Program information:
It is suggested that students attend a Nursing Information Orientation given by the Counseling Department, which can be reached here.
The Program is four semesters in length and begins with RN 170/171/171L. Successful completion of the Program will result in an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) as well as being eligible to take the nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-RN). The Santa Ana College Nursing Program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The Traditional Program admits students twice each year. The semesters are 16 weeks. Theory courses meet 2 times per week on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the day. Clinical courses are 12 to 24 hours per week generally on Mondays and/or Tuesdays with some possible Saturdays and/or Sundays.
The Traditional Program (T2) admits students once each year in the Fall. T2 has 16-week semesters and meets two evenings per week (Wednesdays and Thursdays) for theory except fourth semester when they meet twice per week during the day. Clinical time for T2 are 12 hours on every Saturday with some Sundays and other days as needed or every other Saturday and Sunday with other days as needed.
All students entering the Santa Ana College Nursing Program must pass a diagnostic assessment test. Santa Ana College utilizes the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS test) which must be passed with a score of 62% or higher. It tests math, English, reading and science. All students are encouraged to log onto www.atitesting.com for study materials and other useful resources and information.
Students are required to have transportation to and from off-campus clinical sites.
**Please note: This is considered a full-time program. Students are advised to limit outside employment. Excessive work schedules combined with family and school commitments may contribute to being unsuccessful in the program.**
For first semester:
Students who decline entry are required to re-apply for possible selection through the multi-criteria admission process.
For second, third and fourth semester:
Students may turn down entry to the program once. A second refusal for entry will result in the student's name going to the end of the entry list. A third refusal for entry will result in removal from the list.
Upon acceptance to all semesters:
Evidence of a physical examination by a M.D., Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner is required prior to entry in the program and on an annual basis. Evidence of a physical exam, titers, and immunizations must be submitted on the Nursing Program's form verifying the applicant's health and physical ability to perform the academic and clinical requirements of an RN student. Examinations must have been performed within 4 months prior to beginning the Nursing Program.
A cleared background check is required of all Nursing Students after acceptance into the Nursing Program.
A cleared drug test result is required of all Nursing Students after acceptance into the Nursing Program. A student with a positive drug test will not be allowed in the Nursing Program (see Nursing Student Guidebook).
A current (within one year of issue date) CPR card for BLS Provider from the American Heart Association is required upon entry to the Nursing Program and must be maintained throughout the Nursing Program.
Malpractice insurance must be maintained throughout the Nursing Program.
Students with an incomplete or expired physical information, CPR card, malpractice insurance, background check, or drug testing will not be allowed into the clinical setting because of mandatory hospital and program requirements. If a student re-enters the program, a new background check and drug testing must be provided upon re-entry.
Students who are a "NO SHOW" for the first day of class will be dropped and replaced by an alternate.
Social Security Number Requirement
A social security number or Tax Identification Number is required to apply to take the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Convictions
Please note: The California Board of Registered Nursing requires California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation review prior to licensure (upon completion of the program). Section 480(a)(1) of the Business and Professions Code authorizes the BRN to deny licensure to applicants convicted of crimes substantially related to nursing. Anyone who desires clarification may contact:
Board of
Registered Nursing
P.O. Box
944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
(916) 322-3350
www.rn.ca.gov
Webpage Updated 3/19/2024
