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 also meet any age requirements set by the school and the California BVNPT. Gather your official transcripts and a valid government-issued ID early so you are ready when the application window opens.
Complete Required Prerequisites
Kern River Valley may require specific prerequisite coursework or demonstrated competency in areas like basic math and English. Some smaller career-focused schools do not require formal college-level prerequisites but instead use entrance exams to assess readiness. Contact the school to find out exactly what courses or assessments you need to complete before enrollment begins.
Submit Application & Testing
Submit your completed application along with all required documents such as transcripts and identification. You may need to pass an entrance exam that evaluates reading comprehension, math, and science knowledge. Ask the admissions office about minimum score requirements, whether the school conducts interviews, and what the current application timeline looks like for upcoming cohorts.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Before you begin clinical rotations, you will typically need to pass a background check and drug screening. You should also expect to provide proof of current immunizations, a negative TB test, a physical exam, and CPR/BLS certification. These clearances are standard across California LVN programs and are required by clinical facility partners.
KRV Admissions Quick Reference
Program: Vocational Nursing Program
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; contact school for full prerequisite list
Entrance Exam: Contact school for current testing requirements
GPA Minimum: Contact school
Start Dates: Contact school for current cohort schedule
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
Frequently Asked Questions About Kern River Valley
Does Kern River Valley offer evening, weekend, or part-time LVN classes?
Kern River Valley's website does not clearly advertise evening, weekend, or part-time LVN scheduling options. Many smaller career-focused schools run their programs on a fixed daytime schedule. You should contact the admissions office directly to ask about any alternative scheduling options that may be available for the current or upcoming cohort.
How competitive is admission to Kern River Valley's LVN program?
As a smaller institution, Kern River Valley may have more limited seats per cohort, which could make the program competitive depending on demand. However, smaller schools often use a more straightforward admissions process compared to large community colleges with lengthy waitlists. Ask admissions how many students are accepted per cohort and how seats are assigned.
How long does Kern River Valley's Bakersfield LVN program take?
The program is approximately 12 months in length, which is a standard timeline for full-time vocational nursing programs in California. This pacing covers classroom instruction, lab practice, and supervised clinical rotations. Confirm the exact program length with the school, as it may vary slightly depending on the cohort start date and scheduling structure.
Is Kern River Valley a good fit for working adults?
Full-time LVN programs are demanding regardless of the school. If you are currently employed, ask Kern River Valley about your exact weekly class and clinical hours so you can evaluate whether part-time work is realistic alongside the program. Some students reduce their work hours during the program, while others arrange shifts around their class schedule.
Can Kern River Valley's LVN program be a good starting point before an LVN-to-RN bridge later?
Yes, earning your LVN license is a common first step before pursuing an LVN-to-RN bridge program. Many California community colleges and universities accept licensed LVNs into bridge programs. Before enrolling, ask whether Kern River Valley's program credits have historically been accepted by bridge programs you are considering, and plan your long-term educational path accordingly.