Bakersfield College

Nursing Programs

• $2,024 In-State Non-Degree Tuition*
• $1,748 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*

• Program
  Format
  Tuition
  Score
• Associate of Nursing
  On-Campus Program
  $1,748 In-State Tuition
  4.2 Program Score
• Licensed Practical Vocational Nurse
  On-Campus Program
  $2,024 In-State Tuition
  4.1 Program Score

The nursing programs at Bakersfield College boast a distinguished history, dating back to the late 1950s when the college took over a diploma nursing program previously run by Mercy Hospital. With over six decades of history, these programs are structured in small cohorts and can be completed in approximately two years.

The mission of the nursing programs at Bakersfield is to provide a foundation for students to become proficient nurses, whether as LVNs or RNs. The Nursing/Allied Health Department, a crucial part of Bakersfield College, supports this mission, core values, and vision by offering high-caliber education to a socially and ethnically diverse student body. Consistent with the college's overarching mission, these programs are designed to prepare novice nurses to serve as providers and managers of care across the health/illness continuum and as dedicated members of the nursing profession. Graduates are expected to collaborate effectively with healthcare team members, communicate proficiently, demonstrate political awareness, and commit to lifelong learning.

Nursing Programs at Bakersfield College 

Bakersfield College offers a variety of nursing programs to cater to its students' diverse needs and career goals. Here are the main nursing programs available:

• Nurse Assistant Training 
• Vocational Nursing (LVN)
• Associate of Science (AS) in Registered Nursing
  • AS RN: Traditional
  • AS RN: Advanced Placement/Transfer 
  • LVN to AS RN
  • LVN to RN Non-Degree (30 Unit Option)

Each program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in nursing.

Unique Features of Bakersfield College Nursing Programs

Bakersfield College's nursing programs are a unique and attractive choice for aspiring nurses due to their distinctive features. These programs respect students' individuality, recognizing their diverse educational, experiential, cultural, spiritual, economic, and social backgrounds. They offer a positive, innovative learning model that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring graduates are prepared to deliver care to a culturally diverse population in various healthcare settings.

The nursing programs provide a range of options, allowing students to choose the path that best fits their career goals. Unique support is also provided for military veterans, offering them the opportunity to obtain credit for certain courses and priority placement. These features, combined with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practical skills, make Bakersfield College's nursing programs a preferred choice for many, preparing them to become competent nurses, whether as Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).

Accreditation

The associate-level nursing programs at Bakersfield are currently (6/25/24) a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).