Vocational Nursing Certificate (with Optional AS)

Students must apply to Crafton Hills College before applying to the nursing programs. Application Information 

If you are a past Crafton student who has not enrolled in a course over the last academic year, you will be required to reapply to Crafton.

A separate application is required for admission to the VN program. Admission is by random selection of eligible candidates. 

Eligibility criteria for the VN program include:

• Proof of high school diploma or GED (physical diploma or transcript)
• Active CNA Certificate (copy from CDPH website)
• Successful Completion of Crafton Hills College ACNA (Pass)
• Successful Completion of Crafton Hills College Pharmacology for Nurses (C or better)

See College Catalog for Course Numbers

*Students are advised to verify that all transcripts and diplomas have been received by Admissions and Records before the application deadline. International high school transcripts must be evaluated and determined to be equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma by the application deadline. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to discuss this process.

In addition to eligibility and prerequisite requirements, further items are required to be accepted to the program. 

While Social Security Numbers are not required to take classes at Crafton Hills, the facilities used by the Nursing Program for clinical instruction do require them as part of their security clearance process. If you do not have a Social Security Number, please contact the DREAMers Scholars Program for further information.

• Valid Social Security card or ITIN
• Be 17 years old or older at the time of application
• Valid US Government Photo ID (non-expired)
• Valid Social Security Number or ITIN (originals required)
• Clear background check through Crafton Castlebranch performed no more than 6 months before the start of the program
• Clear urine drug screen through Crafton Castlebranch performed no more than 6 months before the start of the program
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification and not expire within the next 6 months
• Physical Exam on the Crafton Health Form with all lab results attached, performed no more than 6 months before the start of the program communicable disease clearance (titers & Vaccinations)
• Malpractice insurance (www.hpso.com)
• Meet ADA technical standards

Please note that costs are estimated. Depending on insurance coverage and financial assistance, costs may vary. The total cost of the program is estimated at $5,800.

Notes

* Does not need repeated if current, but will need to remain current through the program.

** Does not need to be repeated if performed less than 6 months before the program start date of May 26th. 

The program is a full-time, 55-week curriculum divided into four terms (Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer), comprising a total of 1,530 hours—576 hours of theory and 954 hours of clinical training.

Program Start May 2027

Application period will be January 15-February 15th

Students will be notified by mid-March to start Mid to late May 2027

*Notification timelines are subject to change. Students who have not received a notification after six weeks following the application deadline may contact lvn@craftonhills.edu for further assistance.

As per 16 CCR 2535, the general policy for Crafton Hills College nursing programs is to provide all students be given credit for the nursing knowledge and skills they have acquired through education and/or experience and be placed at a level that will assure successful attainment of educational goals. The form for credit for previous experience can be obtained by emailing lvn@craftonhills.edu.

Transfer credit shall be given for applicants with previous education from an accredited institution who have satisfactorily completed academic coursework with a grade of “C” or better in a class and/or clinical laboratory within the last five (5) years. This includes the following courses:

• Armed Services nursing courses
• Licensed Psychiatric Technicians courses
• Vocational or Practical nursing courses
• Registered nursing courses
• Certified Nursing Assistant courses
• Other courses the school determines are equivalent to courses required for the Vocational nursing program

A CNA Certificate is required to apply to the program. The student will have an opportunity to gain credit for prior learning for 24 hours. The form and policy will be discussed in the information session.

Students requesting transfer into the Crafton Hills College Vocational Nursing Program must have all prior coursework evaluated by the Director of Nursing or a designated representative. The following materials must be submitted to the Director or designee prior to the evaluation process:

• Written letter requesting transfer
• Official transcripts from all schools attended
• Copies of the course description and outline/syllabus from completed Vocational nursing courses
• Copy of certificate/licensure as applicable

Evaluation of previous nursing education will be based on a review of these materials. Comparison with the Crafton curriculum will be made. Everyone will be granted advanced placement according to the degree to which previous education compares with the Crafton curriculum, based on space available. 

As per 16 CCR 2530, the following clinical facilities have been approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians for the use of clinical experience at Crafton Hills College.

• Community Hospital San Bernardino

  1805 Medical Center Dr.
  San Bernardino, CA 92411

• Eisenhower Medical Center

  39000 Bob Hope Dr.
  Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

• Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

  1798 N. Garey Ave
  Pomona, CA 91767

• Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

  1720 Mountain View Ave.
  Loma Linda, CA 92354

• Waterman Canyon Post Acute

  1850 N. Waterman Ave
  San Bernardino, CA 92404