Tuition-Free LVN Program Launches
By Jill Dolan
October 15, 2025 - 11:58 AM
Mt. San Antonio College has launched the state’s only tuition-free Vocational Nursing program, offered through the School of Continuing
Education. By removing tuition, the program opens doors for aspiring nurses to enter
the profession without incurring the costs typically associated with similar programs.
The full-time program is fully accredited by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric
Technicians, and spans three 18-week terms and blends classroom instruction with extensive
clinical training. Students spend four days a week in class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
while clinical rotations provide real-world experience through 12-hour shifts, including
some weekends, at healthcare facilities across the region.
“This program is a game-changer for students who want to pursue nursing but can’t
afford to carry heavy debt,” said Dr. Tami Pearson, associate vice president of the
Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education. “It not only prepares graduates for immediate
employment but also positions them for further advancement into registered nursing
programs.”
The curriculum equips students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills
in pharmacology, anatomy, patient education, and leadership. Upon completion, graduates
are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed vocational nurses.
The first cohort of 24 students will complete its studies in February 2026. Applications for the second cohort are open now and it is scheduled to start next spring.
Liz Young, who became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) during the pandemic, praises
the program’s small classes and access to instructors at clinical sites. “I’m really
proud to be getting a nursing license through Mt. SAC,” Young said. “As someone working
full time, having the opportunity to do this program and not have a $50,000 loan waiting
for me at the end is great.”
With California facing a critical shortage of healthcare workers, Mt. SAC’s program
provides a pathway to stable, rewarding careers while addressing a pressing need in
the community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for
LVNs in the state was around $36.82 an hour, and the mean annual wage was about $76,580.
The Vocational Nursing program is one of several allied health career pathways offered
by the School of Continuing Education. Other programs are CNA, Medical Assistant,
Physical Therapy Aide and Pharmacy Technician. For more information, visit the Short-Term Vocational webpage.
