Unitek College — Bakersfield
1. General Information – Unitek College (Bakersfield)
Overview
Unitek College in Bakersfield is a private, career-focused institution dedicated to training healthcare professionals. It provides a strong foundation in nursing and allied health disciplines with small class sizes, hands‑on training, and modern simulation labs, allowing students to gain practical competence in a supportive learning environment. The Bakersfield campus specifically offers accelerated programs to help learners enter the workforce quickly; for example, the Vocational Nursing program can be completed in as little as 12 months in a day schedule, or under a longer evening track.
Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is also offered at this campus, blending online coursework with in-person clinicals and lab experiences. The college aims to support students not only in mastering clinical skills but also in professional development, offering career services and job placement assistance. Unitek’s mission is centered on accessible healthcare education, ensuring students are prepared to meet the demands of modern healthcare settings, contribute to patient care, and adapt to evolving professional roles.
Contact Information
Address: 333 Palmer Drive, Suite 200, Bakersfield, California 93309
Phone Number: (888) 912-8512
Email Address: admissions@unitekcollege.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 |
| Type | Private, For‑Profit College |
| Motto / Mission | Focus on empowering healthcare careers |
| Accreditation | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) |
| Campus | Bakersfield, CA (branch of main Unitek College) |
Unitek College (Bakersfield) Rankings
| Metric | Status |
|---|---|
| National Two‑Year / Vocational Schools | Recognized in healthcare‑technical education |
| Global University Ranking | Not globally ranked (specialized career college) |
| Employment Preparedness | Strong career placement support through simulation and externships |
2. Unitek College (Bakersfield) Academics
Unitek College (Bakersfield) Faculties / Departments
- Vocational Nursing Department
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Department
- Medical Assisting / Allied Health Department
- Clinical Simulation & Skills Lab
Unitek College (Bakersfield) Courses and Programs / Majors
- Vocational Nursing (VN / LVN) diploma
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — three‑year program or advanced placement for LVNs
- Medical Assisting Certificate
Online Learning
Unitek Bakersfield supports blended education for its BSN program: nursing theory and general education may be offered online, while labs, simulations, and clinical components happen on campus or at partner clinical sites. This hybrid model allows students to balance in‑person practice with flexible online learning, which works especially well for nontraditional or working students. While the VN program is primarily in‑person due to hands‑on clinical requirements, theory courses may incorporate digital learning tools to complement lab instruction.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Requirement / Relevance |
|---|---|
| TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) | Required for BSN program; Unitek requires a score of about 58.7% for Bakersfield BSN admissions Unitek College+1 |
| High School Diploma / GED | Required for admission to most programs Unitek College+1 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Unitek College typically experiences graduation and retention patterns consistent with vocational and accelerated healthcare programs. Many students enroll in short-term or certificate programs and complete their training quickly, especially in VN or MA programs. For the three-year BSN, graduation can vary based on student commitment, course load, and successful completion of both online and clinical components. Student support services, simulation labs, and coaching are designed to enhance retention and encourage progression to licensure.
3. Unitek College (Bakersfield) Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Unitek’s Bakersfield campus does not emphasize high school GPA thresholds or SAT/ACT scores in the same way as traditional universities. Instead, entry depends more on readiness for healthcare education, and programs focus on practical assessments like TEAS for nursing.
Unitek College (Bakersfield) Acceptance Rate
| Program Type | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Vocational Nursing, BSN, MA | Generally high; Unitek has relatively open admission for its healthcare career programs |
Unitek College (Bakersfield) Application Requirements
Applicants to Unitek College Bakersfield must complete an application, provide proof of high school graduation or GED, and meet program‑specific entrance criteria. For the BSN, applicants also complete a TEAS test and may need to undergo an interview, background check, or drug screening before clinical placement. The VN program requires additional prerequisites, such as a prerequisite coursework or preparatory course. Medical Assisting applicants must also supply a credential for high school completion and fulfill any assessment requirements. The application process is designed to evaluate both academic readiness and commitment to a healthcare career.
Application Process
- Submit application for the relevant program
- Provide high school or GED transcript
- Take TEAS (for BSN) or meet other program assessments
- Complete interview or orientation (if required)
- Undergo background check and drug screen (for nursing)
- Finalize financial arrangements and enroll
Unitek College (Bakersfield) Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Fall Start | Multiple start dates throughout year for healthcare programs |
| Spring Start | Varies by program; often early-year intakes |
| Vocational Nursing | Several cohorts per year; check admissions for specific dates |
Essay Prompt
Unitek College generally does not require a traditional admissions essay. Instead, applicants may be asked to express their career goals and motivation through interview conversations or short personal statements during the application or orientation process, especially for competitive programs like the BSN.
