Vocational Nursing

The Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

Next Class Starting Date:  Summer 2013

Program length: 38-40 weeks 

Days:   Theory (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm), Clinical (Monday-Friday 6:00am-2:30pm)

Schedule/Cost

Additional Program Information

As per the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (hereinafter referred to as "BVNPT") rules, there is a (5) year time out applied to all prerequisites; which means transfer credit shall be given for related previous education completed within the last five years.  This includes the following courses:

  
    • Accredited vocational or practical nursing courses.
    • Accredited registered nursing courses.
    • Accredited psychiatric technician courses.
    • Armed services nursing courses.
    • Certified nurse assistant courses.
    • Other courses the school determines are equivalent to courses in the program.The required prerequisites below must be completed before you will be considered for admission.  Prerequisites may not be taken concurrently with the vocational nursing program.
  • Students intending to take prerequisite classes at other colleges or universities need to verify the numbers of hours are the same.  We acknowledge all WASC accredited schools as well as other adult education schools that are WASC accredited ONLY.
  • You MUST take CNA or have your CNA license.  There is no exception. 

Employment opportunities:

  • Hospitals
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Medical Offices
  • Clinics
  • Correctional Facilities
  • Home Health Agencies

Employment outlook-Excellent!

  • Population aging
  • Healthcare industry growing rapidly
  • Many LVN's are retiring

How to Apply

  1. ALL potential applicants must attend a school orientation and assessment program which takes place every Wednesday at the main campus located at 5451 Lemon Hill Rd., Sacramento, CA. No reservation is necessary.

  2. In order to have an appointment with the Director of Nursing, you must have a completed file.  This is:

    3. A.   High school transcripts; if you didn't receive your HS transcript, a GED will be accepted.  If you have received your high school education outside of the United States you will need to have your transcripts evaluated. 

    B.      Passing CNET, HESI or TEAS test scores.

    C.      Official (sealed envelope) transcripts for college work completed to date. We cannot give transfer credit for any courses over five years old.

    D.   Two (2) Professional Letters of Reference related to your employment duties and abilities and time. We do not accept letters from friends or relatives.

    E.   Current CPR Cards.  

    F.   Copy of CNA Certificate/License.  Your license must be valid.

    G.   Immunization Record, TB/PPD, TDAP, Hepatitis A & B Vaccines

    H.   Must have a recent medical clearance (physical) indicating the potential student has zero restrictions or limitations of lifting up to 100 lbs.

Please be advised that we do not maintain a waiting list.  We do not have a lottery system.

Pre Testing Requirements

Write the Nursing Entrance Examination (C-NET) with a passing grade of 75% or higher for each section. You will be tested on Reading Ability, Numerical Ability and Language Ability.  You can purchase a study guide for the CNET in our front office. 

CNET

All potential students are required to complete the C-NET pre-nursing assessment testing.

In order to be accepted in the program potential students must complete all prerequisites and must have passed CNET, HESI or TEAS in order to get an interview.

The total cost of the exam will be $65.00. The student must bring a separate money order made payable to CNET in the amount of $45.00.   The $20.00 registration fee payable to Charles A. Jones can be paid by cash, money order or credit card.  No checks will be accepted.  Payment of CNET exam can be paid on the day of the exam, however, be sure that you come to the front office with your payment prior to closing.

CNET Prep Class:  We are now offering a CNET Prep class to better prepare the students for their CNET test.  The fee for this class is $75. Study Guide is $63.

There is an initial down payment of $5,000 that is NOT covered under your financial aid or pell grants.  CAJ does offer preference to students who take all of their prerequisites here - in this case the $5,000 is waived.  Should you receive your CNA license from another school, and take your prerequisites here at CAJ, the fee becomes $2,500. 

Please submit all prerequisite items to Marquita White, Vocational Nursing Program Assistant.  No appointments will be scheduled unless your file is complete.  If you have any questions please contact (916) 433-2600.

Required Orientation & Assessment

Every Wednesday 8:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room.  

Please bring your government issued picture ID (i.e. Driver's License, DMV ID card, etc).
NO CHILDREN PLEASE.