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:

  1. Use correct medical terminology and nomenclature, in the correct context, in order to effectively communicate health/ medical information and concepts to others.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to perform accurate calculations of intake and output, drug dosages, and IV rates.
  3. Develop problem-solving and self-assessment skills and make appropriate decisions regarding a variety of procedural situations.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to interact with patients and work effectively as a member of the health care team.
  5. Develop the ability to use and adapt to current technologies used in the healthcare setting.
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
  3. Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
  4. Meet the local area requirement of Kinesiology/Dance.
Required courses:
VNRS 150Fundamentals of Nursing3
VNRS 151LFundamentals of Nursing Lab3
VNRS 152Pharmacology I1
VNRS 153Introductory Nutrition for the Vocational Nurse1
VNRS 154Body Structure Function for the Vocational Nurse I1.5
VNRS 155Social Psychology for the Vocational Nurse1
VNRS 160Medical - Surgical Nursing I3
VNRS 161LMedical - Surgical Nursing I Lab3
VNRS 162Pharmacology II1
VNRS 163Diet Therapy for the Vocational Nurse1
VNRS 164Body Structure and Function for the Vocational Nurse II1.5
VNRS 165Adult Growth and Development for the Vocational Nurse1
VNRS 170Medical-Surgical Nursing II7
VNRS 171LMedical-Surgical Nursing II Lab7
VNRS 172Advanced Pharmacology2
VNRS 173Psychology for Vocational Nurses2
VNRS 180Pediatric Nursing3.5
VNRS 181Growth and Development: Infancy-Adolescence1
VNRS 182Obstetrical-Gynecological Nursing4
VNRS 183Leadership in Nursing3
Total Units50.5

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.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
NRS 101 Nurse Assistant 5
KIN 173 Introduction to Nutrition 3
COUN 205 Pathways to Healthcare Careers 3
ENGL 101
Reading and Composition
or Reading and Composition - Honors
4
 Units15
Winter Term 1
POLI 103
American Government and Politics
or American Government and Politics - Honors
3
ART 100
Art History - Fundamentals of Global Art History
or History of Rock and Roll
3
 Units6
Spring Term 1
PSY 205 Developmental Psychology 3
NRS 100 Introduction to Vocational Nursing 3
MATH 165
Introductory Statistics
or Introductory Statistics - Honors
4
BIOL 105
General Biology
or General Biology - Honors
4
ENGL 293
Children's Literature
or Children's Literature - Honors
3
 Units17
Summer Term 1
RNRS 200 Role Transitions: LVN to RN 3
 Units3
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
 Units21
Winter Term 2
SPCH 100
Interpersonal Communication
or Interpersonal Communication - Honors
or Public Address
or Public Address - Honors
3
 Units3
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
 Units21
Fall Term 3
VNRS 180 Pediatric Nursing 3.5
VNRS 181 Growth and Development: Infancy-Adolescence 1
VNRS 182 Obstetrical-Gynecological Nursing 4
 Units8.5
 Total Units94.5

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.