Welcome to the Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians

About the Education Division

A major function of the Board is protection of the consumer through education. The goal is the educational preparation of safe and competent practitioners. It is the Board's philosophy that visionary and innovative leadership in the development of educational standards will prepare licensees for safe practice.

The Board's Education Program is responsible for:

  • the accreditation of vocational nursing and psychiatric technician schools, including approval of faculty and facilities utilized by the VN and PT programs;

    Pursuant to regulations that became effective July 1, 2000, the Board has authority to place vocational nursing and psychiatric technician programs on provisional accreditation. Provisional accreditation means that a program has not met all requirements as set forth in Article 5 of the Vocational Nursing or Psychiatric Technician Rules and Regulations. Provisional accreditation status is implemented in accordance with sections 2526.1 and 2530(l) of the Vocational Nursing Rules and Regulations and sections 2581.1 and 2585(l) of the Psychiatric Technician Rules and Regulations. Provisional accreditation is temporary. While on provisional accreditation, a program must work toward full regulatory compliance. Once full compliance is achieved, full accreditation status may be reinstated by the Board. If full compliance is not achieved, the Board may remove the program from its list of accredited programs. It is important to note that a student who graduates from a program that is on provisional accreditation is still eligible to take the licensure examination. For questions regarding a specific program that holds provisional accreditation, contact the Board's Education Unit at (916) 263-7843.

  • approval of Continuing Education Course Providers;
  • approval of Intravenous Therapy and Blood Withdrawal Course Providers;
  • assisting the Board's Enforcement Program by rendering expert opinions; and
  • responding to scope of practice issues.