Vocational Nursing

The Vocational Nursing (VN) Program at Blake Austin College prepares students with the training and skills required for entry-level positions in healthcare. The approximately 12-month program offers day or evening classes that provide comprehensive instruction in basic nursing care for individuals who are ill, injured, convalescing or disabled.

The program consists of 1620 hours of theory, skills and clinical training focusing on patient-centered study of nursing concepts that apply to all clinical areas in vocational nursing. Emphasis is placed on developing proficient entry-level nurses while preparing them for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Students also receive training and certification in CPR through the American Heart Association. The program’s philosophy is centered on providing quality education through practical instruction delivered by licensed, certified and experienced instructors.

Blake Austin College’s healthcare programs are designed not only to prepare students to pass their state licensing exams but to be successful in post-graduation careers. The college encourages a learning environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation and excellence, and its hands-on approach supports the student from the introduction of training through employment.

• Multiple license programs, top educators, exam prep and alumni benefits.
• A modern 22,700 ft² facility at 770 Mason Street in Vacaville, with equipped laboratories, a computer lab and a learning resources center, and easy access from I-80 with ample parking.
• Flexible class schedules, financial aid for qualifying students, and scholarship opportunities.
• The Career Services Department offers lifetime job placement assistance; the college says it is highly regarded by local employers.
• Nationally accredited programs that represent real-world knowledge, hands-on skills and preparation for licensure.

VN applicants meet the college’s general requirements: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; high school diploma, GED or recognized home-study equivalent; the Application for Admission; completion of financial aid requirements; and the General Student Orientation. BAC does not admit Ability-to-Benefit students.

Entrance exam. Vocational Nursing requires 80% in math and 60% in reading comprehension and vocabulary on the HESI entrance exam; the first HESI attempt is provided by the college and additional attempts are paid by the applicant.

Additional VN requirements:

• Health screening.
• VN Program Interview, conducted by the Academic Department; dress professionally, and you must meet the entrance exam requirements to interview.
• Official high school transcripts, GED, or official home-study transcripts; foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a member of a national association of credential evaluation services.
• Vocational Nursing Orientation.

Immunizations, a background screen and a clear drug screen must be received by the 7th day of enrollment.

The program is 1620 clock hours (64 semester credits), approximately 12 months, listed at 48 weeks in the catalog, with day or evening classes. Each of the three courses is scheduled in three sections — theory, skills and clinical. Capacity is 40 per cohort, with lab and clinical groups of 15 per instructor. Clinical hours may be scheduled during the day and are typically full-time, which may require evening students to complete clinical hours during the day.

Cohort starts. The next 2026 cohort starts November 9, 2026 (orientation November 5, 2026) and ends October 31, 2027. Earlier 2026 cohorts began January 20, May 18 and August 17.

Total cost of program (tuition, books, supplies, technology fee and lab materials included): Clinical Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy, 920 hours/46 weeks, $20,193; Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2060 hours/70 weeks, $48,000; Surgical Technician, 1290 hours/80 weeks, $43,900; Vocational Nursing, 1620 hours/48 weeks, $37,035. A $100.00 non-refundable registration fee is not included. Under the catalog addendum effective October 28, 2026, students enrolling in programs starting in 2027 pay DMS $49,441, Surgical Technician $45,172 and Vocational Nursing $38,151.

Financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, in the form of grants, scholarships and federal loans; all loans and some grants must be repaid. Blake Austin College is approved to participate in the Federal Student Aid program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, the U.S. Department of Rehabilitation, and state and local programs including Cal Grants. Start by filling out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using Federal School Code 040033.

Payment options. Institutional payment plans are offered for balances remaining after all federal loan options have been awarded. Institutional scholarship applications are completed during enrollment, and awards are based on successful completion of the program. The college does not participate with any private loan companies. Other fees: $25 for returned checks, $15 for official transcripts.

The nursing curriculum meets the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians’ educational requirements for licensure, and graduates meet the requirements to sit for the NCLEX-PN through the State of California. Application and testing fees are not included in program fees.

The occupation is Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061): caring for ill, injured or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes and similar institutions. Reported job titles include charge nurse, clinic nurse, licensed vocational nurse (LVN), office nurse, private duty nurse and triage nurse.

School Performance Fact Sheet: on-time completion 65% (2023) and 57.5% (2024); completion within 150% of program length 78% (2023) and 81% (2024); placement in the field 80% (2023) and 46% (2024); first-attempt license exam passage 78% (2023) and 87% (2024).

Simulated patient-care environment. Students benefit from practical, hands-on instruction in labs that simulate a hospital-style patient care unit, with hospital-type beds, low- and moderate-fidelity simulation manikins (infant, child and adult), medical charts, medication carts, vital sign equipment, nasogastric feeding and tracheostomy equipment, ambulation equipment and body-part models.

Technology. Students have access to computer systems with nursing simulation and medication administration software, Microsoft Office, internet access and printers for research and assignments.

CPR and licensure preparation. Students are trained and certified in CPR through the American Heart Association course, and the program prepares students for the NCLEX, essential for becoming licensed vocational nurses.