The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and with it, the demand for highly skilled and educated nurses continues to rise. Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) play a vital role in patient care, and for those looking to expand their career opportunities and impact, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is a natural and rewarding next step. A Medical Allied Career Center’s LVN to RN program is designed to bridge this gap, offering a streamlined and supportive pathway for LVNs to achieve their RN licensure.
This article delves into the comprehensive LVN to RN Career Mobility program offered at American River College (ARC), a leading institution recognized as a medical allied career center. This program is specifically tailored for working LVNs seeking to advance their careers, providing the education and training necessary to excel as Registered Nurses in today’s complex healthcare environment.
Understanding the LVN to RN Career Pathway
For Licensed Vocational Nurses aiming to become Registered Nurses, an LVN to RN program is the most direct route. These programs acknowledge the existing knowledge and experience of LVNs, building upon their foundation to equip them with the advanced skills and theoretical understanding required of an RN. American River College’s program, situated within a strong medical allied career center framework, provides a robust curriculum that blends general education with specialized nursing coursework and hands-on clinical experience.
Program Overview: Building on Your LVN Expertise
The Nursing program at American River College, a distinguished medical allied career center, is a carefully constructed curriculum that integrates general education with focused nursing courses. A significant component of the program is the practical laboratory experience gained in collaboration with local health agencies. Successful completion of this program is a pivotal step, qualifying graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Passing this exam is essential to become a registered nurse and open doors to diverse employment opportunities.
To ensure program rigor and student success, a grade of “C” or higher is mandatory in each nursing course to progress through the program and ultimately earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. The nursing curriculum is structured as a two-year program, meticulously delivered over four sequential semesters. Recognizing the needs of working professionals, the program offers flexibility with two application periods annually, accepting students for both the spring and fall semesters. Clinical experiences are a crucial part of the training, and students should be prepared for morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend clinical schedules, which may be adjusted with limited notice to provide a comprehensive learning environment.
Competitive Admission: Your Path to Success in a Medical Allied Career Center
The nursing program at American River College, a sought-after medical allied career center, is considered an impacted program due to high demand. The number of qualified applicants often exceeds the available program slots. To ensure a fair and competitive selection process, all applicants scoring 70 points or above based on a pre-screening criteria are placed into a selection pool. This competitive process underscores the program’s commitment to admitting highly qualified and dedicated individuals. For applicants not selected in a particular cycle, reapplying in the subsequent nursing application cycle is encouraged.
Financial planning is an important aspect of pursuing higher education. The startup costs for the program are estimated to be around $7,000. Students are responsible for covering expenses such as uniforms, laboratory fees, malpractice insurance, essential equipment, and transportation to off-campus clinical sites. Additionally, students should anticipate a fee of approximately $575.00 for the R.N. licensure exam. It’s important to note that all costs and fees are subject to change, and prospective students should consult the program’s official website for the most up-to-date financial information.
Degree Roadmaps: Charting Your Course to Becoming an RN
American River College, as a leading medical allied career center, provides clear roadmaps to guide students through their academic journey. These roadmaps outline all the necessary courses for specific degrees and certificates, ensuring students stay on track to achieve their educational goals.
Associate of Science in LVN to RN Career Mobility: Specifically Designed for You
The Associate of Science in LVN to RN Career Mobility degree is meticulously designed for California Licensed Vocational Nurses seeking to leverage their experience and advance into Registered Nursing. This program, offered within a respected medical allied career center, recognizes the unique position of LVNs and provides advanced placement into the second year of the Registered Nursing (Associate Degree) Program.
Graduates of this program from American River College, a premier medical allied career center, will demonstrate entry-level competencies expected of a Registered Nurse. They will fulfill the educational prerequisites necessary to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), paving the way to licensure as an RN and eligibility for employment in a variety of healthcare settings.
Maintaining academic excellence is paramount, and a grade of “C” or better in each nursing course is required for program progression. Clinical experiences, a cornerstone of the program, may occur during mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, and schedules are subject to change to maximize learning opportunities. Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites and must also budget for uniforms, essential equipment, malpractice insurance, background checks, drug testing, and health requirements.
