United Nursing College: Empowering Future Healthcare Professionals

United Nursing College (UNC) is dedicated to transforming students into highly skilled healthcare providers who deliver safe, compassionate care with a commitment to lifelong learning. Partnered with United Medical Doctors (UMD), Southern California’s largest multi-specialty medical and surgical independent private practice, UNC strives to improve community health by setting the standard of excellence in specialty medical and surgical care. The college aims to meet today’s healthcare needs by producing excellent graduates who can better serve their communities, focusing on preparing students for careers in nursing and allied health, where they can help others achieve greater wellbeing. UNC’s educational approach places each student at the center and emphasizes learning outcomes and individual experiences.

Accreditation and Approval

UNC has been approved by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) to operate as an institution. The BPPE approves the operation of institutions in California, signifying that UNC is in compliance with state standards as set forth in the Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009. Provisional approval was granted on February 24, 2023, allowing UNC to operate as an institution of higher learning and offer a bachelor's degree: ADN to BSN, pursuant to California Education Code (CEC) §94885.5. The Bureau has also approved the institution’s accreditation plan pursuant to California Code of Regulations (5, CCR) §71105.

UNC will be applying for accreditation once it has obtained two years of graduate data, anticipating a successful pathway to accreditation. Most employers will accept a degree from a non-accredited school, so it should not affect employment. If a student enters an Associate Degree in Nursing program at a non-accredited school, they will still be able to sit for the NCLEX exam and work as an RN because the Board of Registered Nursing approves nursing programs, not the accreditation organization. Graduates of a non-accredited ADN program would not be able to further their education at an accredited school until their ADN program is accredited, although they could continue their education at a non-accredited institution.

Nursing Programs

UNC offers a range of nursing programs designed to prepare students for various roles in the healthcare field. These programs include the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), RN to BSN, and ASVN.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is a pre-licensure program consisting of four semesters of didactic, laboratory, and clinical instruction. The curriculum covers fundamentals of nursing, medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, and behavioral health, focusing on cultural competence and ethical standards of care. This program guides students to develop the intellectual, analytical, and critical thinking abilities necessary to provide exceptional care to cross-diverse communities amidst a dynamic healthcare climate. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to apply for national licensure known as the NCLEX-RN. The program is four semesters long, with semesters being 16 weeks long and running during the fall and spring. Students will have a winter and summer break between semesters. Spring 2026 applications are now open.

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Admission to the pre-licensure ADN program is based on an Admission Criteria Point System, and UNC does not keep a waiting list of students. Prerequisite coursework must be completed, and a grade must be issued before a student is eligible to apply.

Application Process

Review the application checklist and double-check that all documents are ready to be uploaded. These documents can include the following:
- All unofficial transcripts from any colleges/universities attended.
- All HESI A2 attempts.
- Supporting documentation for points in any other category.
- Copy of your high school diploma or transcripts, GED, or highest level of US degree awarded.
Fill out the online application during one of the application periods listed above.
- All documents submitted must be in PDF format and named correctly for ease of application.
- Pay the application fee of $75 for your application. Applications must include passing grades for all required prerequisites and a passing score on the HESI A2 to be considered for a seat. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Launch your nursing career with United Nursing College.

Prerequisites

Science Prerequisites: Students must receive a “C-” or better in each course and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Anatomy/Physiology or Anatomy & Physiology I/Anatomy & Physiology II must be taken within the last 7 years. Expiration is based on the current application term. Students who have taken anatomy and physiology (A&P) courses five to six years ago are highly encouraged to take UNC’s A&P I and II refresher courses prior to admission. No other prerequisite courses have expiration dates. UNC requires that students take the HESI A2 exam prior to applying to the program.

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Advanced Placement for LVNs

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) can apply for the ADN Program and the Advanced Placement pathway.

RN to BSN Program (ADN to BSN)

An RN to BSN program allows a registered nurse (RN) who has an associate degree (ADN) to continue their education and receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). UNC’s RN to BSN course consists of 10 five-week courses taken sequentially. Students will receive two one-week breaks during the program. Provided the student passes each class and takes them sequentially as designed, this program takes one year to complete. The program is fully online, and the courses are designed to engage learners in non-traditional, evidence-based learning. UNC limits the number of papers required in each course, focusing instead on more creative assignments that allow students to meet learning objectives. Additionally, professors are available to meet with students as needed via web conferencing to provide assistance or guidance in courses.

