Admissions Steps
Meet Basic Entry Requirements
You'll need a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for the Vocational Nursing program. You must also be at least 17 years old at the time of enrollment. If your high school transcripts are from outside the United States, you may need to have them evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service. Bring official copies of all relevant documents when you meet with admissions.
Complete Required Prerequisites
Unlike many community college LVN programs, American Career College does not require you to complete separate college-level prerequisite courses such as anatomy or physiology before starting. The curriculum is integrated into the program itself. However, you must demonstrate readiness through the school's entrance assessment. Having a solid foundation in basic math, reading comprehension, and science will help you succeed on the exam and in coursework.
Submit Application & Testing
You'll meet with an admissions representative, complete your application, and take an entrance exam. The school uses the Wonderlic or a similar standardized assessment to evaluate your academic readiness. You'll need to achieve a minimum passing score. Because admissions is rolling, there are no fixed application deadlines, but seats in each cohort are limited. Applying early for your preferred start date gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Before you begin clinical rotations, you'll need to clear a background check and drug screening. You'll also need to provide proof of current immunizations including hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and a TB test. A current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association is required. You may also need a physical exam clearance. These requirements protect both you and the patients you'll work with during clinicals.
American Career College Admissions Quick Reference
Program: Vocational Nursing Diploma
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; no college-level prerequisite courses required
Entrance Exam: Required (Wonderlic or equivalent); minimum score must be met
GPA Minimum: Contact school for current requirements
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
Frequently Asked Questions About American Career College
Does American Career College offer evening, weekend, or part-time LVN classes?
American Career College's Vocational Nursing program is primarily structured as a full-time program. The school has historically offered both day and evening schedule options at various campuses, but availability can change from one cohort to the next. Your best move is to contact the Anaheim admissions office directly and ask which schedule tracks are currently available for upcoming start dates. Weekend-only options are not typically advertised.
How competitive is admission to American Career College's LVN program?
Admissions at American Career College is not based on a competitive points system the way many community college nursing programs are. Instead, it follows a rolling admissions model where you need to meet specific requirements — passing the entrance exam, providing transcripts, and completing your application. Seats are filled on a first-qualified, first-enrolled basis, so applying early for your preferred start date is a smart strategy.
How long does American Career College's Anaheim LVN program take?
The Vocational Nursing diploma program at American Career College takes approximately 50 weeks to complete. This is considered an accelerated pace compared to many community college LVN programs that can take 12 to 18 months or longer when you factor in prerequisite courses and waitlists. The trade-off is that the coursework is intensive and moves quickly, so you should be prepared for a demanding schedule.
Is American Career College a good fit for working adults?
The accelerated pace and full-time structure can be challenging if you're working significant hours. Some students manage part-time employment alongside the program, but it requires careful planning. Before enrolling, ask admissions exactly how many hours per week you should expect in class and clinicals, and whether the current schedule would leave room for a part-time job. Be honest with yourself about your available time.
Can American Career College's LVN program be a good starting point before an LVN-to-RN bridge later?
Absolutely. Many students earn their LVN first, gain work experience, and then pursue an LVN-to-RN bridge program at a community college or university. Before enrolling, ask whether the diploma credits are recognized by any specific bridge programs you're considering. Having a clear plan for your next step will help you make the most of your LVN training and avoid any surprises about credit transferability down the road.