When you’re a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), you can explore a number of exciting career opportunities in the medical field. At some point, you may decide it’s time to seek more responsibility and increase your salary. LVN to RN programs in California are available, making it easy for you to become a registered nurse.
LVN vs. RN Programs
It’s important to understand the differences between an LVN and an RN. Both have significant growth opportunities over the next decade. Additionally, both require you to pass a nationwide licensing exam.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses can earn more than $20,000 a year more than LVNs. Much of this has to do with added responsibilities, including administering IV medications, pronouncing the time of death, and administering various insulin and cardiac medication drips.
Top 5 LVN to RN Programs in California
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yuba College | Marysville, California |
| 2 | San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino, California |
| 3 | American River College | Sacramento, California |
| 4 | Butte College | Oroville, California |
| 5 | Fresno City College | Fresno, California |
Upgrade Your Career by Becoming an RN
If you are currently working as an LVN, there are ways to upgrade your career. You can choose to get certified in a specialty, such as IV therapy or pharmacology. However, if you upgrade to an RN, you can specialize in so much more, including obstetrics, geriatrics, or ER.
The average program will take between one and two years to complete. Some courses may be available online while labs will have to be done on campus. It can be a great investment in your career by looking into LVN to RN programs in California.
We’ve identified some of the top schools in California that offer an LVN to RN program. We’ve determined the rank by looking at two important factors: tuition costs and the student to teacher ratio. Those with lower-cost programs and smaller classroom sizes are ranked higher on the list.
Top 14 LVN to RN Programs in California
1
Yuba College
- Marysville, California
AtYuba College, there is a full LVN to RN program, which includes an LVN to RN Bridge course. There are prerequisites that may need to be completed as well as several program courses such as Physiology, Microbiology, and Anatomy. Students will also need to score about a 62 percent on the TEAS and obtain a Current Intravenous Therapy certification among several other requirements. There is a time commitment within this program that includes four hours of theory and 16 to 18 hours of clinical time. Further, the amount of study/homework can vary from 20 to 30 hours a week.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1124
Student to Teacher Ratio: 19:1
2
San Bernardino Valley College
- San Bernardino, California
The Nursing Department atSan Bernardino Valley Collegeoffers an LVN to RN program. Students who enroll in the program must have at least one year of full-time LVN work experience. Additionally, prerequisites must be completed prior to applying to the program. The bridge program is a total of 30 units, followed by the NCLEX-RN examination in order to become licensed. The program allows for students to be licensed in the state of California, but students will not be awarded anAssociate of Science(AS) degree by completing this bridge program.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1238
Student to Teacher Ratio: 24:1
3
American River College
- Sacramento, California
AtAmerican River College, the LVN to RN program is a one-year program if taken full-time. The career mobility program involves taking a summer bridge course and completing all of the necessary prerequisites as the traditional RN program, including Speech and either Sociology or Cultural Anthropology. Students must have an active LVN license in the state and have a minimum of six months of recent full-time experience working as an LVN. Students will be actively involved in training with a hands-on approach.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1104
Student to Teacher Ratio: 29:1
4
Butte College
- Oroville, California
The LVN to RN program atButte Collegeis state-approved and makes it possible for students to apply for the licensure to become a Registered Nurse. Admission requirements include holding a current California LVN license and 16 units of college-level nursing credit. Additionally, students must already have the IV Therapy Certification. Students will need to maintain a GPA of at least 2.5, particularly in the courses of Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology. Other courses include Physical Education Activities and Modern Social Problems.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1368
Student to Teacher Ratio: 20:1
5
Fresno City College
- Fresno, California
Students who attendFresno City Collegecan complete the LVN to RN program in approximately one year, though it may require longer depending on the prerequisites that have been completed. Students will learn about direct and indirect approaches to providing health care services. The 30 units required to be able to sit for the RN licensure exam include courses in Microbiology and Human Physiology. Skills labs will be a significant part of the program to prepare students for fieldwork.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1304
Student to Teacher Ratio: 27:1
6
Santa Ana College
- Santa Ana, California
The LVN to RN program atSanta Ana Collegeis a one-year academic program. Students are considered “Advanced Placement” for this program as they will have already obtained an LVN certification in the state of California and have current work experience. Students will need to have completed all prerequisite courses prior to applying for the program. The program only accepts a limited number of students into the program every year, and priority will go to students who are currently employed at local hospitals in the area, including St. Joseph Hospital of Orange.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1160
Student to Teacher Ratio: 35:1
7
Victor Valley College
