The Registered Nursing Program curriculum provides students the opportunity to seek licensure as an RN and employment in a variety of health care settings. Emphasis is placed on nursing theory and concepts to promote, maintain, and restore health in individuals with common and complex health problems throughout the life span. Additionally, the development and application of the nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to use the nursing process in the care of individuals are emphasized. Upon completion of the Registered Nursing curriculum, the student receives a Certificate of Achievement, an Associate Degree of Science, and is eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) exam and if successful will qualify to receive a license from the Board of Registered Nursing to practice nursing in the State of California.

Program Outcomes

- Engage in legal and ethical nursing practice that is patient-centered and culturally appropriate for individuals, families, and communities.

- Communicate effectively and collaboratively with the healthcare team, patient, family, and community in the delivery of nursing care.

- Utilize evidence-based practice in providing nursing care to patients across the lifespan.

- Integrate principles of quality improvement and safety into nursing practice within healthcare organizations and systems.

- Utilize technologies for the management of information and the delivery of patient care.

- Demonstrate leadership and professional behaviors that influence individuals and groups in the delivery of nursing care.

General admissions requirements for the Registered Nursing Programs:

1. The student must formally apply to the college and is encouraged to make an appointment to see a counselor before enrolling in nursing prerequisite courses.

2. The student must have and maintain a current American Heart Association (AHA) CPR/Basic Life Support Card for health care providers and Nursing Malpractice Insurance while in a nursing program.

3. Students who have completed previous college nursing course work and are requesting advanced placement must provide transcripts, a copy of course syllabi and/or catalog descriptions, and a letter of clinical safety signed by their previous Nursing Division Dean/Director. A petition for advanced placement must be filed in Student Services. If the petition is approved, an examination in theory and lab skills may be administered. A grade of C or better must be achieved on this examination.

4. Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) are required to complete all the same prerequisites and corequisites prior to entering the Registered Nursing Program. LVNs are required to take N210 Nursing Role Transition (2 units) before entering the Registered Nursing Program in the third semester.

Other Requirements

1. Admission to and continuation in a nursing program requires the student to maintain a grade of C (75%) or better in all required nursing courses (prerequisites, requisites, and co-requisites).

2. Once accepted into a nursing program, the student is required to submit evidence of health documented by a recent physical examination (within the last year), with the required immunizations and titers demonstrating immunity. The student must meet all technical standards that specify those attributes necessary for completing the professional education and subsequently enabling the graduate to enter clinical practice.

3. Nursing students must have the ability to read, write, and speak English to communicate quickly, safely, and effectively in a health care setting. Additional languages are beneficial and desired.

4. Students must maintain health insurance and medical malpractice insurance during the nursing program.

5. Students must provide a clean background check yearly and a negative drug test each semester.

6. Students are expected to comply with the division's clinical uniform standards.

7. Students must provide their own transportation to all on- and off-campus clinical sites. Assignments are scheduled between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. daily, including Sat and Sun.

8. Each nursing theory course must be taken concurrently with the corresponding nursing laboratory course, as per the Board of Registered Nursing requirements.

9. The California Board of Registered Nursing is required to protect the public by screening applicants for licensure to identify potentially unsafe practitioners. The law provides for denial of licensure for crimes or acts which are related to nursing qualifications, functions, and/or duties. Program applicants who have questions related to eligibility for licensure may contact the Health Sciences Division for a referral to the appropriate licensing board.