10 Best LVN Programs in California | Accredited Online LVN Programs 2025

Nursing is a career path with multiple tiers, including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and more. One of the entry-level career path options in nursing is becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), which may also be referred to as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) depending on your state.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth for LVNs by 2033. These nurses must complete a one-year program and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam. LVNs and LPNs are essentially the same role; however, California and Texas refer to them as LVNs, while the other states use LPN.

In addition to the best online LPN programs available nationwide, California-based learners can complete online accredited LVN programs from top-ranking community colleges across the Golden State. These programs are offered by accredited schools, meaning students will be eligible to sit for certification exams and pursue higher nursing degrees.

Accredited LVN Programs Online in California

There are many great online LPN nursing programs nationwide, but students can also find local programs with hands-on opportunities with coursework that can be completed online. LVN programs in California are offered with online options and fully in-person training programs.

Some online LVN programs in California include on-campus clinical experiences and are considered hybrid delivery. No matter which delivery method you choose, you'll receive the training needed to prepare for work in various healthcare settings after passing your licensure exam.

1. Summit College

Summit College has campuses in San Bernardino, El Cajon, and Santa Ana. Students here can choose between full-time or part-time LVN programs, which can be completed in 12 or 18 months, respectively.

Summit also offers evening and weekend classes for working adults or parents looking to fit their schooling around other responsibilities. Learners are eligible for federal financial aid programs after they submit their FAFSA forms.

2. Smith Chason College

Smith Chason College's Los Angeles and Ontario campuses offer a 15-month LVN program. Learners can benefit from multiple start times throughout the year, allowing them to begin when they are ready.

Coursework includes on-campus lessons, as well as externship opportunities to practice nursing skills in real-world settings. It offers several institutional scholarships, including the Smith Chason Vocational Nursing Student Opportunity Scholarship for LVN students.

3. Allan Hancock College

Allan Hancock College offers a 12-month LVN program from January to December for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who have completed the necessary prerequisites. This program, accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), qualifies for federal financial aid. AHC also has resources to help learners find private scholarships to further cover their tuition.

4. Unitek College

Aspiring LVNs can complete on-campus programs at one of Unitek's seven campuses, including Sacramento, Bakersfield, and San Jose. Unitek provides flexible scheduling with a 12-month standard program or a 17-month part-time evening program.

Students at Unitek can continue their nursing education with an LVN to BSN bridge program after they gain experience.

5. Annenberg School Of Nursing

The LVN program at the Annenberg School of Nursing can be completed in 13 months at its Reseda campus; it is divided into four 12-week sessions. The LVN program is accredited by the BVNPT, and learners can use federal aid or apply for ASN scholarships.

Tuition costs for this program include the NCLEX examination fees. Annenberg students have a higher NCLEX pass rate than the state average, reflecting its high-quality education.

6. Copper Mountain College

Copper Mountain College offers an Associate of Science in vocational nursing in either an on-campus or online format. This degree program takes three semesters, which is roughly 18 months.

CMC also has an LVN-to-RN bridge program for students looking to advance their nursing careers. Learners can apply for over 15 scholarships offered by CMC or federal financial aid.

7. Stanbridge University

The LVN program at Stanbridge University is offered at three campuses, with a fourth campus pending BVNPT accreditation. Learners can complete their LVN program in Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside.

Stanbridge is one of the top-ranking LVN programs in California based on NCLEX pass rates. Students will receive hands-on clinical training in Stanbridge's nursing skills lab.

8. City College of San Francisco

The City College of San Francisco has an LVN program available through its John Adams Campus; however, students can also complete this program through a hybrid format with online courses for LVN students. This accredited program takes approximately 18 months or three semesters. In addition to federal student aid, San Francisco residents qualify for the Free City program, which fully covers tuition costs.

9. Mira Costa College

Mira Costa College offers a part-time LVN program that takes around two years, while the full-time program takes around 14 months. Students can earn this associate degree in Oceanside, Cardiff, or Carlsbad.

Mira Costa alumni have a 94% pass rate on the state licensure exam, and students spend time learning in class and at healthcare facilities to gain theoretical and hands-on knowledge.

10. Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College's nursing school offers LVN and RN programs, as well as bridge programs for students advancing their careers. Learners can complete this program in a hybrid format using LMC's online courses for LVN students, but most coursework is completed on campus. The LMC Foundations scholarship provides resources to learners in addition to federal financial aid.

Our Selection Criteria

We selected the best LPN programs in California based on three strict criteria. These criteria ensure a quality, flexible education pathway that can help you achieve your goals.

• Accreditation: The programs in this list have national accreditation or accreditation from the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. This ensures that your program will qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.
• Flexible Scheduling: Not everyone can commit to a full-time schedule. We selected programs that offer multiple pathways for students to earn their associate degree, including different enrollment options and delivery formats, including LVN online classes.
• Financial Aid Options: All of the programs on this list are from on-campus or online colleges that accept financial aid, provide proprietary scholarships, or both. This helps reduce total costs for students preparing for their careers.

What To Expect from an Online Licensed Vocational Nurse Program

Colleges with LVN online classes can help aspiring healthcare professionals learn the theoretical skills of nursing. Some schools use simulated labs to give students practice with patient care skills like recording vital signs. Many online LVN programs still have some form of clinical experience or externship that requires students to practice in care facilities, even if they don't go on campus.

Fast-Track LVN Programs in California

Several of the best LPN programs on this list, including Unitek College and Allen Hancock College, offer 12-month LVN programs. This is considered an accelerated rate and usually requires full-time enrollment. However, some online schools offer 6-month LVN programs, as well as 9-month LVN programs. These accelerated LVN programs will require more dedication than traditional ones due to the LVN course requirements that must be covered.

FAQs About Accredited Online LVN Programs in California

Many students have questions about California LVN programs, especially online and hybrid ones. These questions are often about value, program length, and what careers are available to LVN graduates.

Are Online LVN Programs Worth It?

Online LVN programs are worth it, as long as they are accredited. These programs provide accelerated and affordable opportunities for aspiring nurses.

What's the Difference Between an LPN and an LVN?

Using LVN versus LPN comes down to which state you're in. California and Texas use LVN, while the other 48 states use LPN. Functionally, the roles are identical and can lead to the same career paths.

Learn More: LVN Vs. LPN

How Long Does It Take to Become an LVN in California?

Six months is the shortest time to become an LVN with accelerated programs, but the average length of time is around 12 months for full-time students and 18 months for part-time LVN programs.

What Are the Career Paths for LVN Graduates?

LVNs usually gain experience working in various healthcare settings before completing an LVN to BSN bridge program. A more advanced nursing degree can lead to positions in pharmacology, pediatrics, and medical-surgical nursing.

Explore Online Healthcare Programs

Online accredited LVN programs are available in California and other states. Our school profiles can help you figure out which college offers the best program for your goals. Once you've found the school you want to apply to, use our resources to reach out and start your application today.