- Victorville, California
AtVictor Valley College, students are not required to obtain the standard AS in Nursing. Instead, those who have an LVN certification can enroll in the LVN to RN entry program. There are several entry exams that will need to be passed. Additionally, students who wish to graduate from the program will need to complete at least 12 units at VVC. Students who have documented experience in certain areas may be able to challenge content areas in order to avoid sitting in the classes/labs. The thirty-unit program, for most students, will take one year to graduate.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1424
Student to Teacher Ratio: 23:1
8
Pacific Union College
- Angwin, California
The LVN to RN program atPacific Union Collegeis uniquely designed so that students can continue to work as an LVN while continuing to obtain a nursing education. The program includes three 17-week sessions, which takes a total of 18 months to complete. The format is non-traditional, designed for the working adult. The Christian liberal arts college has a list of courses that will need to be taken, including mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, and more.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $30,813
Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1
9
Los Angeles Harbor College
- Los Angeles, California
The Division of Health Sciences atLos Angeles Harbor Collegeoffers an LVN to RN bridge program. Students will need to complete an array of prerequisite courses that include Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Psychology. We also require LVN applicants to enroll in Nursing 329A/B (offered in Fall semester only), 311, and 321, as well as have acurrent CA LVN license. The program only accepts a limited number of students into the advanced placement program, on a space-available basis.
While there are minimum requirements to enter the program, upon admission to the LVN – RN program can be completed in 18 months and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. Students should anticipate having to study 24 to 36 hours a week outside of the classroom and those who work more than 20 hours a week are cautioned that their success will be greatly reduced.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1220
Student to Teacher Ratio: 49:1
10
Mt. San Jacinto College
- San Jacinto, California
AtMt. San Jacinto College, students can choose to not only take the LVN to RN bridge program but also work toward earning an Associate in Science degree. This will involve taking the core classes of the program as well as courses that satisfy the requirements to earn an AS. Students will need to purchase a wide array of supplies for the program, including nursing uniforms, supply kits, and more. By the end of the program, students will have the ability to sit for the NCLEX-RN program in order to be licensed as an RN by the state of California.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1406
Student to Teacher Ratio: 28:1
11
San Diego State University
- San Diego, California
The School of Nursing atSan Diego State Universityoffers a 30-unit LVN to RN option. Students can complete the program in one year, though it will not involve earning an Associate in Science degree. Students can choose to take courses not only at SDSU but at other schools around the state. By the end of the program, students will be able to qualify for taking the licensure exam to become an RN. The 30-unit program is also only accepted by employers in California – other states may require additional courses before becoming licensed as an RN.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $7510
Student to Teacher Ratio: 25:1
12
Allan Hancock College
- Santa Maria, California
Students who take the LVN to RN program atAllan Hancock Collegewill also earn an Associate in Science. The program is fully accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing. It will take two semesters to complete. In order to be eligible for the program, students must have either recently completed an accredited vocational program or hold a current LVN license in California. Students will have classroom learning as well as skills labs. Additionally, there will be a significant amount of collaboration with health care teams.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1352
Student to Teacher Ratio: 37:1
13
College of the Desert
- Palm Desert, California
At theCollege of the Desert, students are placed into an Advanced Placement program in order to seek a LVN to RN program. Enrollment in the program is limited and requires a GPA of at least 2.5 as well as current LVN licensure in the state of California. There is a 30-unit option that students can choose to take so that they will receive the classroom and hands-on learning needed in order to graduate from the program and qualify to take the RN licensure exam. Another option is to take an additional semester worth of courses in order to qualify for an AS in Nursing.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1335
Student to Teacher Ratio: 48:1
14
Long Beach City College
- Long Beach, California
Current LVNs can choose to attend the LVN to RN program atLong Beach City College. There is an information meeting that must be attended in addition to completing the nursing program application. Students who are admitted into the program must complete all perquisites prior to starting. The ADN (Associate Degree Nursing) program will typically take one year to complete and provide students with the ability to meet the healthcare needs of the community. The program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
School Overview
Tuition Cost per Year: $1556
Student to Teacher Ratio: 28:1
How We Ranked The Schools
The schools are ranked by giving them a score in two different areas. Schools are first scored based on tuition, with the more affordable programs receiving a higher score. Then, schools are scored based on student to teacher ratio, with the smaller classroom sizes receiving a higher score because it offers more focused learning. The scores are added together in order to identify how the schools are ranked.
