Los Angeles Valley College Nursing Program Review

Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) was founded in 1949 and is one of the leading community colleges in the state. Located in Valley Glen, campus is a short drive from downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, television and movie studios, Malibu and Santa Monica Beach.

Valley College enrolls over 20,000 students each semester, and has over 140 associate degree and certificate programs. It is also the home of the Valley Symphony Orchestra, LAVC Art Gallery, and the Los Angeles Valley College Historical Museum.

Nursing Programs

The nursing programs at Valley College are accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing (CABRN) and the National League for Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Students must have a “C” average or better before applying to the ADN program, and have completed the required courses of Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology, Math, and English.

Once in the ADN program, students will take 38 units of nursing theory, have supervised clinical experience at local hospitals and health care facilities, and complete at least 34 units of science and general education in order to graduate. All nursing courses must have been completed with a “C” average or better in order to take the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN).

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Career Ladder

Students currently licensed in California as an LVN and that have at least one year of current LVN work experience, 12 completed units with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) with a “C” average or better, and have completed the prerequisites listed above for the ADN are qualified to apply for the LVN Career Ladder. LVN students must also take the Transition Course.

LVN 30 Unit Option

The 30 Unit Option has the same requirements as the LVN Career Ladder above. Students should be aware that upon completion of this program, they will not earn an ADN degree, they will not be graduates of either Valley College or the Nursing Program, employment opportunities will be limited, and that other states will not recognize their California RN license. Students who complete this program receive an occupational certificate and are eligible to take the licensing exam.

Transfer Student

All students admitted as transfer students must take the Transition Course. In addition, they must have a letter from the Director of Nursing at their former school explaining why they are leaving, submit a transcript and petition for approval of credit transfer, and have 12 completed units with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) with a “C” average or better.

Foreign Nurse

A student applying as a foreign nurse must submit a transcript and petition for approval of credit transfer, and have 12 completed units with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) with a “C” average or better. In addition, students should be aware that foreign nurses that only need one or two specific courses will be considered last for placement in the program.

Other Health Related Programs

Respiratory Therapy Program

Respiratory Therapists work with patients suffering from heart and lung disease. These health care professionals work in intensive care units, emergency rooms, pulmonary rehabilitation facilities and home care, and in sleep disorder laboratories. The profession is well-paying and critically underserved, with many open positions right now.

Advanced Respiratory Care Practitioners (Registered Respiratory Therapists)

The Respiratory Therapist Program consists of two phases. Phase I is open to anyone, but students must apply for Phase II. To apply to Phase II, students must have a high school diploma (or equivalent), and a “C” average in all phase I courses (Psychology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Physics). Students that complete the Respiratory Therapist Program will graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Respiratory Therapy.

After completing the Respiratory Therapist Program, students may take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam, and then sit for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) written and clinical exams. Once they have passed the CRT exam, they can also apply for a license as a California Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP).

The Valley College Respiratory Therapist Program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Contact:

Los Angeles Valley College

5800 Fulton Avenue

Valley Glen CA 91401

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