Nurses care for those who are sick, injured, and disabled. They administer medication, assess patients’ health, devise and implement patient care plans, counsel patients and their families, observe and interpret symptoms, draw blood and conduct health tests, and other required tasks. Apart from working closely with patients, nurses collaborate with physicians, pharmacists, and other professionals to coordinate care and ensure patients have the best support to encourage recovery. Nursing is complex and demanding but very rewarding. It requires a depth of knowledge that goes beyond the technical requirements. Critical thinking, effective communication, leadership, clinical judgment, compassion, and flexibility aid success in the role. The Associate Degree in Nursing program delivers some of the essential requirements for entry-level practice, but for the best opportunities and better patient outcomes and satisfactory a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a must. ADN graduates can complete the BSN in one year through RN to BSN bridge programs.
Merritt College
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program offered by Merritt College is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. The program prepares students for entry-level employment as a registered nurse. The curriculum covers applied nursing sciences, natural and social sciences, and clinical activities in local hospitals and health care facilities. Graduates will receive the AS degree in Nursing and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for state licensure. Applicants must complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program. Each applicant may submit an application only one per academic year. Completing the general education courses is recommended but not required. There is no LVN to RN bridge option but LVNs may apply and challenge for advanced placement.
Program Outline
Units: 80-82
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology Lecture and Lab, Microbiology, Composition and Reading, Intermediate Algebra, Composition and Reading, Introduction to General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Interpersonal Communication Skills, Computer Literacy, Ethnic Studies
Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing: Beginning Principles of Health Care, Perinatal Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing: Disruption in Homeostasis, Leadership and Management, Ethics and Law, Calculations of Drug Dosages for Health Professionals, Pharmacology in Nursing, Nutrition and Diet Therapy in Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Merritt College
- Must be a graduate of an accredited high school or GED equivalent
- Complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program
- Complete English coursework with a 2.5 GPA or above
- Complete science courses with a 2.5 GPA or above
- Must take and pass the TEAS exam with a minimum score of 80%
- Provide results or a physical exam (completed within 6 months) certifying good physical health. The exam must indicate negative results of a TB screen
- Must have current CPR (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association – must be current within one year at the time of application
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Attend a mandatory ADN orientation
Program Cost:
The enrollment fee is $46 per semester unit. Non-residents must pay $265 per semester unit. Expenses for the entrance exam, background check, clinical supplies, screening, immunization, and CPR are not included.
Website: https://www.merritt.edu/
Address: 12500 Campus Drive, Oakland, CA 94619
Phone: (510) 531-4911
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Chabot College
The Associate in Arts in Nursing program at Chabot College prepares students for a role as a registered nurse in just four consecutive semesters. The training will include lectures in the classroom backed by extensive hands-on activities in the school’s high-tech, wireless, simulation lab. The lab, equipped with hospital beds, bassinet, and latest hospital equipment, prepares students for participation in the clinical rotations in a real-world setting. Through strong partnerships, Chabot offers students the opportunity to work with leading community health care providers such as Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Stanford HealthCare. Graduates will receive an AA in Nursing, be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse, and continue their educational pathway to a BS in Nursing. Applicants must complete the prerequisites by December 31 of the application year. Licensed vocational nurses may be eligible for admission to the LVN to RN program. Applications are only accepted once per year.
Program Outline
Units: 82-85
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology Lecture and Lab, Microbiology, English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Interpersonal Communication Skills
Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Maternity Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Fluids and Electrolytes, Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, Mental Health Nursing, Adult Health I- Medical Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology for Professional Nurses, Intravenous Therapy, Adult Health II – Advanced Medical Surgical, Adult Health III – Leadership/Preceptorship
Admission criteria:
- Submit an application for admission to Chabot College
- Print and complete an application to the Chabot Nursing Program
- Must have completed high school or GED equivalent
- Submit official transcripts of all college courses completed
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C and a GPA of 2.5 or above
- Take and pass the TEAS with an adjusted individual score of 62% or higher and submit an official copy with the application
- Attend a mandatory Nursing Program Information Meeting and provide proof of attendance
- Submit a background check by social security number
- Pass a drug screen prior to admittance. A positive result will result in dismissal from the program
- Must have an up-to-date immunization record – MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B, negative TB test, Tdap
Program Cost:
The program cost is approximately $7,000. Students are also responsible for purchasing uniforms, books, equipment, and all fees. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: http://www.chabotcollege.edu/
Address: 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545
Phone: (510) 723-6600
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
City College of San Francisco
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at City College of San Francisco prepares adults to function as entry-level registered nurses in various health facilities. The program meets the California Board of Registered Nursing requirement for prelicensure as a registered nurse. The curriculum includes general education and nursing courses delivered in a specific sequence and through the use of classroom lectures, skills practice in the school’s lab, and patient care activities at several health care facilities in the San Francisco area. Graduates will receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and be eligible to take the California State Board of Registered Nursing licensing exam. Applicants must complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program. Licensed vocational nurses with a current and active California license may apply for advanced placement status provided all the administrative prerequisites have been completed. They may enter via the Challenge Exam and will have waiver of the Fundamentals of Nursing and Skills courses.
