The Best LPN/LVN Programs in San Diego

San Diego has strong career opportunities for licensed vocational and practical nurses — or LVNs and LPNs, respectively — with local salaries averaging $65,900, among the highest in the nation for the professions.

While the programs are identical, California and Texas use the term LVN, and the remaining 48 states use LPN.

LVN programs provide a faster path than registered nurse training, which requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Students build hands-on skills in labs, clinicals, and online courses focused on core nursing practices.

In this guide, we’ll explore San Diego LVN programs, admission requirements, and salary expectations to help you start or shift your nursing career.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

LPN/LVN programs prepare students for entry-level nursing roles through intensive, short-term training. Programs typically last 12-18 months and combine classroom instruction with clinical experience. The program equips graduates to perform essential nursing duties, such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and communicating patient needs to registered nurses (RN) and physicians.

The curriculum mirrors real-world tasks, covering topics like anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, and ethics. Labs and clinical rotations reinforce these skills in multiple hands-on settings. Courses move at a fast pace to ensure students are ready for the NCLEX-PN exam and immediate employment. This focused training makes LPN/LVN programs an efficient pathway into healthcare, especially when you are looking for a practical and quick route to becoming a nurse.

The admission materials necessary for San Diegans who want to apply for an LVN (California) or LPN (other states) program include a high school diploma or GED, transcripts, and English proficiency. Most programs require CPR certification, background checks, drug screening, and immunization records. Some schools may also require entrance exams or nursing prerequisites before they accept you into the program.

Accreditation ensures that LPN/LVN programs meet rigorous standards set by state or national accrediting bodies, like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Nursing school accreditation verifies quality in the program’s curriculum, faculty, and clinical training. Program accreditation helps ensure you’ll meet eligibility requirements for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and financial aid resources.

Credits from an accredited program also transfer more easily to advanced nursing degrees, including LPN-to-RN bridge programs. All programs in our ranking are fully accredited, providing you with the assurance they deliver a trusted and standardized path into licensed practical or vocational nursing.