To enroll, you must either have an RN license or have completed the first year of an approved two-year ADN program of an approved nursing program.

Many facilities require RNs to have a BSN degree to hold certain positions, such as supervisory roles. Some facilities pay their BSN RNs a higher wage than an ADN RN. Hospitals that have received Magnet recognition are required to have a specific percentage of BSN RNs.

ASVN Program

The goal of this post-licensure ASVN program is to help Vocational Nurses and Practical Nurses become more well-rounded professionals by completing the General Education and science courses commonly needed when applying to a Registered Nursing program. An ASVN degree can also open up more career opportunities, as some employers will only consider Vocational Nursing applicants with an associate degree.

General Education Courses

United Nursing College assists in building a strong educational foundation with its diverse range of general education courses. These courses provide essential skills in communication, critical reasoning, mathematics, science, and social awareness. The curriculum and qualified, experienced instructors equip students with tools to succeed both academically and professionally, enhancing their overall learning experience. General education courses are delivered through the Canvas learning management system and have been thoughtfully designed by experts in the field to satisfy requirements for forthcoming programs.

Anatomy and Physiology Refresher Courses

The Anatomy and Physiology Refresher courses DO NOT fulfill the prerequisite requirements for Anatomy and Physiology. They are non-transferable and specifically designed for those who have already taken Anatomy and Physiology courses and want to be refreshed on the information or gain an introductory understanding prior to entering their educational pathway into nursing, medicine, physical therapy, etc. These courses are mandatory for students who would like to apply to the ADN program and their Anatomy and/or Physiology courses are seven years old or older. These courses are optional for students who would like to increase their science GPA for application purposes (science GPA must be a minimum 2.5).

Anatomy and Physiology I Refresher: This course is the first of a two-course sequence and will highlight the important studies related to the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues, and organs of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems.
Anatomy and Physiology II Refresher: This course, the second of the two-course sequence, provides a continuation of the highlights of anatomy and physiology of the human body in relation to the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

Science Courses

Introduction to Biology: This course is an introduction to scientific and biological principles presented in a human context.
Anatomy and Physiology I: This course is the first of a two-course sequence that examines the structure and function of the human body.
Anatomy and Physiology II: This course is the second of a two-course sequence that examines the structure and function of the human body.
Microbiology and Immunology: This 10-week course serves as a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of microbiology and immunology, with a primary focus on pre-nursing, pre-allied health, and non-science majors. The course delves into the historical concepts and importance of microorganisms and acellular agents in the biosphere and their role in human and animal diseases. The central topics covered include bacteria's structure, growth, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry of microorganisms.

Communication Courses

Public Speaking: This 10-week course explores the art of public speaking by using a broad range of techniques to develop compelling and effective oral presentations. By creating and delivering presentations of persuasive and informative intent, students will cultivate confidence in their ability to address an audience with clarity and impact. Students will gain an understanding of the dynamics and variables of different speaking situations as they develop their ability to leverage appropriate oral communication goals and strategies, both verbal and nonverbal, and to achieve those goals in an effective and ethical manner. Students will also practice and cultivate active listening skills as they engage as audience members during presentations.
English Composition: The purpose of the course is cover all fundamental principles of writing and will stress the three stages of the writing process: prewriting, writing, and revision. Grammar exercises will supplement writing instruction to provide students with a review of current usage.
Advanced Composition: This 10-week course explores advanced writing techniques and strategies to read and write critically. Through implementation of rhetorical strategies and the development of more advanced composition styles, students will be able to critically analyze and articulate arguments, distinguish fact from opinion, and strengthen logical reasoning. Special attention is given to evaluating evidence and reasoning, the building blocks of argumentation.

