Nursing: Licensed Vocational Nursing - Associate in Science

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

The LVN program, approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), is a year-long program that starts in spring and ends in fall. The program is specifically designed to provide the certified nurse assistant (CNA) with career advancement opportunities. It is part of the "ladder" programs toward registered nursing. Eligibility requirements to apply for the LVN program include completion of the program prerequisites with a "C" or better and current CNA certification. The prerequisite courses are BIOL 124 (Human Anatomy), BIOL 125 (Human Physiology), ENGL 101 (Freshman Comp: Exposition), MATH 331 (Algebra 2), and NURS 310 (Pharmacology). The student must be accepted into the LVN program to be able to enroll in NURS 310. The student has the option to receive a certificate of achievement and/or an associate degree. The student must complete the graduation requirements to obtain an associate degree. The graduate of the LVN program is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The LVN will have career opportunities that include, but are not limited to, clinical practice in health clinics, hospitals, long-term care, school systems, home health, prison and corrections systems, insurance positions, etc.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Practice nursing that is patient-centered, caring, culturally sensitive and based on the physiological, psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients.

Serve as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team to promote continuity of patient care.

Use best practice resources and current evidence as a basis for nursing practice.

Promote quality improvement by contributing to the implementation of care-related plans to improve healthcare services.

Provide a safe environment for patients, self, and others.

Use information technology in the provision of patient care.

Practice nursing in a professional, ethical, and legal manner.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

3 units
NURS 310
Pharmacology
The course covers basic pharmacologic principles including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, clinical uses, and contraindications. It introduces the nursing process and drug dosage calculations. Emphasis is on the role of the nurse in drug administration, prevention of drug interactions, assessment of therapeutic and adverse effects, and patient teaching across the lifespan.

            Spring Year 1

            17.5 units
            NURS 311
            Medication Administration
            This course focuses on the administration of medications to adult, geriatric and pediatric patients that require medical, surgical or preventive intervention. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                      NURS 317
                      Fundamentals of Nursing
                      This course provides an introduction to nursing and roles of the nurse in various care settings; as well as profession-related and patient care concepts. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care. The theoretical foundation for basic assessment and nursing skills is presented and the student is given an opportunity to demonstrate these skills in a laboratory setting. An introduction to the nursing process provides the student with a beginning framework for decision making.
                                NURS 318
                                Clinical Lab 1
                                This course focuses on the care of the adult patients in long-term care, acute care, and outpatient settings who require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                1. Corequisite: NURS 311
                                2. Corequisite: NURS 317
                                        NURS 323
                                        Respiratory Conditions
                                        This course focuses on the care of adult patients with respiratory conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                                  NURS 329
                                                  Endocrine and Reproductive Conditions
                                                  This course focuses on the care of adult patients with endocrine and reproductive conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

                                                            Fall Year 2

                                                            18.5 units
                                                            NURS 338
                                                            Clinical Lab 3
                                                            This clinical course focuses on the care of adult, children, and obstetric patients in acute, long term, and outpatient settings who require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered/family-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                                                      NURS 322
                                                                      Maternal and Infant Health
                                                                      This course focuses on the care of all phases of the maternity cycle including care of the obstetrical patient and newborn infant. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                                                                NURS 330
                                                                                Care of Infants and Children
                                                                                This course focuses on the care of pediatric patients with health issues that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                                                                          NURS 331
                                                                                          Cardiovascular Conditions
                                                                                          This course focuses on the care of adult patients with circulatory conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                                                                                    NURS 332
                                                                                                    Neurosensory Conditions
                                                                                                    This course focuses on the care of adult patients with neurological conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                                                                                              NURS 337
                                                                                                              Professional Relationships
                                                                                                              This course facilitates the transition of the student to the role of a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Emphasis is placed on issues related to nursing and healthcare as well as skills necessary to provide care to multiple patients and assign tasks to other LVNs and unlicensed personnel. Concepts related to leadership and management are presented as well as career development options that enhance career mobility. Standards of practice and the importance of practicing according to state regulations and statutes are examined.
                                                                                                                        NURS 370
                                                                                                                        Intravenous Therapy
                                                                                                                        The course prepares the student for starting and superimposing intravenous fluids, blood, and blood products. Licensed vocational nurses that successfully complete the course will be issued a California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners certificate of completion.

                                                                                                                                  Summer Year 2

                                                                                                                                  5 units
                                                                                                                                  NURS 327
                                                                                                                                  GI and Urinary Conditions
                                                                                                                                  This course focuses on the care of adult patients with gastrointestinal (GI) or urinary conditions that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                                                                                                                            NURS 335
                                                                                                                                            Skin and Musculoskeletal Conditions
                                                                                                                                            This course focuses on the care of adult patients with skin and musculoskeletal conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
                                                                                                                                                      NURS 320
                                                                                                                                                      Care of Older Adults

                                                                                                                                                      This course focuses on the care of older adult patients with health issues that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.