Licensed Vocational NursingCertificate of AchievementAS Degree

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Community of interest
Health & Public Services
Award
Certificate of Achievement
Program code
01340.00CA
Department
LVN
CIP code
51.3901: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
TOP code
1230.20 - Licensed Vocational Nursing*
The Licensed Vocational Nursing program is a state-approved vocational program which provides the curriculum necessary for an individual to qualify for the state board examination for Licensure as a vocational nurse. The curriculum includes prerequisite courses and the equivalent of three academic semesters of nursing theory and supervised clinical experience. The primary role of the licensed vocational nurse is to provide bedside nursing in a variety of clinical settings. The student will study common medical-surgical conditions, their origin, prevention and treatment, emphasizing the related nursing care. To help the student provide "individualized" nursing care, other courses provide basic psychology and sociology concepts relevant to the development, motivation and reactions of people healthy and ill. The rapidly growing need for skilled health personnel provides good employment opportunities for the Licensed Vocational Nurse. Positions are found in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, physicians' offices, private homes, community health agencies and in industry. Admission to the Program: Students are admitted by application only. In the event there are more qualified candidates than vacancies in the class, a computer lottery will select the individuals to be enrolled. Applicants that are not selected for enrollment must reapply if they wish to be considered for admission to a future program. Contact the Nursing Department or visit www.butte.edu/healthoccupations for application dates and materials. Requirements for Application: Age 17 or older with a 12th grade education or equivalent. Prerequisites: Must be completed with a C grade or better prior to application BIOL 20 BIOL 21 ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E FN 2 Effective Fall 2026: FN 50 will no longer fulfill the prerequisite requirement. Applicants that have failed, more than once, from any nursing program (LVN and/or RN) are ineligible to apply. Persons with substance abuse issues or with conviction of crimes substantially related to the practice of nursing may not be granted a license by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Fingerprints are a required part of the application for licensure. Records that are expunged or sealed, and juvenile records will be accessed and reviewed. For more information, please visit the following website: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/enforcement/enforcement_faq.shtml
Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP
Community of interest
HPS Health & Public Services
Award
Certificate of Achievement
Program code
01340.00CA
Department
LVN
CIP code
51.3901: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
TOP code
1230.20 - Licensed Vocational Nursing*
Map Class Schedule

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

Program Schedule ReportMeet with a counselor
Licensed Vocational Nursing
Certificate of Achievement

A career-aligned credential built around a specific field of study or area of emphasis. Faster to complete than a degree, and the coursework typically stacks into a related AS or AA later if you choose to continue.

See the 2025-26 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

16 units
NSG 18
Fundamentals of Nursing
3 units

This course focuses on the client-centered study of fundamental nursing concepts applicable to all clinical areas in vocational nursing. Graded only.

Prerequisite: Admission to Vocational Nursing Program

Corequisite: NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 24, NSG 28

NSG 21
Clinical Nursing I
7 units

In this course students apply fundamental nursing skills and provide client care for adults. The course provides the opportunity to apply didactic information from concurrent nursing courses to the clinical setting. Pass/No Pass only.

Prerequisite: Admission to Vocational Nursing Program

Corequisite: NSG 18, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 24, NSG 28

NSG 22
Gerontology Nursing
1 units

This course introduces the vocational nursing student to the facts and myths of the older population, common conditions and diseases, assistive and restorative resources, and the older person's physiological and psychological responses to illness and medication. Included in the unit is the normal physiological and psychological aging process as well as information supportive of positive and healthy aging. Graded only.

Prerequisite: Admission to Vocational Nursing Program

Corequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 23, NSG 24, NSG 28

NSG 23
Pharmacology Nursing
3 units

This course covers basic applied pharmacology and major drug groups. Students will learn computation of drug dosages and safe and correct administration of medications. Emphasis will be placed on drug action, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug effects, side effects of drug therapy and nursing process related to drug groups. The course will be closely correlated to concurrent medical-surgical theory and clinical experiences. Graded only.

Prerequisite: Admission to Vocational Nursing Program

Corequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 24, NSG 28

NSG 24
Musculoskeletal Nursing
1 units

This course provides a foundation in the study of nursing process, basic physiology and pathophysiology related to adult clients experiencing disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Graded only.

Prerequisite: Admission to Vocational Nursing Program

Corequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 28

NSG 28
Role Development
1 units

This course focuses on developing therapeutic communication skills in all aspects of nursing care. Nursing process as it applies to interpersonal communication and personality development theory will be integrated throughout course. Graded only.

