NURSING, REGISTERED

Associate in Science Degree and Certificate Options

1. Registered Nursing, Associate in Science Degree (Traditional Pathway) Earned by completing all required prerequisite coursework, nursing program courses, Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) content requirements, and Cuesta College associate degree requirements.
2. Registered Nursing, Associate in Science Degree (Accelerated LVN-to-RN Advanced Placement Pathway) Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) may apply for advanced placement into the second semester of the RN program through a formal application process.
3. Registered Nursing, Associate in Science Degree (Military Advanced Placement Pathway) Individuals with documented military education and experience in healthcare occupations, completed within two years of program entry, may be eligible for advanced placement into the RN program. Candidates should request an appointment with the Director of Nursing to review eligibility requirements.
4. Registered Nursing, 30-Unit Option, Certificate of Achievement (Non-Degree Pathway) Licensed Vocational Nurses may enter directly into the third semester of the RN program and complete the third and fourth semesters. This non-degree option leads to RN licensure but may include limitations for practice and advanced education. Admission is space-available only, and prior consultation with the Director of Nursing is required to review restrictions.

Traditional Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Students complete prerequisite science and general education courses, nursing program courses, BRN content requirements, and Cuesta College associate degree requirements.

Required Prerequisite Coursework (24–26 units):

BIO 204 Microbiology -- 5 units

BIO 205 Human Anatomy -- 4 units

BIO 206 General Human Physiology -- 5 units

ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing -- 4 units

PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology -- 3 units

SOC 201A Introduction To Sociology -- 3 units

or ANTH 203 Cultural Anthropology -- (3 units)

COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking -- 3 units

or COMM 210 Small Group Communication -- (3 units)

or COMM 230 Interpersonal Communication -- (3 units)

All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Upon completion of prerequisites, students apply for admission into the ADN program and, if admitted, complete the required nursing program coursework and additional general education requirements for the Associate Degree.

The Cuesta College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The program prepares students for entry-level registered nursing positions in healthcare. Graduates of this two-year program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful completion, graduates become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs) in the State of California.

Learning Outcome(s):

1. Demonstrate effective therapeutic communication.
2. Apply critical thinking in the nursing process and caring framework when providing patient care.
3. Integrate knowledge from biological, social, and nursing sciences into clinical practice to meet the complex needs of diverse patient populations.
4. Practice safely and ethically within the scope of practice, collaborating effectively with the healthcare team.
5. Demonstrate foundational leadership skills in nursing practice.
6. Apply age-appropriate concepts in the delivery of nursing care.
7. Provide culturally sensitive nursing care in diverse clinical settings.