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 State Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Students who complete the curriculum and achieve the certificate of completion, 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.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
Select one: PSY 101 / PSY 101H M | 3.0 | |
PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed as a general introduction to psychology for psychology majors, those with an interest in psychology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human behavior. It provides an overview of the field of psychology, introducing students to the research methods used to advance the science of psychology and the various areas that comprise this diverse discipline. Research and theories are presented, discussed, and evaluated. Topics covered include biological psychology, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, cognition, personality, psychopathology and social psychology. PSY 101H - Introductory Psychology Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better This course is designed as a general introduction to psychology for psychology majors, those with an interest in psychology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human behavior. It provides an overview of the field of psychology, introducing students to the research methods used to advance the science of psychology and the various areas that comprise this diverse discipline. Research and theories are presented, discussed, and evaluated. Topics covered include biological psychology, sensation and perception, lifespan development, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, cognition, personality, psychopathology and social psychology. This course is intended for those who meet Honors Program requirements. | ||
MATH 070 - Intermediate AlgebraGE | 4.0 | |
MATH 070 - Intermediate Algebra (4.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 050 or MATH 050D or MATH 053 with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement This course is designed for students who have completed an elementary algebra course and need to complete an additional course in algebra before proceeding to a college level transferable course. This course is a study of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations, polynomials, exponents and radicals, relations and functions, graphs of functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and their applications. Students may enroll in MATH 070 in a lecture section for four units of credit or in individual one-unit modules: MATH 070A, 070B, 070C, and 070D in the Math and Science Center (MSC) or online. Modularized courses in the MSC must be taken sequentially over a maximum period of 24 months. | ||
RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Select one: SPCH 101 / SPCH 101H GE | 3.0 | |
SPCH 101 - Public Speaking (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This introductory course is designed to prepare students to be effective oral communicators in all aspects of public presentations including design and delivery of the public speech. The course is appropriate for all students interested in developing their public speaking knowledge and skills such as speech communication majors, future teachers, and future business leaders. SPCH 101H - Public Speaking Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better This introductory course is designed to prepare students to be effective oral communicators in all aspects of public presentations including design and delivery of the public speech. The course is appropriate for all students interested in developing their public speaking knowledge and skills such as speech communication majors, future teachers, and future business leaders. This course is designed for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0 | |
2nd Semester | ||
Select one: BIOL 125 / HS 060 M | 4.0† | |
BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy (4.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 050 or MATH 050D or MATH 053 or MATH 053B or appropriate placement; BIOL 101, BIOL 105 This course is primarily a systems approach to the study of human body structure. The study of each body system includes structural specializations and functions from the microscopic to the system level emphasizing the interdependence of form and function. Additional topics include methods of anatomical study, human genetics, and embryonic development. The laboratory exercises will also include vertebrate dissections. This course is intended for students preparing to enter careers in the health sciences. HS 060 - Health Science Core (5.0 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 033 or MATH 033B or appropriate placement This is a basic course which focuses on medical terminology, normal body structures and functions, the principles of nutrition, and the relationship of nutrition to health. It provides a strong foundation for all students entering the health care field. This course is a prerequisite for the Vocational Nursing Program. | ||
ENGL 101 - College Composition and ResearchGE | 3.5 | |
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units) Prerequisite: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement This is a composition course that enables students to generate logical, coherent essays and reports necessary to academic and professional success. Students will become proficient in research techniques, learn critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections, and apply these skills to creating original essays and a final research paper. The lab component of this course is designed to assist students in improving and refining their writing and language skills. Students will complete lab activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct documentation form. Students will meet with composition instructors through individual conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication. | ||
Select one: SOC 101 / SOC 101H GE | 3.0 | |
