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California LVN Programs

NurseJournal Staff
by
Updated October 27, 2025
    Want to become an LVN? Learn more about the best LVN programs in California.
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    Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

    Credit: Manuela Durson / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Only two states in our country, being Texas and California, have the specific job title LVN (licensed vocational nurse). In other states, the job is known as LPN (licensed practice nurse). An LVN is supervised by a physician or a registered nurse (RN). Their role is to provide bedside care in a variety of settings to their patients. If you live in California and wish to become an LVN, it is important that you follow the right training at a good school.

    Let’s take a look at the top LVN programs in California.

    Explore the Best California LVN Programs and Schools

    #1

    Carrington College-Sacramento

    • Location markerSacramento, CA
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Tuition
    • In-State$0
    • Out-of-state$0
    • Retention Rate66%
    • Acceptance Rate89%
    • Students Enrolled1,641
    • Institution TypePrivate
    • Percent Online Enrollment71%
    • AccreditationNo
    #2

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

    • Location markerSan Mateo, CA
    • 4 year
    • Online
    Average Tuition
    • In-State$0
    • Out-of-state$0
    • Retention Rate0%
    • Acceptance Rate0%
    • Students Enrolled2,708
    • Institution TypePrivate
    • Percent Online Enrollment31%
    • AccreditationYes
    #3

    College of the Redwoods

    • Location markerEureka, CA
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Tuition
    • In-State$1,104
    • Out-of-state$8,088
    • Retention Rate55%
    • Acceptance Rate0%
    • Students Enrolled3,686
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment66%
    • AccreditationNo
    #4

    Clovis Adult Education

    • Location markerClovis, CA
    • Campus
    Average Tuition
    • In-State$0
    • Out-of-state$0
    • Retention Rate50%
    • Acceptance Rate0%
    • Students Enrolled340
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment100%
    • AccreditationYes
    #5

    Merritt College

    • Location markerOakland, CA
    • 2 year
    • Campus
    Average Tuition
    • In-State$1,104
    • Out-of-state$7,464
    • Retention Rate51%
    • Acceptance Rate0%
    • Students Enrolled6,289
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment93%
    • AccreditationNo

    We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking is from 2021.