Registered Nurse

The Registered Nursing Program (NRAD) prepares students for beginning practice level registered nursing in hospitals, health care facilities, and in homes. Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Registered Nursing Licensure examination (NCLEX). Hands-on internship experience is part of the training.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE and CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

An Associate Degree, depending on the focus of study, is designed to prepare students for transfer into upper division course work in a bachelor’s degree program, or, to prepare students to enter the workforce in a particular vocational field. To qualify for an Associate’s Degree, a student must:

1. complete each major-specific course required for the degree with at least a “C” grade or better,
2. complete all Cuesta College general education, graduation and residency requirements,
3. achieve an overall grade point average of 2.0 for all courses attempted (major, general education, elective).

A Certificate Program is designed for students who desire specific training to meet an immediate occupational or personal goal, or for promotion or lateral transfer within their existing field of employment. To qualify for a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Specialization, a student must:

1. complete all courses required for the Certificate with an overall grade point average of 2.0.

Registered Nursing program admission requirements

The Cuesta College Associate Degree Registered Nursing program prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse. The Registered Nursing program is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Four (4) preparation options are available.

Students interested in applying to the Registered Nursing Program are strongly urged to consult with a counselor regarding the associate degree nursing pathway before registering for course work.

Registered Nursing prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to applying to the program.

Students who have meet general college admission requirements and the additional Registered Nursing Program admission criteria will be eligible for admission to the Registered Nursing Program.

Eligible applicants are admitted into the Registered Nursing Program through a multi-criteria screening process. The two year program starts once a year in the fall.

Entrance requirements are subject to change. For most current information please refer to the Nursing and Allied Health Division webpage.

Completed physical examination, proof of immunity, background check, drug screening and healthcare provider CPR certification are requirements for final acceptance into the program.

Four (4) registered nurse preparation options are available:

1. Registered Nursing Associate in Science Degree – earned by completing all required coursework in the nursing program, Board of Registered Nursing content coursework and college associate degree requirements.
2. Registered Nursing Associate in Science Degree - earned by advanced placement LVN to RN pathway. Currently Licensed Vocational Nurses enter into the 2nd semester of the RN program. All associate degree requirements and Board of Registered Nursing content must be met and only currently Licensed Vocational Nurses are eligible for admission. Admission is limited to a space available basis and interested students must complete the LVN to RN application process.
3. Registered Nursing Certificate of Achievement – earned by completing all required coursework in the nursing program and Board of Registered Nursing content coursework. No associate degree is awarded and the RN license received has practice limitation. Prior consultation with the Nursing director is required in order to review the limitations. Admission process is the same as Registered Nursing Associate Degree applicants.
4. Registered Nursing Certificate of Achievement, 30-unit option – earned by LVN’s entering into the 3rd semester of the RN program and completing the 3rd and 4th semester. No associate degree is awarded and the RN license received has practice limitation. Admission is limited to a space available basis. Prior consultation with the Nursing director is required in order to review the limitations.