Unitek College (Bakersfield) Scholarships
Unitek offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities for Bakersfield students, including federal Title IV assistance, institutional scholarships, and workforce‑development grants when available. Given that the Bakersfield campus is Title IV eligible, many students can access federal student aid for their healthcare education. prweb.com Additionally, career services help students find employment opportunities that may reduce the cost burden and provide professional growth.
Unitek College (Bakersfield) Tuition Fee
| Program | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Vocational Nursing (VN) | Approximately 12-month program cost (tuition, fees, supplies) — high variability depending on cohort |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Estimated cost for full BSN depends on length, credit load, and financing; hybrid delivery may impact total cost |
| Medical Assisting | Certificate cost depends on program length / cohort; generally lower than degree programs |
4. Student Profile and Demographics – Unitek College (Bakersfield)
Student Demographics
Unitek College Bakersfield attracts a diverse student population. Many students are working adults seeking to change or advance their careers in healthcare. There are also younger students who enroll directly after high school or as part of vocational career planning. Gender distribution is often weighted toward women in nursing and allied health programs, but medical assisting and other allied health programs may be more balanced. Ages range from late teens to mature adults, reflecting the flexibility and accessibility of Unitek’s education model.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Unitek College seeks to serve learners from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Title IV eligibility supports students with financial need, and career services help them find work or internships. For students with disabilities, the campus provides accommodations in classrooms, labs, and clinical training environments. While the for-profit nature of the institution may pose financial questions, the college works to provide aid options and support services to help students succeed.
Student Body
| Metric | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment (Bakersfield) | Several hundred students in healthcare programs |
| Full-Time vs Part-Time | Mix of both, depending on program (VN, BSN, MA) |
| International Students | Very limited; most students are domestic |
University Diversity
At its Bakersfield campus, Unitek College serves students with a variety of backgrounds, including those who are working, returning to school, or pursuing their first postsecondary credential. The college’s career-focused nature makes it especially attractive to those seeking practical training and licensure in high-demand healthcare fields. Diversity is reflected not only in students’ cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds but also in age and life circumstance. Unitek supports this diversity with flexible scheduling, hybrid learning, and a strong advising framework. By prioritizing vocational education, the college helps bridge gaps in local healthcare staffing and offers pathways to stable careers for students who might not follow a traditional four-year college route. This inclusiveness underscores Unitek’s role within the Bakersfield community as a practical, mission-driven institution dedicated to workforce development and access.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Unitek College’s Bakersfield programs often enter well-paying allied health and nursing roles soon after completing their credentials. Vocational nursing graduates may begin working as LVNs, depending on licensing and regional demand, with salaries commensurate with entry‑level licensed vocational nurses in California. BSN graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and often start in hospital or clinical settings, where their earnings can grow rapidly with experience, specialty work, and leadership. Unitek’s career services support job placement, giving students the opportunity to secure meaningful employment and begin recouping educational investments relatively quickly. For many, the return on investment is significant because the program is structured efficiently, with concentrated training that accelerates entry into the workforce.
5. Unitek College (Bakersfield) Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Bakersfield campus of Unitek College employs dedicated faculty who are healthcare professionals with real-world clinical and industry experience. Instructors typically have nursing qualifications, clinical licensure, and experience in hospitals or medical settings. They deliver both theory and skills training in simulation labs and classrooms. Administrative staff in admissions, financial aid, and student services are also committed to helping students navigate their educational journey, ensuring that support is available for academic planning, career development, and overall student success.
Faculty Profiles
Unitek’s BSN and VN faculty at the Bakersfield campus often include nurses, nurse educators, and clinicians who integrate practical healthcare experience with academic instruction. They facilitate hands-on training via simulation, emphasize caring science principles, and guide students through NCLEX preparation. Faculty for the medical assisting program bring expertise in clinical procedures, patient documentation, administrative tasks, and externship coordination. Their combined experience in education and practice strengthens the students’ readiness for entry‑level and advanced healthcare roles.
6. Unitek College (Bakersfield) Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Unitek College Bakersfield is primarily a commuter campus; it does not offer traditional student housing. Instead, it focuses on providing clinical facilities, simulation labs, classrooms, and study spaces within its building. Students often balance their academic work with outside obligations such as employment or family, and the campus is structured to support this lifestyle. There are student lounges and practical areas for group work, but campus life is centered more around professional training and career preparation than residential college experiences. Networking, mentorship, and engagement happen through healthcare-oriented student cohorts and peer collaboration in labs and clinicals.
Transportation
The campus is situated in a convenient location in Bakersfield, accessible by local roads and public transportation. Many students commute by car or public transit, taking advantage of the campus’s central placement. Given the nature of vocational training, many students live locally or in nearby neighborhoods. With lab times, clinical hours, and class schedules that may vary, transportation logistics are an important consideration for students, but the campus’s accessibility and location help mitigate commuting challenges.