Vocational Nursing Certificate
What can I do with this?
The Vocational Nursing Certificate
- Is an intensive program totaling 1,662 hours.
- Is approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.
- Prepares students to take the licensure examination provided by the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCLEX-PN).
You can use this to:
- Become a Licensed Vocational (Practical) Nurse (LVN/PN)
Nurses are in high demand and job opportunities for nurses vary widely. Employment opportunities are found in long-term care and acute care hospitals as well as in assorted clinics, physician's offices, and correctional facilities. Jobs for LVNs are projected to increase by 22.4% by 2020. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Monthly Labor Review, Jan 2012
Find it! Be it! Find out how Cerro Coso Community College is helping students get training and education close to home and gain skills for good-paying jobs.
What will I learn?
- To identify the etiology, pathophysiology and signs and symptoms of disorders of all body systems and stages of development.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the nursing process.
- To take a leadership role in both the profession of Vocational Nursing and in the community.
- To successfully pass the State Mandated NCLEX-PN Boards.
What courses do I take?
Note: Some courses within the major have a required prerequisite. If you feel you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the Department Chair. For the Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation and verification to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please see a counselor for more information about the Prerequisite Challenge process.
Complete all of the following courses:
Semester I
| Course | Title | Unit(s) |
|---|---|---|
| HCRS C100 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 3 |
| HCRS C103 | Medical Surgical Nursing I | 3 |
| HCRS C107 | Basic Pharmacology Vocational Nursing | 2 |
| HCRS C113 | Clinical Nursing I | 6 |
| EMTC C070 | CPR for the Healthcare Provider | 0.5 |
Semester II
| Course | Title | Unit(s) |
|---|---|---|
| HCRS C204 | Medical Surgical Nursing II | 9 |
| HCRS C214 | Clinical Nursing II | 6 |
Semester III
| Course | Title | Unit(s) |
|---|---|---|
| HCRS C205 | Medical Surgical Nursing III | 3.5 |
| HCRS C206 | Obstetrics and Pediatric Nursing | 3 |
| HCRS C207 | Advanced Pharmacology | 1 |
| HCRS C208 | Critical Thinking and Leadership for the Vocational Nurse | 1.5 |
| HCRS C216 | Clinical Nursing III | 6 |
Select 3 units from the following courses:
| Course | Title | Unit(s) |
|---|---|---|
| HCRS C180 | Pharmacology for Health Professionals | 3 |
| HCRS C181 | Cultural Diversity in Health Care | 3 |
| HCRS C182 | Basic Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation | 3 |
| HCRS C183 | Ethics for the Health Professional | 3 |
Conditions of Enrollment
Vocational Nursing requires the completion of prerequisite courses for entrance into the program.
| Course | Title | Unit(s) |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL C125 | Survey of Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| or BIOL C251 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| and BIOL C255 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| HCRS C132 | Electronic Health Records | 1.5 |
| HCRS C150 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology Honors | 4 |
Program Pathways
All classes needed for this certificate are available at the following campuses: Ridgecrest/IWV Bishop Mammoth Lakes Lake Isabella
See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.
How can I afford it?
This degree requires 43.0 units and will likely take 4 semesters.
Approximate Total Costs
CA Residents
43.0 units
at $46 per unit
Equals $1,978 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $2,580* for books and supplies
Total cost $4,558 for 4 semesters
Non-residents
43.0 units
at $389 per unit
Equals $16,727 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $2,580* for books and supplies
Total cost $19,307 for 4 semesters
*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.
Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your FAFSA every January.
Unsure what’s next? Let us help.
Meet with a Counselor
Take the right classes to meet your education and career goals. Create your Student
Education Plan (SEP) with your Counselor or Ed. Advisor.
Call (760) 384-6219.
Not sure about your career path?
Take the career quiz to discover the perfect career based on your personality type and interests.
