, students will need to initiate a Complio account and submit the following within 4 weeks: 
   1. Physical exam documented on a SDCCE form  
   2. Proof of TB clearance  
   3. Valid CPR certification from the American Heart Association  
   4. Proof of immunizations (MMR, HepB, Varicella, Tdap, Annual Flu vaccine, COVID vaccine or waiver)  
   5. Background check
   6. Drug screen

Note: Items noted above are required by clinical partners for clinical placement. Students are encouraged to complete all items prior to the start of the program. Students who do not submit the above documentation by the due date will not be permitted to progress to the clinical experience and will not progress in the program. 

 

The SDCCE Vocational Nurse Training Program is offered tuition free; however, there are costs associated with the program. All noted fees are estimates and subject to change depending on costs set by vendors.

• TEAS Test fee (required for admission) $120-$125
• Uniforms: $50-$75 per set
• Patch: $15-$20
• Shoes: $50 and up
• Stethoscope: $25 and up
• Pen Light: $15
• Watch with second hand: $15 and up
• Text Books: $600-$1000
• Complio Fees:
  • Immunization Package $24.00 for 12 months
  • BackgroundCheck & Drub Screen $77.00
  • Clinical Placement/match fee $25
• Total Estimated Fees: $1000.00 - $1325.00*

*Does not include costs to obtain required physical and immunizations

Program Goals 

• Prepare Competent Nurses: Graduating novice nurses who are competent in delivering safe, effective care. 

• Promote Cultural Competence: Instilling cultural sensitivity and awareness in students. 

• Encourage Lifelong Learning: Inspiring a commitment to ongoing education and professional development. 

 

Courses in the SDCCE Vocational Nurse Training Program must be completed in sequence to ensure that students build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills before advancing to more complex nursing concepts and clinical experiences. Sequential coursework allows for the gradual development of clinical judgment and technical proficiency, which are essential for safe and effective patient care. This structured progression also aligns with regulatory requirements and prepares students to meet program outcomes and licensure standards.  

  

   

HLTH 619	Term I      Fundamentals of Vocational Nursing	108 Lecture hours  36 Lab hours  160 Clinical hours
HLTH 620	Vocational Nursing Pharmacology	60 Lecture hours  24 Lab hours
HLTH 621	Term II     Medical/Surgical Vocational Nursing I	108 Lecture hours  54 Lab hours  160 Clinical hours
HLTH 622	Mental Health Vocational Nursing	54 Lecture hours  20 Clinical hours
HLTH 623	Term III      Medical/Surgical Vocational Nursing II	108 Lecture hours  36 Lab hours  168 Clinical hours
HLTH 624	Obstetrical/Pediatric Vocational Nursing	48 Lecture hours   24 Lab hours  48 clinical hours
HLTH 625	Term IV     Medical/Surgical Vocational Nursing III	60 Lecture hours   60 Lab hours  180 Clinical hours
HLTH 622	Vocational Nursing Leadership	48 Lecture hours

Policies & Procedures:

The SDCCE Vocational Nurse Student Handbook contains the policies and procedures that guide the program. You can access the handbook here: (Create a link to handbook)

Resources:

• College libraries (City, Mesa, & Miramar)

Clinical Requirements and Expectations:

Students must complete all clinical hours required by BVNPT to successfully complete the course. If a student misses a clinical day, they will have to make arrangements to make up the missed hours.

Contact Info:          

• Email: Pending
• Phone Number: 619-388-1910
• Address: 1901 Main St., San Diego, CA 92013

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) have a wide range of career opportunities across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, home health agencies, and correctional institutions. With experience, LVNs can advance into roles such as charge nurse, clinical coordinator, or healthcare educator. Many choose to continue their education to become Registered Nurses (RNs) through LVN-to-RN bridge programs, opening doors to greater clinical responsibility, leadership positions, and higher salaries. Additionally, LVNs may pursue specialized certifications in areas like gerontology, IV therapy, or wound care, enhancing their expertise and career versatility within the evolving landscape of patient care.