Nursing

Nursing is a growing profession full of opportunities. The RCC School of Nursing (SON) allows students to follow a number of paths to reach their educational and career goals.

For questions regarding program requirements, enrollment, and application processes, please visit the Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center to find a listing of Pre-Nursing Workshops and to connect with our Educational Advisor and Nursing Enrollment & Evaluation Specialist.

All policies and procedures for enrollment to the School of Nursing (SON) can be found in the SON Enrollment Policy and Procedure Manual.

Choose Your Program

Critical Care Nurse
CE
Major Units
5
Typical Time to Completion
1 semester
Program Requirements
Nursing Assistant
CE
Major Units
6-10
Typical Time to Completion
1 semester
Program Requirements 
Registered Nursing
AS
Major Units
74
Typical Time to Completion
2 years
Program Map 
Vocational Nursing
AS
CE
Major Units
51
Typical Time to Completion
1 year
Program Map 
APPLY TO REGISTERED NURSING APPLY TO NURSING ASSISTANT APPLY TO VOCATIONAL NURSING

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Registered Nurse (RN)

Students interested in the Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) program have three different academic pathways available depending on the eligibility of the applicant - Traditional (2 years), Concurrent Enrollment (2 years), and Advanced Placement (1 year). Please contact the School of Nursing for details.
  1. Valid United States social security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (required for clinical facilities).
  2. Valid Government issued picture ID (Driver’s License, Identification Card, Passport, Military ID).
  3. Valid American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card.
  4. Clear criminal background, drug and health clearance required at time of program admittance. If the educational process is interrupted a new background check/drug screen will be required.
  5. Complete physical exam and immunizations.

  6. CPR card and health clearances must be kept up to date during the program for continued enrollment.

Registration will be blocked for students with incomplete requirements.

Applicants who have all pre-Nursing coursework completed before they apply have a much greater chance of being accepted. Completion of general education courses is required for completion of Associate Degree in Nursing.

Already have a bachelor’s degree?

Applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree from the USA will have certain courses waived (see below). 

  • General Education courses already completed will be waived.
  • Courses Required: Science Prerequisites, Statistics, Psychology 9, English Composition, Speech and Sociology/Cultural Anthropology
  1. Applicants are highly encouraged to attend a Pre-Nursing Workshop prior to submitting an application.
  2. The application will be posted under Application Filing Dates during open application period.
  3. The applicant completes application online and submits online. Once the application is submitted, you will be notified of receipt.
  4. Once the application is received, the Nursing Enrollment & Evaluation Specialist (NEES) will verify completion of the application and ensure eligibility requirements have been met.
  5. Applications are not considered complete until all information (official recent transcripts and supporting documents) are provided before the end of the Application Filing period. Check MyPortal to confirm that your official transcripts have been received. Follow up immediately with a counselor once you have submitted official transcripts from other colleges.

ATTEND AN APPLICATION WORKSHOP
The application workshop is open to anyone applying to the Traditional (ADN/RN), Concurrent Enrollment (ADN/BSN CEP) and/or Advanced Placement (LVN-RN) programs.

Application Workshop Dates
  • Thursday, May 23 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
  • Monday, June 3 | 4 - 5:30 pm
Meeting ID: 835 5487 3986

Passcode: 283841
Zoom Link

Applications are not considered complete until all information (official recent transcripts and supporting documents) are provided before the end of the Application Filing period. You must submit separate RN and VN program applications if interested in both programs. Petitions for Readmission are accepted year-round. 

Spring Semester
Opens: First business day of June
Closes: First business day of July

The deadline for TEAS exam scores for Spring admission is:

  • July 22 for ADN/BSN CEP applicants 
  • September 6 for ADN/RN applicants 

Students who are interested in attending our TEAS and Nursing workshops check out our scheduled workshops available on our Canvas page and Health Related Sciences Engagement Center page. 

Fall Semester
Opens: First business day of October  
Closes: First business day of November

The deadline for TEAS exam scores for fall admission is:

  • TBA ADN/BSN CEP applicants
  • TBA for ADN/RN applicants

Available enrollment spaces are selected by rank order (highest points) of the multi-criteria factors (see program information sheets for more information). RCC reserves the right to designate a certain number of spaces for contract agreements and/or meet requirements of grant- designated outcomes.

