Ukiah Adult SchoolUkiah Unified School District

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Application

 
TO APPLY
 
Applications are unfortunately delayed at this time for the next Vocational Nursing Program cohort. 
 
We hope to start a cohort in August 2023. 
 
Please check this website regularly for updates as to when our next application cycle will begin. 
 

​Application Fee
There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. Cash, Checks or Money Orders payable to Ukiah Adult School are acceptable forms of payment.
 
​Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a required pre-admission component for the 18 month VN Program. Applicants must complete the exam and score a Basic (45) or above as part of the application process. TEAS scores taken within the last 12 months will be accepted. TEAS testing will be offered at Ukiah Adult School when we open our next application cycle in March of 2023.
 
Click on the the link below for the directions on how to create an ATI account.  You will need to have your log in credentials for your ATI account and a picture ID on the day you come to campus to take your TEAS test. 
 
 
UAS_logo
Ukiah Adult School 
1056 North Bush Street
Ukiah, California 95482
Tel. (707) 463-5217 Fax (707) 463-0718
 
 
INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS 
Ukiah Adult School, within Ukiah Unified School District, offers the Vocational Nursing Program as a public service. Completion of the program takes 54 weeks. The next program is estimated to begin in August 2023. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Vocational Nurses.

A Vocational Nurse offers complete bedside nursing care, assisting the patient receiving care in the hospital, home, skilled nursing facility, doctor's office, or other outpatient facilities, with activities of daily living. When assigned, the VN may also administer medication and treatment.

Program Attendance

The program incorporates nursing theory and nursing practice in Lake County and Mendocino County hospitals as well as other health care facilities. Students attend classes and receive instruction and experience in hospitals, always under the direction of an instructor, for 30 hours a week. During the first four weeks of the program the schedule is 5 days a week.
 
Thereafter, the schedule is:
Monday Class 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Tuesday Class 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Wednesday / Thursday Clinical 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
 
Rotations to Lake and Mendocino Counties will be required.
 
In order to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination, each student must satisfactorily complete the required number of hours in the program, maintaining at least a 75% average in each unit of instruction, and demonstrating satisfactory clinical performance. Additionally, interpersonal relationships are very important and must be satisfactory. All students must adhere to the ethical principles and dress code of the school and the participating hospitals.

Course objectives, both theory and clinical, must be achieved to succeed in the program.

Program Description 
The course is divided into units of instruction including:
  • Fundamentals of Nursing (Basic Nursing Skills)
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Nursing Care of Mothers and Newborn Infants (Maternity Nursing)
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Pharmacology
  • Basic Nutrition
Fundamentals of Nursing (Basic Nursing Skills)
An introduction concerning the basic arts and sciences of nursing and patient care, including methods of studying, and a brief background of nursing history. Health/Hygiene principles, basic nutrition review, health education, role of the VN and agencies supplying health/welfare services are studied.

Students learn and practice nursing skills in the nursing laboratory and hospitals. Throughout the course, good body mechanics, safety principles, and recognition of individual patient needs are stressed.

Medical-Surgical Nursing
The body structure, function, and common problems of body systems are studied. Microbiology, rehabilitation, gerontology, and mental health principles are integrated. Terminology and communication skills are developed and interpersonal relationships emphasized. Leadership and management skills are included. Learning is evaluated through testing, delivery of patient care, and written assignments.

Nursing Care of Mothers and Newborn Infants (Maternity Nursing)
Anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system are reviewed. Pregnancy, problems during pregnancy and prenatal care are studied. Development of the fetus, labor and delivery, the puerperium, and the neonatal period are included. A family centered approach is utilized. Students are assigned to the hospital obstetrical unit where participation in the care of patients in labor, during and after delivery, and the newborn is required. Each student is required to submit a written or oral presentation regarding a maternity subject. Students may also be assigned to an obstetrical-gynecological clinic for prenatal and postnatal care experience.

Pediatric Nursing
Physical and mental growth and development are studied. Special needs of hospitalized children and the effect of illness on growth and development are considered. Health problems of each age group are explored. Students care for hospitalized children and are assigned to a pediatric-adolescent clinic for outpatient experience.
 
