Application Closes: April 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Coalinga College is now accepting applications for the LVN-to-Psychiatric Technician (PT) Pathway, designed for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) seeking advanced training in psychiatric and mental health care.
This pathway builds upon the LVN scope of practice and prepares students to meet the requirements of the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to take the California Psychiatric Technician Licensure Examination.
About the program
The LVN-to-Psychiatric Technician Pathway is a two-semester vocational program (pending BVNPT approval for new cohorts).
This program is designed specifically for LVNs transitioning into psychiatric and behavioral health care.
- Current, active California LVN license
- Completion of all required application forms Ability to meet clinical placement requirements
- Complete required documentation (see full application packet for required documentation)
- State hospitals
- Developmental centers
- Correctional mental health units
- County mental health services
- Private behavioral health facilities
(Items marked with ** indicate prior completion required)
Applicant Eligibility Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent (GED or CHSPE)
- The ability to meet clinical placement requirements (Background, drug screening, and Live Scans)
- Maintain current AHA CPR certification
- A current Licensed Vocational Nurse license in good standing with California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).
- A completed application.
๐ See the full application packet for detailed documentation requirements.
Prerequisite Courses (Completion in the LVN Program)
- **HS 005 โ Medical Terminology (3 units) Credit given with LVN licensure.
- **BIO 032 โ Human Anatomy (4 units) Credit given with LVN licensure.
- **PHARM 003 โ Introduction to Pharmacology (3 units) Credit given with LVN licensure.
- **PSYC C1000 โ Introduction to Psychology (3 units) Credit given with LVN licensure.
Program Curriculum (48.5 Units Total)
Required Core Courses:
- PT 101 โ Program Orientation (0.5 units)
- **PT 051 / 051L โ Fundamentals of Nursing + Clinical (8 units) Credit given with LVN licensure.
- **PT 052 / 052L โ Medical Surgical Nursing + Clinical (8 units) Credit given with LVN licensure.
- PT 061 / 061L โ Intro to Developmental Disabilities + Clinical (8 units)
- PT 062 / 062L โ Developmental Disabilities + Clinical (8 units)
- PT 071 / 071L โ Intro to Mental Disorders + Clinical (8 units)
- PT 072 / 072L โ Mental Disorders + Clinical (8 units)