Golden West College Nursing Program: A Comprehensive Guide

Golden West College (GWC) offers a variety of pathways to a fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse (RN) and other healthcare roles. With a commitment to accessible and affordable education, GWC's Nursing Department has earned accolades such as the 2018 Strong Workforce Silver Star for graduate earnings increases. The college provides comprehensive support services, including a Career and Employment Center and a Learning Resource Center, to ensure student success.

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program

The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program at GWC prepares students for entry-level healthcare positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The program adheres to Title 22 regulations, focusing on geriatric care within hospital, assisted living, and long-term care settings. Students develop skills in basic care, safety precautions, infection control and prevention, emergency responses, and communication.

Program Structure

The GWC CNA program is a 16-week course consisting of 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical practice. The program incorporates hands-on clinical training, which provides valuable experience in patient care, vital signs monitoring, assisting with activities of daily living, infection control, and basic medical procedures.

Essential Skills

Students cultivate a well-rounded skill set encompassing compassion, empathy, communication, attention to detail, patience, flexibility, teamwork, physical fitness, and emotional resilience.

Enrollment Requirements

Prior to enrollment, prospective students must attend a mandatory Information Session. This session is 2 hours long and includes English and Mathematics CASAS assessments to evaluate readiness for the Nurse Assistant Program. Students should postpone physical exams or immunizations until after attending the mandatory orientation session.

Read also: Earning the Golden State Seal

Applications for the Fall 2026 program will be opening soon. Interested individuals can complete an interest form to receive program updates.

Background Checks and Drug Screening

Students are required to undergo a clear background check and drug screening for enrollment. Live Scan will also fingerprint students. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reviews Live Scan/Department of Justice results to determine eligibility for the State Certification Exam. CDPH evaluates criminal convictions for any offense. Individuals with convictions or questions about their ability to obtain clearance can request an "inquiry" with the California Department of Public Health, as outlined in Health and Safety Code Section 1337.9(c).

Registered Nurse (RN) Programs

Golden West College offers multiple pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse, catering to different student needs and experience levels.

Nursing: Registered Nurse - Associate in Science (AS) Degree

This program develops professional-level skills relevant to careers in the healthcare industry. Completion of this program will award the graduate with the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and prepare the graduate for a seamless transition to a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program. Students will name and identify the basic structures of the human body.

Nursing - LVN to RN Career Ladder - Associate in Science

This option is designed for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) interested in advancing their careers to become RNs.

Read also: Affording GWC

Program Features

Faculty

GWC's faculty members are chosen for their real-world industry experience and are known for being knowledgeable and accessible.

Support Services

Golden West College is committed to supporting students' higher education aspirations through various resources:

Career and Employment Center: A hub for career development services for students and the general public.
Learning Resource Center: Offers facilities and materials for assistance in math, reading, writing, and other subjects.
Advising and Counseling: Provides guidance to ensure students are on the right academic path.
Special Programs: Assists underserved and challenged students.

Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP)

Golden West College welcomed its first Nursing Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP) cohort on Saturday, August 26. Students in the CEP cohort earn credit toward their bachelor’s degree while completing coursework at GWC. This type of partnership promotes accessible and affordable streamlined education to applicants who traditionally may not have earned admission into a nursing program due to the competitive nature of impacted programs.

Admission and Enrollment Information

Application Process

Applications are accepted once a year, with admission offered in the Fall semester only.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation (copy of diploma or official transcripts). Students of Coast District (GWC, OCC, and Coastline Colleges) DO NOT need to submit official transcripts. Qualified applicants who are not selected are encouraged to re-apply next to the next application period.

Clinical Training

Students admitted to the Nursing Program must complete clinical training hours at affiliated healthcare agencies.

Additional Requirements

To enroll in nursing coursework, all selected applicants must meet the academic, contractual, and safety requirements. Accepted students who are presently under treatment for substance abuse, or who has been under such treatment within six months of the date of application, do not qualify for enrollment in the Nursing Program.

All selected applicants must be able to perform specified manipulative and/or sensory functions, as follows:

Be able to hear well enough to respond to calls for help from individuals remote from the location of the student.
Be able to safely maneuver the equipment used to administer medications orally and intramuscularly and be able to see and hear well enough to monitor indications on the instruments regarding the medications being administered.
Be able to start effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Be able to maneuver a totally helpless adult to the side of a bed and to turn and position the patient.
Be able to physically maneuver and support a helpless adult.
Be able to see well enough to observe critical symptomatology; have sufficient manipulative ability to record such symptomatology in writing.
Be able to maneuver well enough to physically protect himself or herself from possible injury caused by emotionally disturbed or combative patients.
Have sufficient physical mobility to respond rapidly to situations involving the health and safety of patients in compliance with the state Board RN Guidelines.

Credit and Advanced Placement Options

Previous Education Credit Challenge Policy

In accordance with the CA Board of Registered Nursing regulations, students with previous education in a specific area of nursing or other knowledge in the field of nursing may challenge the Golden West College nursing course(s).

To do so, the student must meet the following Nursing Program entrance requirements:

Must be accepted into the Golden West College RN Program.
Must complete a minimum of 12.0 college credit units with a minimum of 2.0 GPA.
Must obtain qualifying test scores on the college placement test in English and Math.
Evidence of physical and emotional fitness by medical examination.
Meet the specifics of the School of Nursing Challenge policy as delineated outlined in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.

Transfer Credit/ Advanced Placement

To receive previous credit for nursing courses completed at an accredited nursing program, candidates must be accepted into the Golden West College RN program. Transfers are accepted on a space availability only. Candidates must submit a recommendation from the nursing program director of the previous school of nursing. Coursework must have been completed within the last two years and passed with a grade of C+ or better. Credit will be given for nursing courses equivalent to those offered at Golden West College. Credit for general education courses will be granted according to the college policy. A minimum of one academic semester must be spent in the Golden West College Core Nursing Program and the student must complete at least 12 units at GWC

Military Education and Experience

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 4N0X1C) may achieve advanced placement into the 2nd semester of the nursing program with documentation of education and experience qualifying them for the specific Military Health Care Occupation and upon successful completion of the challenge exam, dosage calculation exam, and skills competency exam.

LVN 30-Unit Option

Applicants who hold a current California Vocational Nurse license (LVN) may qualify for the California Registered Nurse State Licensure Examination without the completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. LVNs may elect to complete a non-degree program consisting of 30 units in nursing and related science courses. A Certificate of Achievement is awarded at the completion of the program. Admission of LVNs to the Nursing program is on a space-available basis.

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