For specific information regarding the SON selection criteria, please see the SON Enrollment Policy and Procedure Manual

If an applicant is not offered a space in the program, a new application is necessary for the following semester. The School of Nursing has no wait list.

After you have attended the Pre-Nursing Workshop and submitted a fully completed application (including documentation) by the due dates you will:

  1. Once application is submitted, you will be notified of receipt.
  2. ADN (RN) and Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) applicants are required to pass the ATI TEAS – TEAS 7.
  3. Petitioning Students - ADN (RN) students petitioning for readmission must complete an ADN (RN) Application and Petition for Readmission before being considered for readmission. Applications and Petitions for Readmission must be submitted to the Nursing Enrollment and Evaluation Specialist. Students will be readmitted according to the Prioritization for Readmission policy and space availability.
  4. Notification of Acceptance/Alternate/Denial - ADN (RN) program applicants will be notified within 4 - 6 months after the end of the application period.

Expenses (per year)

  1. Students pay Health Services Fees ($25), parking ($150), Student Services Fees ($30) and tuition ($46) per unit each semester.
  2. Students furnish their own uniforms. The cost is approximately $250.
  3. The costs of nursing books, supply bag, iPad, testing platform and other required learning resources are approximately $2,500 for two years.
  4. Physical examination/lab work costs are approximately $98 - $600.
  5. Background checks/CPR costs approximately $220.
  6. It is recommended that students carry personal health and accident insurance including hospitalization. Policies are available to college students at reasonable rates. The college provides liability insurance at no cost to the student.
  7. Students are required to purchase standardized testing package for use during the program. Estimated cost is $2,075.
  8. The cost is approximately $7,500 for four semesters and an intersession.

When planning expenses, students should be aware they may have to limit their hours of employment due to the rigor required for the ADN (RN) program. Scholarships and grants are available to those students who qualify.

For questions regarding program requirements, enrollment, and application processes, please visit the Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center to find a listing of Pre-Nursing Workshops and to connect with our Educational Advisor and Nursing Enrollment & Evaluation Specialist.

Please see the Registered Nursing Information Sheet - Traditional  for details
Please see the Registered Nursing Information Sheet – Concurrent Enrollment Program for details
Please see the Registered Nursing Information Sheet - Advanced Placement for details

The associate nursing program at Riverside City College located in Riverside, California is accredited by the: 

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
ACEN

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

Board of Registered Nursing 
1747 N. Market Blvd. #150 Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 322-3350

BRN logo

Nursing Assistant

  1. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age to apply.
  2. Applicants must have an RCC application on file and be eligible to attend RCC to be considered for admission.
  3. Applicants must complete and submit a Nursing Assistant Training Program application to the School of Nursing for consideration. Applications may be obtained at RCC School of Nursing website during application filing periods. Please verify current application filing period dates on the Nursing website or School of Nursing at (951) 222-8407.
  4. Valid United States social security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (required for clinical facilities).
  5. Valid Government issued picture ID (driver’s license, identification card, passport, military ID).
  6. Valid American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card.
  7. Clear criminal background, including Live Scan fingerprints, drug and health clearance at the time of program acceptance.
  8. Completed physical exam and immunizations by designated date on pre-program checklist.
  1. Applicants are highly encouraged to attend a Pre-Nursing Workshop prior to submitting an application.
  2. The application will be posted under Application Filing Dates during open application period.
  3. The applicant completes application online and submits online. Once the application is submitted, you will be notified of receipt.
  4. Once the application is received, the Nursing Enrollment & Evaluation Specialist (NEES) will verify completion of the application and ensure eligibility requirements have been met.

Fall Semester Start
Opens: First business day of April
Closes: Last business day of April

Spring Semester Start
Opens: First business day of September
Closes: Last business day of September

Acute Care Program offered every Winter and Summer
First come, first served. 

30-40 students will be accepted for the Acute Care program.

15-30 students will be accepted for the Home Health program. 

Home Health / Acute Care Application – Winter
Opens: October 1
Closes: October 15

Home Health / Acute Care Application – Summer
Opens: March 1
Closes: March 15

*Note: Home Health course not offered this summer

Selection of the Nursing Assistant Program will be filled on first-come first-served basis of qualified applicants. RCC reserves the right to designate a certain number of spaces for contract agreements and/or to meet grant-designated outcomes. If a student is not offered a space in the program, a new application is necessary in the next application period.

