Admissions Steps
Meet Basic Entry Requirements
You must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent to apply. You should be at least 17 years old, though most students are adults entering the program as career changers or first-time healthcare workers. Make sure you have official transcripts available, as BAS will need to verify your educational background before moving forward in the admissions process.
Complete Required Prerequisites
Bakersfield Adult School does not require extensive college-level prerequisite coursework like a community college might. Instead, the program focuses on entrance exam performance and basic eligibility. You will need current CPR/BLS certification before starting. Some basic math and reading proficiency is expected, and the entrance exam is used to confirm your readiness for the nursing curriculum.
Submit Application & Testing
You will need to complete the school's application and take an entrance assessment exam. The exam typically evaluates reading comprehension, math, and science fundamentals. Applicants who meet the minimum score threshold are invited to continue the enrollment process. Because BAS usually admits one cohort per year, it is important to attend information sessions early and submit your application before the deadline closes.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Before you can begin clinical rotations, you must pass a background check and drug screening. You will also need to provide proof of current immunizations including Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, and a TB test. A physical exam clearance is required to confirm you can meet the physical demands of clinical work. These clearances are standard across California LVN programs.
BAS Admissions Quick Reference
Program: Vocational Nursing Program
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, CPR/BLS certification
Entrance Exam: Required (reading, math, and science assessment)
GPA Minimum: Contact school for current requirements
Start Dates: Typically one cohort per year
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
Frequently Asked Questions About Bakersfield Adult School
Does Bakersfield Adult School offer evening, weekend, or part-time LVN classes?
Bakersfield Adult School's LVN program is primarily structured as a full-time daytime program. The school does not prominently advertise evening or weekend class options for vocational nursing. If you need a non-traditional schedule, your best move is to call admissions directly and ask whether any clinical rotation hours fall outside standard daytime hours and whether any schedule accommodations exist.
How competitive is admission to Bakersfield Adult School's LVN program?
Because BAS is a public adult school with typically one cohort per year, seats can fill quickly. Admission appears to be based on meeting eligibility requirements and entrance exam scores rather than a highly competitive point-based system. However, limited seats mean you should apply early. Ask admissions how many students are accepted per cohort and whether a waitlist is maintained.
How long does Bakersfield Adult School's Bakersfield LVN program take?
The program runs approximately 12 months on a full-time schedule. This pacing is fairly standard for public adult-school LVN programs in California. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations, so you should plan for a demanding weekly schedule throughout the entire program duration. Contact the school to confirm exact start and end dates for the upcoming cohort.
Is Bakersfield Adult School a good fit for working adults?
The daytime full-time format may be challenging if you work standard business hours. Many LVN students at BAS reduce their work hours or take leave during the program. Before you apply, ask admissions for the exact weekly schedule including clinical hours so you can determine whether you could realistically maintain part-time employment alongside your studies.
Can Bakersfield Adult School's LVN program be a good starting point before an LVN-to-RN bridge later?
Absolutely. Earning your LVN license through BAS gives you a credential you can use immediately while planning a future LVN-to-RN bridge program. Many California community colleges and universities offer bridge pathways. Before enrolling, ask whether any of the coursework at BAS may transfer or count toward bridge program requirements so you can plan your long-term educational path efficiently.