Launch your nursing career with confidence through our accelerated Vocational Nursing (VN) program in San Jose, California, an ideal choice for motivated students, working adults, and career changers ready to step into healthcare. In as little as 12 months through our full-time day program, or 17–20 months with flexible evening options, you’ll move through a comprehensive curriculum that blends experienced instruction with hands-on learning in modern simulation labs and local clinical facilities. Students train entirely on campus with no online coursework, building practical skills through dedicated skills labs, simulation-based training, and hands-on clinical experiences that reflect real healthcare environments. With dedicated faculty, immersive training environments, and career services that include résumé workshops, mock interviews, and employer connections, the San Jose campus provides the skills, support, and professional readiness you need to thrive as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
THREE FLEXIBLE PATHWAYS
Choose the schedule that works best for you with full-time day, full-time evening, and part-time evening program options.
CAREER-FOCUSED TRAINING
San Jose VN Graduate Placement Rate 86%*
BVNPT Accredited
This program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).
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What you'll learn.
The San Jose VN program is designed to empower you with the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on training needed to thrive as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Our classrooms and simulation labs mirror real healthcare environments, featuring patient-care stations, adult and pediatric mannequins, IV poles, enteral feeding pumps, scales, and blood pressure cuffs, so you can practice essential procedures and build true clinical readiness. By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared for the NCLEX-PN and equipped to step into an entry-level nursing role with clarity and confidence.
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 San Jose VN Program
Applying to the San Jose VN program is straightforward and designed to support you from your first question to your first day in class.
Provide your high school diploma or equivalent to begin your application
Complete the Unitek VN prerequisite course within 12 months of your intended start date
Finalize your background check during the prerequisite course to prepare for clinical training
Meet with the Program Director for a friendly, goal-oriented admissions interview
Review financial aid options with our team and finalize your funding plan
Enroll in classes and take your first major step toward becoming a Vocational Nurse
Vocational Nursing Program with a Career-Driven Curriculum
Our San Jose VN program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, clinical skills, and confidence needed to succeed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. With a strong focus on preparing you for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, we combine experienced instruction, immersive simulation labs, hands-on clinical training, and personalized academic support to help you grow into a capable and compassionate nurse. Our class sizes foster meaningful mentorship and collaboration, while supervised clinical experiences allow you to apply your skills in real patient-care settings.
Core nursing subjects
Nursing Fundamentals – Theory
Nursing Fundamentals – Clinical/Skills
Introduction to Pharmacology
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Maternal and Newborn Care
Pediatric Nursing
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
San Jose Campus Amenities for Vocational Nursing Students
At Unitek College in San Jose, Vocational Nursing students learn in a setting designed to support both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical preparation. The campus combines modern classrooms, dedicated nursing labs, and supportive study spaces to create an environment where students can develop the knowledge, technical skills, and confidence required in today’s healthcare settings.
Classroom learning environment
Instruction at the San Jose campus blends traditional lectures with interactive teaching strategies that encourage active participation. Faculty integrate group exercises, case discussions, presentations, and other collaborative learning activities to help students engage with the material and apply nursing concepts in meaningful ways. This approach supports a range of learning styles while strengthening students’ critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.
Classroom learning environment
Instruction at the San Jose campus blends traditional lectures with interactive teaching strategies that encourage active participation. Faculty integrate group exercises, case discussions, presentations, and other collaborative learning activities to help students engage with the material and apply nursing concepts in meaningful ways. This approach supports a range of learning styles while strengthening students’ critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.
Simulation and skills labs
Students build hands-on proficiency in nursing skills labs designed to reflect real patient care environments. Training areas include patient care units equipped with hospital beds, overbed tables, nightstands, and privacy curtains to simulate clinical settings. Labs are stocked with industry-standard supplies such as simulated oxygen and suction equipment, mobility devices, vital sign tools, and other materials used during patient care. Students practice procedures using Laerdal basic, mid-fidelity, and high-fidelity manikins, along with specialty models used for wound care, nasogastric tube insertion, and diabetic foot care. Some programs may also incorporate maternity simulators.
Student learning and collaboration spaces
The San Jose campus also provides computer labs, study areas, and comfortable student lounges that support both independent study and collaborative learning. These spaces allow students to review course materials, prepare assignments, and connect with classmates while progressing through the Vocational Nursing program.
