LVN Frequently Asked Questions
These quick answers are designed to help students plan the LVN pathway. Always verify the latest cycle details with the Nursing Department.
The Gavilan LVN program is designed as a three-semester pathway.
Students earn a Certificate of Completion in Licensed Vocational Nursing. Students who complete the required general education pattern may also earn the Associate of Science Degree in Licensed Vocational Nursing. Graduates may then apply for the NCLEX-PN.
A minimum grade of C is required in all prerequisite courses. A grade of C- is not accepted.
Yes. Applicants must have a current American Heart Association BLS Provider card.
Selection uses a combination of multicriteria scoring and lottery. Incomplete applications are not processed, and there is no waitlist.
Plan early. Students who may later apply to RN should take BIO 7 and BIO 9 instead of BIO 15, and should work with a counselor to complete future RN prerequisite coursework in the correct order.
Accepted students complete health clearance requirements, immunization/titer documentation, background clearance, drug screening, and other program onboarding steps before clinical participation.