Admissions Steps
Meet Basic Entry Requirements
You'll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to be eligible for Unitek's Vocational Nursing program. You must also be at least 17 years old at the time of enrollment. If you completed your education outside the United States, you may need to provide evaluated transcripts. Contact the admissions office to confirm exactly what documentation they accept.
Complete Required Prerequisites
Unlike many community college LVN programs, Unitek does not require you to complete college-level prerequisite courses like anatomy or physiology before enrolling. The foundational science content is built into the program curriculum itself. However, you will need to pass an entrance assessment, so having a solid foundation in reading comprehension, math, and basic science will help you score well.
Submit Application & Testing
Submit your application along with official high school or GED transcripts and a valid government-issued ID. You'll be required to take an entrance exam — typically a standardized assessment like the Wonderlic — and achieve a minimum passing score. An admissions interview is part of the process. Because Unitek offers rolling admissions with multiple start dates, you can apply throughout the year rather than meeting a single deadline.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Before you can begin your clinical rotations, you'll need to clear a background check and drug screening. Additional requirements typically include current immunization records, a TB test or chest X-ray, a physical health examination, and CPR/BLS certification from an approved provider. These clearances are standard for any nursing program in California and must remain current throughout your enrollment.
Unitek Admissions Quick Reference
Program: Vocational Nursing Diploma
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; no college-level prerequisite courses required
Entrance Exam: Required (standardized assessment such as Wonderlic)
GPA Minimum: Contact school for current requirements
Start Dates: Multiple cohort starts throughout the year
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
Frequently Asked Questions About Unitek
Does Unitek offer evening, weekend, or part-time LVN classes?
Unitek's Bakersfield LVN program is primarily structured as a full-time, daytime program. The school's website does not prominently list evening or weekend-only options for the Bakersfield campus. If your schedule requires non-traditional hours, your best move is to call the admissions office directly and ask whether any alternative scheduling tracks are currently available or planned.
How competitive is admission to Unitek's LVN program?
Unitek uses a rolling admissions model rather than a highly competitive lottery or points-based system. If you meet the entry requirements and pass the entrance exam, you can typically secure a seat in an upcoming cohort. This is different from public college programs where waitlists can stretch for months or even years. Ask admissions how far out seats fill up so you can plan accordingly.
How long does Unitek's Bakersfield LVN program take?
Unitek's Vocational Nursing program takes approximately 12 months to complete. This is considered an accelerated pace compared to many community college LVN programs, which often run 14 to 18 months. The trade-off is that your weekly class and clinical hours will be more intensive. Expect a demanding schedule that covers material quickly, so you should be ready to study consistently throughout the program.
Is Unitek a good fit for working adults?
The accelerated, full-time format means working a full-time job alongside the program would be extremely difficult. If you're currently employed, you should ask admissions exactly how many hours per week you'll be in class and clinicals. Some students manage part-time work on off-days, but it depends on the specific weekly schedule. Be upfront with admissions about your situation so they can help you plan realistically.
Can Unitek's LVN program be a good starting point before an LVN-to-RN bridge later?
Absolutely. Many LVNs use their license as a stepping stone toward an RN through an LVN-to-RN bridge program at a community college or university. Before enrolling at Unitek, ask whether any of the coursework transfers or is recognized by bridge programs in the Bakersfield area. Planning your long-term path early can save you time and help you choose the right starting point.