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Vocational Nursing Program
Certificate and Associate Degree

Imperial Valley College offers a Vocational Nursing Program for students who are in good health, over 18, and eligible for admission.   The program prepares graduates to provide basic bedside nursing care to patients and/or clients under the direction of a physician or registered nurse.  Duties of the LVN include provision of basic hygienic and nursing care, measurement of vital signs, basic client assessment, documentation, performance of prescribed medical treatments, administration of prescribed medications, and performance of non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal (requires separate Board certification).


The program is fully accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technicians and provides equal opportunities to men and women.  After completion of the program, students are eligible to take the VN licensure examination (NCLEX PN).  Students may opt to take the certificate option or Associate degree option of the program.  Both options equally prepare the student to take the NCLEX PN.

 
Admission Requirements

Students who have met the following requirements are eligible for admission: 

Selection Criteria

Applications will be considered by a selections committee based on successful completion of the above courses.  Determination of acceptance will be based on an overall grade point average (GPA) of pre-admission (ENG 101) and pre-clinical courses (BIO 090, PSYCH 101, and AHP 100).


Meeting these requirements does NOT guarantee admission into the program.  If there are more applicants than spaces available within the program, applicants will be placed in two groups: 

Group A:  This group will consist of applicants who have completed ALL prerequisites as listed above with a grade of "C" or better.

Group B: This group will consist of applicants who are currently enrolled in any of the prerequisites but will be completing them at the end of that semester.


Application Procedures

The following must be received to be considered for the program:   
 

Students will also be required to have a BLS Healthcare Provider card from the American Heart Association.  The card will be required on the first week of class.

The four (4) letters of recommendation may be from employers, co-workers, friends, teachers, or anyone you feel can give an honest opinion about your decision to be in the program.  All transcripts, excluding the IVC transcript, must be official copies.   Students are responsible for submitting the IVC transcript. 

It is strongly recommended that all students meet with the IVC Nursing Counselor before submitting an application to confirm course work.  For an appointment, contact the IVC Counseling Office at (760) 355-6246.  The counselor can be reached directly at (760) 355-6259 or by email: stella.orfanos-woo@imperial.edu.

Deadlines:   Applications are accepted throughout the year, however, a VN course does not begin until the previous course has completed, after every three (3) semesters.  If a course begins in the fall, the deadline is April 1st.  If a course begins in Spring, the deadline is September 1st.  Students are advised to check with the IVC Nursing Division Office for the next application deadline. 

Once accepted to the program, students will be expected to obtain a physical examination which includes a TB skin test and X-rays if needed, lab tests (VDRL [RPR] and Urinalysis), and current immunizations.  An IVC Health Form will be distributed to students at the beginning of the program.  Students will also need to purchase malpractice liability insurance through the College prior to entering the hospital area.  A Student Blanket policy is available through the Nursing Division.

Course of Study

To obtain a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing, a total of 53 units will be required.
 

Progression Policy:

All courses are taken in sequence.  Each course within the major must be completed with a C or better to progress to the next level.  All skills and clinical components of each course must be completed with a Satisfactory to progress to the next level.  PSYCH 204 must be completed in the semester indicated with a grade of C or better to progress to the next level of nursing.

To complete the Associate degree option, students must take additional courses listed under Graduation Requirements in the IVC Catalog.  Students should meet with the Nursing Counselor to determine course work.

Estimated Expenses

Below is a breakdown of estimated costs students can expect to pay for the VN Program:
 

Students should meet with a financial aid technician regarding grant, loan, and scholarship information. 

Location

IVC is located on the intersection of Highway 111 and Aten Road, approximately 5 miles north off the Hwy 111 exit from I-8, 4 miles east from the city of Imperial on Aten Road, and 9 miles south from Brawley.  A map to the campus is available on the website:  www.imperial.edu.  The Nursing Division Office is located next to the North Parking Lot, in the 2100 Health Sciences Building, Room 2155.


For more information, contact the IVC Nursing Office at (760) 355-6348, or by email: laura.hartsock@imperial.edu, or logon on to:  www.imperial.edu.   You can also reach any of the following IVC departments: