The licensed vocational nurse is a member of the health care team and works under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. Students who desire to earn an Associate in Science in Vocational Nursing must complete the college graduation requirements. Classroom theory consists of 10 to 12 hours per week. Approximately 18 hours per week are spent in clinical experiences and three hours per week in clinical simulation. Students must achieve a score of 75% or higher in all core courses and a C or better in all other courses in the program. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for the national licensing examination (NCLEX-PN). Enrollment is limited. Students may obtain information from the Mission College website, under the Nursing/Health Occupations link, for information-session dates, application process, required courses, and recommended courses prior to entry into the program. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with a counselor for additional information and clarification. There is no recency requirement for required courses; however, you are held strictly accountable for knowledge of their content. It is highly recommended that you refresh your knowledge of these subjects if you took them more than five years ago.

Required Prerequisite Coursework and Certification (prior to admission to the program): BIO 022 Anatomy & Physiology for Allied Health Workers 4.0 units. HOC 020 Introduction to Professional Health Care 0.5 units. Students must provide proof of current California Nursing Assistant certification and AHA BLS-CPR certification. Students must have completed ENG 908 or the equivalent, or be eligible for ENG 001A, prior to enrolling in the program. Major Requirements for the Vocational Nursing Degree: Admission to the program is required prior to enrollment in Nursing courses. Students are strongly encouraged to complete all General Education requirements for the Associate degree prior to beginning the required courses for the VN program.

Career/Transfer Opportunities: The licensed vocational nurse is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. Employment opportunities for the licensed vocational nurse following licensure include sub-acute and extended care facilities, convalescent and rehabilitation institutions, home health agencies, and ambulatory care clinics.

To earn this degree students must meet the following:

🗸 Completion of 60 semester units. 
🗸 Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0, 
🗸 Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and 
🗸 Completion of AA/AS General Education, IGETC or CSU GE-Breadth.

Program Learning Outcomes:

🗸 Students will use the language of the profession of nursing to communicate appropriately using verbal, written and technological methods.
🗸 Students will critically analyze relevant information in the utilization of the nursing process, applying principles of evidence-based practice as needed.
🗸 Students will demonstrate personal and professional growth.
🗸 Students will successfully complete all requirements for eligibility to apply for the Vocational Nursing licensure and pass the national examination.