Vocational Nursing is a Diploma program offered by CNI College in Santa Ana, CA. The program takes 12 Months (3 Semesters) to complete, with a total tuition of $35,187.
Program Overview
VN 100 – Introduction To Client Centered Care 1-A
Term 1-A is designed to provide the student with an orientation to the college and an introduction to the role of the student nurse in the nursing profession. It includes a discussion of all the policies and procedures applicable to the program. As a fundamental course, Term 1-A is intended to initiate an understanding of basic nursing skills and concepts required to assist a client in meeting their health care needs. Concepts and skills included are growth and development, effective communication, interpersonal skills, physical assessment, documentation, safety, emergency procedures, infection control, and death and dying. Medical terminology, Orem’s self-care theory, and the nursing process are also introduced. An active skills lab component is integrated within the term. Term 1-A provides the framework for the development of the initial skills required for all subsequent specialty areas of clinical nursing. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course’s subject matter.
VN 105 – Introduction To Client Centered Care 1-B
Term 1-B continues the fundamental concepts upon which subsequent courses in the program build. Beginning concepts of the nursing care of the surgical client (pre-and post-operative), anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology are started. Applications of pharmacology, including principles of medication actions and interactions, both therapeutic and adverse, and the basis for the study of individual medications, are incorporated.
Calculation of medication dosages, preparation, administration, and storage is also emphasized. An active skills lab component is integrated within the term. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course’s subject matter.
What is the Vocational Nursing program at CNI College?
The Vocational Nursing program at CNI College is designed to prepare students with the practical skills and foundational nursing knowledge needed to care for patients in hospitals, clinics, and other structured healthcare environments. The curriculum covers essential areas such as basic nursing care, vital signs, patient assessments, documentation, and safe medication administration.
Training includes classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and supervised clinical rotations that help students apply what they learn in real-world settings. This combination of learning experiences is built to prepare graduates for entry-level vocational nursing roles and for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
What sets this Program apart
Why Choose CNI College’s Vocational Nursing Program?
Choosing CNI College’s Vocational Nursing Program offers several distinct advantages that set it apart from other nursing programs. Our program is designed to focus on the practical skills and knowledge essential for a career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), emphasizing hands-on training and real-world experiences to ensure students are workforce-ready in the shortest possible time.
Additionally, CNI College offers unparalleled career support services, assisting students in job placement and career advancement through resume building, interview preparation, and providing networking opportunities with potential employers. These elements combine to make our Vocational Nursing Diploma Program a superior choice for those aspiring to enter the nursing field efficiently and effectively.
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate for CNI College graduates?
The pass rate for the two most recent Quarters was 100%.
Admission Requirements and Process
Admission to the Vocational Nursing Program
Admission to the Vocational Nursing Diploma Program is designed to select students who demonstrate the potential for success in the nursing field. The program has established a set of criteria to ensure that incoming students are well-prepared for the rigorous academic and clinical training they will undergo.
What are the admission requirements for the program?
Key admission requirements for the VN program include:
- Passing the TEAS VII with ≥ 50% or the HESI A2 with ≥ 70%
- Completion of the ATI Smart Prep pre-VN course
- Completion of financial arrangements and enrollment agreement
- Required health exams, immunizations, and full medical disclosure
- Background check and drug screen clearance prior to clinical training
General Requirements
- Passing the TEAS VII with ≥ 50% or the HESI A2 with ≥ 70%
- Completion of the ATI Smart Prep pre-VN course
- Completion of financial arrangements and enrollment agreement
- Required health exams, immunizations, and full medical disclosure
- Background check and drug screen clearance prior to clinical training
Application Process
- 1Step 1: Request more information.If you haven’t already, your starting place is right here on this site. The moment you submit our Request Information form, you’re on your way.
- 2Step 2: Fill out our questionnaire.We ask all our applicants to complete a potential student questionnaire form so we have a clearer picture of your career goals and what you’re looking for in your education.
- 3Step 3: Complete an interview and a campus tour.One of our admissions advisors will reach out to you to have a one-on-one conversation about your situation and program of interest and to set up a tour of our campus.
- 4Step 4: Prep your finances and any other paperwork.Once your application has been accepted, you can work with our financial aid team to hash out the best ways to cover education costs. You’ll also turn in your Enrollment Agreement and documentation of any required health exams, tests, or vaccines.
- 5Step 5: Join us in the classroom and get started!When your first day of classes arrives, we’ll be ready and waiting to welcome you!
Program Schedule
Program Duration and Structure
The Vocational Nursing Program at CNI College is structured to accommodate students through a comprehensive curriculum spread across four terms. The program is designed to last 12 months depending on student’s schedule, ed plan, transfer of credits and holidays.
How long does it take to complete the VN program?
The program is 13 months / 57 weeks, though the exact length may vary based on schedule, educational plan, transfer credits, and holidays.
What is the class schedule like for VN students?
