Launch your nursing career with purpose through the Vocational Nursing (VN) program at Unitek College in Bakersfield, California. Designed for motivated students who want to make a difference, this accelerated and flexible program combines professional instruction with extensive hands-on training in modern simulation labs and clinical environments. In as little as 12 months through our full-time day program, or through flexible evening options that can be completed in as few as 20 months, you’ll move through a focused curriculum built to prepare you for real-world patient care. Students train fully on campus, gaining hands-on experience through nursing skills labs, simulation training with clinical manikins, and supervised clinical rotations that prepare them for real patient care environments. With experienced faculty, personalized career guidance, and built-in NCLEX-PN preparation, the Bakersfield campus offers the support and resources you need to succeed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
TWO FLEXIBLE PATHWAYS
Choose the schedule that works best for you with full-time day and part-time evening program options.
BVNPT Accredited
This program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).
CAREER-FOCUSED TRAINING
Bakersfield VN Graduate Placement Rate
90%*
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What you'll learn.
The Bakersfield VN program gives you the hands-on skills, clinical knowledge, and real-world confidence to pass the NCLEX-PN and begin a meaningful career as a Vocational Nurse. Through experienced instruction, immersive simulations, and dedicated lab practice, you’ll learn how to deliver safe, compassionate care in today’s fast-paced healthcare environments.
Gather, interpret, and document key health information
Administer medications safely and accurately
Provide care for adult, pediatric, and maternal/newborn patients
Support long-term care patients with individualized plans
Educate patients and families on essential health topics
Collaborate with healthcare teams and supervise nursing aides
Admissions Requirements for the Bakersfield VN Program
Applying to the Bakersfield VN program is straightforward and designed to support you every step of the way.
Provide proof of your high school diploma or equivalent to begin your journey.
Complete the Unitek VN prerequisite course within 12 months of your program start date to build a strong foundation.
Finalize your background check during the prerequisite course to prepare for clinical training.
Meet with the Program Director for a goal-focused admissions interview.
Work with our team to complete your financial arrangements.
Start class and take the first step toward your future as a Vocational Nurse.
Vocational Nursing Program with a Career-Driven Curriculum
The VN curriculum is built to help you grow into a capable, confident nursing professional. As a Bakersfield student, you’ll complete more than 900 hours of hands-on training through simulations, skills labs, and clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities, all guided by experienced instructors who care about your success. Alongside this real-world practice, you’ll receive structured classroom instruction that strengthens your clinical judgment and deepens your understanding of patient care. Step by step, you’ll gain the knowledge, skill, and self-assurance you need to thrive in the healthcare field.
Core nursing subjects
Nursing Fundamentals – Theory
Nursing Fundamentals – Clinical/Skills
Introduction to Pharmacology
Medical-Surgical – Theory
Medical-Surgical – Clinical
Maternal and Newborn
Pediatrics
Professional Development
By the time I finished at Unitek, I scheduled and took my NCLEX within a month. I passed on my first time, all thanks to Unitek.
Almoss M.Unitek College Graduate
I really appreciate the care and effort that was put in by Career Services. Towards the end of the program, I was beginning to feel some doubts about getting a job, but the whole process (with mock interviews) made me feel a lot more confident.
Victoria G.Unitek College Graduate
Bakersfield Campus Amenities for Vocational Nursing Students
At Unitek College in Bakersfield, Vocational Nursing students learn in an environment designed to support both academic instruction and hands-on clinical skill development. The campus provides modern classrooms, well-equipped nursing labs, and accessible study spaces that help students strengthen their knowledge while preparing for the realities of patient care.
Classroom learning environment
Instruction at the Bakersfield campus incorporates a range of teaching approaches that support active participation and engagement. Along with lecture-based instruction, faculty integrate individual assignments, collaborative learning activities, and student presentations to help reinforce key nursing concepts. These instructional methods encourage students to apply what they learn in class while developing the communication and critical thinking skills needed in clinical practice.
