Vocational Nursing Crafton - A.S. Degree

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.
Requirements for transfer to another College/University may differ from associate degree requirements. Consult with a Counselor!
Please be advised: Online courses vary by semester. Refer to the current Class Schedule for accurate online course availability.
Honors Courses are also available. Contact the College Honors Institute for more information and membership requirements.

The Vocational Nursing (VN) Program is a comprehensive, competency-based program designed to prepare students for entry-level practice as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in a variety of healthcare settings. Grounded in a novice to expert framework, the curriculum supports students’ progressive development from novice learners to competent, practice-ready professionals. Instruction is structured to build clinical reasoning, technical proficiency, and professional behaviors across a continuum of learning experiences, from foundational to advanced levels of care.

The program emphasizes safe, patient-centered, and evidence-based care across the lifespan, with focused instruction in medical-surgical, maternal-child, mental health, geriatric, and community health nursing. Through didactic content, clinical simulation, supervised patient care, and structured remediation, students integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for vocational nursing practice.

The curriculum is aligned with the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies, ensuring that students develop expertise in patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety, and informatics. Emphasis is placed on ethical practice, cultural competence, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration to meet the diverse and evolving needs of patients and communities.

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and are prepared to provide high-quality care as contributing members of the healthcare team. The program meets the standards established by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) and supports student success through a combination of academic rigor, hands-on training, and individualized support.

 

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Integrate nursing informatics and technology to enhance patient care and decision-making as a competent entry-level vocational nurse.

Integrate clinical thinking principles using clinical reasoning and clinical judgments necessary to provide safe patient care as a competent entry-level vocational nurse.

Foster collaborative relationships with the healthcare team to improve patient outcomes as a competent entry-level vocational nurse.

Assimilate caring behaviors that support patient-centered care and demonstrate respect and sensitivity to others as a competent entry-level vocational nurse.

Function as a leader, employing leadership principles in various settings for diverse patients as a competent entry-level vocational nurse.

Function as a competent entry-level nurse vocational nurse, accepting accountability and responsibility for the ethical and legal principles defined in the Vocational Nurses Code of Ethics and Practice Act.

Provide safe, patient-centered, evidence-based nursing care to individuals and families across the lifespan under the supervision of a licensed physician or registered nurse.

Program Map

O Available Online
GE General Education
Program Requirement

Preadmission Requirements

3 units
All applicants must attend a Mandatory Information Session and have proof of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent to be eligible to apply to the program. They must meet all health requirements for the program as well as the Preadmission Requirements listed below. Please Schedule an appointment with a counselor to discuss the Vocational Nursing Program requirements and application process in more detail.

1st Semester (Summer 12 weeks)

13 units

2nd Semester (Fall)

14 units

3rd Semester (Spring)

14 units

4th Semester (Summer 12 weeks)

9 units

General Education Requirements

31 units
Students who choose to earn the Vocational Nursing degree will need to fulfill Crafton Hills College Local General Education requirements. Although the Department Recommended General Education courses can align with common Registered Nursing and LVN-to-RN program requirements, such as San Bernardino Valley College, they are not part of the LVN graduation requirements and students are encouraged to see a Counselor for further transfer and program admission requirements guidance.

Apply for Graduation!







Now that you have successfully completed the Vocational Nursing program as well as all Crafton Hills College General Education requirements, it's time to apply for Graduation! Schedule an appointment with a counselor for Graduation Application assistance. Feel free to review the Steps to Graduation prior to your appointment and be aware of the Graduation Application Deadlines found on Step 2.

Remember: you must RSVP in March if you would like to participate in the Commencement Ceremony held in May! We look forward to celebrating with you.