REGISTERED NURSE
A Caring Career
A Registered Nurse (RN) has completed a minimum of two years of a specific nursing course of study and has successfully passed a State Board of Examination giving them a license to practice nursing.
The Registered Nurse (RN) is a professional who is well versed in caring for patients in all stages of illness, including health promotion and disease prevention.
All Registered Nurses are required to continue their education on an ongoing basis. Documentation of courses completed must be submitted to the licensing authority every 2 years (in California, it is the Board of Registered Nursing).
Students in the Nursing Program must be able to care for male or female patients across the life span and must be available to do clinical work Monday-Sunday, and any shift.
Learn More. Earn More.
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program prepares students for careers in nursing through the study of the humanities, natural/social sciences, and the field of nursing. Emphasis is on nursing theory and clinical practice. Graduates are eligible to apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing to take the examination for licensure as a registered nurse.
The following outcomes are measured at the institutional level:
- Upon completion of the program, the student will demonstrate the ability to actively participate and contribute to patient report meetings and patient/family conferences and analyze as well as prioritize the information obtained.
- Upon completion of the program, the student will demonstrate the ability to articulate professionally and competently in the healthcare setting on issues regarding patient care.
- Upon completion of the program, the student will analyze, compute and correctly provide medications to the patient in the healthcare setting.
- Upon completion of the program, the student will demonstrate collegiality and appropriate communication techniques when working with diverse healthcare providers, patients and family members.
- Upon completion of the program, the student will demonstrate critical thinking skills and differentiation in plan of care for patients from various cultural backgrounds.
A Look at Becoming a Registered Nurse
Learn more about studying to become a registered nurse at Southwestern College.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
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, 2023Paper 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.
- Review the checklist which accompanies the program application for full details on
all that is needed to apply.
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.
The Nursing Program faculty has developed the curriculum for the Nursing Program based on many factors. The College has a general mission statement and philosophy that describes what is important to the college in providing education to the students. The Nursing Program worked with the College’s goals and directions to develop the ADN Program mission statement and philosophy.
From this point, the faculty utilized many factors to develop the Program’s Learning Outcomes (what do we want you to accomplish during your time in the program) as well as the graduate competencies (what is your level of competency to work as an RN after graduation?).
The College and the Nursing Program have developed Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for your courses – what do we want you to achieve with your courses? The curriculum (content in the courses) evolved from that. Our teaching strategies and evaluation methodologies evolved from the SLO’s as well. You will find the course SLO’s in all of your syllabi – you need to know what we are expecting from you in order to achieve the successful completion of the course.
End of Program Student Learning Outcomes: Students who complete the Southwestern College Associate Degree Nursing Program will develop the necessary knowledge and skills essential to the roles and functions of the Registered Nurse.
The nursing student will be able to demonstrate and promote high standards of nursing practice; provide competent and safe care in a variety of settings to patients across the lifespan; demonstrate competency in all formats of communication to a diverse patient population; utilize the nursing process for informed decision-making based on evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, clinical competence , and will demonstrate leadership skills in the management and patient advocacy roles in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team . The student will demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning by having an educational plan for progression of nursing education (BSN and/or MSN) by their ADN Program graduation date.
- The ADN graduate will synthesize knowledge of physiological, psychosocial, sociocultural and developmental functioning of patients in the provision of safe and competent care for patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds in diverse healthcare settings.
- The ADN graduate will utilize clinical reasoning and evidence – based practice in conjunction with the nursing process to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for patients throughout all stages of the life cycle.
- The ADN graduate will demonstrate proficiency in implementing and/or delegating nursing skills used in the delivery of safe nursing care.
- The ADN graduate will use a variety of communication techniques, including written documentation and information technology, in the plan, implementation and evaluation of care for the patient.
- The ADN graduate’s nursing practice will demonstrate professionalism, caring and compassion while practicing within a legal and ethical framework.
- The ADN graduate will develop and implement a variety of teaching-learning strategies with the patients for health promotion and disease prevention, as well as restoration of health and management of chronic conditions.
