REGISTERED NURSE

After completing ADN Program prerequisites and other requirements, you may submit your application packet. Students will be accepted based on a Multi-Criteria Points System.

The application period for the ADN class that begins Fall 2023 is:
November 1, 2022 - February 10, 2023

Paper application packets will be accepted for the ADN Program by U.S. Mail and in person, Room 4502 (updated 1/2023).
Application packet must be postmarked by the deadline to be considered.

• Download the ADN Program Checklist & Application (PDF).
• Review the checklist which accompanies the program application for full details on all that is needed to apply.
  • Items listed on pages 1-2 must be submitted by the application deadline (February 10, 2023).
  • Items listed on page 3 will be submitted only if accepted into the program, and at a later date.
• If you are offered a spot in the ADN Program, the physical exam/immunization forms must be filled out and submitted. This is a clinical requirement. Acceptance into the program will be contingent upon the Nursing Office receiving these forms, and other items listed on page 3 of the ADN Program Checklist & Application.  

Transcripts

• If you attended college outside of Southwestern College, request *official transcripts from your previous educational institution(s) and have the college send them directly to: SWC Admissions & Records Office at 900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910. 
• *SWC defines official transcripts as those sent directly from college to college. Transcripts in a student's hands are considered "unofficial transcripts," even if transcripts are in a sealed and stamped envelope.
• Important: Program prerequisites completed outside of SWC must be cleared by the Prerequisites Office using a Program Enrollment Prerequisite Evaluation form

Please note: If a student fails out of ANY Nursing Program for unsafe clinical practice or a violation of professional, legal, or unethical conduct, they may be ineligible for admission to Southwestern College's Nursing Program.

ADN Prerequisites 

• Human Anatomy (BIOL 260) 4 units with lab 
• Physiology (BIOL 261) 4 units with lab 
• Microbiology (BIOL 265) 4 units with lab 
• College Composition ENGL 115 (or) Equivalent course; 4 units
• Intermediate Algebra I MATH 60 (or) Equivalent course; 4 units

Other Requirements 

• Communication 103 or 174 or 176
• Child Development 170 or Psych 230
• Psychology 101
• TEAS: A composite score of 62% is the minimum passing score accepted for admission to ADN-RN Program.
  • Visit the TEAS Testing webpage on the SWC Nursing website (www.swccd.edu/nursing) for TEAS policy, updates and Remediation Plan.

ADN Prerequisites and Other Requirements (PDF)
Course Equivalency Grid - If you have taken or planning on taking ADN Program prerequisites at a local college, you may reference the Course Equivalency Grid (PDF) as a tool.

ALL ADN-RN, Step-Up LVN to ADN and Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) students must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a composite score of 62 or higher. 

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum passing score may re-take the TEAS test only once. 
• Regardless of TEAS Version (6 or 7), test score must be within the last three years (*Effective 6/2021). 

Please visit the TEAS Testing page of the of the SWC Nursing website (www.swccd.edu/nursing) for TEAS policy, updates, and Remediation Plan.

Program application packets will be accepted for the ADN class that begins Fall 2023 during the dates listed below.

Application Period for Fall 2023: November 1, 2022 - February 10, 2023

Paper application packets will be accepted for the ADN Program by U.S. Mail and in person, Room 4502 (updated 1/2023).
Application packet must be postmarked by the deadline to be considered.

• Review the checklist which accompanies the program application for full details on all that is needed to apply.
  • Items listed on pages 1-2 must be submitted by the application deadline (February 10, 2023).
  • Items listed on page 3 will be submitted only if accepted into the program, and at a later date.
• If you are offered a spot in the ADN Program, the physical exam/immunization forms must be filled out and submitted. This is a clinical requirement. Acceptance into the program will be contingent upon the Nursing Office receiving these forms, and other items listed on page 3 of the ADN Program Checklist & Application.  

Review the Multi-Criteria Point System Grid 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.

• ADN Program Checklist & Application (PDF) (Rev. 7/2022)
• Physical Exam and Immunization Forms (PDF)
• Multi-Criteria Points System Grid (PDF) (Rev. 6/2021)
• SWC Verification of Language Proficiency Form (PDF)
• ADN Program Prerequisites (PDF)

The Nursing Program begins in August each year. We do not have a class that begins in spring semester. Letters of acceptance are sent prior to the fall semester start date. Applicants who are accepted into the program may NOT defer acceptance but must reapply to the program. If you are accepted elsewhere or choose not to attend the program, please e-mail the Nursing Department Program Technician (nursing@swccd.edu) to cancel your application so that we may be able to offer a spot to another qualified applicant.

The cost of the ADN Program (for students who meet the residency requirement) is currently estimated to be approximately $8,474 - $8,997. The greatest direct expenses are at the beginning of the first semester. 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 courses or the general education courses for the degree.

In addition to the above costs, students are required to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of 62 or higher. This is a diagnostic test that covers basic Math, Reading, and Science, and is given at regular intervals at Southwestern College and other schools of nursing. Students may prepare for this test by going to the ATI testing site.

Enrolled students are required to pay fees for testing services provided by ATI while in the ADN Program. The test fees are included in the estimated total cost. These diagnostic tests are administered periodically throughout the nursing program beginning with an entrance test given the first week of the nursing program, and ending with a “mock” State Board exam in the fourth semester. Students that do poorly on the entrance test will be identified and encouraged to seek assistance in the Academic Success Center.

The remaining comprehensive tests will aid in the progression and success of students, identify strengths and weaknesses, and assist in appropriate remediation and success in the program. A review course will be required for students who do not perform well on the “mock” test before the student’s name will be submitted to the Board of Registered Nursing as a candidate for the licensure examination.

Financial assistance is available through the Financial Aid Office. Application for assistance should be made early, preferably by April or May for new students. Visit the SWC Financial Aid website for information and applications.

It is recommended that the student not work more than 20 hours per week.