A picture of an operating room nurse reaching for a tool in a surgical tray

OPERATING ROOM NURSE

Operate Above the Rest

Designed to teach nurses to function in the operating room. A major portion of the experience will take place in operating rooms around San Diego, with opportunities to practice and circulate.

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Southwestern College’s Peri-operative Nursing Program has been offered since August 2011 and follows the AORN's PERIOP 101 curriculum. The program has widely received acknowledgment from the community for its signature Perioperative Nurses training. 

Applicants are strongly recommended to have current basic nursing skills in all of the following areas: starting IV’s, administration of medication through IV, basic dosage calculations, taking vital signs, foley catheter placement, blood transfusions, dressing changes and interpersonal communication skills. It is helpful if students have clinical sponsors. 

Upon completion of certification requirements, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the AORN Periop 101 certification examination for Registered Nursing.

Application

Fall 2023 Application Period:
April 3, 2023, through May 31, 2023 
Students who apply during these dates will be considered for the ORN class that begins Fall 2023 (August 2023).

Application packets will be submitted in person or by U.S. Mail (Effective 04-03-23).  

Review the ORN Checklist & Application (PDF) for details on all of the required documents and forms needed to apply for the program. 

ORN Program Application Checklist & Application (PDF)

Physical Exam and Immunization forms (PDF)

ORN Program information flyer (PDF)

We would like to invite public comments about our nursing program in writing to directly to the AORN. Contact information is provided below. 

Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses
2170 South Parker Rd, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80231
Phone: 1-800-755-2676 | Local 303-755-6300 | Fax: 800-847-0045
Email: custsvc@aorn.org

Degrees/Certificates Available

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