Admissions Steps
Meet Basic Entry Requirements
You need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to apply. You must be at least 17 years old. The school will ask for official transcripts verifying your educational background. If you earned your diploma outside the United States, you may need to have your credentials evaluated by an approved agency before the school can process your application.
Complete Required Prerequisites
American Career College does not require prior college-level coursework as a prerequisite for the Vocational Nursing program. This is a key difference from many community college LVN programs that require anatomy, physiology, or other courses before you can apply. Instead, the school uses an entrance assessment to gauge your readiness. Having a solid foundation in reading comprehension, math, and basic science will help you perform well on the exam.
Submit Application & Testing
You'll complete an application and sit for an entrance examination. The school uses this assessment to evaluate your academic readiness. You'll also have an enrollment interview where you can ask questions about the program and discuss your goals. Because admissions operates on a rolling basis with multiple start dates, you typically don't face a single annual deadline. Ask admissions about the next available start date when you apply.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Before you begin clinical rotations, you'll need to complete a background check and drug screening. You'll also need current immunization records, a TB test, a physical examination, and CPR/BLS certification. These clearances are standard across virtually all nursing programs because clinical sites require them. Plan ahead so these requirements don't delay your start in the clinical portion of the program.
American Career College Admissions Quick Reference
Program: Vocational Nursing Diploma
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; no prior college coursework required
Entrance Exam: Required (administered by the school)
GPA Minimum: Contact school for current requirements
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
Frequently Asked Questions About American Career College
Does American Career College offer evening, weekend, or part-time LVN classes?
American Career College's Vocational Nursing program is structured as a full-time program. The school's website does not clearly list evening-only or weekend-only cohorts for the Los Angeles campus. If you need a non-traditional schedule, your best move is to contact admissions directly and ask what scheduling options are currently available. Availability can change between enrollment periods.
How competitive is admission to American Career College's LVN program?
As a private career college, American Career College does not use the competitive lottery or waitlist systems you might encounter at community colleges. Admission is generally based on meeting eligibility requirements and passing the entrance assessment. This means qualified applicants can often enroll more quickly than at public institutions. However, cohort sizes are limited, so applying early for your preferred start date is still a smart idea.
How long does American Career College's Los Angeles LVN program take?
The Vocational Nursing program at the Los Angeles campus takes approximately 50 weeks to complete. This is a faster pace compared to many community college LVN programs, which often take 12 to 18 months and may require prerequisite courses beforehand. The accelerated timeline means you'll move through material quickly, so be prepared for an intensive schedule with a heavy workload throughout the program.
Is American Career College a good fit for working adults?
The full-time, accelerated format can be tough to balance with a full-time job. If you're working, you'll likely need to reduce your hours significantly or arrange time off during the program. The advantage is that multiple start dates mean you can plan ahead and begin when your schedule allows. Ask admissions about exact class hours so you can realistically assess whether part-time employment is feasible alongside the program.
Can American Career College's LVN program be a good starting point before an LVN-to-RN bridge later?
Yes, many LVN graduates use their license as a stepping stone toward an RN degree through LVN-to-RN bridge programs at community colleges or universities. Earning your LVN first lets you start working in nursing sooner while you plan your next move. Before enrolling, ask whether any bridge programs in the area accept graduates from American Career College and what additional prerequisites those programs require.