Cerritos College Nursing Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The Cerritos College Nursing Program is designed to prepare students for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the program is committed to advancing the art and science of nursing in a technology-rich learning environment. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the program's philosophy, curriculum, admission requirements, progression options, and other essential aspects.

Nursing Program Philosophy and Core Competencies

The Nursing Program at Cerritos College defines nursing as a science, discipline, and healthcare practice that focuses on concepts within the three domains of the patient, nurse, and healthcare environment across the lifespan. The program acknowledges key global nursing competencies reflected by the Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies (NOFNCC, 2016). These competencies encompass:

Patient-Centered Care
Professionalism
Leadership
System Based Care
Communication
Teamwork/Collaboration
Safety
Quality Improvement
Informatics/Technology
Evidence-Based Practice

Furthermore, the program emphasizes culturally sensitive care, diversity in healthcare, nursing process, clinical decision-making, patient education, continuity of care (including community aspects), compassion, and advocacy. The program promotes students’ creative and critical thinking and personal growth based on successful learning experiences. Achievement of this goal is fostered by encouraging self-direction and by providing a variety of individual and group learning experiences.

The nurse uses an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach in working with the patient and with other health care providers. The graduate of an Associate Degree program plays a significant role in management of patient care. Managing care is characterized by planning, implementing, organizing, coordinating, delegating, and facilitating the continuity of patient care. The graduate of an Associate Degree Nursing Program adheres to standards of professional practice, is accountable for her/ his own actions and behaviors, and practices within ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of nursing. The Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) is an entry-level practitioner and is competent to practice as a direct caregiver in a variety of health care settings which include diverse patient populations. ADN graduates are employed in a healthcare delivery system that continues to grow and change. Nursing faculty believe that nursing education is driven by the application of critical thinking and the development/improvement of teaching/learning strategies using innovative approaches and evidence-based research. Nursing faculty also believe that the purpose of education is to enlighten and enhance the quality of life for the student, the community, and the patients for whom students and graduates provide care. Education based on mastery learning is viewed by nursing faculty as a collaborative process involving college administrators and staff, nursing faculty, and nursing students. Each student enters the nursing program with unique characteristics, capabilities, learning styles, and motivation for learning. The program embraces the diversity of cultural, linguistic, and philosophical differences represented in the student body.

Extended Program Student Learning Outcomes (EPSLOs)

EPSLOs are the driving force of the Nursing Program Curriculum. They are designed around the Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies and the NCLEX-RN Test Blueprint.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Cerritos College Nursing Program, applicants must meet specific requirements, including:

High school graduation or the equivalent.
Completion of all Proficiency Requirements for the Associate of Arts Degree, i.e.: English 100, Math 80 or equivalent (highly recommend MATH 112 or MATH 112S), and Reading 54 or equivalent with grades of “Pass” or “C” or higher or satisfactory completion of the college placement test process.
Only ONE of the above prerequisite courses (A&P 150, A&P 151, MICR 200, English 100) may be repeated if a grade of “D” or “F” is earned in order to achieve a better grade.
It is HIGHLY recommended that A&P 150, A&P 151, and MICR 200 be completed within six (6) years of admission.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 for all college work taken.
Completion of the Testing of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS VII) Exam with a 62% or higher score or the HESI diagnostic assessment test with a 70% or higher. These assessment examinations are a test of basic Math, English, Reading, and Science. The nursing program conducts TEAS testing each year, however spaces are limited. Therefore, the program will accept scores from other testing sites.

Additional Course Requirements for Specific Options

Depending on the admission option chosen, additional courses may be required:

Option B: HO 152, NRSG 25, NRSG 211, NRSG 213A, NRSG 251, and PSYC 251 or equivalent with grades of Pass or “C” or higher.
Option C: NRSG 26, NRSG 215, NRSG 251, and PSYC 251 or equivalent with grades of Pass or “C” or higher. Completion of a medication calculation examination with a score of 80% or higher. Optional courses: NRSG 26, NRSG 251 (strongly recommended), PSYC 251.
Option E: HO 152, NRSG 25 if entering prior to the middle of the second semester or NRSG 26 if entering at or following the middle of the second semester, NRSG 200, NRSG 215, NRSG 251, and PSYC 251 or equivalent with grades of “C” or higher or "Pass". Courses taught at the level of Introduction to College Composition with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass" or equivalent or appropriate placement based on the college’s multiple measures process with eligibility for ENG 100 or ENGL 100S, courses at the level of college reading or READ 101 or READ 102, and courses taught at the level of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of "C" or higher or "Pass" or equivalent or appropriate placement based on the college's multiple measures process. Completion of a medication calculation examination with a score of 80% or higher for entry at NRSG 220 or above. Students applying under this option will be notified individually for additional requirements relative to their entry points in the curriculum. When you meet with the program director. Refer to the information packet for required documentation needed prior to this meeting.
Option F: NRSG 26 and NRSG 215.

