For Stanbridge University vocational nursing alumna Joyce Tejada, the motivation to become a nurse began years before she entered a classroom. Caring for her grandmother after a stroke introduced her to the importance of compassionate care at a young age. Since graduating from Stanbridge, Joyce has progressed from post-acute nursing into acute dialysis, where she […]
If you’re comparing vocational nursing programs in California, start with California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) approval. Then look at NCLEX-PN outcomes, curriculum, clinical education, skills and simulation labs, program length, admissions requirements, costs, and student support. Because programs can differ significantly in structure and schedule, comparing the same factors across your options can help you […]
A vocational nursing diploma program and an associate-degree vocational nursing program can both prepare you to pursue licensure as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in California when they meet applicable state requirements. The main difference is the educational credential you earn, and the amount of coursework included beyond the required vocational nursing curriculum. Diploma programs typically concentrate […]
You do not need previous experience in healthcare to eventually pursue nursing. Many nursing students enter school after working in restaurants, retail stores, coffee shops, food service, warehouses, and other non-patient-care environments. Although those jobs do not replace nursing education or clinical training, they can help you develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and […]
Healthcare careers in California offer several potential benefits, including strong projected employment demand, a wide range of work environments, and opportunities to care directly for patients. According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), many healthcare occupations are projected to grow through 2032, including registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, occupational therapy assistants, and physical therapist assistants.¹ Understanding […]
Nursing offers several educational and career pathways, from nursing assistant roles and vocational nursing to registered nursing and graduate-level education. The right nursing career path depends on more than how quickly you want to enter the field. Your preferred responsibilities, educational goals, work environment, interest in direct patient care, and plans for future education can all shape […]
Stanbridge University’s Vocational Nursing program has been ranked the #1 Best LVN Program in California for 2026 by NursingProcess.org, marking the seventh consecutive year the program has earned the publication’s top ranking.¹ NursingProcess.org evaluates eligible vocational nursing programs based on factors including academic quality, first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates, affordability, and editorial ratings.² The recognition adds to a […]
If you’re considering becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), you may be wondering what you’ll actually learn during nursing school. An LVN program is designed to help you develop the foundational knowledge, clinical judgment, and hands-on nursing skills needed to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Throughout your education, you’ll build your ability to assess patients, administer medications, prevent […]
Basic Overview You do not need to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) before attending nursing school. While some students choose to work as CNAs before pursuing Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN) education, many nursing programs do not require previous healthcare experience. The right pathway depends on your educational background, career goals, and personal preferences. […]
The Next Generation NCLEX (often abbreviated to NGN or Next Gen NCLEX) is coming soon, and if you’re a nursing student or researching nursing pre-licensure programs, you’re probably wondering what that means for you. Don’t worry – we’ve got all the information you need to know about the NGN here.