After you have attended the Pre-Nursing Workshop and submitted a fully completed application (including documentation) by the due dates you will:

  1. If the application is complete and eligibility requirements have been met, a pre-program checklist will be emailed to the applicant.

  2. The applicant will complete the pre-program checklist requirements and will submit the completed packet by the deadline to natp@rcc.edu. The deadline will be provided. The pre-program checklist contains information regarding setting up a Complio account (health records, vaccine verification, CPR card, etc.) along with other important information. Any supplemental documentation such as letters of recommendation, military service, etc. must be submitted to natp@rcc.edu.

  3. Eligible applicants who received a pre-program checklist must attend a mandatory Bootcamp on the specified day. This is mandatory and will be included as clinical hours. During Bootcamp, the applicant will receive another checklist that has information regarding finger printing, uniforms, etc.

  4. If all of the above is completed by the designated deadlines, the applicant is eligible for acceptance into the NATP program and will be notified via email by the NEES.

  5. Admission is granted on a first come, first serve based on submission and completion of the pre-program checklist by the deadline and attendance at Bootcamp.

Not Accepted — You Have Options

There is a demand for nurses, one that will continue to grow. If you were not accepted in your desired program, schedule an appointment with a counselor to learn how to improve your chances in the future. This could be anything from taking classes relevant to future participation in a Nursing program to earning direct experience by volunteering. We want you to succeed, whatever form that success may take. 

For questions regarding program requirements, enrollment, and application processes, please email us at natp@rcc.edu or visit the Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center to find a listing of Pre-Nursing Workshops and to connect with our Educational Advisor and Nursing Enrollment & Evaluation Specialist.

Please see the Nursing Assistant Information Sheet for details

California Department of Public Health  (CDPH) 
P.O. Box 997416, Sacramento, CA 95899-7416
(916) 327-2445
CDPH

Vocational Nursing (VN)

  1. Valid United States social security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (required for clinical facilities).
  2. Valid Government issued picture ID (Driver’s License, Identification Card, Passport, Military ID).
  3. Valid American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card.
  4. Clear criminal background, drug and health clearance required at time of program admittance. If the educational process is interrupted a new background check/drug screen will be required.
  5. Complete physical exam and immunizations.

  6. CPR card and health clearances must be kept up to date during the program for continued enrollment.

Registration will be blocked for students with incomplete requirements.

Applicants who have all pre-Nursing coursework completed before they apply have a much greater chance of being accepted. Completion of general education courses is required for completion of Associate Degree in Nursing.

  1. Applicants are highly encouraged to attend a Pre-Nursing Workshop prior to submitting an application.
  2. The application will be posted under Application Filing Dates during open application period.
  3. The applicant completes application online and submits online. Once the application is submitted, you will be notified of receipt.
  4. Once the application is received, the Nursing Enrollment & Evaluation Specialist (NEES) will verify completion of the application and ensure eligibility requirements have been met.
  5. Applications are not considered complete until all information (official recent transcripts and supporting documents) are provided before the end of the Application Filing period. Check MyPortal to confirm that your official transcripts have been received. Follow up immediately with a counselor once you have submitted official transcripts from other colleges.

Applications are not considered complete until all information (official recent transcripts and supporting documents) are provided before the end of the Application Filing period. You must submit separate RN and VN program applications if interested in both. Petitions for Readmission are accepted year-round.

Fall Semester

Opens: First business day in February
Closes: First business day in March

Selection for the VN program is decided by random selection of qualified applicants. RCC reserves the right to designate a certain number of spaces for contract agreements and/or to meet grant-designated outcomes.

For specific information regarding the SON selection criteria, please see the SON Enrollment Policy and Procedure Manual.

If an applicant is not offered a space in the program, a new application is necessary for the following semester. The School of Nursing has no wait list.

After you have attended the Pre-Nursing Workshop and submitted a fully completed application (including documentation) by the due dates you will: 

  1. Once application is submitted, you will be notified of receipt.
  2. Petitioning Students - VN students petitioning for readmission must complete an VN Application and Petition for Readmission before being considered for readmission. Applications and Petitions for Readmission must be submitted to the Nursing Enrollment and Evaluation Specialist. Students will be readmitted according to the Prioritization for Readmission policy and space availability.
  3. Notification of Acceptance/Alternate/Denial - VN program applicants will be notified within 3 - 5 months after the end of the application period. 

