Vocational Nursing Program (LVN)

Train for a Career at CNI College Vocational Nursing (LVN) School Located in Orange County

CNI College does not guarantee employment.

Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics

Preparation for your career starts today as a Vocational Nurse by calling (800) 455-4700; or submitting your information in the form located in the upper right side of page.

Why Choose CNI College’s Vocational Nursing (VN) Program?

The Vocational Nursing (VN) Diploma Program is delivered in residence and is designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies related to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals. The Vocational Nursing Student will learn basic nursing care skills to be competent in caring for acutely and chronically ill clients, with predictable health outcomes, in structured settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, a clinic, doctor’s offices, long term care, corrections, home health care or for a nursing registry. Duties within the scope of practice for a vocational nurse typically include, but are not limited to, provision of basic hygienic and nursing care; measurement of vital signs; basic client assessment; documentation; performance of prescribed medical treatments; administration of prescribed medications; and, performance of non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal (requires separate Board certification). The program has classroom instruction and required clinical experiences to prepare the student to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX- PN) for licensure as a practical or vocational nurse. Those that pass qualify for entry-level employment as Vocational Nurses.

Passage of the NCLEX-PN exam is required for licensure as a Vocational Nurse (VN) and for employment in California.

CNI College’s Vocational Nursing (VN) Program is
Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Provisionally Approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
Approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
Join the Dynamic Field of Vocational Nursing
A Vocational Nurse (VN) or Practical Nurse (PN) typically works under the direction of a physician and registered nurse and may work in a hospital; nursing care facility; physicians’ office; home health care service; residential care facility; outpatient care center; community care facility for the elderly; employment services; and Federal, State and local government agencies. A practical nurse provides basic bedside care to patients, which may include but is not limited to, measuring and recoding vital signs, cleaning and monitoring medical equipment, basic client assessment, administering prescribed medications and helping physicians perform tests and procedures.CNI College’s Vocational Nursing School program in Orange, California – near cities Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove – provides students the knowledge and training, preparing graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become an VN. CNI College is an accredited nursing school in California, approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) and accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). CNI College is also a member of the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS).Preparation for your career starts today as a Vocational Nurse by calling (888) 984-4553 or submitting your information in the form located in the upper right side of page.
  • CNI College does not guarantee employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

An VN or PN (Practical Nurse) is an entry-level health care provider who provides basic bedside nursing care to patients under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. Utilizing scientific and technical expertise and manual skills, a vocational nurse may perform basic hygiene and nursing care, measure patients’ vital signs, perform basic patient assessment and documentation, perform prescribed medical treatments, administer prescribed medications, and perform non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal (requires separate board certification).
The #1 method to become an VN is to graduate from an accredited vocational nursing school and pass the licensure exam for vocational/practical nurses (NCLEX-PN). Not all nursing programs are accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, so applicants need to be aware of unaccredited programs. VN schools have different requirements for entrance so those interested need to find the school’s specific admission requirements. CNI Career College is an accredited school by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, and graduates are authorized to take the NCLEX-PN.

Benefits

  • Click on the link below to learn more about wages and employment trends for Vocational Nurses in California.*
Vocational Nurses Occupation Profile
With vocational nurses in high demand, the benefits of a Vocational Nursing diploma from a California nursing school are endless. Clinical facilities are pleased to provide qualified applicants with numerous job offers and high competitive salaries. Having a California nursing diploma provides job security as well as potential for future promotion to a supervisory position. With the flexibility that CNI College encompasses, scheduling your daily routine will be easy. Graduating from CNI Vocational Nursing School in Orange County will help you obtain your goal – as an accredited school by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, graduates qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become an VN. For more information on becoming a vocational nurse, call 1-800-219-0634, submit your information in the form located in the upper right side of page or visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.
  • CNI College does not guarantee employment
SOME VOCATIONAL NURSES BENEFITS INCLUDE
  • Graduates eligible & prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)
  • Learn and receive vocational nursing training in our modern and up-to-date facilities
  • Potential licensure in other states (contact the State Board of Nursing in the state you intend to apply for eligibility/application).
  • VN’s can work in a variety of settings: a clinic, doctor’s office, hospital, skilled nursing facility, long term care, corrections, home health care or even work for a nursing registry and schedule their own days and hours.

Program Review

Title Course Number Theory Lab Clinical Total Hours Credit Hours
Term One (13 Weeks Full Time and 20 Weeks Part Time)
Introduction to Client Centered Care 1-A VN 100 100 80 0 180 9
Introduction to Client Centered Care 1-B VN 105 68 28 96 192 7.5
TERM ONE TOTALS 168 108 96 372 16.5
Term Two (13 Weeks Full Time and 20 Weeks Part Time )
Life Cycles/Integumentary System VN 200 A 29 0 32 61 2.5
Musculoskeletal System VN 200 B 29 0 32 61 2.5
Respiratory System VN 200 C 43 8 48 99 4
Cardiovascular System VN 200 D 43 0 48 91 3.5
Gastrointestinal System VN 200 E 28 0 32 60 2.5
TERM TWO TOTALS 172 0 192 372 15
Term Three (13 Weeks Full Time and 20 Weeks Part Time)
Endocrine System VN 300 A 46 8 112 166 5.5
Reproductive System VN 300 B 19 0 48 67 2
Renal/Urinary System VN 300 C 27 0 72 99 3
Immunology VN 300 D 9 0 8 17 0.5
Oncology VN 300 E 9 0 16 25 0.5
Leadership/Supervision VN 300 F 10 0 24 34 1
TERM THREE TOTALS 120 8 280 408 12.5
Term Four (13 Weeks Full Time and 20 Weeks Part Time)
Obstetrics VN 400 A 19 0 48 67 2
Life Cycles/Pediatrics VN 400 B 19 0 48 67 2
Neurosensory System VN 400 C 45 0 120 165 5.5
Nursing Specialties/Rehabilitation VN 400 D 18 0 24 42 1.5
Senior Practicum VN 400 E 19 0 48 67 2
TERM FOUR TOTALS 120 0 288 408 13
PROGRAM TOTALS 580 0 856 1560 57