Mathematics

College Algebra: This course focuses on arithmetic and algebraic manipulation, equations and inequalities, graphs, and analysis of equations and graphs. Students will simplify arithmetic and algebraic expressions including those containing rational expressions, and rational exponents; solve single and systems of equations that include linear, quadratic, and radical components; graph linear inequalities in two variables; and analyze functions and non-functions.
Statistics: The purpose of the course is to teach fundamental concepts and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics with applications in health care, medicine, and public health. The course will introduce statistical methods used in biological and health science research.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Science and Music: This 10-week course will deal with the intersection of science and music. The course text, This is Your Brain on Music by musician and neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin, will be supplemented with videos to help solidify the concepts presented in the text. Students will also listen to a wide variety of music, starting with music inspired by religion and mythology. From there, students will examine the music of Love and Hate, War (both pro-war and songs of protest), and the concert music of the 20th century. Finally, students will examine the incredible variety of musical genres that exist in the world today.
Ethics: This 10-week course explores the historical roots, foundational concepts, and diverse perspectives in moral philosophy. Students will explore the essence of morality, the good life, and ethical reasoning. The course examines the ways in which philosophy, theology, and history has influenced moral thought. Key ancient and medieval philosophers will be analyzed alongside modern moral theories, including deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics. Contemporary issues in bioethics, medical ethics, human rights, and public policy will be critically evaluated.
Introduction to Psychology: This 10-week course explores the foundation, theories, and theoretical orientations of psychology. Using established methodologies in psychology, students will implement analysis and critical thinking to explore the biology of psychology and how biology and behavior are interwoven. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on the importance of sensation as we address multi-model (touch, see, hear, taste) learning and the conduction of perception. The aspects and variations of consciousness and the implications of the world of unconsciousness will also be introduced.
Introduction to Sociology: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of sociology, examining the foundational concepts, theories, and research methods used to understand human society and social behavior. Based on Anthony Giddens' Introduction to Sociology (Seagull 10th Edition), the course explores key sociological themes and questions, including the nature of society, the role of culture, and the impact of social institutions on individuals and groups. Students will engage with core sociological concepts such as socialization, social interaction, groups and organizations, deviance, and social stratification. The course also addresses critical issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, globalization, and aging, providing students with a broad perspective on contemporary social issues and challenges.
Nutrition: This course explores the intricate relationships between nutrition, physical activity, and human physiology, with a special focus on optimizing health and athletic performance. Students will examine the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients in energy metabolism, training adaptations, and recovery. Key topics include body composition, weight regulation, hydration, dietary planning, and evidence-based use of supplements and ergogenic aids. Through practical assessments, discussion, and analysis of scientific literature, students will learn to develop personalized nutrition and exercise strategies tailored to various health and performance goals. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, evaluating health claims, and applying current research to support diverse populations.
Syndromes: This 10-week course explores various syndromes, symptom awareness, prevalence, risk and prognostic factors, cultural-related issues, sex and gender related issues as it pertains to the syndrome, association with suicidal thoughts, and behaviors and comorbidity.

Additional Information

Certified Nurses Aid/Assistants (CNA)

Certified Nurses Aid/Assistants (CNA) have taken a certification course that allows them to assist in caring for a patient. A CNA can take vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, etc) and assist a patient with activities of daily living such as eating and bathing. Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), also known as a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), are able to do everything a CNA can do. Registered nurses (RN) can do everything that a CNA and LVN can do, but they can also assess patients, administer medications, insert nasogastric tubes and foley catheters, amongst other skills. If an RN continues their education, they can become an advanced practice nurse. You do not have to be a CNA or LVN prior to becoming a nurse. However, it is helpful to have experience in the healthcare field prior to starting a nursing program. This will allow you to determine if this field is the right fit for you and allow you to network with health professionals to determine your best career path. While UNC does not offer a CNA program, their sister college, Trinity Health Academy (THA) proudly offers an affordable CNA program. As a courtesy, alumni of THA will receive an extra point when applying for the ADN program. After successful completion of the first semester at UNC, students may be eligible to take the CNA examination. Please refer to the California Department of Public Health for more information.

Criminal Convictions

While you may attend a nursing program with a prior criminal conviction, it is up to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to determine if you are allowed to take the NCLEX.

BSN Enrollment During ADN Program

Students enrolled in an ADN program have the option of enrolling in UNC’s BSN program during the summer breaks as long as they are passing their ADN courses. This allows them to receive their BSN degree approximately eight months after their ADN degree.

Foreign Credit Evaluation

You will need to submit your official university transcript to a foreign credit evaluation service. The state license that ADN and BSN graduates receive is the same, as well as the core nursing education. BSN students receive additional education on research, leadership, and community health.

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