Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) provide patient care and do nearly everything registered nurses do, except such duties as administering chemotherapy and blood products. LVNs can become RNs, either by completing an LVN-ADN/BSN or LVN-RN 30-unit option program. The 30-unit option allows practice within the state of California only, and a degree is not awarded. Degree programs, such as the Associates in Nursing Degree (ADN), allow practice in other states.

Azuza Pacific University, Los Angeles

Azuza Pacific University is an evangelical Christian institution offering accredited programs in nursing. An LVN-RN program leading to a BSN as well as the LVN 30-unit option are offered. Each nursing candidate is evaluated on an individual basis for admissions consideration. The first-year nursing course, Foundations of Professional Nursing, is waived for licensed LVNs. However, Theories and Concepts in Professional Nursing, a nursing bridge course, may be required.

School of Nursing Azuza Pacific University P.O. Box 7000 Azuza, CA 91702-7000 (626) 815-5386 apu.edu/nursing/about/

California State University, Chico (CSU)

California State University at Chico School of Nursing offers LVN-BSN and LVN-RN programs. The programs grant priority status to LVNs working or living in the Chico area. A part-time program for working nurses, the LVN-BSN program, is completed online, has a clinical component and is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing as well as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Prospective nursing students must have nursing science prerequisites completed before applying to either program.

California State University, Chico School of Nursing Chico, CA 95929-0200 (530) 898-5891 csuchico.edu/nurs/index.shtml

Merritt College, Oakland

Merritt College offers an LVN-RN 30-unit option program requiring the completion of six courses total: physiology, microbiology, ethics, psychiatric nursing, leadership and advanced medical-surgical nursing. Those who successfully complete the coursework will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Merritt College Allied Health Department D-102 Associate Degree Nursing Program 12500 Campus Drive Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 436-2422 merritt.edu/apps/comm.asp?Q=40065

Mount St. Mary's College, Los Angeles

Mount St. Mary's College is a Catholic college for women offering several nursing programs, among them an LVN-RN program leading to an Associates Degree in Registered Nursing. LVNs are given the option of completing the National League of Nursing Mobility Exam requiring a minimum 75 percent score. Nurses passing the exam may opt to complete the BSN program in three years; otherwise, they can continue with the ADN program. Mount St. Mary's College of Nursing also offers the LVN-RN program as a 30-unit option. The College is co-educational.

Mt. St. Mary's College Associate Degree Nursing Department 10 Chester Place Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 477-2500 msmc.la.edu/undergraduate-associate-programs/nursing.asp

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