Overview
Career outlook
Employers hire licensed practical nurses to provide basic patient care such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily needs under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
Getting in
What Bakersfield College asks for, taken from its own admissions page.
What you'll need
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
Applications accepted during the month of February; no applications in Feb 2026, next cohort fall 2027 pending curriculum approval. Requires current active CNA certificate, proof of HS graduation or GED/CHSPE, college transcripts showing prerequisites (BIOL B18 or B32+B33, PSYC B1A, MATH B27 or higher, ENGL B1A) with grade C or higher. Program page states 12 to 18 months to complete.
Checked Oct 2026 on the school's site. Requirements change each cycle, so confirm before you apply.
Paths
Routes into LPN. The first step is where you enroll today.
Medication Aide to LPN
Your medication administration experience counts. Bridge from certified medication aide into practical nursing and full LPN licensure.
CNA to LPN
Step up from nursing assistant to licensed practical nurse. The fastest license upgrade in nursing, and the standard bridge toward RN.
Find your next step.
Getting in starts with a path. Pick one, then follow the people who already did it.