Important Notes Regarding Licensure:
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is dedicated to public protection. As part of this commitment, the BRN thoroughly screens licensure applicants to identify individuals who may pose a risk to patient safety. California law allows for the denial of licensure based on past crimes or actions that are directly related to nursing qualifications, functions, or duties. When applying for licensure, it is mandatory to report all convictions, excluding minor traffic violations. (Business and Professions Code §480 and Nurse Practice Act ARTICLE 3 §2761).
Furthermore, providing a Social Security Number (SSN) OR Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a mandatory requirement for licensure processing. According to Business and Professions Code §30(c), the BRN will not process any licensure application without this information. The Nursing Practice Act mandates a unified examination and licensing application process. Upon successfully passing the NCLEX-RN examination, a license is automatically issued. Therefore, the BRN cannot accept applications for examination and licensure without a valid SSN/ITIN.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Degree Requirements for LVN to RN Mobility Program:
The LVN to RN program at this medical allied career center has specific course requirements to ensure comprehensive preparation.
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites for LVN to RN Mobility Program: | ||
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | 3 |
| or ANTH 481 | Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| or SOC 480 | Introductory Sociology – Honors (3) | |
| BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology | 51 |
| BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology (4) | 4 – 5 |
| or BIOL 442 | General Microbiology and Public Health (5) | |
| COMM 301 | Introduction to Public Speaking (3) | 3 |
| ENGWR 300 | College Composition (3) | 3 |
| or ENGWR 480 | Honors College Composition (3) | |
| NUTRI 300 | Nutrition | 3 |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 480 | Honors General Principles (3) | |
| Positive Credit after LVN Transcript Evaluation: | ||
| NURSE 400 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts I | 10.52 |
| NURSE 410 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts II | 10.53 |
| 1st Semester – Summer Session: | ||
| NURSE 305 | Transition to Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts for the Associate Degree Nurse | 5 |
| 2nd Semester: | ||
| NURSE 420 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts III | 10.5 |
| 3rd Semester: | ||
| NURSE 430 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts IV | 10.5 |
| Total Units: | 76 – 77 |
1BIOL 430, 440, and 442 have prerequisites. Please check catalog course descriptions.
2Credit for NURSE 400 will be given after evaluation of LVN program transcripts.
3Credit for NURSE 410 will be given after evaluation of LVN program transcripts.
The LVN to RN Career Mobility Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility for LVN to RN Program:
To be considered for enrollment in this program at a leading medical allied career center, applicants must satisfy specific eligibility criteria:
- Hold a current, clear, and active California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license at the time of application and throughout the program duration.
- Achieve a grade of “C” or better and maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 in the following science prerequisite courses: BIOL 430, BIOL 431, and BIOL 440 or 442.
- Earn a grade of “C” or better and maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 in the following prerequisite courses: ANTH 310, ANTH 481, SOC 300, or SOC 480; ENGWR 300 or ENGWR 480; NUTRI 300; PSYC 300 or PSYC 480; and COMM 301.
- Successfully complete the latest edition of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), administered by the Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI). A minimum composite score is required for program application eligibility. Detailed information is available on the ARC Nursing website: http://www.arc.losrios.edu/~nursing/
- Important Notes: In-progress grades are not accepted for prerequisite courses. The Nursing Admissions Committee will evaluate and determine the acceptance of pre-nursing courses taken outside the Los Rios Community College District. The American River College Nursing Program retains the right to modify enrollment criteria, academic requirements, grading standards, and other processes without prior notice.
Enrollment Process for LVN to RN Program:
The selection process for eligible students into the LVN to RN program at this medical allied career center involves the following steps:
- Applicants must first obtain a Los Rios Community College District student identification number to access the online application system.
- Comprehensive details regarding program requirements, enrollment criteria, application procedures, and deadlines are readily available on the ARC Nursing website: www.arc.losrios.edu/ARC_Majors/Health_And_Education/Nursing.htm.
- Completed enrollment applications, official transcripts, and all necessary supporting documents must be submitted by the published deadline for the candidate’s application to be reviewed and potentially placed in the selection pool for random selection. Only applicants who meet the specified educational and pre-nursing requirements and adhere to the enrollment procedures will be considered for program admission. Meeting all requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program due to its competitive nature.
