# Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse (Advanced Placement) (Associate of Science Degree)

San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Nursing Education

Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/15604/15944/15945/15605/15814

### Summary

The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) LVN to RN step-up program curriculum prepares entry-level Registered Nurses (RN) as providers of care across the health/illness continuum and as members within the profession. The curriculum respects the individuality of the student and aims to provide a positive, innovative learning model that fosters the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills so that the Registered Nurse is equipped to deliver care to a culturally diverse population in a variety of healthcare settings. Registered Nurses collaborate with members of the health care team, are effective communicators, are politically aware, and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning. Upon successful completion of program requirements, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires 6 units of Communication, verbal, written and group; and 16 units of Natural, Behavioral and Social sciences. For more details, visit the San Diego City College Nursing Education webpage.

This degree is designed to accommodate the differing requirements of a wide variety of transfer institutions. Students interested in transfer should meet with the nursing education counselor.

It is strongly recommended that part or all of the general education requirements be completed prior to admission to the nursing education program.

**Award Note:**
The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.

**Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse (Advanced Placement) Program will be able to:**

1.  Apply concepts and skills to successfully pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
2.  Make clinical judgments and management decisions to ensure accurate and safe client care.
3.  Practice within the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of the professional nursing practice.
4.  Use standards of nursing practice to perform and evaluate client care in entry-level practice.
5.  Participate in life-long learning.

### Accreditation

The San Diego City College Nursing Education program is fully approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Inquiries regarding accreditation may be made by contacting the BRN at P.O. Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244, 916-322-3350 or ACEN at 33343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000.

### Directed Clinical Practice Requirement

Students accepted into this program will be required to successfully complete Directed Clinical Practice/clinically-based courses held in health care facilities. These facilities require background checks and urine drug screening as a condition of placement.

Refusal to submit to a background check, or failure to meet clearance criteria established by the health care facility, may prevent placement in the Directed Clinical Practice/clinically-based course and thus, it may not be possible to successfully progress in or complete the program.

Health care facilities also require adherence to strict standards of conduct. Facilities may refuse educational access to any person who does not adhere to the facility’s standards of safety, health and ethical behavior. This may be cause for removal from the program.

### Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is by special application. Information packets and applications are available San Diego City College Nursing website.

Prospective students are responsible for obtaining these materials in order to acquaint themselves with the admission policies and procedures. Information is also available at the Nursing workshops, held once a month. Schedule found on Nursing website.

Returning students previously accepted to the City College’s Nursing Education Program (NEP) may be required to repeat a successfully completed course prior to program re-admittance. Consult a Nursing Advisor for more details.

Progression in the Nursing Education Program (NEP) requires a passing grade of 75% or higher in each NRSE course. Successful completion of each course is required to progress in the NEP regardless of the course taken. The student may re-apply to return the following year.

### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Program Prerequisites** | | 13 |
| BIOL 205 | General Microbiology | 5 |
| BIOL 230 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| BIOL 235 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| **COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:** | | 32 |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| COMM C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| or COMS 135 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| ANTH 103 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| or SOCO 101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| or SOCO 110 | Contemporary Social Problems | 3 |
| NRSE 235 | LVN to RN Transition | 2 |
| NRSE 240 | Medical/Surgical Nursing III | 4.5 |
| NRSE 242 | Mental Health & Gerontological Nursing | 4.5 |
| NRSE 244 | Medical Surgical Nursing IV | 4.5 |
| NRSE 246 | Leadership in Nursing | 4.5 |