Lancaster anchors the Antelope Valley's healthcare system. Antelope Valley Medical Center — a 420-bed district hospital and the valley's only full-service acute care facility — handles more than 130,000 emergency visits a year, while Kaiser Permanente staffs six Lancaster and Palmdale locations with over 900 employees.
Palmdale Regional Medical Center rounds out a market that serves a fast-growing high desert population — and every one of these facilities, plus the valley's skilled nursing and clinic network, hires licensed vocational nurses.
For Antelope Valley students, LVN licensure is one of the most direct paths into stable healthcare employment without commuting into Los Angeles.
Imagine America has partnered with High Desert Medical College (HDMC) at its original Lancaster campus, where classes began in 2003. HDMC's Vocational Nursing program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), holds NLN CNEA pre-accreditation status, and has helped make HDMC the Antelope Valley Press 'Best Career College' winner five years running.
About Imagine America Foundation (IAF)
The Imagine America Foundation (IAF) is a nonprofit organization supporting students pursuing career-oriented education at recognized trade schools and career colleges across the U.S. Since 1982, the Foundation has helped students navigate the financial aspects of technical and vocational training.
IAF provides scholarship programs including the Imagine America High School Scholarship for graduating seniors, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) for adult learners, and the Military Award Program (MAP) for veterans. The Foundation also offers financial literacy guidance, career exploration tools, and resources for choosing the right program.
Over $10 million in tuition assistance is provided annually to students attending career and technical colleges nationwide.
Start Your Vocational Nursing Career with High Desert Medical College
HDMC's Vocational Nursing program prepares students for LVN licensure in 61 weeks full-time (84 weeks part-time), delivered fully in person with day and evening schedules. Tuition includes the NCLEX-PN exam fee, the BVNPT licensure application, and IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal certification.
- 61 weeks full-time (84 weeks part-time) — 1,530 clock hours with 680 hours of clinical externship
- BVNPT-approved with NLN CNEA pre-accreditation status
- NCLEX-PN exam fee and licensure application included in tuition
- IV Therapy Certification & Blood Withdrawal class included
What You'll Learn
The program combines 850 classroom hours with 680 hours of supervised clinical externship, covering nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical concepts, and patient care across the lifespan — fully in person, with day and evening cohorts.
Licensure and Credentials
Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion in Vocational Nursing and sit for the NCLEX-PN — with the exam fee and BVNPT application included in tuition. An Associate of Applied Science degree-completion track is also available, adding online general education coursework.
Built-In Extra Credentials
HDMC includes IV Therapy Certification and Blood Withdrawal training in the program — skills that expand what you can do as an LVN in California and make graduates more competitive with employers.
Career Outlook in the Antelope Valley
With Antelope Valley Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Palmdale Regional, and a broad base of skilled nursing facilities all within the valley, LVN graduates enter a local market with consistent demand — in the state that employs more vocational nurses than any other.
Training Services
- Nursing Fundamentals & Patient Care
- Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts
- Maternal & Pediatric Nursing
- IV Therapy Certification
- Blood Withdrawal Training
- Supervised Clinical Externship (680 hours)
- NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation (exam fee included)
Specialized Training
- Vocational Nursing AAS degree-completion track available
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Today
A strong foundation from the right training program sets the stage for a successful career. Explore training programs, meet expert instructors, and discover how quality education can lead to a rewarding future.
Start Your Nursing Career TodayFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the Vocational Nursing program at HDMC Lancaster?
The diploma program is 61 weeks full-time or 84 weeks part-time, totaling 1,530 clock hours including a 680-hour clinical externship. Day and evening schedules are available.
Is the NCLEX-PN exam included?
Yes. Tuition includes the NCLEX-PN exam fee, the BVNPT Application for Licensure by Exam, and the IV Therapy Certification & Blood Withdrawal class.
Is HDMC's program state-approved?
Yes. The Vocational Nursing program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) and holds NLN CNEA pre-accreditation status. HDMC is institutionally accredited by ACCET.
Are scholarships available for HDMC nursing students?
Yes. Imagine America Foundation scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors, adult learners, and military members attending High Desert Medical College. Create a free profile to see what you qualify for.
