Joyful nurse forming a heart with her stethoscope

Vocational Nursing Prerequisite Course

How to navigate your educational journey at Unitek College

Joyful nurse forming a heart with her stethoscope

If you want to become a nurse, it’s essential that you receive the right education. Many pursue Vocational Nursing (VN) diploma programs that prepare them for future careers in healthcare. At Unitek College, we offer a Vocational Nursing program that you can complete in 12 months or less. Of course, there are some admissions requirements you must meet first.

This article delves into our VN Prerequisite Course so you can know what to expect. We provide you with a window into the course schedule, classes, and environment. In just three weeks, you can complete 80 hours of virtual courses and on-campus instruction.

Are you interested in nursing? Read our guides to learn how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse or a Registered Nurse. You can also explore some of the highest paying nursing jobs. It’s never too late to get started!

VN Prerequisite Course

What are VN Prerequisites?

Every program comes with admissions requirements. At Unitek College, you must complete the Vocational Nursing Prerequisite Course before you can start the VN program. Not only will you sharpen your study habits and organization skills, but you’ll learn how to set goals so that you can meet the rigors of a Vocational Nursing program.

This 18-day course will prime you for your formal nursing education. It will also introduce you to the basics of medical terminology, anatomy, and dosage calculation. We’ll cover critical thinking and communication skills as they relate to a healthcare environment. In addition, we will explore different learning preferences and strategies that can help you succeed as you continue your education.

VN Prerequisite Course Topics

This course is taught in a blended format through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). It utilizes active learning strategies, game-based instruction, and frequent feedback opportunities for students.

Below are some of the topics covered in this course:

  • Study skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Identification of learning preferences and the impact on study skills
  • Nursing education levels and the role of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
  • Communication in healthcare
  • Web-based nursing resources
  • Dosage calculations
  • Medical terminology related to primary systems (i.e., skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and nervous).

A Day in the Life of a Student

In the VN Prerequisite Course, you will complete your coursework independently. We ask students to commit to at least 4.5 hours of study each day. Keep in mind that our faculty members are available to assist you. They hold virtual office hours, provide tutoring, and evaluate submissions. Speaking of class scores, you must receive a 75% grade or better to pass.

Additionally, all students must attend on-campus testing once a week. Here is a sample schedule that we give to incoming students:

Vocational Nursing Prerequisite Course sample schedule at Unitek College

VN Prerequisite Course Locations

You can find our VN Prerequisite Course at all our Unitek College locations. In California, this includes our campuses in Bakersfield, Concord, Fremont, Hayward, Sacramento, San Jose, and South San Francisco. We also offer this course at our campus in Reno, Nevada. There are many opportunities for you to embark on an educational journey at Unitek College.

The Importance of Prerequisite Courses

Enrolling in nursing school is a big commitment. This prerequisite course gives you a preview of what to expect from your nursing education, and helps you make an informed decision about whether a career in nursing is right for you. It’s a challenging course where your punctuality, attendance, and focus will be evaluated by our instructors.

Once you’ve passed this prerequisite course, you’re eligible for Unitek College’s Vocational Nursing program. Students with the best grades will receive priority seating for our next immediate start date. However, any student who passes this course is eligible for a position in the earliest program with available seating.

Secure Your Spot in Nursing School

Now that you have gained a better understanding of the prereq course, it’s time to enroll in the Vocational Nursing program. Our VN students benefit from extensive hands-on training, a focused curriculum, and NCLEX-PN preparation. In as little as 12 months, you can transform your passion into a vibrant healthcare career.

If you’d like to take your education a step further, consider the Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing (ASVN) program or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. In each program, you will embark on a journey that blends academic rigor with real-world applications. Make the choice today to pave a path where your passion meets purpose, fostering a brighter, healthier future for the world around you.