Nursing & Health Care

Health Care is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the United States. In addition to a wide range of specialty physicians, this industry includes a diverse group of careers ranging from nursing to medical assisting and insurance billing to laboratory technicians, with a multitude of other careers in-between.

Tulare Adult School is pleased to provide our students with programs in the following:

NA

Nursing Assistants help patients during their stay at a medical facility by providing basic services such as feeding, toileting, clean-up, and vital recordings. They often work, under the supervision of a registered nurse, with patients in long-term care facilities. Our NA course includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

To be considered for this program, potential students must attend orientation and complete a drug screening and placement assessment. Please call the main office to inquire about the next available orientation date.

VN

The Tulare Adult School vocational nursing program is a part-time program that lasts two academic years and follows the Tulare Joint Union High School District schedule. The next cohort will begin in August of 2026. Students will attend class on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at varying times depending on attendance to theory or clinical. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the California state board licensing exam for licensed vocational nursing (NCLEX).

Admission Requirements

• Proof of completion of an approved general education course of study through the 12th grade or evidence of completion of the equivalent thereof
• Possess a current, active nurse assistant certificate (CNA) by July 1, 2026.
• Current American Heart Association basic life support (BLS) CPR
• Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a passing grade of C or better:
  • Nutrition
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Or the Essentials of Nursing course via Tulare Union Joint High School District
  • Prerequisites must be completed within five years of applying to the program.
• Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam within 12 months of the application submission deadline (highest scores will be given priority)
• Students who are accepted will be required to complete the ATI Launch course.
• History and physical completed by physician or designee, indicating no restrictions in performing nursing duties required in the program
• Three letters of recommendation (professional)

The TEAS exam is a requirement for the Vocational Nursing Program at Tulare Adult School. Please note that Tulare Adult School does not administer the TEAS exam on-site.

For information on the different ways to take the TEAS exam, including options for remote proctoring, please visit the ATI TEAS website.

The application window for the August 2026 cohort has closed. The next vocational nursing (VN) class is anticipated to begin in August 2028. Please check back closer to that time for application dates and additional updates.

Medical Assisting

Our Clinical & Administrative Medical Assisting course prepares students for all aspects of front and back office medical assisting and extensive training in EKG procedures. Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks in medical offices and clinics, including filing, medical forms, patient correspondence, appointment scheduling, and bookkeeping. Our program also prepares students for specimen collections and diagnostic procedures like EKGs and audiograms. After successfully completing our program, students will be eligible for several certifications.

We are currently updating the enrollment process for the Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy programs. Please check back next week for updated information.

Phlebotomy Certificate

A phlebotomist obtains blood samples for laboratory testing using venipuncture and capillary puncture. In addition to phlebotomy, the coursework includes all educational components required by the state of California for entry-level and experienced phlebotomists. The Tulare Adult School Phlebotomy Training Program is a California-approved course that prepares students for certification.

We are currently updating the enrollment process for the Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy programs. Please check back next week for updated information.

Orientation Schedule

Orientations are available for individuals who would like to learn more about the program and ask questions about the application process. Attendance is not mandatory for applicants. Registration for orientation is completed through the Tulare Adult School website.
Orientation Dates for the Tulare Adult School Vocational Nursing Program:

• November 18, 2025 – 5:30–6:30 p.m. (In-Person)
• November 25, 2025 – 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Teleconference)