San Diego City College

San Diego City College offers a comprehensive Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and subsequent licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the ADN program at San Diego City College is competitive and involves several key requirements:

• Prerequisites: Applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C":
  • Anatomy (with lab)
  • Physiology (with lab)
  • Microbiology (with lab)
  • English Composition
• GPA Requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required in the prerequisite courses.
• Background and Health Checks: Accepted students must undergo a background check and a health examination, including immunizations, prior to beginning the program.
• Entrance Exam: Applicants must take the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam. A minimum score of 62% is required to be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

The ADN program has specific application periods:

• Fall Admission: Applications are typically accepted from February 1 to February 28.
• Spring Admission: Applications are accepted from August 1 to August 31.

Program Mode and Structure

The ADN program at San Diego City College is delivered primarily in-person, requiring students to attend classes on campus. The program also includes clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities in the San Diego area, providing hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.

Clinical Rotations

Students complete their clinical rotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities, such as:

• UC San Diego Health
• Sharp HealthCare
• Scripps Health

These facilities are well-regarded within the community and offer a wide range of clinical experiences, from acute care to specialized nursing fields.

Location Convenience

San Diego City College is centrally located in downtown San Diego, making it accessible for students across the city and nearby areas. The campus is well-connected by public transportation, including trolley and bus services, which is convenient for students commuting from different parts of the region.

Transfer Options

San Diego City College has established transfer agreements with several universities, allowing graduates of the ADN program to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Some of the partner institutions include:

• San Diego State University (SDSU)
• California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)

These partnerships enable students to continue their education with relative ease, often with guaranteed admission into the BSN programs.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the LVN program is selective and requires the following:

• Prerequisite Courses: Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of "C":
  • Human Anatomy (with lab)
  • Human Physiology (with lab)
  • Medical Terminology
• GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
• Background and Health Checks: Students must pass a background check and health screening, including required immunizations.
• Entrance Exam: An entrance exam is typically required, though specific details should be confirmed directly with the program.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Admission: Applications are typically accepted in the early months of the year. Specific dates may vary, so it is important to check the college's website for current deadlines.

Program Mode and Structure

The LVN program is delivered in-person, with classes held on the San Diego City College campus. The program includes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations.

San Diego City College also offers a Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Step-Up Program for LVNs who wish to advance their nursing careers by becoming RNs.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the LVN to RN Step-Up Program requires the following:

• Current LVN License: Applicants must hold a current and active California LVN license.
• Prerequisite Courses: The same prerequisite courses as the ADN program are required:
  • Human Anatomy (with lab)
  • Human Physiology (with lab)
  • Microbiology (with lab)
  • English Composition
• GPA Requirements: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses is required.
• Work Experience: While not always mandatory, applicants with recent work experience as an LVN in a healthcare setting are often given preference.
• Background and Health Checks: Accepted students must complete a background check and health screening, including immunizations, before starting the program.
• Entrance Exam: Applicants are required to take the ATI TEAS exam, with a minimum score of 62%.

Application Deadlines

The application periods are the same as for the ADN program:

• Fall Admission: Applications accepted from February 1 to February 28.
• Spring Admission: Applications accepted from August 1 to August 31.

Program Mode and Structure

The LVN to RN Step-Up Program is also an in-person program with courses held on campus. The program is typically shorter than the traditional ADN program since it builds on the foundational nursing knowledge and skills that LVNs have already acquired.