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Certificate of Achievement
Vocational Nursing

The Vocational Nursing Program is offered as an Associate of Science Degree or as a Certificate of Achievement. Students opting for the Associate Degree should have all the General Education requirements completed prior to entering the Vocational Nursing Program.

The Vocational Nursing Program is a two-and-a-half semester program following completion of prerequisite courses. It is designed to prepare students for employment as staff nurses, giving care to patients in a variety of settings such as extended care facilities, home health care, surgical centers, and medical offices. The program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Students who complete the curriculum and achieve the certificate of achievement are qualified to take the examination leading to licensure as a licensed vocational nurse.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2025-2026 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: PSYC C1000 / PSYC C1000H M3.0
PSYC C1000 - Introduction to Psychology (3.0 units)

(Formerly PSY 001A, PSY 101)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC C1000, PSYC C1000H)

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations.

PSYC C1000H - Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3.0 units)

Formerly: PSY 101H
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSY 101 or PSY 101H)

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations. This is an honors course..

BIOL 125 - Human AnatomyM4.0
BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy (4.0 units)

(Formerly BIOL 025)

Advisory:BIOL 101, BIOL 105
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is primarily a systems approach to mastering the anatomical structures of the human body. The study of each body system includes structural specializations and functions at a microscopic and macroscopic level, emphasizing the interdependence of form and function. Additional topics include methods of anatomical study, human genetics, and embryonic development. This course is intended for pre-health students specifically preparing to enter careers in the health sciences.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
2nd Semester
VN 061 - Basic Fundamentals of NursingM3.5
VN 061 - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing (3.5 units)

(Formerly VN 101)

Prerequisite:BIOL 125, PSYC C1000 or PSY 101H
Corequisite:
VN 061L

This course is designed for the entry level vocational nursing student with a focus on the nursing process and its application in medical/surgical settings. The role of the Licensed Vocational Nurse in providing care for patients in a variety of situations is discussed. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program and is required for Vocational Nursing licensure.

VN 061L - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing LaboratoryM5.0
VN 061L - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing Laboratory (5.0 units)

(Formerly VN 101L)

Prerequisite:BIOL 125, PSYC C1000 or PSY C101H
Corequisite:
VN 061

This course is designed to provide the entry level vocational nursing student with the opportunity to learn basic nursing skills in the Health Science Skills laboratory and the clinical setting within the context of the nursing process. The student will apply the role of the Licensed Vocational Nurse in the clinical medical surgical setting. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for Vocational Nursing licensure. Offered on a pass/no pass basis.

HS 045 - Math for the Health Care ProfessionalM1.0
Notes:
Optional

HS 045 - Math for the Health Care Professional (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.

This is a basic course that focuses on mathematical computation and application within the health care setting. Topics covered within this course include drug dosages, calculation of intake and output, weights and measures, temperatures, intravenous infusion rates and conversions necessary for safe employment in the healthcare setting. This course is an elective course for students wanting to pursue a career in the healthcare industry.

Total Semester Units:9.5 
3rd Semester
VN 073 - Basic PharmacologyM2.0
VN 073 - Basic Pharmacology (2.0 units)

(Formerly VN 103)

Prerequisite: VN 061 and VN 061L
Advisory: HS 045

This is an introductory course of basic techniques and computations used in the administration of medications. Completion of the course prepares the student to safely administer medications to patients under the supervision of the nursing instructor. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for the Vocational Nursing Licensure.

VN 078 - Vocational Nursing IM9.0
VN 078 - Vocational Nursing I (9.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061, VN 061L
Corequisite:
VN 078L

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson's psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the foundational knowledge necessary to care for the aging patient and patients with disorders/diseases of certain body systems. These include the integumentary, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiac, and respiratory systems.

VN 078L - Vocational Nursing I LabM7.0
VN 078L - Vocational Nursing I Lab (7.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061, VN 061L
Corequisite:
VN 078

This course provides the student with the opportunity to use the nursing process with increasing independence in providing care for elderly patients in the clinical setting. The student increases competency in data collection and nursing skills. Special emphasis is placed on the care of the patient with problems of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, GI, GU, cardiac, and respiratory systems. This course is offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Total Semester Units:18.0 
4th Semester
VN 083 - Applied PharmacologyM2.0
VN 083 - Applied Pharmacology (2.0 units)

(Formerly VN 014)

Prerequisite: VN 073

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson’s psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the advanced knowledge necessary to safely administer medications to patients and accurately assess the patient response to medication therapy under the supervision of the nursing instructor. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program.

VN 088 - Vocational Nursing IIM7.0
VN 088 - Vocational Nursing II (7.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 078, VN 078L
Corequisite:
VN 088L

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson's psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the foundational knowledge necessary to care for patients across the lifespan and patients with disorders/diseases of certain body systems. This course covers the maternal/newborn and pediatric patient as well as patients with mental health disorders. It also covers diseases/disorders of the renal and neurological system and explores the care of the oncology patient and end of life care as well as the aspects of leadership as it relates to the scope of the Licensed Vocational Nurse.

VN 088L - Vocational Nursing II LabM6.0
VN 088L - Vocational Nursing II Lab (6.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 078, VN 078L
Corequisite:
VN 088

In this course, the student utilizes the nursing process with increasing independence and accountability in providing care for patients in the clinical setting. As a portion of the clinical experience, the student will have the opportunity to care for patient populations in the specialties of Maternal Newborn and Pediatric Nursing. Special emphasis is placed on the care of medical/surgical patients with complex problems, renal failure, neurological system disorders, and oncological problems. The student will have the opportunity to further develop the necessary communication skills needed to provide care for patients with mental health problems. This course provides the student with the opportunity to apply learned leadership skills within the Vocational Nurse scope of practice. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program and is required for Vocational Nurse licensure. 

Total Semester Units:15.0 
Total Units for Vocational Nursing COA program 49.5 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will integrate the simulated clinical experience to enhance clinical performance in all clinical areas.


2

Students will be prepared and have a successful pass rate on national vocational nursing exam.


3

Students will incorporate the medical model utilizing all aspects of the nursing process with successful completion of all theory objectives and clinical objectives in all courses of the vocational nursing program.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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