Vocational Nursing students follow a blended schedule that includes both classroom and hands-on learning. Students attend theory classes, skills lab, and clinical rotations Monday through Friday. The schedule is structured to alternate lecture, lab, and clinical days by cohort in order to fully utilize clinical site availability and faculty resources. Some clinical shifts may take place in the evening depending on site availability and program needs. As a clock hour-based program, attendance is significant and mandatory to ensure successful progression and completion.
Are there part-time or evening options available?
The Vocational Nursing program at CNI College is a full-time, on-campus program. While it is not offered in a part-time format, the schedule is designed to support students who need structured but predictable class days.
Students attend theory classes in the evenings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and complete labs and clinical rotations on Saturdays and Sundays. Some clinical shifts may take place in the evening depending on site availability and program needs. This schedule provides a full-time training experience without requiring daily attendance.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
| VN 100 | Introduction To Client Centered Care 1-A |
| VN 105 | Introduction To Client Centered Care 1-B |
| Totals |
School Information
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid and Scholarships
CNI College offers robust financial aid services and advising for students pursuing healthcare careers, starting from admission. Our knowledgeable financial aid team guides students through understanding financial aid criteria and managing responsibilities, while admission advisors ensure students are well-informed about nursing employment requirements. Financial support includes grants applied directly to student accounts, with refunds issued for any excess. Cal Grant payments match only the actual tuition and fees, ensuring equity. California state grants and veterans’ education benefits under Chapters 31 and 33 are also processed timely, directly benefiting students’ accounts and supporting their educational endeavors without financial strain.
What is the cost of the program, and what does it include?
Charges include tuition, registration, books, and supplies, assessed according to the Tuition & Fee Policies section. The most up-to-date costs can be found in the CNI College Catalog.
Is financial aid or scholarship assistance available?
Yes. CNI College participates in Federal Financial Aid, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and other aid programs. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA and federal guidelines. More details appear on the Financial Aid page.
Curriculum
Curriculum and Course Overview
CNI College offers an integrated approach to nursing education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pediatric and medical-surgical nursing, as well as mental health nursing, ensuring students receive a comprehensive foundation in nursing principles and practices.
Clinical experiences and hands-on training form a critical part of the curriculum, providing students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-world healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced professionals. This blend of academic rigor and practical application prepares students thoroughly for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and a successful career in vocational nursing, equipping them with the competence and confidence to excel in diverse healthcare environments.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
| VN 100 | Introduction To Client Centered Care 1-A |
| VN 105 | Introduction To Client Centered Care 1-B |
| Totals |
Career Outcomes
Job Placement and Career Opportunities
At CNI College, we ensure our students’ education is complemented with robust career preparation and placement assistance, boasting a placement rate of 71.43% for the 2022-2023 VN program. Our dedicated Career Services team works closely with students throughout their program, extending support through the Student Services Department for any personal issues impacting success. We successfully place graduates in diverse healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health companies, offering roles that range from full-time to per diem based on individual preferences. Our personalized approach includes one-on-one sessions post-licensure to discuss potential opportunities, assist with resume forwarding, and continuously share job opportunities until each graduate secures employment, ensuring a seamless transition into their nursing careers.
What kinds of jobs can I get after completing the VN program?
Graduates may work in:
- Nursing registries
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Doctor’s offices
- Long-term care
- Corrections
- Home health
What to expect as a Cni College student
Program Goals and Objectives
Students in the program are engaged in a rigorous curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and the required clinical experiences. These components are designed to equip students with real-world skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level employment as Licensed Vocational Nurses upon successful completion of the program.
Clinical Experience and Hands-on Training
The Clinical Experience and Hands-on Training component of the Vocational Nursing Program is designed to ensure students develop the necessary skills for competent care of both acutely and chronically ill clients. Through immersive learning experiences in various structured settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, doctor’s offices, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, home health care, and nursing registries, students gain the practical knowledge required to excel in their nursing careers.
The program focuses on teaching students a wide range of essential nursing care skills within the vocational nurse’s scope of practice. These skills encompass basic hygienic and nursing care, vital signs measurement, client assessment, accurate documentation, execution of prescribed medical treatments, administration of medications, and the performance of non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal, with the latter requiring additional Board certification.
This comprehensive approach to clinical training prepares students to confidently address patient needs and contribute effectively to healthcare teams.
What kind of hands-on training will I receive?
VN students complete required clinical experiences and laboratory skills training aligned with program competencies. Hands-on practice includes clinical procedures, medication administration, assessments, and simulation-lab work.
Where do students complete their clinical rotations?
Clinical sites vary and are assigned based on availability.
What support services are available to VN students?
Student services for VN students include:
- Advising and tutoring assistance
- Guidance services and counseling
- Library services including access to Burlew Medical Library and LIRN online library resources
- Career Services and job placement assistance
What kind of simulation or lab experiences are included?
The Vocational Nursing program includes weekend skills labs and simulation training. Students practice in a 10-bed skills lab that mimics an acute care setting and use high-fidelity simulators, including adult and maternal–neonatal models, to build clinical skills. Simulation sessions include audio and video debriefing to strengthen learning.
School Information
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide