Programs
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Vocational Nursing program is offered in person and combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab training and clinical experience in healthcare settings.
Program Length
- 61 weeks full-time
- 84 weeks part-time
Program Details
- 850 classroom hours
- 680 clinical/externship hours
- 1,530 total clock hours
Daily Schedule
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday (full-time) 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (part-time).
Theory times and days may vary. Clinical schedules may vary based on the term and clinical-site availability. Contact Admissions for current schedule options at your preferred campus.
High Desert Medical College offers its Vocational Nursing program at its Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula, California campuses. Students’ complete hybrid classroom instruction along with hands-on training at their selected HDMC campus.
See Which Campus Is Closest to You
The Vocational Nursing curriculum progresses from foundational nursing concepts to more advanced patient care and specialty nursing topics.
Coursework and training include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Mental Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Patient assessment and documentation
- Therapeutic and rehabilitative nursing
- Leadership
- Clinical experience in healthcare facilities
Students learn through a combination of classroom instruction, skills training and clinical experience designed to help them apply what they learn in real healthcare environments.
No prior medical experience is required to begin the Vocational Nursing program.
Applicants must meet HDMC’s admissions requirements, including having a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Additional admissions requirements are required for the Vocational Nursing program; see the school catalog for more details.
HDMC’s Admissions team will walk you through each step and help you determine what you’ll need before starting the program.
For the most current Vocational Nursing tuition and fee information, refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you understand your options and determine what you may be eligible for.
Vocational Nursing tuition also includes the cost of the NCLEX-PN exam, BVNPT Application for Licensure by Examination, and VN IV Therapy Certification and Blood Withdrawal class.
High Desert Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
HDMC is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
The Vocational Nursing program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).
HDMC’s Practical/Vocational Nursing program also currently holds pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). Pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation will be received.
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s Vocational Nursing program combines nursing theory with hands-on training and clinical experience to help you develop the skills needed to provide direct patient care.
Is a Career in Vocational Nursing Right for You?
Take the HDMC Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz.
This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and will give you a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Support beyond the classroom
HDMC supports students beyond the classroom with career-focused guidance, professional development resources, and personalized support designed to help graduates feel confident entering the healthcare field.
Resume &
Interview Support
Career
Preparation
Professional
Development
Student
Support Resources
What you walk away with
Earn your Certificate of Completion and prepare for licensure.
Vocational
Nursing Diploma
Graduate with a Certificate of Completion in Vocational Nursing.
Clinical
Experience
Gain clinical externship training where you can apply your nursing skills in real healthcare environments.
NCLEX-PN
Preparation
Designed to meet the educational requirements for applying to the VN licensing exam in CA.
Where you could work
Vocational nurses provide patient care across a variety of healthcare environments. Picture yourself working in:
Doctors’ Offices
Providing patient care
Medical Offices
Primary care, specialty clinics
Medical Clinics
Outpatient departments
Long-Term Care Facilities
Providing support for residents
Surgery Centers
Outpatient departments
Specialty Practices
Pediatrics, neurology, etc
Potential Careers
A certificate in Vocational Nursing could lead to jobs with titles like…
Vocational Nurse
Office Nurse
Charge Nurse
Potential Careers
A certificate in Vocational Nursing could lead to jobs with titles like…
Vocational Nurse
Office Nurse
Charge Nurse
Questions?
Here are a few things everyone asks. If you don’t see your question, reach out to see whether Vocational Nursing is right for you.
A vocational nurse provides basic nursing care, monitors patients, administers medications, assists with daily activities, and supports registered nurses and doctors in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
High Desert Medical College’s Vocational Nursing program can be completed in as few as 61 weeks (full-time program) or 84 weeks (part-time program).
High Desert Medical College’s Vocational Nursing program is currently offered in person. Students learn classroom theory while completing hands-on training in on-campus labs. All students also gain valuable experience through an externship.
No prior medical experience is required to enroll in High Desert Medical College’s Vocational Nursing program. The program is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on training needed to begin a career in nursing.
Yes, HDMC offers flexible scheduling to support a variety of student needs. The Vocational Nursing program includes both daytime and evening options, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for your lifestyle. For our current class schedule, contact our admissions team.
Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Options can include federal financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you review your eligibility and available options.
Additional Resources
to help you build confidence before entering the workforce