Admission Options

The Cerritos College Nursing Program offers several admission pathways:

Option A: Generic - Applicants enter the nursing program in the first semester.
Option B: Same as Option A.
Option C: Same as Option A.
Option D: LVN 30-unit Challenge - Licensed Vocational Nurses can bridge into the RN program. LVNs receive credit for LVN coursework and work experience. Applicants do not meet benchmark grade point averages nor complete the admission examination (TEAS). Admitted students enter into the program at the second year and complete 18 nursing units. This option does not complete the general education coursework and DO NOT RECEIVE AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE.
Option E: Transfer and Challenge - Students seeking transfer from another nursing program can seek transfer eligibility and receive credit for coursework completed. Transfer students are required to take bridge coursework, meet a benchmark grade point average, and complete the ATI-TEAS Exam. The point of entry is dependent upon each student’s situation.
Option F: NRSG 26 and NRSG 215.

Options A, B, C, and E are admission pathways that earn an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. In addition to the nursing coursework, the student will complete General Education courses outlined in General Education PLAN A.

Program Progression and Requirements

Students admitted into the nursing program complete four consecutive semesters of lecture and clinical training. Program progression relies on the student acquiring at least 75% in all lecture courses and completing the clinical component with “Satisfactory”. In order to remain enrolled in, progress in, and complete the program, the student must maintain a “C” grade or higher in all nursing courses and those General Education courses specified by the California Board of Registered Nursing for completion of the nursing program. These courses include PHIL 104; PSYC 275/ETHN 275, PSYC 251; COMM 100, COMM 120, COMM 130, COMM 132, OR COMM 150. The core nursing program consists of sequenced courses over a four-semester period. Prerequisite courses are completed prior to these four semesters. In addition, General Education courses are required for completion of the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.

Clinical placements are a mandatory component of the curriculum and require clearance of a criminal background check and drug screen. While marijuana is now legal in California, applicants must drug screen negative to enter the program. This is required by all clinical sites. Students who do not clear agency requirements are not eligible for clinical placement and will, consequently, be ineligible to continue in the program.

Graduation and Licensure

Graduates are prepared to apply for and take the California state licensure exam NCLEX-RN to practice as an entry level Registered Nurse. At the completion of the fourth semester of the Nursing Program, the nursing student files an application for licensure (NCLEX-RN) with the Board of Registered Nursing. The application and examination registration fee is $300. In addition, the student may apply for an interim permit for $100.

Applicants are required under law to report all misdemeanor and felony convictions. “Driving under the influence” convictions must be reported. Convictions must be reported even if they have been expunged, adjudicated, or dismissed or even if court ordered diversion program has been completed under the Penal Code or under Article 5 of the Vehicle Code. Also, all disciplinary action against an applicant’s registered nurse, practical nurse, vocational nurse, or other professional license must be reported. Failure to report prior convictions or disciplinary action is considered falsification of application and is grounds for denial of licensure or revocation of license.

Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP) Program

The Cerritos College Nursing Program offers a Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP) program for qualified applicants in partnership with other higher education institutions.

National University Partnership

Cerritos College partners with National University (NU) to provide progression options to obtain their Bachelor in Science in Nursing degrees. Students can begin gathering information regarding program qualifications now. Cerritos College also provides an on-site NU advisor/counselor. This collaboration allows for a tuition reduction on courses completed at Cerritos College.

Jump Start Program with CSULA

The Jump Start program with California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) only operates during the summer (10 week session) through Open University (OU). Jump Start students must take either NURS 305 or NURS 310 the first semester. Students will have an opportunity to take the other the following summer. Students can take a maximum of one course per summer session.

In the Summer session, students will take coursework at CSULA. Students will also have to fulfill the application with the Director of Nursing in January to fulfill the application a year into the CSULA partnership.

Costs and Fees

Each unit costs $46 for California residents and $263 for non-residents of California or international students. A Student Activity Fee is $10 per semester and the Student Health Services Fee is $19 per semester. During the four core semesters, lab material fees total approximately $200; textbooks/resources cost approximately $3000; and uniforms and additional supplies and equipment cost approximately $500. Additional fees for books, etc. may apply. Fees are subject to change.

BSN Options

The Cerritos College Nursing Program prepares students to transition and obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees through various pathways, including on-site and distant learning options, allowing students to not have to travel far to work on their BSN.

tags: #cerritos #college #nursing #program #requirements