The cost of tuition is based on the cost to attend for one year (two semesters). When applicable, in-state tuition fees are used. Further, the cost of tuition is based on tuition and fees alone – labs and books are excluded as is any room and board costs that may be required.
If you notice an error in any of the data we’ve used to rank the schools, please let us know. We aim to provide the most updated information to help identify which schools across the state are the best.
When you’re searching for an online LVN to RN program to upgrade your career, let us help you find one that works well for you.
FAQs
What is the fastest LPN to RN program? ›
What is the fastest LPN to RN program? LPN-RN bridge programs that lead to an ADN let LPNs become RNs in as little as one year. ADN-holders qualify to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for state RN licensure. Graduates who decide to pursue a BSN later can complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program.
What is the easiest nursing school to get into in California? ›What is the easiest nursing school to get into in California? California State University—Bakersfield has an acceptance rate of 78%, which is higher than other schools in the state.
What is the number 1 nursing school in California? ›- University of California--San Francisco.
- University of California--Los Angeles.
- University of California--Davis.
- University of California--Irvine.
- University of San Diego.
- University of San Francisco.
- California State University--Fullerton.
- University of Southern California.
#1: Duke University
Indeed, DUSON was the first school in North Carolina to offer the doctor of nursing practice degree. Duke also graduates 120-150 students each year from its accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program.
Admission Requirements for LVN-RN
Hold a current California LVN license. Employed full-time as an LVN for at least 1 year (within the last 5 years) High School graduate or equivalent GED exam. Minimum GPA of 2.5 on all transcripts completed since high school graduation.
In California, licensed vocational nurses can take a special 30-credit program and "challenge" the test, or take it without the usual required education, to become an RN.
What is the easiest RN program to get into? ›- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN Purdue University Global. ...
- BS - Nursing RN to BSN Online at Arizona State University. ...
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing The Ohio State University. ...
- B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN) Western Governors University.
- University of California-Los Angeles. ...
- University of California-Irvine. ...
- California State University-Fullerton. ...
- California State University-Long Beach. ...
- San Diego State University. ...
- California State University-Chico. ...
- California State University-San Bernardino. ...
- California State University-Fresno.
What is the #1 nursing school in the US? Duke University is currently rated as the #1 nursing school in the U.S.
Is RN school Hard? ›Nursing requires more dedication than many other careers. However, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Nursing school is notoriously difficult—and it's not for everyone. Graduate school is challenging as well.
Is it hard to get into nursing school in California? ›
Despite the high demand for more nurses, students at some California community colleges are finding it difficult to get accepted into nursing programs.
What community college has the best nursing program in California? ›1) Los Angeles Harbor College, Wilmington
Los Angeles Harbor College (LAHC) is part of the Los Angeles Community College District.
| School Name | NCLEX Pass Rate | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Valley College | 95% | $5,549 |
| Golden West College | 92% | $5,577 |
| San Joaquin Delta College | 92% | $5,517 |
| Cerritos College | 88% | $5,539 |
- Take college prep classes in high school.
- Choose the type of nursing school you want to attend.
- Select a college and apply for admission.
- Apply for financial aid.
- Obtain an RN license. Take college prep classes in high school.