Pharmacology
A study of physiological and pharmacological characteristics of drugs and nursing implications related to drug therapy are presented. Methods of administration are taught with emphasis on safe delivery of medications. Precautions related to drug administration and to the clinical condition of the patient are discussed.
 
Basic Nutrition
The basics of nutrition for health will be taught along with therapeutic diets for specific health disorders.
 
Career Opportunities
Although the school does not operate an employment placement service, there are plenty of opportunities for graduates.  The program culminates with a Career Fair event held on campus for our nursing graduates. 
 
Cost of the Program
Approximate total cost of the program is $11,000, which includes tuition ($8400), textbooks (~$800), ATI Student Subscription ($1700, paid in 3 installments to ATI), uniforms and supplies (~$400). First semester tuition is due on the day of orientation ($2,800). Tuition for the remaining two semesters is due the first day of each semester ($2,800). Diploma and subsequent transcripts will not be issued if any fees are unpaid. Ukiah Adult School accepts checks, credit/debit cards and money orders.

Students are responsible for the following: white shoes (with soft soles), white slacks or white skirt (if appropriate) to wear with the uniform tops, and a watch with a second hand. The purchase of a stethoscope is also required. These items are approximately $265. Additional required fees for background check, immunizations, and drug screening are approximately $135.

Near the end of the program, students will have additional costs for the application for the National Council Licensure, a State Board application fee, fingerprint fees and white uniform/shoes to be worn for graduation exercises. Following the licensure examination, there is an additional fee for the license and a fee for an interim permit which is payable directly to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician Examiners.

Working while in the program is discouraged. In general there is one to two hours of prep time for each hour of lecture as well as studying for tests. If acceptable grades are maintained, part-time work on the weekend may be acceptable. Summer break allows students the opportunity to work. Some students may qualify for financial aid and/or scholarships offered by community agencies.
 
Financial Aid
Please visit adultschool.uusd.net for the most current scholarship and financial aid information and go to www.fafsa.gov to apply for federal financial aid. Our school code is 042081. Ukiah Adult School participates in PELL grants only. Ukiah Adult School is an approved site for Veteran's Benefits.  Go to https://www.va.gov/education/ for more information.

Eligibility
Program applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Good physical and mental health, good eyesight and hearing are required. If accepted, immunizations (including up to date COVID boosters), the hepatitis series, and annual TB skin test, must be current before the program begins. The applicant must be interested in people, work well in a team, deliver a mature attitude, good practical judgement, dependability, and an openness to change.

The nurse should be an example to others in health practices, it is expected that the vocational nursing student attempt to maintain good health. This will be achieved by following principles of healthful living including proper diet, adequate rest, adequate exercise, weight control, stress control, and avoidance of harmful agents (smoking, drugs and alcohol). It is recommended that steps be taken prior to entrance into the program to overcome any smoking, drug, alcohol, or weight problems. Random drug tests may be performed.

Admission Requirements
  • 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma or passing score on the GED or HiSet Tests.  Verified by submission of official transcripts from institution or GED. 
  • Application/Personal Information Form completed and returned with a $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • Three employer/educational references.
  • A passing test score on the entrance examination. Academic proficiency demonstrated by a minimum score of "basic" on the TEAS test.
  • Personal interview, applications will be ranked and the top chosen for interviews.  Ranking is based on GPA from high school, related job experience, related coursework from high school and/or college, current healthcare certifications, TEAS test score, strength of references.
  • If accepted, physical examination, laboratory tests, and immunizations (including all COVID boosters) as required before the program begins.
  • Possess and maintain current Child/Adult CPR cards.
  • Pass drug screening.
  • Pass a criminal background check.
 
The Faculty
The nursing faculty are all licensed nurses with teaching credentials who have been approved by the State Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

Continued Education
Although Ukiah Adult School does not offer college credit for vocational nursing courses, some community colleges will evaluate transcripts of nursing graduates and award college credit.