A.S. in Vocational Nursing
Successful completion of the program studies allows the student to become eligible to take the State Board Examination for Licensed Vocational Nurse (NCLEX).
A.S. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Vocational Nursing A.S. Degree will:
- Use correct medical terminology and nomenclature, in the correct context, in order to effectively communicate health/ medical information and concepts to others.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform accurate calculations of intake and output, drug dosages, and IV rates.
- Develop problem-solving and self-assessment skills and make appropriate decisions regarding a variety of procedural situations.
- Demonstrate the ability to interact with patients and work effectively as a member of the health care team.
- Develop the ability to use and adapt to current technologies used in the healthcare setting.
- Provide patient care that falls within the scope of practice as set forth by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).
Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the District General Education Pattern, CSUGE or IGETC.
If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the CSUGE or IGETC General Education Patterns. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection. - Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
- Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
- Meet the local area requirement of Kinesiology/Dance.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| VNRS 150 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 3 |
| VNRS 151L | Fundamentals of Nursing Lab | 3 |
| VNRS 152 | Pharmacology I | 1 |
| VNRS 153 | Introductory Nutrition for the Vocational Nurse | 1 |
| VNRS 154 | Body Structure Function for the Vocational Nurse I | 1.5 |
| VNRS 155 | Social Psychology for the Vocational Nurse | 1 |
| VNRS 160 | Medical - Surgical Nursing I | 3 |
| VNRS 161L | Medical - Surgical Nursing I Lab | 3 |
| VNRS 162 | Pharmacology II | 1 |
| VNRS 163 | Diet Therapy for the Vocational Nurse | 1 |
| VNRS 164 | Body Structure and Function for the Vocational Nurse II | 1.5 |
| VNRS 165 | Adult Growth and Development for the Vocational Nurse | 1 |
| VNRS 170 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II | 7 |
| VNRS 171L | Medical-Surgical Nursing II Lab | 7 |
| VNRS 172 | Advanced Pharmacology | 2 |
| VNRS 173 | Psychology for Vocational Nurses | 2 |
| VNRS 180 | Pediatric Nursing | 3.5 |
| VNRS 181 | Growth and Development: Infancy-Adolescence | 1 |
| VNRS 182 | Obstetrical-Gynecological Nursing | 4 |
| VNRS 183 | Leadership in Nursing | 3 |
| Total Units | 50.5 | |
2.5-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
Note: Co-requisite MATH course (2 units) and/or substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| NRS 101 | Nurse Assistant | 5 |
| KIN 173 | Introduction to Nutrition | 3 |
| COUN 205 | Pathways to Healthcare Careers | 3 |
| ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H |
Reading and Composition or Reading and Composition - Honors |
4 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Winter Term 1 | ||
| POLI 103 or POLI 103H |
American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors |
3 |
| ART 100 or MUSE 113 |
Art History - Fundamentals of Global Art History or History of Rock and Roll |
3 |
| Units | 6 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| PSY 205 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| NRS 100 | Introduction to Vocational Nursing | 3 |
| MATH 165 or MATH 165H |
Introductory Statistics or Introductory Statistics - Honors |
4 |
| BIOL 105 or BIOL 105H |
General Biology or General Biology - Honors |
4 |
| ENGL 293 or ENGL 293H |
Children's Literature or Children's Literature - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 17 | |
| Summer Term 1 | ||
| RNRS 200 | Role Transitions: LVN to RN | 3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| VNRS 150 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 3 |
| VNRS 151L | Fundamentals of Nursing Lab | 3 |
| VNRS 164 | Body Structure and Function for the Vocational Nurse II | 1.5 |
| VNRS 165 | Adult Growth and Development for the Vocational Nurse | 1 |
| VNRS 152 | Pharmacology I | 1 |
| VNRS 153 | Introductory Nutrition for the Vocational Nurse | 1 |
| VNRS 154 | Body Structure Function for the Vocational Nurse I | 1.5 |
| VNRS 155 | Social Psychology for the Vocational Nurse | 1 |
| VNRS 160 | Medical - Surgical Nursing I | 3 |
| VNRS 161L | Medical - Surgical Nursing I Lab | 3 |
| VNRS 162 | Pharmacology II | 1 |
| VNRS 163 | Diet Therapy for the Vocational Nurse | 1 |
| Units | 21 | |
| Winter Term 2 | ||
| SPCH 100 |
Interpersonal Communication or Interpersonal Communication - Honors or Public Address or Public Address - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| VNRS 170 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II | 7 |
| VNRS 171L | Medical-Surgical Nursing II Lab | 7 |
| VNRS 172 | Advanced Pharmacology | 2 |
| VNRS 173 | Psychology for Vocational Nurses | 2 |
| VNRS 183 | Leadership in Nursing | 3 |
| Units | 21 | |
| Fall Term 3 | ||
| VNRS 180 | Pediatric Nursing | 3.5 |
| VNRS 181 | Growth and Development: Infancy-Adolescence | 1 |
| VNRS 182 | Obstetrical-Gynecological Nursing | 4 |
| Units | 8.5 | |
| Total Units | 94.5 | |
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.