Vocational Nursing Program

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AFFILIATED AREA
California License Examination Passage Rates

Contact Information

Vocational Nursing Program
Health Sciences Department

The Citrus College Vocational Nursing program prepares students to become essential members of the health care team, providing direct, hands-on care to patients in a variety of clinical settings. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the California State Board Examination for Licensed Vocational Nurse (NCLEX-PN) — the next step toward a rewarding nursing career. Career opportunities include positions as a vocational nurse, nurse assistant, home health aide or acute care nurse aide.

Click here to view the NRS 100 class schedule for spring 2026.

📌 REQUIREMENTS: PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Successful completion of the NRS 100 Introduction to Vocational Nursing course at Citrus College is required for consideration for the vocational nursing program.

This course is graded on a pass/no pass (P/NP) basis only. A pass (P) grade is awarded only to students who are selected for admission to the vocational nursing program. Selection is based on top scores across all sections of NRS 100 and is limited by available program space. Students who are not selected for the program receive a no pass (NP) grade. Eligibility for admission applies only to the immediately following semester.

Students selected for entry into the vocational nursing program must be able to provide the following:

a U.S. high school diploma or equivalent
a Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

WHAT IS A VN?
A vocational nurse (VN or PN) is a licensed health care professional who works under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. Vocational nurses provide essential nursing care, assist with patient treatment and play a vital role in promoting health and recovery. Graduates of the VN program are fully prepared for entry-level nursing positions and ready to take the California licensure examination.

PROGRAM LENGTH AND SCHEDULE
Citrus College offers a full-time, one-year VN certificate program approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Classes begin every fall and spring semester with cohorts of 24 students. Coursework and clinical rotations are held five days a week, with occasional evening or weekend assignments. Because of the program's demanding schedule, full-time employment while enrolled is not recommended.

PROGRAM COSTS AND EXPENSES

Costs are approximate and subject to change. Information is current as of April 2025.

Enrollment, parking, student service fees, campus service fee = $2,323
Uniforms, shoes, watch, etc. = $300
Books, NCLEX preparatory materials = $2,000
Criminal background check/program tracker fee = $100
Physical exam, labs, immunizations = $495
TOTAL = $5,218

** Post-program completion costs (license fees, pin, etc.) = $900

ASSOCIATE DEGREE PATHWAY

Students may also pursue an Associate in Science in Vocational Nursing. Eighteen units from the vocational nursing program apply toward the 60-unit degree requirement, which also includes at least 22 units of general education, a physical education requirement and elective courses.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

California Employment Development Department's Labor Market Information

Citrus College Career Coach website (information about opportunities as a vocational nurse)

U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook