LVN to RN 30 Unit Option (California)

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Program Overview

Degree:

LVN to RN 30 Unit Option (California)

Application:

$0 application fee. No essays/exams.

California Only

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) who desire to complete the minimum number of units required to take the licensure examination may apply for this LVN to RN option. LVNs who select the “30 Unit” option method to satisfy the requirements for licensure as a registered nurse should consult the Chair of the Department of Nursing for an individual program consultation to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this option.

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Degree Requirements

To receive the “30-45 Unit Option” certificate, students must complete the 44.5 quarter units as outlined

National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters. 

Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.

Required Preparation

6 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: BIO 191A, or BIO 201A; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A

Areas of study include chemistry, cells, tissues, organ systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the development and repair of the organs and tissues in these systems. BIO201 should be taken with the co-requisite section of either BIO191A or BIO 201A with the same instructor (and classmates).

1.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: BIO 201; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A or equivalent courses.

This laboratory course examines organ systems (skeletal, muscular and nervous). Students conduct cat/fetal pig dissections to identify and learn how skeletal muscles are organized according to body region. Sheep brain is used as a model to study human brain.

4.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: BIO 202A; Prerequisite: BIO 201 and BIO 201A

Organ systems (endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the effects of genetics, diet, lifestyle, and the environment.

1.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: BIO 202; Prerequisite: BIO 201; BIO 201A

This laboratory course examines homeostasis in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, along with digestive, and urinary systems. Chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, development and different types of inheritance through the testing of vision, hearing and taste and smell. Cat/fetal pig is used to study the internal organs.

4.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: BIO 203A Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100 and BIO 100A; CHE 101 and CHE 101A or equivalent courses; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A

Biology of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and viruses. The epidemiology of disease-causing agents is studied, along with the fundamentals of the human immune response. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.

1.5 Quarter Units

Corequisite: BIO 203; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A

This laboratory course introduced students to procedures for handling microbes, methods of identification of microorganisms (microscopic and by diagnostic media), preparation of stained slides and wet mounts, aseptic techniques, isolation of a single colony, preparation of a pure culture, inoculation and interpretation of select diagnostic tests. This two-month course is a combination of lecture and laboratory activities. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.

Nursing Core Courses

7 Course

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: Approved by Chair of Nursing or designee.

The purpose of this course is to transition licensed LVNs and if applicable military personnel with medical experience and coursework to registered nursing practice by introducing concepts: professional registered nursing roles, scope of practice, and planning and implementing nursing care. This course implements the utilization of the nursing process based on evidence-based practices to provide holistic care to adult and geriatric populations with stable chronic and acute medical conditions.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: NSG 214; NSG 214A; Corequisite: NSG 330A

This course focuses on concepts relating to care of the adult and geriatric patients with acute, complex, and critical medical-surgical problems. This course emphasizes the utilization of current evidence in providing and evaluating interdisciplinary management of adult and geriatric patients to support positive outcomes. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 330A is required.

3.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: NSG 214; NSG 214A; Corequisite: NSG 330

Practical application of knowledge and skills required for nursing care of adult and geriatric patients with acute and critical medical-surgical problems in laboratory and clinical settings. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 330 is required. Grading is S, U or I.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: NSG 330; NSG 330A; Corequisite: NSG 335A

This course demonstrates the relevance of mental health nursing concepts to all areas of professional practice. It provides a conceptual integration of the nursing process, theories, and research from the biopsychosocial sciences and humanities to promote mental health and provide care to all patients with mental disorders. Emphasis is placed on the use of therapeutic self and effective therapeutic communication to establish a therapeutic relationship among clients with mental health disorders. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 335A is required.

3.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: NSG 330; NSG 330A; Corequisite: NSG 335

This course covers practical application of knowledge and skills required for nursing care across the lifespan with mentally ill patients with commonly occurring problems. Demonstration of skills takes place in clinical, laboratory and outpatient settings. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 335 is required. Clinical Laboratory is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis based on successful completion of the course requirements.

4.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: NSG 335; NSG 335A; 
CorequisiteNSG 340A

The primary purpose of this course is to facilitate the development of a broad view of the management of health care delivery systems and the nurse leader’s role in that arena. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 340A is required unless approved by the Department Chair.

1.5 Quarter Units

Prerequisite: NSG 335; NSG 335A; Corequisite: NSG 340

This course covers practical application of skills and knowledge required to coordinate care for multiple patients in a multidisciplinary setting. Collaborate with the nurse leaders in various clinical settings to promote quality improvement initiatives utilizing evidence-based practice. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 340 is required. Clinical Lab is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis based on successful completion of the course requirements.

Career Outlook

The LVN to RN 30 Unit Option (California) Certificate will prepare you for careers such as:

  • Top Jobs in this field
  • Median Salary (USA)
  • JOB Openings (USA)
  • Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
  • $59,514 avg. salary (USA)
  • 63,910 job openings (past yr.) past year
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Median Salary:
$59,514 annual +23% above US average
Job Openings:
63,910 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $45,252
  • Medium
    $59,514
  • High
    $78,849

Most desired skills

  1. Nursing
  2. Nursing Care
  3. Medication Administration
  4. Vital Signs
  5. Home Health Care
  6. Medical Records
  7. Intravenous Therapy

Top companies hiring for this role

  • Unclassified
  • Maxim Healthcare Services
  • Aveanna Healthcare
  • BAYADA Home Health Care
  • CenterWell Home Health
  • LHC Group
  • Southern Health Partners

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.

  • Develop a critical stance on professional issues related to nursing practice, education, and knowledge development by analyzing the historical and contemporary environments in nursing.
  • Use computer technologies to augment productivity and to gain access to multiple informational resource services.
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Admissions

Transfer Students Welcome

More about transferring to NU.

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.

Accreditations

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The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

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We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.

Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

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Class of 2016

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Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.

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Additional Resources

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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