High Desert Medical College LVN Program

High Desert Medical College LVN Program

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High Desert Medical College has 2 vocational nursing programs. The first is a Vocational Nursing Vocational Program, which takes 56 weeks to complete. The second is a Vocational Nursing Associate of Applied Science, which can be completed in as little as 101 weeks. Both programs are hybrid, with hands-on and online learning.

Healthcare programs at High Desert Medical College are approved by the Bureau of Private Postesecondary Education in California (BPPE) and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education (ACCET).

All students enrolled in either vocational nursing programs are required to complete a 4 week online prerequisite class. This online program is the only prerequisite in order to begin the vocational nursing program. The prerequisite class is Monday through Thursday, 9am to 5pm. The prerequisite class is a total of 128 hours long, all online. HDMC has prerequisite classes throughout the year.

High Desert Medical College has campuses in Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula. HDMC's Bakersfield campus has 8 different accredited healthcare programs in addition to their vocational nursing programs. The Bakersfield campus is located on 24th street in downtown Bakersfield.

Vocational Nursing Prerequisite Course

HDMC's 4 week online prerequisite course will prepare students for both vocational nursing programs. During the course, students will be taught how to think critically. Other skills that will be taught include medication dosage calculation, basic math and medical terminology skills, and basic anatomy & physiology.

Students will also learn about the functions of human cells, systems, and tissues. You will learn how disease affects the human body. You will also learn the strategies and study techniques that will be needed throughout the full vocational nursing program.

The prerequisite course is Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, for 4 weeks. The course is approved by both the ACCET and the BPPE.

More about the Vocational Nursing Program At High Desert Medical College

The full-time vocational nursing program at High Desert Medical College is 56 weeks long. HDMC also offers a part-time program, which is 68 weeks. Both the part-time and full-time programs are 1687 clock hours in total.

What will I learn during the course?

In the vocational nursing program, students will learn about:

  • Performing rehabilitative and therapeutic measures
  • The proper administration of medications
  • Providing standard nursing care
  • Properly documenting a patient's signs and symptoms

Students in the nursing program will take courses including:

  • Fundamental of Nursing
  • Medical - Surgical Mental Health
  • Medical - Surgical Nursing
  • Maternal - Child Health Leadership

Nursing students will also be doing nursing clinical work in healthcare facilities in Bakersfield.

HDMC's Vocational Nursing Associate of Applied Science

This accredited associate degree program takes 101 weeks to complete. Some of the courses that are taken include:

  • Human Anatomy
  • Human Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Psychology

The LVN associate degree program is delivered in a hybrid-online format. This format combines hands-on nursing care training & an externship with the theory coursework. The science and general education courses are required to enroll in an RN program, which is a huge plus for a student who wants to take the LVN to RN route.

Other Healthcare Programs At HDMC's Bakersfield Campus

High Desert Medical College has three campuses in California: Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula. The Bakersfield campus has the following certification and/or degree programs:

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What is the Average LVN Salary in 2023?

The average LVN salary in California is $67,007 as of June 26, 2023. The range typically falls between $62,666 and $74,415. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

Here are some of the cities in California with the highest average LVN salaries:

  • San Francisco: $79,452
  • San Jose: $78,000
  • Oakland: $73,060
  • Santa Rosa: $72,290
  • Sacramento: $70,952
  • San Diego: $67,638

What about online LVN programs?

The advent of online LVN programs marks a significant shift in healthcare education. Such programs are becoming increasingly popular in states like California, where they provide an innovative way of delivering quality nursing education. Nevertheless, understanding their validity and how they align with the broader context of the nursing field is paramount.

One of the essential aspects to consider when enrolling in online LVN programs is their accreditation status. Accreditation is a mark of quality and confirms that the program meets the required educational standards necessary to train competent nurses. It provides a level of assurance to both students and potential employers about the caliber of the education provided.

Although these programs are administered mostly online, they usually incorporate elements of in-person clinical training. The blend of virtual academic learning and physical, hands-on experience ensures that students develop the necessary practical skills that are integral to nursing. This is a characteristic feature of many high-quality online LVN programs.

Historically, there has been some hesitance in fully accepting online degrees. However, as more respected educational institutions launch online LVN programs, this perception is gradually changing. Even so, it's always recommended that students verify the acceptability of their online program with future employers or their state's nursing board to avoid any potential issues down the line.

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