Registered Nursing

Courses taken by our Registered Nursing Associate of Science degree students include:

Fundamentals of Nursing Theory

This course provides an introduction to nursing and the roles of the nurse as well as profession-related and patient care concepts. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care. An introduction to the nursing process provides a decision-making framework to assist students in developing effective clinical judgment skills.

Health Assessment 

This course provides the framework for preparing students to perform comprehensive health assessments on patients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on taking a thorough nursing history, performing physiological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual assessments, as well as identification of stressors and health risks. Concurrent clinical experiences provide an opportunity to practice assessment skills on patients across the lifespan in a variety of settings.

Pediatrics Theory

This course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of children and adolescents. Emphasis is placed on normal growth and development, family dynamics, pediatric disorders, and the promotion of healthy behaviors in patients.

Please note, that these courses are only available in the Registered Nursing degree program, not the Registered Nursing LVN to RN program or the Registered Nursing Certificate program.

The Registered Nursing and Registered Nursing – LVN to RN programs have a highly-selective application process in which only the most qualified candidates are chosen to fill the available seats. Please see the academic catalog or contact an Admissions Advisor for detailed information.

More information on pre-requisite courses is available here: sjvc.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/prerequisite-courses-faqs.

Download the Registered Nursing Application

Download the Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge Application

Important Dates

Ontario / Rancho Mirage / Visalia

• Generic RN Application Deadline: 1/31/2025
• LVN-RN Bridge Application Deadline: 9/16/2024

Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Academic Catalog to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Advisor to discuss the costs of your chosen program and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Challenge/Advanced Placement Policy for Military Trained Healthcare Personnel Requesting Entrance into the RN Programs

Effective August 2017: Individuals who have held Military Health Care Occupations, specifically: Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic) or Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4NOXIC) may achieve advance placement into any of SJVC Nursing Program’s Track Options.

Depending on the track option chosen, military applicants must complete the application process and provide all required documentation of education and qualifying experience.

Application Process

There are three track options for applicants seeking entrance into the RN Program at SJVC:

• Generic-RN Track
• Advanced Placement Track (LVN-RN/Military Eligible)
• 30-Unit Certificate Option Track (LVN/Military Eligible)

A qualified military professional must:

• Be active in good standing (or) have been discharged under “honorable” condition.
• Submit credits earned through college course work or military experience for an applicable Military Health Care Occupation achieved

To determine the best track option, please refer to each section in the College Catalog and the applicable application packet.

Click here for Generic-RN Track catalog section,
Click here for Advanced Placement Track (LVN-RN) catalog section,
Click here for 30-Unit Certificate Option Track catalog section.

Download the Registered Nursing Application
Download the Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge Application

Credits Earned by Students Receiving Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Incoming students receiving VA benefits will have any previous college coursework or training (military and nonmilitary) evaluated to determine whether the previously earned credit may be transferred into their program of study. All accepted transfer credit will be applied toward the student’s program of study and a credit of $411.00 per unit will be given. Transfer of Credit Policy, College Catalog.

Credit Earned through Course Challenge

Students may earn course credit in the subjects of math, English, and some program pre-requisite courses through successful course challenge. To challenge a course, students complete and pass an examination which tests their knowledge of the objectives and learning outcomes covered in the particular course. Students who successfully pass the examination(s) will be granted the appropriate academic credit. Students must complete this process prior to the first scheduled start date of the applicable course. No tuition credit will be given to students who successfully pass the examination(s). SJVC does not grant credit or allow course challenge for experiential learning or previous experience. Credit Earned through Course Challenge, College Catalog.

Applicants/Military Professionals Challenging LVN Coursework and Licensure Requirements

The program does allow applicants to challenge the LVN coursework and licensure requirements. To successfully do so, applicants must:

• Achieve a benchmark equivalent National Standard for ATI Fundamentals Proctored Assessment (Level II) to establish foundational knowledge base

The College has well-defined policies and procedures that govern the acceptance of credit for coursework completed at other institutions, including military education and training for VA students (see Transfer of Credit Policy, College Catalog).

Registered Nursing

Looking for an RN nursing school? SJVC’s Registered Nursing degree program is available at the Visalia, Ontario and Rancho Mirage campuses. This program version can be completed in as few as 20 months.

SJVC also offers a Registered Nursing certificate option that can be completed in as few as 14 months.

In accordance with the Board of Registered Nursing Policy (Section 1435.5), California Licensed Vocational Nurses may apply for the non-degree program. This program is commonly referred to as the “30-Unit option” and prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN Examination, but does not award an A.S. Degree. Completion of this option may not meet the criteria to practice in other states. Applicants will be considered on a space-available basis only and if program resources allow.

Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge

SJVC’s Registered Nursing – LVN to RN Bridge program is available at the Visalia campus and can be completed in as few as 11 months.

SJVC’s Registered Nursing  – LVN to RN Bridge program is designed for Licensed Vocational Nurses who want to take the next step in their medical career. This program allows currently licensed Vocational Nurses to transfer credits from their LVN studies to the required coursework needed for the Registered Nursing program. 

San Joaquin Valley College’s RN program is approved by the Department of Consumer Affairs, California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

Institutional Accreditation

San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, Phone: 510-748-9001, Fax: 510-748-9797.

www.wscuc.org

The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

State Approvals
CALIFORNIA

SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website (www.bppe.ca.gov).

View additional State Approvals for SJVC.