Classroom learning environment
Instruction at the Bakersfield campus incorporates a range of teaching approaches that support active participation and engagement. Along with lecture-based instruction, faculty integrate individual assignments, collaborative learning activities, and student presentations to help reinforce key nursing concepts. These instructional methods encourage students to apply what they learn in class while developing the communication and critical thinking skills needed in clinical practice.
Simulation and skills labs
Students gain practical experience in nursing skills and simulation labs designed to replicate real patient care settings. Lab areas include patient care units equipped with hospital beds, nightstands, overbed tables, and privacy curtains to simulate clinical environments. Students train with simulated oxygen and suction systems, portable suction units, oxygen tanks, vital sign equipment, and mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers. Clinical training uses Laerdal basic, mid-fidelity, and high-fidelity manikins that allow students to practice patient care scenarios in a controlled learning environment. Additional training models include half-torso simulators for nasogastric tube insertion, diabetic foot models illustrating common complications, wound care models, and maternity simulators such as the Laerdal Sim-Mom or Gaumard Noelle birthing manikin.
Student learning and collaboration spaces
The Bakersfield campus also offers computer labs, study areas, and student lounge spaces that support both independent study and collaborative learning. These areas provide students with comfortable places to review coursework, complete assignments, and work with classmates throughout the Vocational Nursing program.
Campus Location
Located in the heart of southwest Bakersfield, our campus sits just off the Stockdale and Golden State Highways, offering easy access, ample student parking, and a calm, welcoming environment for focused study. The surrounding area features a variety of convenient amenities, including local eateries, coffee shops, and wellness centers, everything from In-N-Out Burger and Pizza Hut to the Bakersfield Spa Institute and Outback Steakhouse. Beyond the neighborhood, Bakersfield itself offers the warmth of Southern California living, with sunny weather, mild winters, and a thriving healthcare community. Students also enjoy proximity to major destinations like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, making weekend getaways and cultural experiences easily within reach.
At our Bakersfield campus, you can complete the full-time day program in as little as 12 months or choose the part-time evening schedule and finish in as little as 20 months. Both options are designed to offer flexibility for busy students balancing work, family, and school.
Tuition varies by campus and schedule. Our Admissions and Financial Aid teams will walk you through the full cost breakdown, including available financial aid options, payment plans, and any additional fees to help you plan with confidence.
The Bakersfield VN program prepares you to take the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California. We provide integrated NCLEX preparation throughout your coursework to help you succeed on your first attempt.
Our Bakersfield campus serves students from across Kern County and the surrounding region, including areas such as Delano, Wasco, Shafter, Taft, Arvin, and Tehachapi. Many students also commute from communities throughout the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Bakersfield students benefit from a variety of on-campus resources, including modern skills labs, computer labs, a dedicated library, no-cost printing, and a relaxing student lounge. You’ll also have access to tutoring, faculty mentorship, NCLEX-PN prep support, and career services to help you succeed from your first class through graduation.
At our Bakersfield campus, you can complete the full-time day program in as little as 12 months or choose the part-time evening schedule and finish in as little as 20 months. Both options are designed to offer flexibility for busy students balancing work, family, and school.
Tuition varies by campus and schedule. Our Admissions and Financial Aid teams will walk you through the full cost breakdown, including available financial aid options, payment plans, and any additional fees to help you plan with confidence.
The Bakersfield VN program prepares you to take the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California. We provide integrated NCLEX preparation throughout your coursework to help you succeed on your first attempt.
Our Bakersfield campus serves students from across Kern County and the surrounding region, including areas such as Delano, Wasco, Shafter, Taft, Arvin, and Tehachapi. Many students also commute from communities throughout the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Bakersfield students benefit from a variety of on-campus resources, including modern skills labs, computer labs, a dedicated library, no-cost printing, and a relaxing student lounge. You’ll also have access to tutoring, faculty mentorship, NCLEX-PN prep support, and career services to help you succeed from your first class through graduation.
Get started today!
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