Program Outline
Units: 82-85
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Elements of Public Speaking, Group Communication, Humanities Requirement, Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology, US History and Government Requirement, General Psychology, Ethnic Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies and LGBTQ Studies
Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Pharmacology in Nursing Part I, Nursing Skills Lab, Pharmacology in Nursing Part II, Basic Medical Surgical Nursing, Intermediate Nursing Skills, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Psychosocial Nursing, Nursing of Children, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Trends and Issues in Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Submit an application for admission to City College
- Submit all college transcripts (including CCSF) – official in a sealed envelope with the school official seal
- Apply to the CCSF Registered Nursing Program
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C and an overall GPA of 25 in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and English IA
- Provide a social security number to complete a criminal background check
- Take and pass the TEAS with an adjusted individual score of 62% or higher
- Attend a mandatory Nursing Program Information Meeting and provide proof of attendance
- Pass a drug screen prior to admittance
- Must have an up-to-date immunization record – MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B, negative TB test, Tdap
Program Cost:
The enrollment fee is $46 per semester unit. Non-residents must pay $344 per semester unit. Expenses for the entrance exam, background check, clinical supplies, screening, immunization, and CPR are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.ccsf.edu/
Address: 1860 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415-239-3285
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.67%
College of Marin
The Registered Nursing Education Program at College of Marin leads to an Associate Degree in Nursing. Through classroom learning and activities in the lab and at clinical sites, students will develop knowledge, skills, and values to practice entry-level nursing in various health care facilities. Experienced instructors will emphasize critical thinking, cultural and clinical competence, effective communication, and leadership. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for registered nurses to function as competent providers of care across the healthcare continuum.
Program Outline
Units: 70.5
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Intro to Psychology, Communication Skills, Child and Adolescent Psych, Behavioral and/or Social Sciences Requirement, American Institutions, Humanities, Physical Education, Cross Cultural Studies, Communication and Analytical Thinking
Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical, Pharmacology I, Clinical Application Laboratory I, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing I Clinical, Clinical Application Laboratory I, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Medical Surgical Nursing II Clinical, Pharmacology II, Clinical Application Laboratory II, Maternal Child A (OB), Maternal Child A (OB) Clinical, Clinical Application Laboratory II, Mental Health Nursing and Care of the Older Adult, Mental Health Nursing and Care of the Older Adult Clinical, Pharmacology III, Clinical Application Laboratory III, Maternal Child B (Peds), Maternal Child B (Peds) Clinical, Clinical Application Laboratory III, Medical Surgical III, Medical Surgical III Clinical Laboratory, Professional Role Development
Admission criteria:
- Submit an application for admission to College of Marin
- Submit official transcripts for any prerequisite courses taken outside of College of Marin – Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English, Chemistry
- Complete and submit the Petition for Substitution Form
- Submit an application to the Nursing Program
- Take the TEAS exam and submit score before the application deadline – minimum score of 62% is required for admission
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Pass a drug screen prior to admittance
- Complete the health clearance requirements including an up-to-date immunization record – MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B, negative TB test, Tdap
Program Cost:
The total program cost of $7,360 includes tuition, registration fee, material fees, books, background and drug screening, uniforms, shoes, supplies, health clearance, ATI package, clinical commuting, and fees.
Website: http://www1.marin.edu/
Address: 835 College Ave., Kentfield, CA 94904
Phone: (415) 457-8811
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.62%
Contra Costa College
The nursing program at Contra Costa College is comprehensive and clinically based to prepare students to function competently in the role of a registered nurse. Students will begin the program with an intensive, four-week bootcamp covering theory and skills lab sessions. Students will then spend time in the classroom and the hospital. They will complete two theory classes per week and three hours of hands-on skills. These sessions will be followed by the opportunity to work with real patients at local hospitals. Affiliate partners include Alta Bates, John Muir Health Care System, and the Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center. Graduates will be eligible to take the licensure exam to practice as a registered nurse. They can also complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in one year at Contra Costa College. Licensed vocational nurses and foreign education nurses may apply for advanced placement in the program.
Program Outline
Units: 60
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition, Drug Dosage Calculations, Pharmacology for Nurses, Sociology/Anthropology, Psychology, Human Communication, Developmental Psychology
Core Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Developing Competency in Nursing Practice, Maternal Child Health Nursing, Developing Competency in Nursing Practice or Intermediate Medical Surgical Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing, Maternal Child Health Nursing, Developing Competency in Nursing Practice, Gerontological/ Medical Surgical Nursing, Development Competency in Nursing Practice
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application for admission to Contra Costa College
- Submit official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in Group A courses and 3.0 or higher in Group B courses
- Take the current TEAS exam – only initial scores will be accepted
- Complete a background check and drug screening
- Must have current CPR certification – American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider
Program Cost:
The enrollment fee is $1,299 per year for resident students based on enrollment in 14 units per semester. Additional costs include textbooks, nursing kit, fees, background check, health screen, immunization, CPR certification, and licensure exam.
Website: https://www.contracosta.edu/
Address: 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo, CA. 94806
Phone: (510) 235-7800
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.48%