How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in California
Although the need for skilled and qualified nurses in California is often focused on the recruitment and retention of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or licensed vocational nurses as they are often called, are in need just as much. They too play an important role in providing care and treatment to sick and injured individuals. You can find a rewarding and good-paying job by learning how to become a licensed practical nurse in California.
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Instructions
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Obtain a high school diploma or GED certificate. When applying for your LPN license in California you must provide proof of a high school diploma or GED. This can be a copy of your actual diploma or certificate since it doesn't need to be official.
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Complete an accredited vocational nursing program. You can find a complete list of accredited programs that prepare you to become a vocational nurse by visiting the website of the California Bureau of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. If you attend a program outside California, you will need to have the director of your nursing program complete additional forms and submit an official transcript from the nursing program in a sealed envelope with your application.
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Submit application and appropriate fee. Graduates from vocational nursing programs in California will apply for their license through their educational institution. The Director of the nursing program at your school will submit your application and $75 application fee once you have it completed as this is the only way it is accepted. If you are graduating from an out-of-state program you can download an application from the California Bureau of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians website.
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Provide your fingerprints and complete the record of conviction form. This step certifies that you don't have a criminal background that would interfere with your ability to provide professional nursing care to patients. Fingerprints can be submitted on a card with your application or at a livescan facility within the state of California. You can find the livescan facilities through the website of the California Department of Justice.
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Wait for approval to take NCLEX-PN. Once you have submitted your application and any additional documents that may be needed, the California Board of Vocational Nursing will determine if you are eligible to take the national licensing exam (NCLEX-PN). You can only register for the exam once the board has approved your application.
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Pass NCLEX-PN and pay licensing fee. The final step after taking and passing the NCLEX-PN is to pay the fee to get your license. This fee is different than the application fee, and once it is paid you can expect your application to become a LPN in California to arrive. Generally this process takes 4-6 weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
LPNs are offered referred to as LVNs or VNs in California as this stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse.
With your application you must submit a recent, color, passport-style photograph of yourself that measures approximately 2x2. Be sure to sign the back of the photo as well.
You must be 17 years of age or older to apply for a vocational nurse license in the state of California.