Expenses (per year)

  1. Students pay Health Services ($25), parking ($150), Student Services Fees ($30), and tuition ($46) per unit each semester. The cost is approximately $3,550.00 for 12 months.
  2. Students furnish their own uniforms. The cost is approximately $250.
  3. The costs of supply bag, iPad, testing platform and other required supplies are approximately $600 for a year.
  4. Physical examination/lab work costs are approximately $98 - $600.
  5. Background checks/CPR costs approximately $220.
  6. It is recommended that students carry personal health and accident insurance, including hospitalization. Policies are available to college students at reasonable rates. The college provides liability insurance at no cost to the student.
  7. Students are required to purchase ATI PN Supreme package (digital textbooks, skills modules, video case studies, standardized assessments, web-based tutorials, NCLEX-PN preparation, case studies, and remediation resources) for use during the program. Estimated cost is $1,650.00.

When planning expenses, students should be aware they may have to limit their hours of employment due to the rigor required for the VN program. Scholarships and grants are available to those students who qualify.

For questions regarding program requirements, enrollment, and application processes, please visit the Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center to find a listing of Pre-Nursing Workshops and to connect with our Educational Advisor and Nursing Enrollment & Evaluation Specialist.

Please see the Vocational Nursing Information Sheet for details

Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
2535 Capitol Oaks Dr. Suite 205 Sacramento, CA 95833
(916)263-7800 

BVNPT

Effective January 28, 2021, the practical nursing program at Riverside City College located in Riverside, California is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on January 27, 2023.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program at http://www.acenursing.us/candidates/candidacy.asp 

Foreign Students

Transcripts and Diploma Evaluation

Education varies greatly from country to country. To provide a fair evaluation all foreign transcripts and diplomas need to be fully reviewed by an evaluation company before it is being submitted to RCC. Here are three that are commonly used.

AERC APIE IERF

School Of Nursing Accomplishments

  • Accreditation for School of Nursing programs
  • Grants-Total of 2.8 million dollars in grants
  • Home Health Aide Program approval and implementation as a stackable certificate for the CNA program
  • Acute Care CNA Program approval and implementation as a stackable certificate for the CNA program 
  • 1st in California- Online CNA program
  • Secured new clinical facility contracts due to support through Strong Workforce funding for a Clinical Placement Coordinator
  • Developed new healthcare educational partnerships with California Baptist University
  • CNA Apprenticeship grant (currently in development)
  • Earned Apple Distinguished School designation
  • Developed and hosted several Interprofessional Education events;
    • (400 students from UCR, CBU, Keck School of Pharmacy, EMT)
  • Implementation of a Virtual Reality Simulation Lab
  • Developed the Social Justice Committee
    • 2 nursing faculty also serve on the District Call to Action committee
  • Developed the Covid-19 Task force
  • Maintained enrollment numbers for all programs during COVID and still sustained >80% on-time completion rates
    • Other programs either did not admit or significantly cut enrollment numbers
  • Increased NCLEX-RN pass rates to 98% and NCLEX-VN pass rates to 96%
  • 99% of the RN students have accepted jobs within 6 months of graduation
  • Implemented departmental diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
    • >85% of students identify as belong to an underserved population group
    • Implemented the Nursing Outreach Coordinator position using grant funds
    • Implemented the Umoja cohort project to be implemented in Spring 2022. All programs will reserve 5 spots for Umoja students who have been involved with the center for at least 1 year.
  • 7 Faculty started Doctorate of Nursing Practice programs
  • Increased community outreach initiative participation
    • Street-Homeless Clinic
    • Covid-19 vaccine clinic
    • Riverside Free Clinic
    • RUHS Child Abuse/Neglect Unit Fundraising
    • Halloween Town, Trunk or Treat
    • Festival of the trees
    • Festival Under the Stars
  • Increased Health Related Science Engagement Center activities
  • VN Program awarded Simulation Approval though the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
  • Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) competitive yearly award - RCC/CSU Fullerton and San Bernardino ADN to BSN Concurrent Enrollment Program (will accept the award in February 2022)