LVN FAQs
  1. MUST attend the LVN Program Orientation at John Adams Campus
  2. An official U.S. accredited high school transcript showing completion of the 12th grade, G.E.D. or U.S. high school equivalent
  3. Completion of English 1A or higher with a grade of "C" or better.
  4. Completion of Math 40 (Elementary Algebra) or higher with a grade of "C" or better.
  5. Have an overall GPA of 2.5 in Sciences and 2.0 in English 1A
  6. Official Transcript showing completion of the following (or acceptable equivalent) within the previous 5 years with a "C" grade or higher in each class: Anatomy and Physiology (Bio-106 or both Bio-108 and Bio-112) (Previously Anat-14 or both Anat 25 and Phys-12) ; VOCN 41D Pharmacology ; Nutrition (or Bio-134) ; VOCN 43F Child Growth & Development ( or CDEV-53D or CDEV-67 or Psych-21)
  7. Please attend the LVN Program Orientation to ask specific questions about course equivalencies.
  8. 17 years of age or older
  9. See flyer for the most up to date info and dates of upcoming orientation.

The examination for licensure as a licensed vocational nurse shall be the NCLEX-PN examination of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.

This program will prepare students with all the knowledge and skills required to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the State of California. Completion of the program will allow students to apply for the licensure examination for LVNs called the NCLEX-PN. Passing this examination provide program graduates with a license to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses work for acute care hospitals, convalescent hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician's offices, schools, home care and community health facilities.

An average of $16.50 to 21.50 an hour can be earned as a LVN, depending on the area of employment selected. Generally, the pay is less in convalescent facilities, but job opportunities are more plentiful. Please refer to Occupational Outlook Handbook for current information on salary and job prospects.

City College of San Francisco offers an 18-month LVN training program which includes a break for ten weeks during the summer and approximately one month during the Christmas holidays. Instruction is held Monday through Friday or Saturday.

This is a Full Time program, there is no part-time program offered.

All theory classes are taught during daytime class hours.

Clinical days and hours vary.

John Adams Campus

1860 Hayes Street,

San Francisco, CA 94117.

For Program Certification, graduates must complete 85% of the objectives for each course and must demonstrate safe practice. For State License, see the following excerpt from the California Vocational Nurse Practice Act (#2866):

Qualifications of Applicants:

  1. An applicant for a licensed vocational nurse license shall comply with each of the following:

  2. Be at least 17 years of age.

  3. Have successfully completed at least an approved course of study through the 12th grade or the equivalent thereof as specified by the Board.

  4. Have successfully completed the prescribed course of study in an accredited school of vocational nursing of have graduated from a school which, in the opinion of the Board, maintains and gives a course which is equivalent to the minimum requirements for an accredited school of vocational nursing in the state.

  5. Not be subject to denial of licensure under Section 480. (Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 520, Sec. 1.)

Please refer to Tuition Information for specifics on costs. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. You may also call the Financial Aid Office at (415) 239-3577. The program requires completion of 44.5 units. Additionally, students are required to pay a $17 fee each semester for Student Health Services. Textbooks, uniforms, physical examinations, background check, fingerprinting and CPR card will cost approximately $1,000.