Campus Location
Located in South San Jose near Santa Teresa Boulevard, Great Oaks Boulevard, and major routes like Highways 101 and 85, our campus offers convenient access for students commuting from across the South Bay and communities south of the city. The immediate area features a mix of shopping centers, parks, eateries, and residential neighborhoods, creating a practical and welcoming environment for busy nursing students balancing school, work, and home life. Beyond the campus surroundings, San Jose itself offers the vibrant energy of California’s third-largest city—an economic and cultural hub at the heart of Silicon Valley, known for its mild coastal climate, diverse communities, and innovative spirit. It’s a dynamic place to study, grow, and begin your journey toward becoming a Vocational Nurse.
San Jose, CA Campus
6800 Santa Teresa Blvd
Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95119
At our San Jose campus, the full-time day program can be completed in as little as 12 months. We also offer full-time evening and part-time evening schedules, which can be completed in as little as 17 and 20 months, giving students the flexibility to balance work, family, and school.
Tuition varies depending on your schedule and financial circumstances. Our Admissions and Financial Aid teams will provide a full cost breakdown, including available grants, scholarships, payment plans, and other aid options for those who qualify.
The San Jose VN program prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, the required licensure step to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California. NCLEX readiness is integrated throughout the curriculum.
Applicants must provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent and complete the Unitek VN prerequisite course within 12 months of their start date. A background check is also required during the prerequisite course to prepare for clinical training.
Unitek College offers a variety of financial aid options for eligible students, including federal aid, scholarships, loans, and payment plans. Our Financial Aid team will guide you through every step to help you build a plan that fits your budget.
The San Jose campus welcomes students from across the South Bay, including San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Campbell, and surrounding communities throughout Santa Clara County.
San Jose students have access to modern simulation and skills labs, computer labs, study areas, and comfortable student lounges. The campus also offers tutoring, NCLEX-PN preparation support, faculty mentorship, and comprehensive career services, from résumé guidance to job placement assistance.
Class sizes are intentionally kept small to promote individualized instruction, personalized academic support, and strong collaboration between students and faculty.
San Jose typically offers multiple VN start dates throughout the year, providing students with several opportunities to begin their training without long wait periods. Each program start requires board approval.
Schedules vary by program track. Full-time day students attend weekday classes and labs, while evening students follow a weekday evening schedule with weekend clinical rotations. Your admissions representative can provide detailed sample schedules.
The VN program prepares you for entry-level practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. If your goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN), you can continue your education through our BSN program, which offers broader clinical training and preparation for RN licensure.
At our San Jose campus, the full-time day program can be completed in as little as 12 months. We also offer full-time evening and part-time evening schedules, which can be completed in as little as 17 and 20 months, giving students the flexibility to balance work, family, and school.
Tuition varies depending on your schedule and financial circumstances. Our Admissions and Financial Aid teams will provide a full cost breakdown, including available grants, scholarships, payment plans, and other aid options for those who qualify.
The San Jose VN program prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, the required licensure step to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California. NCLEX readiness is integrated throughout the curriculum.
Applicants must provide proof of a high school diploma or equivalent and complete the Unitek VN prerequisite course within 12 months of their start date. A background check is also required during the prerequisite course to prepare for clinical training.
Unitek College offers a variety of financial aid options for eligible students, including federal aid, scholarships, loans, and payment plans. Our Financial Aid team will guide you through every step to help you build a plan that fits your budget.
The San Jose campus welcomes students from across the South Bay, including San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Campbell, and surrounding communities throughout Santa Clara County.
San Jose students have access to modern simulation and skills labs, computer labs, study areas, and comfortable student lounges. The campus also offers tutoring, NCLEX-PN preparation support, faculty mentorship, and comprehensive career services, from résumé guidance to job placement assistance.
Class sizes are intentionally kept small to promote individualized instruction, personalized academic support, and strong collaboration between students and faculty.
San Jose typically offers multiple VN start dates throughout the year, providing students with several opportunities to begin their training without long wait periods. Each program start requires board approval.
Schedules vary by program track. Full-time day students attend weekday classes and labs, while evening students follow a weekday evening schedule with weekend clinical rotations. Your admissions representative can provide detailed sample schedules.
The VN program prepares you for entry-level practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. If your goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN), you can continue your education through our BSN program, which offers broader clinical training and preparation for RN licensure.
Get started today!
Complete this form and our Admissions department will contact you shortly with more information.
*These placement rates are based on program-specific and campus-specific data reported to our institutional accreditor(s) in 2024. While the figures shown here are not separately reported to our accreditor, they are derived from those outcomes. For full details by program and campus, please visit our Disclosures page.
*Please note that wage data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or other third-party sources may not be an accurate reflection of all areas of the country, may not account for the employees’ years of experience, and may not reflect the wages or outlook of entry-level employees, such as graduates of our program (accessed on 3/16/2026).