- The ADN graduate will develop and maintain multi-disciplinary relationships that promote collaboration in the planning and implementation of care for the patient. This will include active participation in research and quality improvement projects related to improving patient outcomes.
- The ADN graduate will implement lifelong learning strategies as a requisite for maintaining professional knowledge and skills required for the provision of competent patient care. This includes development of an educational plan for meeting a basic level of professional practice as a Registered Nurse (BSN).
First Semester (9 Units)
- ADN 111A - Pathophysiology / Pharmacology I - 2 Units (2 lecture hours)
- ADN 112 - Fundamentals of Nursing - 2 Units (2 lecture hours)
- ADN 112L - Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical / Lab - 5 Units (15 clinical / lab hours)
Second Semester (10 Units)
- ADN 111B - Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II - 2 Units (2 lecture hours)
- ADN 113 - Maternal & Child Nursing - 3 Units (3 lecture hours)
- ADN 113L - Maternal & Child Nursing Clinical/Lab - 5 Units (15 clinical/lab hours)
Transition Course (3 Units)
- LVN to RN - 3 Units:
- ADN 115 - Transition to ADN - 2 Units (2 lecture hours)
- ADN 115 L - Transition to ADN Lab - 1 Unit
Third Semester (10 Units)
- ADN 221 Adult Nursing - 5 Units (5 lecture hours)
- ADN 221 L Adult Nursing Clinical/Lab - 5 Units (15 Clinical/lab hours)
Fourth Semester (10 Units)
- ADN 114 - Nursing Supervision/Leadership I - 2 Units (2 lecture hours)
- ADN 223 Gerontology - 2 Units (2 lecture hours)
- ADN 223L Gerontology Clinical/lab - 4 Units (12 clinical/lab hours)
- ADN 225 Nursing Supervision/Leadership II - 2 Units (108 hours total)
A minimum grade of "C" (78%) must be earned in each nursing course for progression and completion of the nursing program. Fifteen laboratory hours per week in each semester are spent in selected health care agencies. Transportation to agencies is the individual student's responsibility. Students generally have nursing classes and/or homework five (5) days a week, and may be required to visit hospitals for additional preparation outside of scheduled class hours. This may involve afternoon and evening hours.
All students should consult a counselor who can assist in planning so that all requirements are met on schedule. Contact the Counseling Center on the Chula Vista campus at (619) 421-6700 x5241 to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment at the Higher Education Center in Otay Mesa, call (619) 216-6750 x4403.
Additional required courses for graduation with an Associate in Science degree in nursing are as follows:
- Lifespan Development - 3 Units
- Humanities - 3 Units (Fine Arts Group)
- Communications - 3 Units
- Psychology - 3 Units
Upon completion of all requirements, the student will be eligible to apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing to take the examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
NOTE: The Board of Registered Nursing may refuse licensure to individuals who have been convicted of crimes and/or certain misdemeanors. If you have concerns about this, you may write the BRN directly at this address: Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 944210; Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
- ADN 106 - 2 Units - Dosage Calculation
(open to all SWC incoming & current nursing students) - ADN 116 - 2 Units - Nursing Practicum
(open to current SWC nursing students) - ADN 117 - 1 Unit - Critical Thinking
(open to anyone) - ADN 150 - 2 Units - Physical Assessment
(open to any nursing student or RN) - ADN 210 - 8 Units - Emergency Nursing for the New Graduate
(open to all RN’s) - ADN 212 - 2 Units - Assessment and Management of the Critically Ill Patient
(open to any nursing student or RN) - ADN 290 - 3 Units - Work Experience
(open to current nursing students) - NC 118 - PASS - A TEAS Prep/Remediation course
(open to anyone) - NC 1033 - PASS - Success in Nursing (open to current SWC nursing students)
- ADN 106 - 2 Units - Dosage Calculation
For more information on SDSU's Nursing Programs and transfer options/requirements, view the SDSU School of Nursing Transfer Requirements.
Programs available at SDSU are:
- BS in Nursing
- RN to BSN
- MS in Nursing
- LVN to RN
Degrees/Certificates Available
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