Prerequisite: Admission to Vocational Nursing Program

Corequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 24

Term 2

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

16 units
NSG 31
Clinical Nursing II
7 units

This course further develops skills developed during Clinical Nursing I and prepares students to provide care for hospitalized patients. Focus is on adult Medical-Surgical nursing as related to concurrent nursing units. Care for the perioperative patient is emphasized. Pass/No Pass only.

Prerequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 24, NSG 28

Corequisite: NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36 and NSG 37

NSG 32
Perioperative Nursing and Client Education
2 units

This course provides an introduction to nursing care related to clients in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases of surgical care. Implications of fluid and electrolyte imbalances and infection control during surgery are also addressed. Included is a focused study of the teaching needs of clients and families in perioperative settings. Development of client education skills, awareness of barriers to client learning, and a review of adult learning styles is included. Medications used during each phase of the perioperative process is addressed. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 24, NSG 28

Corequisite: NSG 31, NSG 35, NSG 36, NSG 37

NSG 35
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Nursing
3 units

This course introduces students to the nursing process related to adult clients experiencing disorders of the respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, and immune systems. Pathophysiology and medical treatment of diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune systems are addressed. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 24, NSG 28

Corequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 36, NSG 37

NSG 36
Gastrointestinal and Renal/Urinary Nursing
2 units

This course provides the student with the tools to use critical thinking skills in application of knowledge in the pathophysiology and nursing care of clients with disorders of the gastrointestinal and renal/urinary systems. Emphasis will be placed on individualized care and teaching of the client and family will focus on biophysical and rehabilitation needs, as well as cultural and psychosocial influences. A brief review of medications appropriate to each disease process will be integrated into the lecture. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 24, NSG 28

Corequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 37

NSG 37
Endocrine Disorders
2 units

This course covers basic nursing process, basic physiology, pathophysiology, medical care, complications, and nursing care related to clients experiencing disorders of the endocrine system. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 18, NSG 21, NSG 22, NSG 23, NSG 24, NSG 28

Corequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36

Term 3

Class Schedules

Pick a term:

Fall 2026Winter 2027Spring 2027Summer 2027

This will open the term course schedule not including GE requirements.

17 units
NSG 41
Clinical Nursing III
7 units

This course is a continuation of hospital clinical experience with a concentration on adult Medical-Surgical Nursing. Pass/No Pass only.

Prerequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36, NSG 37

Corequisite: NSG 42, NSG 43, NSG 44, NSG 47, NSG 49

NSG 42
Maternal Child Nursing
2 units

This course provides a foundation in the study of maternal-child care. Maternal-child nursing presents family centered care throughout the perinatal period and continues with the study of family centered care of children from infancy through adolescence. Included are disorders of the reproductive system. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36, NSG 37

Corequisite: NSG 41, NSG 43, NSG 44, NSG 47, NSG 49

NSG 43
Neurological and Rehabilitation Nursing
2 units

This course provides a foundation in the study of nursing care and basic physiology and pathophysiology related to clients experiencing disorders of the nervous system. Emphasis is on client, family, and group centered care. This course also addresses biophysical, psychosocial, cultural, and rehabilitation needs of adult clients. Students are introduced to principles and strategies for the promotion of wellness. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36, NSG 37

Corequisite: NSG 41, NSG 42, NSG 44, NSG 47, NSG 49

NSG 44
Psych/Mental Health Nursing
2 units

This course is an exploration of the psychology of maladaptive behavior and students are introduced to principles and strategies for the promotion of wellness. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36, NSG 37

Corequisite: NSG 41, NSG 42, NSG 43, NSG 47, NSG 49

NSG 47
Oncology Nursing
2 units

This course provides a foundation in the study of oncology nursing care including an introduction to oncology, prevention, detection and medical treatment. Content includes loss, grief, and death and dying. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36, NSG 37

Corequisite: NSG 41, NSG 42, NSG 43, NSG 44, NSG 49

NSG 49
Role Development and Vocational Relations/Leadership
2 units

This course provides an overview of the role of a nurse manager/supervisor and leader in a structured setting. The focus is on the development of the basic skills that facilitate the management process. Career opportunities, employer/employee relationships and responsibilities, as well as professional expectations are explored. This course will also provide an overview of nursing history, theory, legal and ethical concerns, and scope of practice of the LVN. Graded only.

Prerequisite: NSG 31, NSG 32, NSG 35, NSG 36, NSG 37

Corequisite: NSG 41, NSG 42, NSG 43, NSG 44, NSG 47

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset point cleanly to an immediate 2-year outcome for this program.

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the 4-year pathway for this program.

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the graduate-school pathway for this program.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

No NCES/IPEDS CIP-to-SOC mapping was found for this program's CIP code.

Last generated 2026-06-12T23:19+00:00