A.S. in Registered Nursing

The Citrus College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, leading to an Associate in Science Degree with a major in Nursing, is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The purpose of the nursing program is to educate students for entry level registered nursing positions in a variety of multicultural health care settings within the community. The Program consists of course work in nursing, science, general education and clinical practice at local hospitals and health agencies. The graduate of this two-year program is eligible to take the National Council for Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and upon successful completion, become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of California. There are fees for obtaining licensure by examination or endorsement, interim permit, and biennial renewal. California law allows for the denial of registered nursing licensure on the basis of any prior convictions substantially related to nursing practice. More information can be obtained by visiting the BRN website.

The Citrus College ADN Program Philosophy is based upon the premise that students bring unique learning abilities, life experiences, goals, responsibilities and support systems to the educational experience. The philosophy of the Citrus College ADN Program supports and implements the Mission Statement of Citrus College. The program and faculty believe that a sound nursing education program is built on concepts relating to the individual, health and illness, the environment, and nursing, which includes nursing education and teaching and learning.

In-depth information about the program prerequisites, which are those requirements that must be completed prior to applying to the ADN Program, can be obtained by visiting the ADN website, through Counseling, or by attending Nursing Information Workshops (posted on the website).

Regarding Licensure

The BRN protects the consumer by screening applicants for licensure in order to identify potentially unsafe practitioners. The BRN may deny applications for interim permits, temporary licenses, and permanent licensure, if the applicant has been found guilty of dishonesty, fraud or deceit, felony child abuse, sex offender crimes, acts involving narcotics, dangerous drugs or devices, assault and/or battery, and other crimes. Applicants who have questions regarding limitations related to licensure should contact the BRN at (916) 322-3350 or access the BRN website.

Enrollment Process

Separate application must be made into the nursing program. All ADN applicants selected will be required to also apply to Citrus College. Several admission and progression options are available including the Generic Option, the Advanced Placement Option, and the LVN 30-Unit Option. Specific information is available in the application packet, on the website, and at scheduled information workshops held by nursing counselors. Visit the website for application dates.

Placement Options

Generic Option students are those who will complete the entire ADN Program at Citrus College. The application is submitted, and if qualified, cohort selection is made according to the current enrollment process. Students must also take the Testing of Essential Academic Skills, version VII (TEAS). The TEAS tests the prospective student’s knowledge of basic math, English, reading and applicable science. Prospective students must score a minimum of 62% on the TEAS VII.

Advanced Placement Option (LVN to RN) students are those documented as current Licensed Vocational Nurses in California. Students choosing this option must apply to the program, complete all program prerequisites and general education, degree and graduation requirements with a letter grade of C or better,  and pass the TEAS VII with a minimum of 62%. After successful completion of Role Transitions: LVN to RN (RNRS 200). Students will then be placed into the third semester of the ADN Program.

LVN 30-Unit Option is available to California Licensed Vocational Nurses. The BRN regulation 1429(a) provides the option of completing 30 semester units in Nursing and related science courses in order to be eligible to take the RN licensure exam (NCLEX). 30-Unit Option placement will be made upon space availability. To qualify for this option, the applicant must:

Have a current California Vocational Nurse License (LVN)

Have previously completed Human Physiology, 4 or 5 units with a lab, and Microbiology, 4 or 5 units with a lab; both with a letter grade of C or better. The application and placement policy for Advanced Placement also applies to this option (see item 2 above). Candidates completing this option are not graduates of Citrus College, will not be awarded a degree, but are eligible to take the NCLEX. The prospective student should be aware that they may not change their status as a 30 unit option RN with the BRN at any time after licensure. Individuals who become licensed as Registered Nurses using this option may not be eligible for licensure in states other than California and may have difficulty transferring to a BSN program even if degree requirements are completed. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. They are not eligible to wear the Citrus College ADN Nursing pin nor graduate from the Associate Degree Program.

Transfer students are those who transfer nursing units to Citrus College from another college. The education code allows students to transfer only lower division units to a community college. Requests for transfer are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Transfer placement will be made on a space available basis and is determined by the course content and number of nursing degree units completed. If the prospective student has earned a single non-progression grade (D or F), in a registered nursing program at another school, that non-progression grade will be considered the only allowable failure for that student. A single further non-progression grade will result in dismissal from the program, without the ability to return. Prospective students must score a minimum of 62% on the TEAS VII.

Challenge students are those students admitted to the ADN program with previous documented experience who may be allowed to challenge certain, specified content areas (Education Code, Section 5557537), Title 5 of the California Administrative Code.

After all prerequisites have been verified as complete, and there are more applicants than spaces available, selection will be based on the enrollment criteria. Please contact the nursing counselors for further clarification of the enrollment process.

Degree Awarded

Associate in Science, Nursing (ADN) – Requires degree applicable coursework including ADN Nursing Program Pre-requisites, Nursing General Education, ADN General Education for Associate Degree, and Nursing Option-specific coursework. All requirements must be completed with a letter grade of C or better to progress in the program, graduate with an ADN, and qualify for licensure through NCLEX.

A.S. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate caring behavior toward the client, significant other (s), peers and other members of the health care team, providing an environment that respects individual human rights, values and cultural and spiritual beliefs.
2. Apply clinical judgement to formulate nursing diagnoses through observation of the client’s physical condition and behavior, and through interpretation of information obtained from the client and others, including the health care team.
3. Formulate a care plan, from a holistic perspective, in collaboration with the client, which ensures that direct and indirect nursing care services provide for the client’s safety, comfort, hygiene, and protection, and for disease prevention and restorative measures, taking into account the health-illness continuum.
4. Demonstrate safe, ethical care delivery across the lifespan that meets professional standards while performing skills essential to the kind of nursing action to be taken, taking into account client individuality, explaining the health treatment to the client and family and teaching the client and family how to care for the client’s health needs.
5. Use sound clinical judgment to delegate tasks to subordinates based on both the legal scope of practice of the subordinates and on the preparation and capability needed in the tasks to be delegated, and then to effectively supervise nursing care being given by subordinates.
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of the care plan through observation of the client’s physical condition and behavior, signs and symptoms of illness, and reactions to treatment and through communication with the client and heath team members, and then to modify the plan as needed.
7. Act as the client’s advocate, as circumstances require by initiating action to promote, improve, maintain and restore health or to change decisions or activities which are against the interests or wishes of the client, and by giving the client the opportunity to make informed decisions about health care before it is provided.

Pre-Entry Requirements to ADN Program

All courses listed in the following links must be completed prior to entry into the ADN Nursing Program.

• Generic Option
• Advanced Placement Option (LVN to ADN)
• LVN 30-Unit Option

Note: Please see counselor in Health Sciences regarding updates to this program.

Generic Option - Major Requirements¹

¹

The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires these Nursing courses be completed to be eligible to take the RN licensing examination. All of these courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or better.

Advanced Placement Option and LVN 30-Unit Option - Major Requirements¹

¹

The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires these courses be completed to be eligible to take the licensing examination. All of these courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or better.

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.