LVN Programs In Bakersfield Ca - Updated for 2025/2026

There are currently 5 accredited LVN programs in Kern County

Common Elements of LVN Programs

Comprehensive Curriculum

All LVN programs feature a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. These programs also include coursework on medical ethics, infection control, and effective communication skills, which are crucial for delivering competent and compassionate care.

Clinical Experience

Hands-on clinical experience is a cornerstone of all LVN programs. Students spend a significant portion of their training in real healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. This practical experience allows them to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world situations, developing their skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.

NCLEX-PN Preparation

A major focus of all LVN programs is preparing students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Passing this exam is a requirement for obtaining licensure and practicing as an LVN. Programs provide comprehensive review sessions and practice exams to ensure students are well-prepared.

Experienced Instructors

LVN programs are staffed by experienced nursing professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to their teaching. These instructors are dedicated to mentoring students, providing both academic and professional guidance to help them succeed.

Soft Skills Development

In addition to technical skills, LVN programs emphasize the importance of soft skills such as empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for interacting with patients and working effectively within healthcare teams. Programs often incorporate role-playing and other interactive methods to develop these abilities.

Accreditation and State Approval

All reputable LVN programs are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies and approved by the state nursing board. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality and that credits earned are transferable to other institutions if needed. State approval is crucial for graduates to be eligible for licensure.

Flexible Scheduling Options

To accommodate students who may be working or have other commitments, many LVN programs offer flexible scheduling options. This can include evening and weekend classes, as well as part-time enrollment options. This flexibility helps students balance their education with other responsibilities.

5 LVN Programs in Bakersfield

San Joaquin Valley College➕

San Joaquin Valley College's Bakersfield campus has a 15 month vocational nursing Associate Degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

SJVC also offers other healthcare programs at its Bakersfield campus:

Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Medical Office Administration
Medical Assisting
Pharmacy Technician
Surgical Technology
Respiratory Therapy

As the nursing shortage continues to worsen, salaries for vocational nurses and registered nurses continue to climb. The average base hourly rate for Licensed Vocational Nurses in Bakersfield is now $30.93, according to a report from indeed.com.

San Joaquin Valley College

661-834-0126

201 New Stine Rd Bakersfield, CA 93309

www.sjvc.edu/location/bakersfield/

Other Programs at Bakersfield Adult School

CNA: 10 week CNA certification program.
Medical Assistant: 16 week medical assistant program.

Bakersfield Adult School

(661) 861-1151

2727 F St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

https://bakersfieldhealthcareers.org/programs/

Unitek College

888-912-8512

333 Palmer Dr Bakersfield, CA 93309

unitekcollege.edu/campus-locations/bakersfield/

Bakersfield College

661-395-4011

1801 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93305

https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/nursing/

Kern River Valley

760-384-6395

6504 Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA 93240

cerrocoso.edu/krv/index.html

Is Nursing the Right Career for You?

An LVN is licensed by a state in the USA to provide routine nursing care to patients. LVN is a term that is interchangeable with an LPN or Licensed Practical Nurse. LVN is used in California & Texas, while LPN is the title used in the other 48 states.

An LVN or LPN usually provides a host of essential services as that of RNs or Registered Nurses in medical settings such as surgical centers, convalescent homes, long-term facilities, or doctor’s offices.

While LVNs are usually supervised by doctors or RNs, they play an important role in the healthcare team. Assisting patients with the tasks of daily living is an important role played by LVNs in any healthcare setting.

The responsibility of checking vital signs and performing primary care services such as lending assistance to fellow nurses with medical equipment, feeding, bathing, and grooming patients are important tasks performed by LVNs.

In hospital settings, there will be times when LVNs are tasked to do clean-ups. Preparing rooms for new patients is another vital task performed by LVNs. However, when there are CNAs and medical technicians, LVNs take the role of directly supervising them in performing these clean-up tasks.

Probably the best opportunity provided for an LVN is the chance to further their career to an RN. While dedication, time, and experience are involved in this career development, becoming an RN from an LVN is always a worthy effort.

Waiting Lists & Financial Aid

The typical LVN program takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete. Some programs can be completed in the evenings and part time. More & more students are going through an LVN program for the specific purpose of “Bridging” over into an RN program. This can get you through quicker than if you went the standard route of “Enroll at one of the California Community Colleges”, “Take your prerequisites”, “WAIT FOREVER!!”

These days, more and more students are taking the LVN program with the intention of bridging over into Bakersfield College’s RN program. That seems like an awesome route to go. Of course, one of the major problems is finding a program that doesn’t have a waiting list, that you can get into right away, and that doesn’t cost an arm & a leg……

The most affordable one is the old Tried ‘N True Bakersfield College LVN program. The total of the program, including tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and everything, is listed by the school at approximately $5,100.00. AWESOME!!

Bakersfield Adult School's LVN program is also an incredible value. Unfortunately, there's typically a longer waiting list at BAS.

A couple of downsides, though: The waiting list. Yes, the LVN programs at both Bakersfield College & Bakersfield Adult School have waiting lists. You’ll also need to have your CNA certification as a prerequisite, as well as Anatomy, Physiology, and Psychology. There are now 7 accredited CNA programs in Bakersfield. You also must be CPR certified. The upside to taking these prerequisites is, you’ll need them anyways if you’re planning on advancing to a Registered Nurse at any point in your career.

Financial Aid

If you’re thinking about Bakersfield College’s LVN program, PLEASE look into the Board of Governors Tuition Waiver. Between that, Pell Grants, and other free financial aid, it’s possible to go through the entire program and have it paid for. So, whether you think you qualify or not, check out the financial aid.

Keep in mind, there’s tons of scams out there when it comes to financial aid, so be careful. As it says on the Fed’s financial aid website, and you’ll read about in every financial aid office at the schools in Kern County, you should never have to pay to apply for assistance. If anyone or any site is asking for money to apply for financial aid, it’s a scam. There is a lot of “scholarship” information out there, and a lot of them claim to be legitimate, yet require an “application fee”.

Private LVN Programs In Kern County

Now, for the private LVN programs, the obvious upside is the general lack of a waiting list. So, if your ultimate plan is to go through the LVN program and then on to an LVN to RN, you’re looking at paying anywhere from 20k on up. Ouch!

LVN Salary

Every year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publish average wage and salary estimates for over 800 occupational specialties, including the field of nursing. In 2023, the average pay nationally for LVN/LPNs was $48,800 annually. That works out to about $23.00 per hour. However, the salaries for nurses in California are significantly higher.

As an example: California's Employment Development Department just released their numbers for 2023. The average salary for an LVN in California is $63,676. That works out to an hourly rate of $30.62. The EDD also breaks the salaries of nurses in all 58 California counties. The average salary for an LVN/LPN in Kern County is $58,595.

Nurses: LVNs & RNs

In 2024, there are more than 5 million nurses in the US. There's over 4 million Registered Nurses, and 930,000 Licensed Vocational Nurses. Demand has never been higher for nurses of all stripes. As a result, pay has been steadily increasing over the years. The average annual salary for LVNs currently sits at $48,800. For RNs, it's $75,330.

In California, the Salary differences in pay between LVNs and RNs is even greater. Fortunately, there are many LVN to RN programs available. Some LVN to RN programs can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months.

In Kern County, Bakersfield College has an LVN to RN program which is only 2 semesters long. The cost of the LVN to RN program is $3,919. The costs cover tuition, books, student fees, the NCLEX exam, and California's Nursing license application fee.

Validity of Online LVN Programs in California

In the realm of healthcare education, online LVN programs have become a viable alternative to traditional, in-person training, especially in states like California. However, it's important to understand their validity and how they are perceived within the nursing industry. A crucial aspect to consider is whether the program is accredited. Accreditation signifies that the program meets the educational standards required for competent practice in the nursing field.

While these programs offer flexibility and convenience, they typically require some in-person components for clinical experiences. This hybrid structure ensures students gain practical skills needed for nursing roles. While not all employers may accept online degrees, the perception is changing as more reputable institutions offer online LVN programs. However, it is always advisable to confirm with potential employers or the state's nursing board to ensure the acceptability of an online LVN program.

LVN PROGRAMS IN BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA