Registered Nursing Associate in Science Degree

The Registered Nursing Associate in Science Degree (ADN) (81 units total, 41 units in the major) is designed to prepare students for careers as registered nurses. Upon successful completion of the program, students demonstrate mastery of basic healthcare essential skills including critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These skills can be applied to careers within the healthcare community including hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. 

This degree is not specifically designed for transfer. Courses required for the major at Cerro Coso Community College may not be the same as those required for the major at a four-year school. Students who plan to transfer should consult a counselor or advisor and http://www.assist.org/ to identify the courses needed for the major at the transfer school and to develop an education plan. 

Students must complete a minimum of 60 units, including the courses listed in the major and general education requirements, with an overall GPA of 2.0 or better, and a grade of “A,” “B,” or “C,” in all courses for the major. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Cerro Coso Community College. Completion of the Cerro Coso local general education pattern does not prepare students for transfer. Students should consult with a counselor or educational advisor regarding general education options.

It is anticipated that the enrollment and completion of this program will be in line with current healthcare course/program offerings at Cerro Coso Community College. The program is restricted to a set ratio of student to instructor limitations at 10:1 per the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

The mission of the associate degree in nursing (ADN) program is to provide an innovative, student-centered, educational program that prepares students as candidates to become registered nurses to provide safe, quality, and evidence-based nursing care. The program prepares students to practice nursing in a variety of healthcare environments with input from the community represented through the program's advisory committee. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is qualified to take the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX-RN examination. 

The ADN program is not considered a transfer program; however, the nursing program graduates are prepared with necessary nursing knowledge, skills, and competencies to continue their education in a higher degree pathway. The nursing program has articulation agreements with upper-level institutions in California to assist students in their quest for a baccalaureate degree pathway.

To be eligible for enrollment in the ADN program, the student must meet the following criteria:

Graduation from an accredited high school, or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) or California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or High School Equivalency Diploma (HiSET). These requirements are defined by the current Nurse Practice Act, Title 16, California Code of Regulations, Section 1412. Students with an associate degree in arts (AA) or an associate degree in science (AS) or higher do not need to submit proof of high school graduation but must submit proof of AA/AS degree completion (in progress not accepted). Graduates from outside the US must have transcripts evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved independent agency.

There has been a long-standing need in our service area, state, and across the country to provide instruction for entry level registered nursing. 

Enrollment is through counseling.

Prerequisites

A grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 is required for all ADN prerequisite courses. 

• BIOL C255 – Human Physiology
• BIOL C262 – General Microbiology
• CHEM C101 - Introduction to Chemistry or CHEM C111 
  
• ENGL C101 – Freshman Composition
  
• MATH C121 – Probability and Statistics or MATH C121H
  
• PSYC C101 – General Psychology or PSYC C101H
  
• BIOL C251 – Human Anatomy

Associate Degree in Nursing Program Curriculum