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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 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.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 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: PSY 101 / PSY 101H (RHC GE 6)M3.0
PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology (3.0 units)

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: PSY 101 or PSY 101H)

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
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
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 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.

Select one: HS 060 / BIOL 125 M4.0†
HS 060 - Health Science Core (5.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition, the ability to read college-level texts and completion of a prealgebra course.

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.

BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy (4.0 units)

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)

Prerequisite: HS 060; PSY 101
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)

Prerequisite: HS 060; PSY 101
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 071L - Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing LabM3.5
VN 071L - Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing Lab (3.5 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061 and VN 061L

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 LabM3.5
VN 072L - Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing Lab (3.5 units)

Prerequisite: VN 071L, VN 074 and VN 075
Corequisite: VN 073

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 PharmacologyM2.0
VN 073 - Basic Pharmacology (2.0 units)

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 074 - Nursing Care of Patients with Integumentary/Orthopedic Problems and Concepts of Gerontologic NursingM2.5
VN 074 - Nursing Care of Patients with Integumentary/Orthopedic Problems and Concepts of Gerontologic Nursing (2.5 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061 and VN 061L

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 ProblemsM1.0
VN 075 - Nursing Care of Patients with Endocrine Problems (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061 and VN 061L

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 ProblemsM3.5
VN 076 - Nursing Care of Patients with Renal, Urinary and Gastrointestinal Problems (3.5 units)

Prerequisite: VN 071L, VN 074 and VN 075
Corequisite: VN 073

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 ProblemsM3.0
VN 077 - Nursing Care of Patients with Cardiovascular and Respiratory Nursing Problems (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 071L , VN 074 and VN 075
Corequisite: VN 073

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 
4th Semester
VN 081L - Maternal and Pediatric Nursing LabM2.5
VN 081L - Maternal and Pediatric Nursing Lab (2.5 units)

Prerequisite: VN 072L, VN 073, VN 074, VN 075, VN 076 and VN 077
Corequisite: VN 084

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 LaboratoryM3.5
VN 082L - Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing Laboratory (3.5 units)

Prerequisite: VN 081L, VN 084

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 PharmacologyM2.0
VN 083 - Applied Pharmacology (2.0 units)

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 084 - Maternal and Pediatric NursingM4.0
VN 084 - Maternal and Pediatric Nursing (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 072L, VN 073, VN 074, VN 075, VN 076 and VN 077
Corequisite: VN 081L

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 NurseM0.5
VN 085 - Leadership & Supervision for the Vocational Nurse (0.5 units)

Prerequisite: VN 072L, VN 073, VN 074, VN 075, VN 076, and VN 077

This course introduces principles of leadership, group dynamics, delegation, and effective communication in working relationships for the vocational nurse. Emphasis is placed on delegating work to and supervising 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 license.

VN 086 - Mental Health and Neurological Nursing ProblemsM3.0
VN 086 - Mental Health and Neurological Nursing Problems (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 081L , VN 084

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 CancerM1.0
VN 087 - Nursing Care of Patients with Cancer (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 072L,VN 073, VN 074, VN 075, VN 076, VN 077, VN 081L, 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 COA program 52.0† 
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:
Some classes may have higher units
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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