West Los Angeles College has launched a new Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Certificate Program approved by the CA Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, to prepare students for licensure and entry into the vital and growing field of vocational nursing. Enrollment for the first cohort of students that begins in Fall 2026 is already underway.
“We are thrilled to launch our LVN program,” said Dr. Carmen Dones, Dean of Academic Affairs. “This certificate gives students a clear, achievable pathway into a critical role in healthcare — and supports our commitment to providing living-wage training aligned with community need.”
Free information sessions are being held December 16 and January 20 via Zoom. Prospective students can register for a link at WLAC.edu/Events
Additionally, students will be able to access this training for thousands of dollars less that they would pay at a private career college. Tuition at West is just $46 per unit for California students and most full-time, first-time freshman can qualify for the college’s $0 Tuition Promise Program regardless of age or household income.
The demand for LVNs in the Los Angeles area remains strong, driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. Thousands of new openings are projected each year due to both job growth and the need to replace retiring nurses.
The Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research (COE) reports that in the Los Angeles / Orange County region, the number of job openings for LVNs significantly exceeds the number of certificates and degrees conferred in recent years. West’s new LVN program will help bridge this gap and hospitals will be encouraged to collaborate with the college to support clinical placements, student mentorship, and hiring pathways for program graduates.
In addition to ample opportunities, program graduates can expect to earn, on average, just over $70,000 according to ZipRecruiter.
An LVN provides basic patient care and comfort under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, changing bandages, and assisting patients with daily activities like bathing and dressing. LVNs also collect patient samples, maintain health records, and report on patient status to the rest of the healthcare team.
Michelle Long Coffee/WLAC
