Vocational Nurse Program

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Pass the TABE Test with the following scores:
  • Reading:  536
  • Math:        537
• Submit a VN Application (RTF) within the application window with the following documents:
  • **High School Diploma or High School Equivalency*
    • if submitting a high school diploma transcript, an official transcript must be on file with the Nursing Department.
  • **Nurse Assistant Certification (must be active)
  • **Proof of employment as a CNA for a minimum of 350 hours within one (1) year
  • Two letters of recommendation within 18 months (from anyone except family and no older than 18 months)
  • **Government-issued photo ID (ID must be issued in CA.)
  • **Birth Certificate/Certificate of Naturalization
  • **Social Security
  • One 2x2 passport photo
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) American Heart CPR
    
    **NOTE:  Originals for all the above are required and CAE will take a photocopy

• Having completed the following Pre-requisite Classes:
  • Medical Terminology – 45 hours
  • Medical Math – 45 hours
  • Nutrition – 33 hours
  • Anatomy & Physiology – 60 hours
  • Vocational Nurse Prep (Must be taken at CAE) – 36 hours

**IMPORTANT NOTES:

• If you have completed any Prerequisites at a different institution, you MUST provide us with OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS PRIOR  to submitting your application.  Each class must have a minimum grade of 78%.

• For the Prerequisites that you completed at Clovis Adult Education, you do NOT need to request or submit transcripts. The nursing office will obtain your Clovis Adult Education transcripts and TABE test results to complete your application.

• It is a requirement of the California State Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technicians that all persons applying for a Vocational Nurse program must have a High School Diploma/GED^®, Associates Degree, or a Bachelor Degree.  If you have a degree from a foreign country, you must get your original transcripts/diplomas translated and evaluated from the North American Educational Group.

Contact Information is listed below alongside their mailing addresses:
Website: Click here to visit the NAEG website – NAEG International Educational Credential
Email: info@naeg.org – 505 Paradise Road Unit #254
Telephone: 1-888-539-2804 – Swampscott, MA 01907

Step 1: Request Canvas Access

To begin your online Vocational Nurse Program application, complete the “Request Access to Submit VN Application” form using the link below.

Request access to submit VN application

Once your request has been received, you will be emailed a Canvas invitation where you will complete your application and upload all required documents.

Canvas invitations are sent within 24 hours of your request (excluding weekends and holidays).

VN Online Application Dates

Available: August 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
Closes: September 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Please monitor your email (including your spam/junk folder) and Canvas notifications throughout the application period.

Step 2: Complete Your VN Application in Canvas

After receiving your Canvas invitation, accept the invitation and log in to the VN Application course to complete your online application.

Within the Canvas Course

Home

• Review important application instructions and deadlines.

Assignments

• Select VN Application Documents.
• Complete the application and upload all required documents.

Grades

• After submitting your application, check the Grades section for your submission status.
• A status of Complete indicates that all required documents were successfully submitted.

Announcements

• Check regularly for important updates and notifications throughout the application process.

Important Reminders

• Save your application file using the following format: Last Name, First Name
• Upload all required application documents as a single PDF.
• Ensure your application is submitted before the application deadline.
• Monitor your email and Canvas notifications for updates regarding your application and interview selection.
  

• Program is offered twice a year in January and September
  • 18 month program (1530 hours)
    Program hours include two pre-requisite courses, Nutrition, and Anatomy and Physiology
• 3 Days a week (days vary)
• Program comprises of 4 Terms:
  1. TERM 1:   
     • VN 1 – Fundamentals of Nursing
        
  2. TERM 2:  
     • VN 2 – Pharmacology
     • VN 4 – Health & Illness / Intro to Medical Surgical
     • VN 4.5 – Growth & Development
     • VN 5 – Introduction to Medical Surgical / Clinical Lab
     • VN 5.1 – Introduction to Medical Surgical / Clinical Lab
        
  3. TERM 3    
     • VN 3 – Gerontological Nursing
     • VN 6 – Maternity Nursing / Female
     • VN 7 – Intermediate Medical Surgical / Gerontological Nursing
     • VN 9.5 – Principles of Mental Health
     • VN 8 – Ortho / Neuro / Clinical Lab
     • VN 8.1 – Maternity / Clinical Lab
     • VN 8.2    Geriatrics / Clinical Lab
        
  4. TERM 4:
     • VN 6.5 – Nursing Leadership
     • VN 9 – Pediatrics
     • VN 10 – Cardiac (Advanced Medical Surgical)
     • VN 10.5 – Respiratory (Advanced Medical Surgical)
     • VN 11 – Pediatrics / Clinical Lab
     • VN11.1 – Cardiac / Clinical Lab
     • VN 11.2  – Respiratory / Clinical Lab
        
• Program is accredited by BVNPT (Board Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technicians)

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

• CAE Student Questionnaire
• CAE Physical Exam Form
• CAE Immunization form including:
  • QuantiFERON TB Gold + negative titer
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (AB) Positive TITER
  • Varicella Positive TITER
  • MMR Positive TITER
  • Tdap
  • Flu vaccine (in season)
  • COVID-19 vaccine

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• American Databank
• Background Check
• Drug Screening
• Immunization Tracker

UNIFORM & SUPPLIES

• 2 Designated Hunter green scrub tops, bottoms, and 1 lab coat
• Wristwatch with a second hand (no smart watches)
• All white nursing shoes (no canvas or Crocs)
• Penlight, stethoscope, and bandage scissors
• REQUIRED:  Access to a laptop/PC and reliable Internet
  • Cell phones and tablets are NOT acceptable

Program Fee is $15,000.00

• A software fee will be added to all card purchases

Additional expenses up to $4,000.00

Background Check/Drug Screening & Immunization Tracker – $172.00

CAE Health Requirements – Varies
Uniforms & Nursing Shoes – $250/00
State Exam application fee – $300.00
BreEze Application Fee – $300.00
Pearson View (NCLEX Exam Fee) – $200.00
Book Bundle Access Card – $1,167.11

Fundamentals of Nursing Combo

Journey Across the Life Span

Medical/Surgical Nursing Combo

Pharmacology Textbook

Caring for Older Adults Holistically

Safe Maternity/Pediatric Combo

Nursing Leadership

Mental Health Nursing

1. Complete and pass five Pre-requisite classes with a 78%
2. Register for the CTE TABE Test($15.00)
   • Visit Click here to visit the webpage
   • From the homepage banner
     • scroll over Registration
     • scroll over Career Technical Education
     • click on Nursing TABE Testing
   • Read information and policy
   • Click "register online"
3. Submit a VN application online with the required documents. See Application Submission tab for more information.
4. For further questions, please call Nursing and Allied Health Department at (559) 327-2860.

Students aids are available to eligible students.

1. For Federal aid, see PELL Grant for eligibility and requirements.
2. For California State and local student aids, see Financial Aid Agency for different agencies, eligibility and requirements.