Unitek College

Vocational Nursing

Bakersfield
Diploma
Vocational Nursing
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Hybrid format — on-campus instruction combined with online coursework.
$36,945
12 months day (1,620 clock hours); 17/20 months evening options
No application fee is charged.
Federal Title IV aid (Pell grants & Direct Loans), California Cal Grant (A/B/C), VA/GI Bill with Yellow Ribbon, private loans, plus institutional alumni grants & scholarships.

Vocational Nursing is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by Unitek College in Bakersfield, CA. The program takes 12 months day (1,620 clock hours); 17/20 months evening options to complete, with a total tuition of $36,945.

Program Overview

The Vocational Nursing (VN) Program is designed to prepare students for nursing for employment in the healthcare field. Unitek College focuses on providing students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become competent and compassionate licensed nurses to provide safe patient care. This comprehensive program combines theoretical classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, practice tests, and test-taking strategies which prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing) which leads to a rewarding career in nursing. This pre-licensure Vocational Nursing (VN) program is approved by California's Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

Graduates are prepared to gain employment as entry-level Licensed Vocational Nurse (CIP code 51.3901, SOC code 29-2061.00). The credential awarded is a Diploma. Offered at all campuses.

What Sets This Program Apart

The program's goal is to prepare students to pass the NCLEX-PN license exam and gain entry-level employment as Licensed Vocational Nurses. Graduates will be able to collaborate effectively with clients, families, health care team, and community resources to provide holistic care; assist in the formulation of a systematic problem-solving approach to deliver basic nursing care within ethical-legal limitations; assist in the coordination of patient care as a member of the health care team; and assume responsibility as a member of the nursing profession by demonstrating accountability for practice. The curriculum has been designed to meet the educational licensure requirements in California and prepare students to apply to the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians to sit for the NCLEX licensure exam.

Admission Requirements & Process

The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), disability (physical or mental), age (40 and older), citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, AIDS/HIV, medical condition, political activities or affiliations, or status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking regarding college admission, access, treatment, or employment in any of its activities or programs. All admitted students must be able to read, write and understand English at a high school proficient level (all courses at the college are taught in English and no translation services are provided). A student may be enrolled in only one educational program at a time.

General Admissions Requirements

Once an applicant has completed and submitted the application packet and required documentation, the school reviews the information and informs the applicant if eligible for admission. If an applicant is not accepted, all fees paid to the school are refunded. The school follows an open enrollment system. The following criteria must be met before the student's start date:

  • An applicant must be at least 17 years of age, and if an applicant is 17 years of age at the time of enrollment, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign the enrollment agreement. Note: Students must be 18 years of age at the start of any clinical or externship activity as required by their program of choice.
  • Provide proof of completion of 12th grade level education (see Proof of High School Graduation below).
  • Provide valid ID (Military IDs are prohibited).
  • Must self-declare as a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen as classified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  • Must have a valid social security number or Federal Tax ID number (for pre-licensure programs, nursing pre-requisite courses, and/or for federal Title IV financial aid eligibility).
  • Achieve the program's passing score on any required entrance exam(s), as applicable.

General Admissions Procedures

The College requires all applicants to complete the following process prior to admission:

  • Complete an Application for Admissions.
  • Attend a live or virtual planning session, which includes both career and academic goals, with an Admissions Representative.
  • Take and pass any required program testing requirements, as applicable.
  • Complete a financial aid interview to develop a financial plan.
  • Complete the enrollment agreement with an Admissions Representative to include collecting all necessary documentation.
  • Meet with an appropriate Department Director to discuss any unusual enrollment circumstances or accommodations needed to successfully complete the program, as applicable.

Once all requirements have been completed, the Director of Admissions, Campus Director and/or applicable Academic Management review the application package for approval, and applicants are notified of their acceptance promptly.

Proof of High School Graduation

All students must show proof of completion of 12th grade level education in order to complete the enrollment process and be approved to start the program. Acceptable forms of proof include: a US High School Diploma or transcript from a state approved or US Department of Education approved school; G.E.D. certificate; homeschooling completion certificate; an Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's Degree or Doctorate obtained from a school with accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; or a foreign transcript evaluated by a recognized agency to be the equivalent of a U.S. High School Diploma.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Submit Application
    Complete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
  2. 2
    Submit Transcripts
    Provide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
  3. 3
    Financial Aid
    Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.
    Complete FAFSA Application
  4. 4
    Enrollment
    Once accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.

Program Schedule

Program Length: 12 Months (Day); 17 Months (Evening); 20 Months (Part Time Evening). Instructional Method: Residential. Instructional Hours: 1620. Admission requires successful completion of the Vocational Nursing Prerequisite Course (VN PRQ), an 80-hour blended course, within 12 months prior to the scheduled VN program start date. Certain courses are paired as co-requisites and both must be passed to progress.

Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid

Total Program Tuition
≈ $36,945

The Financial Aid (FA) Department strives to provide excellent service to deliver financial aid information to prospective, current & former students and their families. Information includes federal, state, institutional and private aid options to cover educational cost. FA Staff assist in the completion of required documents and processes all financial aid awards. The focus of the FA Office is helping students attend the college by alleviating or eliminating financial barriers and maximizing all available resources to help meet each student's financial needs.

Financial Aid is money that can be used to cover the costs associated with attending the college. This money can be in the form of grants, scholarships & federal loans. All loans & some grants must be repaid. All financial aid at the college is administered in accordance with the policies & procedures of the U.S. Department of Education. Unitek College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer students the option of applying for federal financial aid through the Title IV program.

Cal Grant

Cal Grant (A, B & C) is a state-funded educational opportunity grant program administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to assist students in paying for a college education. All Cal Grant payments are credited to student accounts to cover outstanding tuition, fees, books & supplies. Cal Grants may be renewed if the recipient continues to meet the income, asset, unmet need eligibility requirements based on the results of a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Private Lending Options

Private loans are available to students through various lending institutions to help pay educational expenses. Private loans, which are not insured by the federal government, have repayment terms that vary depending on the lender. The college encourages students to explore federal & state grants & loans, & to consider the anticipated monthly loan payments along with expected future earnings before considering a private education loan.

Scholarships & Grants

All institutional scholarships and grants are offered with the expectation that students will enroll on a full-time basis and remain enrolled for the semester, term or payment period for which they were intended. Institutional offerings include Alumni Grants (MA to VN or BSN, PN/VN to BSN, ASVN to BSN, and NATP), the Cellan Education Resources Opportunity Grant, the Ontario Healthcare Workforce Inaugural Grant, the VN Prerequisite Course Scholarship for Veterans, and the Yellow Ribbon Program for qualifying Post-9/11 GI Bill funded students. Unitek College is also approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to accept students using GI Bill® funding.

Total program tuition is $36,945 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

Career Outcomes

A Career Services team member assists students and/or graduates with enhancing their professional skills and career-readiness to successfully obtain employment in their chosen field. Students' success in this relationship depends largely on:

  • Attendance at all one-on-one sessions, meetings, seminars or workshops to which a student is invited by Career Services staff
  • Submitting a resume as requested by the Career Services staff
  • Demonstration of professional conduct and appearance

Students and graduates may receive employment assistance tailored to their individual circumstances and needs, which may consist of any of the following:

  • Career development planning, career coaching and interviewing skills
  • Preparation of resumes, cover letters and thank-you letters
  • Establishing references
  • Career Development seminars and workshops
  • Communication and Public Speaking skills
  • Job search techniques and networking skills
  • Professional development in a business setting
  • Reviewing “dress for success” strategies
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Electronic and “Hot” Job leads

The Career Services staff is here to assist students and/or graduates but cannot and do not guarantee employment. To qualify for employment assistance after leaving school, students must have successfully completed their education program and satisfied all financial obligations with the College.

What to Expect as a Student at Unitek College

Methods of Delivery

Residential: Residential courses meet on campus in a traditional classroom and/or laboratory setting. Online: Online courses are offered through an online learning management system; students have access to their online courses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hybrid: In hybrid or blended programs students meet with faculty face-to-face onsite each week while enrolled in campus-based courses; other courses required in the program, such as general education courses, are delivered online and supported by both the online instructor and campus-based tutors as needed.

Library / Learning Resource Center

Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) provide a wide range of core reference materials such as online databases and search engines, instructional and resource CDs, books, and pertinent trade, professional and academic periodicals. In addition, LRCs are equipped with computers featuring a variety of software and a high-speed Internet connection, giving students access to a multitude of tools and information to assist them in all aspects of their education. Each LRC is staffed with a professionally trained librarian who maintains the LRC inventory, assists students, and conducts orientations designed to train them to effectively find, retrieve and integrate the information they need to solidify their learning.

School Information

Unitek College
unitekcollege.edu
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Location

Bakersfield
333 Palmer Drive
Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93309

Accreditation & Approvals

Institutional

Unitek College's campuses in California and Nevada are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. The San Jose, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Concord, Ontario and Reno campuses are recognized by ACCSC as accredited branches of the Fremont main campus. The South San Francisco campus is recognized by ACCSC as an accredited branch of the Hayward main campus.

Unitek College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer students the option of applying for federal financial aid through the Title IV program.

Programmatic – Nursing Board Approvals

The Vocational Nursing (VN) program at Unitek College is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) degree program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The Practical Nursing program and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the Reno, NV campus are approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Unitek College is programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Unitek College Practical Nursing Program (Reno, NV) is programmatically accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).

Effective May 5, 2025, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This candidacy expires on May 5, 2027.

State

Unitek College is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means the institution is in compliance with state standards as set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009. In Nevada, Unitek College is a private institution licensed to operate by the Commission on Postsecondary Education (Nevada CPE).

Additional Approvals

Unitek College is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to accept students using GI Bill® funding for both pre and post 9/11 GI Bills® for approved programs and locations.

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Vocational Nursing