Admissions & Cost
After completing program prerequisites and other requirements, you may submit your application packet with all required documentation during the application filing period. Students are admitted to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/RN) and Step-Up LVN to ADN Program using the Multi-Criteria Points Formula.
Important: Paper application packets will be accepted for the Step Up Program by U.S. Mail only beginning on Monday, July 19, 2021 (updated 7/12/21)
- Download the Step Up Program Checklist & Application and physical exam/immunization forms by clicking the links in the "Application Packet" section below.
- Review the checklist that accompanies the program application for full details on all that is needed to apply.
- The application and physical exam/immunization forms must be filled out to be considered for the program. This is a clinical placement requirement.
Note: If you apply for the Step-Up Program between July 19, 2021 - September 9, 2021, the previous TEAS policy applies, and you may use a TEAS Version 6 test score dated 2016 – 2021 (updated 8/2021).
Letters of acceptance will be emailed to SWC email accounts after the application deadline and after all applications have been reviewed. Notifications will not be sent to personal email accounts. Applicants who are accepted into the program will NOT be able to postpone their acceptance and will need to reapply, if they defer.
Spring 2022 Applications
The Step Up class in 2021, and future cohorts, will begin spring semester, and not during summer semester as it had in previous years. To be considered for the upcoming class, submit an application packet during the designted application period (see dates listed below).
Application Period for Spring 2022: Monday, July 19, 2021 - Thursday, September 9, 2021 (updated 7/12/21)
Note: If a student fails out of ANY nursing program for unsafe clinical practice or a violation of professional, legal, or unethical conduct, the student may be ineligible for admission to Southwestern College Nursing Program.
Application Packet
Use the checklist which accompanies the program application as a guide to help you prepare and gather all documents and materials needed when applying for the program.
Review the Multi-criteria Point System for information on how points are awarded to your application.
Update related to CoVid-19 vaccine: As of September 30, 2021, all major Healthcare Systems in San Diego County require students and faculty to be fully vaccinated for CoVid-19. Applicants to any Nursing and Health Occupations (ADN, VN-Step-up, VN, CNA, Acute Care CNA, Surgical Technology, Central Service Technician, and Operating Room Nurse) programs will be required to submit proof of vaccine status at time of application.
- Step Up Program Checklist & Application (PDF) (rev 7/14/21)
- Physical Exam and Immunization Forms (PDF)
- Multi-criteria Point System (PDF) (rev. 6/2021)
- SWC Verification of Language Proficiency Form (PDF)
- Step Up Program prerequisites (PDF)
Approximate Cost
The total cost of the Step-Up Program is currently estimated to be approximately $4,810 to $5,307.
The greatest direct expense is at the beginning of the program. Textbooks, instructional supplies and uniforms are the major cost items. Living expenses and cost of transportation to campus and clinical facilities are not included in this estimated cost nor are the prerequisite or general education courses for the degree. The above costs include testing services provided by ATI. Students are required to pay approximately $613 per semester for testing services provided by ATI.
Financial assistance is available to cover program costs. Visit the SWC Financial Aid website for information, applications for FAFSA, the California College Promise Grant (CCPG, formerly the BOG Fee Waiver) and scholarships. An application for assistance should be made early with the Financial Aid Office. It is recommended that nursing students not work more than 20 hours per week.