Student Learning Outcomes for LVN to RN Program:
Upon successful completion of the LVN to RN program at this medical allied career center, graduates will be able to:
- Apply clinical reasoning and knowledge acquired through the nursing program of study, evidence-based practice outcomes, and research-based policies and procedures to inform decision-making and deliver comprehensive, safe, and patient-centered care.
- Utilize information and technology effectively to communicate, manage knowledge, and minimize errors in healthcare settings.
- Actively participate in quality improvement initiatives to assess patient outcomes, identify potential hazards and errors, and implement strategies to enhance the quality of care.
- Effectively coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with diverse patients, families, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate care plans that promote optimal quality of life.
- Demonstrate essential delegation, management, and leadership skills that integrate systems thinking, effective communication, and change management processes within healthcare environments.
- Exhibit professional behavior that embodies the core values of the nursing profession, including self-awareness, a spirit of inquiry, leadership qualities, ethical conduct, effective communication, sound clinical judgment, competence, and mentorship capabilities.
- Adhere to the established standards of practice within the legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing the professional practice of nursing.
Career Information for RN Graduates:
Graduates of the LVN to RN program from this medical allied career center can anticipate strong career prospects. “Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dec. 2015. Job Outlook Registered Nurse. Retrieved from www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm). This data highlights the robust and expanding job market for Registered Nurses, making this career path a secure and promising choice.
Additional Nursing Programs at American River College
While the LVN to RN program is a key focus, American River College, as a comprehensive medical allied career center, offers a range of other programs to cater to diverse career interests within healthcare. These include:
Associate of Science in Pre-Health Occupations
This degree is designed for students interested in exploring various Allied Health professions. It provides a solid academic foundation before students specialize in their chosen career path. The curriculum emphasizes basic sciences, healthcare delivery systems, and culturally competent patient care. Graduates are well-prepared to enter programs in areas such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assisting, Health Information Technology, Nursing, and more. This degree also serves as excellent preparation for transferring to a Health Sciences Baccalaureate program. Completion of this degree, however, does not guarantee admission into any specific health occupation program.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Degree Requirements for Pre-Health Occupations:
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | 3 |
| or ANTH 481 | Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology (4) | 4 – 5 |
| or BIOL 442 | General Microbiology and Public Health (5) | |
| CHEM 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | 5 |
| or CHEM 309 | Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| ENGWR 300 | College Composition (3) | 3 |
| or ENGWR 480 | Honors College Composition (3) | |
| NUTRI 300 | Nutrition | 3 |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 480 | Honors General Principles (3) | |
| COMM 301 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| Total Units: | 38 – 39 |
The Pre-Health Occupations Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes for Pre-Health Occupations:
Upon completion of the Pre-Health Occupations program, students will be able to:
- Articulate various career options within allied health and identify the necessary educational pathways for each.
- Describe the intricate structure and function of each human body system.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of essential medical terminology.
- Exhibit professionalism in diverse clinical interactions and healthcare settings.
- Describe the fundamental principles of nutrition and their profound effect on overall health.
- Describe the significant role of culture and diversity in providing patient-centered care.
Career Information for Pre-Health Occupations Graduates:
Graduates are well-prepared to pursue further training in a wide array of Allied Health and Nursing programs. This includes pathways to careers in nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, respiratory therapy, and radiology technology, among others.
Associate of Science in Registered Nursing (Generic RN Program)
The Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program at American River College, a leading medical allied career center, provides a comprehensive foundation for individuals seeking to become entry-level Registered Nurses. The curriculum integrates nursing science, natural and biological sciences, social sciences, and humanities to produce well-rounded nursing professionals. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through simulated and actual patient-centered experiences, ensuring graduates are ready for the dynamic healthcare environment.
Graduates of this program are equipped with entry-level competencies and meet the educational requirements to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Successful licensure as an RN opens doors to diverse employment opportunities in the nursing field.