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement This course is designed for those with an interest in Sociology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. The student, using several theoretical points of view, will study and analyze: (1) the organization of social life; (2) problems of inequality – of age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class and life style; (3) the basic social institutions: family, education, politics, economics, and religion; and (4) global issues of population, technology, social movements and social change. SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology Honors (3.0 units) Prerequisite: Enrollment is restricted to those who meet Honors Program requirements (minimum GPA of 3.0) and completion of ENGL 101 with a "C" or better This course is designed for those with an interest in Sociology, or anyone with a desire to further their understanding of human group behavior and the organization of society. The student, using several theoretical points of view, will study and analyze: (1) the organization of social life; (2) problems of inequality – of age, sex, race and ethnicity, social class and life style; (3) the basic social institutions: family, education, politics, economics, and religion; and (4) global issues of population, technology, social movements and social change. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. | ||
RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE | 3.0 | |
Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite. Select one: | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.5† | |
3rd Semester | ||
Select one: CHEM 110 / BIOL 101 GE | 4.0† | |
CHEM 110 - Chemistry for Allied Health Majors (5.0 units) Prerequisite: MATH 050 or MATH 050D or MATH 053 with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of general, organic, and biological chemistry, and is especially appropriate for students intending to pursue a career in nursing and other health-related professions, including kinesiology and psychology. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between chemistry and the health/medical sciences. Weekly laboratory activities require students to empirically verify concepts presented in lectures. No previous background in chemistry is required or expected of students enrolling in this course. BIOL 101 - General Biology (4.0 units) Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement; MATH 050 or MATH 050D or MATH 053 or MATH 053B or appropriate placement General Biology 101 is a general education course, open to all students, and is designed to provide an introduction to concepts and principles of modern biology. Topics covered will include cell structure and function, energy relationships, genetic control mechanisms, concepts of evolution, biological diversity, and ecosystem function. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes the application of the scientific method as a tool to understanding living systems. | ||
RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE | 3.0† | |
Notes: Select one: | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 8.0† | |
4th Semester | ||
VN 061 - Basic Fundamentals of NursingM | 3.5 | |
VN 061 - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing (3.5 units) Prerequisite: HS 060; PSY 101 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 LaboratoryM | 5.0 | |
VN 061L - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing Laboratory (5.0 units) Prerequisite: HS 060; PSY 101 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. | ||
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE | 1.0 | |
Select one: KINA or DANC activity course. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 9.5 | |
5th Semester | ||
VN 071L - Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing LabM | 3.5 | |
VN 071L - Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing Lab (3.5 units) Prerequisite: VN 061 with a grade of "C" or better and VN 061L with a grade of "Pass" This course will provide the student with the opportunity to use the nursing process at a beginning level to care for patients in the clinical setting. The student will develop competency in data collection and basic nursing skills. Special emphasis will be placed on the care of the patient with problems of the endocrine, musculoskeletal and integumentary systems, as well as the older adult. 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. | ||
VN 072L - Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing LabM | 3.5 | |
VN 072L - Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing Lab (3.5 units) Prerequisite: VN 071L with a grade of "Pass"; VN 074 and VN 075 with a grade of "C" or better This course will provide the student with the opportunity to use the nursing process with increasing independence in providing care for patients in the clinical setting. The student will increase competency in data collection and nursing skills. Special emphasis will be placed on the care of the patient with problems of the cardiovascular respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal systems. 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. | ||
VN 073 - Basic PharmacologyM | 2.0 | |
VN 073 - Basic Pharmacology (2.0 units) Prerequisite: VN 061 with a grade of "C" or better and VN 061L with a grade of "Pass" 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 074 - Nursing Care of Patients with Integumentary/Orthopedic Problems and Concepts of Gerontologic NursingM | 2.5 | |
VN 074 - Nursing Care of Patients with Integumentary/Orthopedic Problems and Concepts of Gerontologic Nursing (2.5 units) Prerequisite: VN 061 with a grade of "C" or better and VN 061L with a grade of "Pass" 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 of the musculoskeletal and Integumentary systems. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program. | ||
VN 075 - Nursing Care of Patients with Endocrine ProblemsM | 1.0 | |
VN 075 - Nursing Care of Patients with Endocrine Problems (1.0 units) Prerequisite: VN 061 with a grade of "C" or better and VN 061L with a grade of "Pass" This course focuses on the use of the nursing process in caring for individuals with disturbances of the pancreas, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands. The pathophysiology, assessment data, nursing problems, medical and nursing interventions for patients with endocrine problems are discussed. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for Vocational Nursing licensure. | ||
VN 076 - Nursing Care of Patients with Renal, Urinary and Gastrointestinal ProblemsM | 3.5 | |
