Programs
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Complete the interest form, and an Admissions Representative will reach out to help you learn more about the Vocational Nursing AAS program and your next steps.
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Vocational Nursing Associate of Applied Science program is offered in a hybrid format.
For students completing the full VN-to-AAS pathway, the program combines nursing theory, hands-on lab instruction, clinical experience, and online general education coursework.
Program Length
- 93 weeks full-time
- 115 weeks part-time
Program Details
- 680 Externship hours
- 2,100 total clock hours
- 92 semester credits
Already completed an approved Vocational Nursing program and hold an active LVN/LPN license? The AAS-only portion consists of three 16-week terms, with General Education and science coursework offered 100% online.
Clinical schedules may vary based on clinical-site availability and may include morning or evening shifts. Contact our Admissions team for current class schedules and upcoming start dates.
High Desert Medical College offers its Vocational Nursing AAS 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 AAS curriculum combines foundational nursing education with General Education and science courses designed to develop a broader academic foundation.
Vocational Nursing coursework includes:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Child Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Leadership
- Medication administration
- Patient assessment and documentation
- Nursing skills and patient care
- Clinical nursing experience
AAS General Education coursework includes:
- English Composition
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Public Speaking
- College Algebra
- Nutrition
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Microbiology
The AAS curriculum is designed to strengthen critical thinking, science knowledge and written and verbal communication skills while building on your vocational nursing education.
Students entering the AAS portion of the program must:
- Provide evidence of graduation from a Vocational Nursing Certificate program
- Hold a valid LVN or LPN license
- Complete HDMC’s required digital learning assessment
- Request transfer of credit for their completed Vocational Nursing Certificate program
An Admissions Representative can review your previous education and licensure to determine the appropriate pathway and any eligible transfer credit.
For the most current tuition and fee information, please refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans are available for those who qualify, and our Financial Aid team can help you explore your options.
High Desert Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET), a nationally recognized accrediting agency listed by the U.S. Department of Education.
HDMC is also 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).
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s Vocational Nursing AAS program builds on the Vocational Nursing diploma by adding science and General Education courses online to help you become a more well-rounded healthcare professional.
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 degree and expand your nursing education.
Associate of
Applied Science Degree
Graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Vocational Nursing.
Broader Nursing
Knowledge
Strengthen your understanding of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and more.
Career-Focused
Preparation
May help open doors with employers who only consider applicants with an associate degree.
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
An Associate of Applied Science in Vocational Nursing could lead to jobs with titles like:
Vocational Nurse
Office Nurse
Charge Nurse
Potential Careers
An Associate of Applied Science 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.
The complete Vocational Nursing AAS program is 93 weeks full-time or 115 weeks part-time and includes 2,100 clock hours and 92 semester credits.
For eligible students who have already completed a Vocational Nursing Certificate program and hold a valid LVN/LPN license, the AAS portion consists of three 16-week terms.
The program uses a hybrid format. Vocational Nursing training includes theory, hands-on laboratory instruction, and clinical experience, while the General Education and science courses that make up the AAS portion are offered 100% online. All students also gain valuable experience through an externship.
To enter the AAS-only portion of the program, students must have graduated from a Vocational Nursing Certificate program and hold a valid LVN or LPN license. HDMC will also evaluate eligible Vocational Nursing coursework for transfer credit.
Contact Admissions if you’re interested in beginning your Vocational Nursing education with HDMC so the team can help you determine the appropriate program pathway.
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
