Pasadena City College Licensed Vocational Nursing Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The Vocational Nursing (VN) program at Pasadena City College (PCC) offers a pathway to a fulfilling career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the program's requirements, application process, curriculum, and other essential aspects.

Program Overview

The Vocational Nursing program is a 12-month intensive course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as LVNs. The curriculum emphasizes nursing care for clients with physical and mental health challenges, health promotion strategies, human development principles, and the application of fundamental nursing skills across the lifespan.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the LVN NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). Passing this exam allows them to qualify for licensure from the Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners, enabling them to practice as LVNs in California. LVNs find employment opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, private physician offices, and skilled nursing facilities. A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the Vocational Nursing program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Completed Application: Submit a completed application for admission to the program during the designated application period, which typically runs from March 1 to April 1 annually. All materials must be received by April 1. Incomplete applications will not be considered in the selection process.

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  2. High School Graduation or Equivalent: Possess a high school diploma from an accredited U.S. high school or its equivalent.

  3. Prerequisite Coursework: Complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.75 grade point average:

    • NURS 103: Nursing Assistant (or equivalent)
    • ANAT 025: Human Anatomy
    • PSYC 024: Lifespan Developmental Psychology (birth to death)
    • PYSO 001: Human Physiology
    • NUTR 011: Human Nutrition
  4. Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all high schools and colleges (including those outside of Pasadena City College and Pasadena City College) attended with your online application. Keep one set of transcripts for your personal records. Create one PDF file for each college you have attended.

  5. CNA Certificate: Possess a current Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate from the State of California Department of Public Health. Print out your C.N.A. and uploaded as a PDF file with your application. Label the PDF as "C.N.A."

Additional Requirements After Acceptance

Upon acceptance into the program, students must fulfill these additional requirements:

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  1. Health Documentation: Submit evidence of good health, documented by a recent physical examination, including required immunizations and either a chest x-ray or Mantoux test.
  2. CPR/BLS Card: Obtain and maintain a current CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) card from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, specifically the Health Care Provider course. This certification must be kept current throughout the program.
  3. Background Checks and Drug Tests: Completion of criminal background assessments and drug tests.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for the Vocational Nursing program requires careful attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth application:

  1. Application Period: Be aware that the application period is March 1 - April 1.

  2. Online Application: Apply to the Licensed Vocational Nursing Program.

  3. Scanning Documents: Follow these basic directions for scanning documents for your online application:

    • Scan the official transcripts using a device such as a printer or scanner
    • Select the PDF file format option before scanning.
  4. Uploading Documents: Follow these basic directions for uploading documents to your online application:

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    • Find the PDF files you want to upload from your computer or flash drive
    • Select the file by double-clicking on it (tap twice)
  5. File Format: Ensure that scanned documents are saved as PDF files. Photos, screenshots, Word documents, etc., will not be accepted for the application process.

  6. Transcripts: Submit transcripts from all colleges (outside of Pasadena City College and Pasadena City College) attended with your online application.

  7. CNA Certificate: Submit a copy of your current CNA certificate as a PDF file with your application.

  8. Incomplete Applications: Be aware that incomplete applications will not be considered in the selection process.

  9. Do not send: Pasadena City CollegeAdmissions & Records Office L-1131570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106.

Student Selection

Enrollment in the Vocational Nursing program is determined by the applicant pool. The selection process is conducted by lottery. Selection, and alternate status does not guarantee admission. The program does not maintain a waiting list from year to year. Acceptance each year.

Curriculum Overview

The Vocational Nursing curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nursing principles and practices. Key areas of study include:

  • Nursing care of clients with physical and mental disorders
  • Health promotion activities of the nurse
  • Human development
  • Application of basic nursing skills in the care of individuals throughout the lifespan
  • Nursing process in health promotion, restoration, and disease and illness prevention
  • Evidence-based practice in providing therapeutic nursing interventions for clients and families
  • Quality Safety Education for Nursing (QSEN) knowledge, skills, and attitudes (ksa) to client care
  • Clinical reasoning skills to client care
  • Health education to individuals, families and communities
  • Competency in vocational nursing procedural skills
  • Advocacy for clients and families
  • Culturally sensitive nursing care

Each theory course has a laboratory course that must be taken concurrently. Students must provide their own transportation to all on- and off-campus clinical sites. daily.

Important Considerations

  • English Language Proficiency: Strong written and spoken English skills are essential for success in the program. Students who have English as a second or third language are encouraged to enroll in SPCH 003, 010 and HLSC 115 to enhance their communication skills.
  • Academic Performance: Continuation in the program requires students to maintain a grade of C or better in all required nursing courses. A grade of C or better in all Vocational Nursing course work is required to meet the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners regulations.
  • Licensure Eligibility: The California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technician Examiners is responsible for protecting the public by screening applicants for licensure to identify potentially unsafe practitioners. The law provides for denial of licensure for crimes or acts which are related to nursing qualifications, functions and/or duties. Program applicants who have questions related to eligibility for licensure may contact the Health Sciences Division for referral to the appropriate licensing board.
  • Essential Abilities: Nursing students must have the ability to communicate effectively. Nursing students must have the ability to communicate effectively.

General Education Requirements

Students attending Pasadena City College have specific general education requirements depending on their transfer goals and prior academic history. Students transferring to CSU or UC institutions must complete either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements. Students who have earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a regionally or institutionally accredited institution shall be deemed to have fulfilled the general education and elective course requirements for the Associate in Science degree. Cal-GETC Students with rights to the former general education patterns can complete IGETC or CSU GE in lieu of Cal-GETC. Students should consult with an Academic Counselor to determine which general education pattern to complete and may refer to an appropriate archived College Catalog or www.assist.org for more information.

Contact Information

For further information or assistance, contact Pasadena City College Admissions & Records Office L-1131570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106.

tags: #pasadena #city #college #lvn #program #requirements

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