Registered Nursing

The curriculum for the Associate in Science in Nursing degree is four semesters or two years in length. It requires prerequisites in science and general education. Admission into the nursing program is competitive. Students seeking to apply are encouraged to enroll in the designated prerequisite/general education courses that are required to graduate from the RN program. The application for admission is available on the Contra Costa College nursing program web page or may be obtained from the Admissions and Records Office (phone 510-215-6027). Please refer to the current nursing program bulletin for prerequisite requirements, deadline dates, GPA requirements, application process and selection process. No material will be accepted after the deadline dates. A grade of 75% or better is required in each course of the nursing program in order to progress in the program and to graduate. Applicants who qualify for admission and who possess a current clear California license as Vocational Nurses (LVN)/Practical Nurses (LPN) or Psychiatric Technicians (LPT) may apply for advanced placement. Advanced placement admission is based on space availability. For further information, visit the nursing program web page or call the Nursing Department office at 510-215-4103. The LVN/LPN to RN pathway for California Licensed Vocational Nurses requires successful completion of all prerequisites with the required GPA, the second-year RN curriculum, and General Education requirements. Admitted LVN/LPN advanced placement students with a current clear CA license will enter into the second year of the program. The LPT to RN pathway for California Licensed Psychiatric Technicians requires successful completion of all prerequisites with the required GPA, three semesters of the RN curriculum, and General Education requirements. Admitted LPT advanced placement students with a current clear CA license will enter into the second semester of the program. Only students formally admitted may enroll in the registered nursing courses. Students who successfully complete the nursing program are qualified to apply to the State Board of Registered Nursing to take the exam (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as Registered Nurse. An Associate in Science degree may be earned by completing a minimum of 60 units of degree credit coursework, including the breadth requirements, with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students must complete all courses for the major with a grade of C or better. Prerequisite Courses: Group A Courses: (Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75) 4 units - Human Anatomy 4 units - Human Physiology 4 units - Microbiology 3 units - English Composition & Reading, or - Critical Thinking & Advanced Composition, or - Critical Thinking through Literature 2 units - Drug Dosage Calculations 2 units - Pharmacology for Nurses Group B Courses: (Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0) 3 units - Introduction to Sociology, or - Cultural Anthropology 3 units - Psychology of Personality and Growth, or - General Psychology 3 units - Public Speaking, or - Critical Thinking and Persuasion, or - Interpersonal Communication 3 units - Child Development, or - Life Span Development