How much does a LVN make in California? As of Oct 10, 2022, the average annual pay for a LVN in California is $59,596 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $28.65 an hour.
What is the fastest way to become a nurse in California? ›Those interested in becoming a nurse in California in the shortest amount of time should pursue an associate degree in nursing, as this can be completed within a two-year timeframe. Upon completion of the program, passing the NCLEX-RN and applying for a license can take an additional 10-12 weeks.
What is the 30 unit option for LVN in California? ›The 30-unit option (Non-Graduate) program is a three-semester program for the applicant with a valid California Vocational Nurse license, who wishes to quickly meet the requirements to take the NCLEX-RN examination as a non-graduate.
What happens if you fail NCLEX 3 times? ›After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. Candidates have six attempts to pass in total. Louisiana nursing students can take the NCLEX exam up to four times within two years of graduating from nursing school.
Can I take the NCLEX without going to nursing school? ›Requirements for Taking the NCLEX
To become a practical or vocational nurse, nursing school or an undergraduate degree is not required. However, candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN, which they can take after earning a relevant certificate in LVN or LPN.
In order to make the transition from LPN to RN, LPNs generally complete an accredited registered nurse program and take the national exam for RN licensure known as the NCLEX-RN. In some cases, however, LPNs are able to waive a portion of the RN program because of their experience.
What state is the easiest to get into nursing school? ›
- University of West Georgia.
- Emory University.
- Columbus State University.
- Augusta University.
- South Dakota State University.
- Eastern Illinois University.
- Mercer University.
- San Diego State University.
in general, the answer to your question is no. however, the smarter recruiters who know their area know more about the area nursing schools than you can imagine. they keep contacts with the instructors and program directors at the schools as well as with managers and recruiters at other hospitals.
How can I increase my chances of getting into nursing school? ›- Write Down Your “Why” for Nursing. ...
- Choose a Nursing School with Multiple Start Dates. ...
- Ensure You Meet Admissions Requirements. ...
- Create a Professional Resume. ...
- Connect with Your Admissions Counselor. ...
- Start Your Prerequisites Early. ...
- Spend Time with Patients.
- Johns Hopkins University.
- Duke University.
- Emory University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
- University of Washington.
- Columbia University.
- Ohio State University.
- University of Michigan--Ann Arbor.
California State University--Los Angeles is ranked No. 78 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's and Unranked in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Are all nursing schools the same? ›But no two nursing schools are exactly the same. Factors like cost, distance from your home and time to completion all vary from one institution to another. So how can you narrow down your choices and choose the nursing school that is right for you?
What is the hardest semester of nursing school? ›Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.
- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
| Top 10 Nursing Schools in 2019 Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania | United States |
| 2 | King's College London (KCL) | United Kingdom |
| 3 | The University of Manchester | UK |
| 4 | Johns Hopkins University | US |
- Fluids, fluids and more fluids. ...
- Cardiovascular System. ...
- Pulmonary System. ...
- Renal System. ...
- Acid/Base Balance. ...
- Electrolytes. ...
- Endocrine System and Feedback Loops. ...
- Dimensional Analysis.
Is LPN or RN school harder? ›
To be honest I don't see RN school any harder than LPN school. RN school does go more in depth about certain concepts and medications. I actually went more in depth about some things in LPN school than RN school, for example the heart. Being a LPN has made RN school a little easier.
Do you have to be smart to be a nurse? ›Yes, you do need to be smart enough to be a Nurse with the ability to learn subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, Math, and English. This can be gruelling for some, whilst others will find it fairly easy.
What percentage of people fail nursing school? ›Nursing school is difficult and will be hard to pass. Most students pass their nursing program, so you can too. How many nursing students fail? According to the National League of Nursing, the dropout rate for nursing programs in the United States is around 20%.
Why is LPN school so hard? ›The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts.
Is nursing school harder than med school? ›Medical school is significantly more difficult than nursing school. Admission to Medical School is not only much more difficult, but the volume of study at Medical School is also much greater than at Nursing School. While there are some similarities in what is taught, Medical School goes into much greater detail.
What is the number 1 community college in California? ›Foothill College
#1 Best Community Colleges in California.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $202,000.
- Nursing Administrator – $120,000.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse – $120,000.
- General Nurse Practitioner – $118,000.
- Critical Care Nurse – $118,000.
- Certified Nurse Midwife – $114,000.
- Informatics Nurse – $102,000.
Completing an LPN/LVN program makes you eligible for licensure after you pass a state administered nursing examination called the NCLEX-PN. The associate degree in nursing (ADN) program, on the other hand,concentrates more on technical skills than theory.
Can an LPN challenge the RN Nclex? ›There is no state in the US that will allow people to "challenge" the NCLEX- RN . You must complete an approved (registered) nursing education program to be eligible. If an individual is an LVN/LPN with the desire to earn the RN licensure, (s)he must complete an RN bridge program and pass the NCLEX- RN .
Can a LPN take the RN Nclex? ›In order to make the transition from LPN to RN, LPNs generally complete an accredited registered nurse program and take the national exam for RN licensure known as the NCLEX-RN. In some cases, however, LPNs are able to waive a portion of the RN program because of their experience.
How long is Fortis LPN to RN program? ›
The program is two years, and an associate degree in nursing is awarded at the conclusion of the program. Students can then sit for the NCLEX-RN to become licensed registered nurses.
How long is Jersey College LPN to RN program? ›Jersey College offers a 15-month LPN-to-RN Bridge Program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who wish to become Registered Nurses (RNs).
Can an LPN call themselves a nurse? ›First, LPNs must pass a national licensure exam prior to assuming nursing responsibilities. In my opinion, if an individual passed the NCLEX-PN, they have earned the title nurse. Furthermore, a governing nursing board can suspend or revoke an LPNs license if he or she engages in a disorderly act.
Is becoming an LPN before RN worth it? ›There are benefits to receiving your LPN credentials before moving forward including: Quick entrance into the workforce: A practical nursing program takes approximately half the time that a complete RN program does. This means you can enter the workforce quickly, building experience in the field early in your career.
What is the highest paying state for LPNs? ›As a Licensed Practical Nurse, you would earn the highest wages an LPN in the US can earn in Alaska, where LPNs take home around $67,620 yearly. California is second, with an annual salary of $64,090, and Massachusetts is a close third, with a yearly wage of $60,400.
Is NCLEX harder than LPN? ›The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the exam that nursing graduates must pass in order to become a Registered Nurse. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing provides it (NCSBN). The NCLEX-RN is more difficult to pass and needs more study.
Can you take the NCLEX-RN without school? ›Candidates can take the NCLEX-PN exam without an undergraduate degree in nursing or a healthcare-related degree. For instance, if an individual holds a degree in Economics, they can still apply for the NCLEX-PN, provided they first complete a related diploma or certificate course required to sit for the exam.
What is the passing score for LPN NCLEX? ›While it's possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 145, it's also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 60 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours. If you haven't answered enough questions correctly when the clock runs out, you will fail the test.
How much is FORTIS? ›| Estimated Budgets | |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $14,165 |
| Other Fees | $465 |
| Off-Campus Housing Budget | $8,748 |
| Off-Campus Other Budget | $8,505 |
Nursing requires more dedication than many other careers. However, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Nursing school is notoriously difficult—and it's not for everyone. Graduate school is challenging as well.
How long is RN program at Fortis College? ›
Nursing Program Duration
A traditional nursing program is 2 years in length — with summers off and all the standard school breaks. An accelerated program can be completed in a year and a half, or 16 months, with no break for the summer.
In order to become an LPN, you must complete a diploma in practical nursing through an approved educational program. These programs typically only take one year to complete and help prospective nurses learn basic nursing skills through a combination of coursework and clinical experiences.
How long is the LPN to BSN program at Berkeley College? ›The program moves at a fast pace – seven semesters of full-time study – with cutting-edge curriculum that prepares individuals for a career as a professional nurse.
How much do LPNS make in NJ per hour? ›As of Oct 5, 2022, the average annual pay for a LPN in New Jersey is $49,276 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.69 an hour.