Course Descriptions

Term 1-A is designed to provide the student with an orientation to CNI’s Vocational Nursing College and an introduction to the role of the student nurse in the nursing profession. It includes a discussion of all the policies and procedures applicable to the program. As a fundamental course Term 1-A is intended to initiate an understanding of basic nursing skills and concepts required to assist a client in meeting their health care needs. Concepts and skills included are growth and development, effective communication, interpersonal skills, physical assessment, documentation, safety, emergency procedures, infection control, death and dying. Medical Terminology, Orem’s self-care theory and the nursing process are also introduced. An active skills lab component is integrated within the term. Term 1-A provides the framework for development of the initial skills required for all subsequent specialty areas of clinical nursing.
Term 1-B continues the fundamental concepts upon which subsequent courses in the program build. Beginning concepts of the nursing care of the surgical client (pre- and post-operative), anatomy and physiology, nutrition and pharmacology are started. Applications of pharmacology including principles of medication actions and interactions both therapeutic and adverse and the basis for the study of individual medication are incorporated. Calculation of medication dosages, preparation, administration and storage is also emphasized. An active skills lab component is integrated within the term.
Life cycles of the middle adult will introduce the student to the developmental tasks associated with the adult ages 35-65. Physical, social, and emotional characteristics will be identified. The integumentary system will introduce the student to the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common integumentary disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. Assessment, emergency treatment and the complications of major burns are also identified. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with an integumentary disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills
The musculoskeletal system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the muscles, bones and related structures. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common musculoskeletal disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents, nutritional needs and changes with aging are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a musculoskeletal disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The respiratory system introduces the student to the anatomy and the physiology of the upper and lower respiratory system. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common respiratory disorder/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents, oxygen precautions/interventions and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a respiratory disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The cardiovascular system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the heart and gives a detailed description of the blood and how it circulates through the body. The differences between veins and arteries, blood and lymph, angina and MI are delineated. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common cardiovascular disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a cardiovascular disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The gastrointestinal system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system, accessory organs and a description of the process of digestion. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common gastrointestinal disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a gastrointestinal disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The endocrine system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system including how hormones work on a negative feedback system and are specific to target cells/organs. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common endocrine disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with an endocrine disorder. Additional emphasis is placed on the care of the diabetic client, administration of insulin and signs of diabetic complications. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.

The reproductive system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common reproductive disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. Also discussed are hormonal changes, interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a reproductive disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.

The urinary system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system including, the process of urine formation, fluid and electrolyte control, acid-base balance, excretion of waste products, blood pressure regulation, red blood cell production and regulation of calcium-phosphate metabolism. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common urinary disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents, nutritional needs and changes with aging are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of a renal failure client and the client receiving dialysis. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The immunology unit introduces the student to the main functions of the immune system: to protect the body against invading organisms, to maintain homeostasis by removing damaged cells from the system and to serve as a surveillance network for recognizing and guarding against the development and growth of abnormal cells. The student will be introduced to the types of immunity and the mechanisms of the immune response. The etiology of common immune disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease are also introduced. Related pharmacological agents, nutritional needs and changes with aging are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with an immune disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The oncology unit introduces the student to the care of the client with cancer. The student will be introduced to the etiology of common cancers, the prevention and detection of cancer, the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with cancer. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The leadership/supervision unit will introduce the student to styles of leadership, approaches to nursing care, characteristics, to effective leadership, developing leadership skills, the role of the VN, assertive behavior, communication skills, mental mechanisms, and goal achievement.
The obstetrics unit explains the physiology of conception and describes the anatomical and physiology changes that take place during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Appropriate diagnostic and nutritional requirements are discussed. The unit includes fetal development, complications of pregnancy, newborn assessment and disorders of the newborn. Special emphasis is placed on the effects of drugs and alcohol usage during pregnancy. Nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects regarding the care of the client during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period are discussed. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The pediatric unit approaches the care of the client based on growth and development theory. Principles of growth and development from infancy to adolescence will be discussed. Unit content will include signs and symptoms of child abuse, common childhood diseases for each system, common pediatric procedures, related pharmacology, immunizations, nutritional needs, accident prevention, and nursing interventions. Special emphasis is placed on the impact illness has on the child as well as the family. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The neurosensory system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the neuron, the brain, the cranial nerves, the eye and the ear. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common neurosensory disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a neurosensory disorder. Special emphasis is placed on the neurologic assessment and measurements. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
This unit will describe factors that influence an individual’s response to change and stress. The effective use of defense mechanisms is identified. The student is expected to utilize effective therapeutic communication skills and assist the client throughout the rehabilitation process. Basic factors effecting mental health, mental health deficits, additive personalities, alcoholism, and chemical abuse are described. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.
The senior practicum explores ethical and legal aspects, negligence, malpractice, informed consent, the Nurse Practice Act and its mandates. Home health, death and dying, hospice, disaster nursing and the role of the health care team are included. Incorporated is the role transition of the student nurse to vocational nurse. Organizations relevant to the vocational nurse are discussed. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills.

Life cycles of the middle adult will introduce the student to the developmental tasks associated with the adult 35-65. Physical,
social, and emotional characteristics will be identified. The integumentary system will introduce the student to the anatomy
and physiology of the integumentary system. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common integumentary
disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional
needs are discussed. Assessment, emergency treatment and the complications of major burns are also identified. The unit
emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with an integumentary disorder.
 Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute
(ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential.

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