Similar to the LVN to RN program, a grade of “C” or better is required in each nursing course for program progression. Clinical experiences, which may occur at various times including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, are subject to change. Students are responsible for their transportation and costs associated with uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, and health requirements.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Degree Requirements for Registered Nursing (Generic RN):
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites for Nursing: | ||
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | 31 |
| or ANTH 481 | Honors Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| or SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| or SOC 480 | Introductory Sociology – Honors (3) | |
| BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology | 52 |
| BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology (4) | 4 – 5 |
| or BIOL 442 | General Microbiology and Public Health (5) | |
| COMM 301 | Introduction to Public Speaking (3) | 33 |
| ENGWR 300 | College Composition (3) | 3 |
| or ENGWR 480 | Honors College Composition (3) | |
| NUTRI 300 | Nutrition | 3 |
| PSYC 300 | General Principles (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 480 | Honors General Principles (3) | |
| 1st Semester: | ||
| NURSE 400 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts I | 10.5 |
| 2nd Semester: | ||
| NURSE 410 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts II | 10.5 |
| 3rd Semester: | ||
| NURSE 420 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts III | 10.5 |
| 4th Semester: | ||
| NURSE 430 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts IV | 10.5 |
| Total Units: | 71 – 72 |
1ANTH or SOC must be taken either prior to or concurrently with NURSE 410.
2BIOL 430, 440, and 442 have prerequisites. Please check catalog course descriptions.
3COMM 301 must be taken either prior to or concurrently with NURSE 400.
The Registered Nursing Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.
Enrollment Eligibility for Registered Nursing (Generic RN):
Eligibility criteria for the Generic RN program at this medical allied career center are:
- Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent (GED or CHSPE). International transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency.
- Minimum grade of “C” and GPA of 3.0 in science prerequisites (BIOL 430, 431, 440 or 442).
- Minimum grade of “C” and GPA of 2.5 in other prerequisites (ENGWR 300 or 480, NUTRI 300, PSYC 300 or 480).
- Completion of the TEAS exam with a minimum composite score.
- Important Notes: In-progress grades are not accepted. The Nursing Admissions Committee evaluates outside coursework. Program reserves the right to change criteria without notice.
Enrollment Process for Registered Nursing (Generic RN):
The enrollment process for the Generic RN program at this medical allied career center includes:
- A multi-criteria enrollment process with reapplication required each semester (no waiting list).
- Detailed program information available on the ARC Nursing website.
- Obtaining a Los Rios Community College District student ID for online application access.
- Submission of application, official transcripts, and supporting documents by the deadline. Meeting requirements does not guarantee admission.
- Transfer students should contact the department office for transfer packets and space availability.
Student Learning Outcomes and Career Information for Registered Nursing (Generic RN):
The Student Learning Outcomes and Career Information for the Generic RN program are identical to those listed for the LVN to RN program, focusing on clinical reasoning, technology utilization, quality improvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership, professional values, and adherence to practice standards. The career outlook for Generic RN graduates is also strong, mirroring the positive projections for RN employment growth.
Certificate Programs for Specialized Nursing Roles
American River College, as a comprehensive medical allied career center, also offers certificate programs to equip individuals for specific nursing support roles:
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) 30-unit option Certificate
This certificate option is designed for LVNs seeking RN licensure via the 30-unit pathway mandated by the California Board of Registered Nursing. It allows LVNs to take the NCLEX-RN after completing specific registered nursing courses without requiring an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. This option does not fulfill ARC’s Nursing Program requirements for an Associate’s degree.
A grade of “C” or better is required in each nursing course. Clinical experiences may vary in schedule and students are responsible for related costs.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Certificate Requirements for LVN 30-unit Option:
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology | 51 |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| NURSE 420 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts III | 10.5 |
| NURSE 430 | Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts IV | 10.5 |
| Total Units: | 30 |
1BIOL 430, 440, and 442 have prerequisites. Please check catalog course descriptions.
Enrollment Eligibility and Process for LVN 30-unit Option:
Eligibility includes:
- Current, active California LVN license.
- Minimum six months recent LVN work experience.
- Grade of “C” or better and GPA of 3.0 in science prerequisites (BIOL 430, 431, 440 or 442).
- Important Notes: In-progress grades not accepted. Admissions Committee evaluates outside coursework. Program reserves right to change criteria without notice.
Enrollment process involves:
- