Vocational Nursing Associate Degree is an Associate Degree program (Hybrid) offered by Carrington College in Santa Maria, CA. The program takes 64 weeks; 82 semester credits to complete, with a total cost, including fees, of $47,312.
Program Overview
Carrington College's Vocational Nursing Associate Degree program trains students to offer professional care to the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Licensed vocational nurses are an important part of a healthcare team responsible for administering medical treatment, detecting illnesses, and patient education.
The program includes an externship that allows students to further their studies in a real-world medical environment. This hands-on clinical training enhances the learning experience and allows students to develop a work history while completing their studies. The program culminates in an Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing which combines academic and clinical training to prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
Offered at: Bakersfield, Rancho Mirage, Santa Maria, and Visalia.
What Sets This Program Apart
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Vocational Nursing Associate Degree program, graduates will be able to:
- Use nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills to establish baseline data for the nursing process.
- Demonstrate competence in diagnostic and therapeutic nursing techniques.
- Use strong, developed self-concept in combination with creative/critical thinking, nursing judgment, knowledge and skills to provide nursing care in all healthcare settings.
- Embody caring and compassion as evidenced by interpersonal interactions and therapeutic practice.
- Use communication skills and collaboration with clients/families, and other members of the health care delivery team.
- Apply organizational skills to focus the care on the client's needs while working with interdisciplinary teams of allied health workers.
- Use nursing judgment to provide cost-effective client care.
- Use leadership and professionalism to be a client advocate and bring about any needed changes in the healthcare delivery system of today.
- Pass the Licensed Vocational Nurse Board Examination for licensure.
- Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in their career and personal life.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Institutional Accreditation
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at http://www.accjc.org/.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene programs at the Boise, Mesa, Ontario, Sacramento, San Jose, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Physical Therapist Assistant programs at the Las Vegas and Pleasant Hill campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The Associate Degree in Nursing programs at the Albuquerque (NM), Phoenix (AZ), Mesa (AZ), Reno (NV), and Tucson (AZ) campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with the most recent decision being Continuing Accreditation; the Las Vegas (NV) program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective April 23, 2025.
The Nursing Bridge program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation). The Practical Nursing program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation); the Albuquerque, New Mexico Practical Nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective September 5, 2024 (candidacy expires September 5, 2026).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered through the Sacramento campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science degree programs at the Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario, Phoenix, Pleasant Hill, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
The Surgical Technology programs at the Bakersfield, Fresno, Phoenix, Rancho Cordova, San Jose, and Temecula campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The Veterinary Technology programs at the Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, and Stockton campuses are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). AVMA accreditation for the Veterinary Technology program in Ontario is currently assigned to San Joaquin Valley College and will transfer to Carrington-Ontario 30 days before the next scheduled start date.
The most current information on accreditation and approvals can be found at https://carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentBe a graduate of an approved high school or hold a GED / High School Equivalency credential.
- Admissions assessmentPass the required admissions assessment with the minimum score designated by the program.
- Minimum ageMeet the minimum age defined by the state in which you attend Carrington College.
- Health & safety clearancesProvide required immunizations, and complete a criminal background check, drug screening, and CPR certification before clinical rotations.
- Enrollment documentationComplete all required enrollment documentation.
Application Process
- 1Request InformationSubmit the Request Information form and an Enrollment Services Representative will reach out to discuss the program, schedule, and your goals.
- 2Interview & RequirementsMeet with an Enrollment Services Associate, confirm you meet the admission requirements, and complete the admissions assessment.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA and meet with the financial aid office to review Pell Grants, federal loans, Work-Study, and VA/GI Bill options.FAFSA Code for Santa Maria: 009748Fill Out the FAFSA
- 4EnrollSign your Enrollment Agreement, register for classes, and attend orientation to begin the program.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Program Schedule
Approximate time to complete degree program: 64 weeks (not including breaks). Campus-based.
Curriculum
Associate degree technical and general education courses (Bakersfield, Rancho Mirage, Santa Maria, and Visalia):
- VN15 Fundamentals of Nursing Theory; VN16 Pharmacology for Nurses; VN17 Anatomy and Physiology
- VN22 Medical-Surgical Nursing Theory I; VN34 Maternal and Pediatric Nursing Theory; VN36 Medical-Surgical Nursing Theory II; VN42 Medical-Surgical Nursing Theory III
- VN47 Nursing Leadership; VN52 Pharmacology Dosages and Calculations
- VN101.25 Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical; VN113 Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Clinical; VN202.25 Medical-Surgical Clinical I; VN302.25 Maternity, Pediatric, and Intermediate Medical-Surgical Clinical II; VN402 Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical III
- VN501 Comprehensive Licensure Exam Review
- ENG121 Reading and Composition – Part A; ENG122 Part B; MTH121 College Algebra – Part A; MTH122 Part B; PHIL1C Ethics; PSY1 General Psychology; SOC1 Introduction to Sociology
Total for Degree: 82 semester credits (1,900 contact hours).
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
Carrington College complies with all applicable state and federal equal credit opportunity laws; however, Carrington College does not guarantee financial assistance or credit to any student.
Federal Student Aid Programs
There are three categories of federal financial assistance: grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study. To help students pay for post-secondary education, the U.S. Department of Education offers six primary federal financial aid programs, and Carrington College is eligible to participate in all six.
- Federal Pell Grants help fund post-secondary education for undergraduate students who have not previously earned bachelor's degrees. Grants are need-based and do not require repayment if the student remains in school during that term.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) provide supplemental funds to Federal Pell Grant-eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional need.
- Federal Work-Study (FWS) enables students who demonstrate financial need to earn wages to assist with paying for their education expenses through part-time education-related or community-service employment.
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are obtained from the U.S. Department of Education and must be repaid, typically once students have graduated or stopped attending school at least half the time.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Parent Loans) allow parents of dependent students to borrow a maximum of educational costs less financial aid per academic year.
Many lenders also offer non-federal (private) loans to supplement federal financial aid.
Veterans Benefits
Students who may qualify for veteran's education benefits should notify their Carrington College Enrollment Services Associate and Financial Services Advisor as far in advance of their scheduled class start date as possible. Benefits may be awarded under the GI Bill, including the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve, Dependent's Education Assistance (Chapter 35), and Post-9/11 (Chapter 33). Carrington College participates in the federal Yellow Ribbon program for students using Chapter 33 benefits (not available at all locations).
Financial Services
Services are available to assist all students with loan repayment options, deferments, debt management, and financial literacy.
Total program tuition is $47,312 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
What to Expect as a Student at Carrington College
Student Advising
We provide assistance and support to students who experience academic or personal issues during the course of their education. Staff are ready to assist you with developing a course of action designed to address your particular challenge.
Academic Support
Instructors are your first point of contact for support. All ground campus instructors have office hours and contact information posted in the course syllabus, and students are encouraged to use this time for one-on-one tutoring and identifying suggestions for improving study techniques and habits. The College Library subscribes to many databases containing current, full-text articles from periodicals, including peer-reviewed scholarly journals, and access to multimedia and electronic books available 24/7.
Tutoring, Mentors & Peer Support
Ground campus instructors are your first point of contact when requesting tutoring. Ground campuses also have student mentors who are the second point of contact for tutoring services, and students are encouraged to form study groups.
Student Success Center
Student Success Centers are spaces on campus where students can go to find additional resources and support, including information related to their program of study as well as general information and guidance on student success strategies.
Personal Resources
The College may provide assistance with transportation, childcare, counseling, food, utilities, and prevention programs. The Dean can connect students with these resources and provide referrals to appropriate outside agencies. Resources will vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Institutional Accreditation
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at http://www.accjc.org/.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Dental Hygiene programs at the Boise, Mesa, Ontario, Sacramento, San Jose, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
The Physical Therapist Assistant programs at the Las Vegas and Pleasant Hill campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
The Associate Degree in Nursing programs at the Albuquerque (NM), Phoenix (AZ), Mesa (AZ), Reno (NV), and Tucson (AZ) campuses are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with the most recent decision being Continuing Accreditation; the Las Vegas (NV) program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective April 23, 2025.
The Nursing Bridge program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation). The Practical Nursing program at the Boise, Idaho campus is accredited by ACEN (Continuing Accreditation); the Albuquerque, New Mexico Practical Nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN effective September 5, 2024 (candidacy expires September 5, 2026).
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered through the Sacramento campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Respiratory Therapy Associate of Science degree programs at the Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario, Phoenix, Pleasant Hill, Rancho Cordova, Temecula, and Visalia campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
The Surgical Technology programs at the Bakersfield, Fresno, Phoenix, Rancho Cordova, San Jose, and Temecula campuses are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
The Veterinary Technology programs at the Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, and Stockton campuses are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). AVMA accreditation for the Veterinary Technology program in Ontario is currently assigned to San Joaquin Valley College and will transfer to Carrington-Ontario 30 days before the next scheduled start date.
The most current information on accreditation and approvals can be found at https://carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.