Admissions Steps
Meet Basic Entry Requirements
You'll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to apply to Glendale Career College's Vocational Nursing program. You must be at least 17 years old. A valid government-issued ID is required during enrollment. If English is not your first language, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency. Contact the admissions office to confirm any additional baseline requirements that may apply to the Bakersfield campus.
Complete Entrance Testing
Glendale Career College requires an entrance examination as part of the admissions process for the Vocational Nursing program. The school administers its own assessment to evaluate your readiness for the program. You should ask admissions about minimum score requirements, how to prepare, and whether retesting is allowed. Strong scores in reading comprehension, math, and science-related reasoning will strengthen your candidacy.
Submit Application & Required Documents
Once you pass the entrance exam, you'll complete the enrollment application. Required documents typically include your high school transcripts or GED certificate, a completed application form, and proof of identity. The school may also require a personal interview with an admissions representative. Because GCC is a private college with rolling admissions, you won't face the same competitive lottery or point-based selection used at many public programs.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Before starting clinical rotations, you must complete several clearance requirements. These typically include a criminal background check, drug screening, current immunization records including hepatitis B and MMR, TB testing, a physical examination, and CPR/BLS certification from an American Heart Association provider. You may also need to provide proof of health insurance. All clearances must be current and on file before your first clinical day.
GCC Bakersfield Admissions Quick Reference
VN Program Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, entrance exam, admissions interview
Entrance Exam: School-administered assessment — contact admissions for details
GPA Minimum: Contact school for current requirements
Start Dates: Multiple start dates throughout the year
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
Health Clearance: Immunizations, TB test, physical exam, CPR/BLS certification required
Glendale Career College Bakersfield Program FAQs
Is Glendale Career College accredited?
Glendale Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Vocational Nursing program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). You should confirm current accreditation status directly with the school and the accrediting bodies, as accreditation can change.
How much does GCC Bakersfield's nursing program cost?
Glendale Career College does not prominently publish tuition figures on its website. As a private career college, tuition is typically higher than public options like Bakersfield College. You should contact the admissions office directly and ask for a complete breakdown of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and any additional costs. Ask about financial aid, payment plans, and whether the school participates in federal student aid programs.
What is GCC Bakersfield's licensing exam pass rate?
GCC's current NCLEX-PN pass rate is not prominently displayed on its website. You can look up pass rates through the California BVNPT, which publishes school-specific data. Pass rates matter because they indicate how well a program prepares you for licensure. When visiting the school, ask to see their most recent pass rate data and how it compares to state averages.
Where do GCC Bakersfield students complete clinical rotations?
Glendale Career College partners with local healthcare facilities in the Bakersfield area for clinical rotations. These typically include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Specific facility names are not prominently listed on their website. During your admissions visit, ask for a current list of clinical partner sites and the types of clinical experiences you can expect during the program.
How does GCC Bakersfield compare to other nursing options in Bakersfield?
GCC offers a VN diploma rather than a direct RN program, unlike Bakersfield College and CSU Bakersfield which offer ADN and BSN programs respectively. Public schools typically cost significantly less but have highly competitive admissions and longer wait times. Unitek College is another private option offering VN programs. GCC's advantage is potentially faster enrollment with rolling start dates, but you'll need a separate LVN-to-RN bridge program to become an RN.