Admissions Steps
Meet Basic Entry Requirements
You will need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to be eligible for the Vocational Nursing program. You must be at least 17 years old. If you completed your education outside the United States, you may need to provide evaluated transcripts. Contact admissions to confirm whether any additional eligibility requirements apply to your situation.
Complete Required Prerequisites
High Desert Medical College does not require completed college-level prerequisite courses before enrollment. Instead, the program integrates foundational science and nursing content into the curriculum. You will need to pass an entrance exam that assesses basic academic skills in reading, math, and language. Having a solid foundation in basic biology and anatomy can help you feel more prepared for the program's pace.
Submit Application & Testing
Complete the school's application and schedule your entrance exam. You will need to provide official high school or GED transcripts. The admissions team will review your application and test results. Because HDMC uses rolling admissions with multiple start dates, you may be able to enroll for the next available cohort if you meet all requirements promptly. Ask admissions about specific upcoming start dates.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Before beginning clinical rotations, you will need to complete a background check and drug screening. You must also provide proof of current immunizations including TB clearance, hepatitis B series, MMR, and varicella. A current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association is required. A physical exam may also be needed. These clearances are standard for any nursing program in California.
HDMC Admissions Quick Reference
Program: Vocational Nursing Diploma
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; no college-level courses required
Entrance Exam: Required (basic skills assessment)
GPA Minimum: Contact school for current requirements
Start Dates: Multiple start dates per year
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
Frequently Asked Questions About High Desert Medical College
Does High Desert Medical College offer evening, weekend, or part-time LVN classes?
High Desert Medical College's primary LVN schedule appears to be a full-time day format. The school's website does not prominently advertise evening, weekend, or part-time options for the Vocational Nursing program. However, scheduling can change between cohorts. Your best step is to call the Bakersfield admissions office and ask specifically whether any alternative scheduling is available for upcoming start dates.
How competitive is admission to High Desert Medical College's LVN program?
As a private career college with rolling admissions and multiple start dates, HDMC's admissions process tends to be more document-and-exam-based than competitive-lottery-based. If you meet the entry requirements and pass the entrance exam, you may be able to enroll in the next available cohort. This contrasts with some public programs that use waitlists or point-based ranking systems. Ask admissions how quickly seats fill for each start date.
How long does High Desert Medical College's Bakersfield LVN program take?
The Vocational Nursing program at High Desert Medical College is approximately 12 months long. This is considered an accelerated pace compared to many community college LVN programs, which often take 12 to 18 months or longer when you factor in prerequisite wait times. The condensed timeline means coursework and clinicals are intensive, so be prepared for a demanding schedule throughout the program.
Is High Desert Medical College a good fit for working adults?
The full-time, accelerated format makes it tough to work a full-time job simultaneously. If you are currently employed, you would likely need to reduce your hours significantly or arrange a very flexible work schedule. Before enrolling, ask the admissions team about exact class and clinical hours, including whether any shifts fall on evenings or weekends. Some students manage part-time work, but it requires careful planning.
Can High Desert Medical College's LVN program be a good starting point before an LVN-to-RN bridge later?
Yes, earning your LVN license is a recognized stepping stone to RN licensure through LVN-to-RN bridge programs offered at community colleges and universities. Before enrolling at HDMC, ask whether their program's coursework has been accepted by any specific bridge programs. Also research which nearby schools offer LVN-to-RN pathways so you can plan your long-term educational trajectory from the start.