Nursing Program at MiraCosta College

LVN-RN Nursing Program

This is a full time, evening and weekend program. The schedule is as follows but is subject to change without notice:

  • Summer (6 week session): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings, generally beginning at 4:00 p.m.
  • Fall:  Lecture class is on Wednesdays and students should be available the entire day. Clinical (2 days per week) are either Friday, Saturday, or Monday
  • Spring: Lecture class is on Wednesdays and students should be available the entire day.  Clinical (2 days per week) Monday or Friday, however, the Preceptor day is based on the RN preceptor and to be determined.

Studies show that nursing students who work more than 24 hours per week (even in the health care setting) tend not to be successful in an RN program. It is highly recommended to restrict working hours

Admission Requirements and Application

The Nursing Program has implemented a new Admissions Policy.  Commencing with the Spring 2012 semester, all students will be selected using the new multi-criteria point system.

This change in the admissions policy was done under the guidance and recommendations from the California Community College Chancellor's Office - Nursing Advisory Committee. You may choose to submit your application with only the five pre-requisites completed, however, completion of ALL the coursework listed in the application will provide you with more points and a better ranking.

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.

Applications received by February 28, 2013 will be considered for the Summer 2013 class.  Those received after that date, will be considered for the following year. Notification will be sent by April.

Eligibility Requirements for the LVN-RN Program

ALL of the following must be met in order to be eligible to APPLY to the LVN-RN Career Ladder Program.

  • California Vocational Nursing License in good standing and six months work experience working as an LVN.
  • Overall cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.5 for all college coursework
  • Completion of the following science PREREQUISITES with a combined G.P.A. of 2.5 with no grade less than "C" for each course and no more than one repetition for a substandard grade or withdrawal in any one of the 3 courses:
    • Human Anatomy (BIO210) – 4 semester units or equivalent
    • Human Physiology (BIO220) – 4 semester units or equivalent 
    • Microbiology (BIO230) – 4 - 5 semester units or equivalent
      Notes: Starting fall 2012, NURS151 is no longer accepted as the prerequisite for BIO210 and/or BIO220. Physiology and Microbiology must be completed within 7 years and Anatomy within 10 years preceding the qualifying date of eligibility.
  • Completion of the following PREREQUISITES with a grade of no less than “C”
    • Composition and Reading (ENGL00) – 4 semester units or equivalent
    • Intermediate Algebra (MATH64) – 4 semester units or equivalent (or a passing score on the Math Placement Test)
  • Students who do not meet the G.P.A. or course repetition requirement should check with the Nursing Department for other options.
  • +Those students holding a bachelor’s degree in another discipline from a U.S. nationally accredited institution will not be required to take any other general education requirements for the A.S. Registered Nursing degree.

Transcript Requirement

  • One official transcript in a sealed envelope from each college and university attended, including MiraCosta College, must be submitted with your application to the program. 

Testing Requirement

  • Testing Requirement:  All students must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) version 5.0.  Previous versions are no longer accepted.  This is a diagnostic test that covers basic Math, Reading, and Science. Students may prepare for this test by going to the ATI testing site, then go to ASSESSMENTS; and then go to Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).

Foreign Transcripts

  • All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service for determining U.S. equivalency.  If a foreign degree was earned, the evaluation must state its equivalency to a U.S. degree.

Denial of Licensure

  • The California Board of Registered Nursing may deny a license regulated by the Business and Professional Code, Section 480, on such grounds as:  being convicted of a crime, acts of dishonesty, fraud or deceit.  All students selected for enrollment in the nursing program will be assessed for past criminal activity prior to clinical experiences.  Please contact the Program Director if you have questions.

For applicants who are notified that they have been accepted for enrollment in the program, there are additional requirements

  • Health Requirements:  Applicants selected for enrollment in the program must have a physical examination, laboratory tests, and immunizations just prior to starting the Nursing Program.  The student must be free from communicable diseases, infections, and must be able to perform the essential requirements of the program with or without reasonable accommodations for disability.
  • Orientation and Advisement Session must be attended once accepted for enrollment in the program. 
  • ALL nursing  students in ALL programs will be required to complete the background check and urine drug screen BEFORE BEGINNING THE NURSING PROGRAMS IN SAN DIEGO - THIS IS A HOSPITAL/HEALTH CARE AGENCY REQUIREMENT. Students will be given the information to obtain these requirements at the orientation and advisement.
    *Note: If you have any convictions on your background check in the last 5 years, you will not be eligible to start the program.

    Board of Registered Nursing
    1170 Durfee Av., Suite G
    South El Monte, CA. 91733-4400
    626-575-7080

GO HOME