VN 076 - Nursing Care of Patients with Renal, Urinary and Gastrointestinal Problems (3.5 units) Prerequisite: VN 071L with a grade of "Pass"; VN 074 and VN 075 with a grade of "C" or better This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in medical surgical situations for the patient with gastrointestinal and renal problems. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles of nutrition in caring for patients with gastrointestinal and renal dysfunction. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for Vocational Nurse licensure. | ||
VN 077 - Nursing Care of Patients with Cardiovascular and Respiratory Nursing ProblemsM | 3.0 | |
VN 077 - Nursing Care of Patients with Cardiovascular and Respiratory Nursing Problems (3.0 units) Prerequisite: VN 071L with a grade of "Pass"; VN 074 and VN 075 Using the Systems Developmental Stress Model, The Nursing Process, and Erickson’s Psycho-Social Theory of Human Development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the foundational knowledge necessary to care for patients with cardiovascular and Respiratory disorders. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 19.0 | |
6th Semester | ||
VN 081L - Maternal and Pediatric Nursing LabM | 2.5 | |
VN 081L - Maternal and Pediatric Nursing Lab (2.5 units) Prerequisite: VN 072L with a grade of "Pass"; VN 073, VN 074, VN 075, VN 076 and VN 077 with a grade of "C" or better This course will provide the student with the opportunity to use the nursing process with increasing independence in proving care for patients in the clinical setting. The student will increase competency in data collection and nursing skills. Special emphasis will be placed on the care of the pediatric, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and newborn patient. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for Vocational Nurse licensure. Offered on a pass/no pass basis. | ||
VN 082L - Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing LaboratoryM | 3.5 | |
VN 082L - Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing Laboratory (3.5 units) Prerequisite: VN 081L with a grade of "Pass" and VN 084 with a grade of "C" or better This course will provide the student with the opportunity to apply learned leadership skills within the Vocational Nurse scope of practice. The student will utilize the nursing process with increasing independence and accountability in providing care for patients in the clinical setting. Special emphasis will be placed on the care of medical/surgical patients with complex problems, 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 is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for Vocational Nurse licensure. | ||
VN 083 - Applied PharmacologyM | 2.0 | |
VN 083 - Applied Pharmacology (2.0 units) Prerequisite: VN 073 with a grade of "C" or better 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 084 - Maternal and Pediatric NursingM | 4.0 | |
VN 084 - Maternal and Pediatric Nursing (4.0 units) Prerequisite: VN 072L with a grade of "Pass"; VN 073, VN 074, VN 075, VN 076 and VN 077 This course focuses on growth and development, with concomitant problems traced from the newborn through infancy, toddler, preschool, school-age, and adolescent stages. Emphasis is placed upon nursing care appropriate to the developmental stage of the child, and pediatric problems including biological and psychological problems affecting both healthy and hospitalized children and families. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program, and is required for the Vocational Nursing License. | ||
VN 085 - Leadership & Supervision for the Vocational NurseM | 0.5 | |
VN 085 - Leadership & Supervision for the Vocational Nurse (0.5 units) Prerequisite: VN 072L with a grade of "Pass"; VN 073, VN 074, VN 075, VN 076, and VN 077 with a grade of "C" or better This course will introduce principles of leadership, group dynamics, delegation, and effective communication in working relationships for the vocational nurse. Emphasis is placed on delegation and supervision of nursing assistants, other vocational nurses, and unlicensed assistive personnel. The course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for the Vocational Nurse licensure. | ||
VN 086 - Mental Health and Neurological Nursing ProblemsM | 3.0 | |
VN 086 - Mental Health and Neurological Nursing Problems (3.0 units) Prerequisite: VN 081L with a grade of "Pass" and VN 084 with a grade of "C" or better This course presents mental health concepts that relate to emotional issues influencing a patient's well-being and problems related to the neurological system. Emphasis will be placed on the nursing process, as it relates to problems of neurological function and mental health. This course is open to those students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for Vocational Nursing licensure. | ||
VN 087 - Nursing Care of Patients with CancerM | 1.0 | |
VN 087 - Nursing Care of Patients with Cancer (1.0 units) Prerequisite: VN 072L and VN 081L with a grade of "Pass"; VN 073, VN 074, VN 075, VN 076, VN 077 and VN 084 This course focuses on the application of the nursing process in medical-surgical situations for the patient with cancer diagnoses of various body systems and immune deficiency disorders. Emphasis is placed on the physical, psychological, and psychosocial effects of diagnosis, medical therapy, and nursing intervention with the application of principles of nutrition, pharmacokinetics, and palliative care in caring for patients with cancer. The course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for the Vocational Nurse licensure. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 16.5 | |
Total Units for Vocational Nursing AS program | 79.5† | |
† | Some classes may have higher units |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
GE | General Education course |
EL | Elective Course |
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.
Students will be prepared and have a successful pass rate on national vocational nursing exam.
Students will complete all general education (GE) requirements for AS degree in vocational nursing.
Students will integrate the simulated clinical experience to enhance clinical performance in all clinical areas.
Member of the Profession: The student will display a professionalism while delivering care with caring and advocacy, mindful of ethical and legal obligations as a nurse.
For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.
Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601
Phone: (562) 692-0921
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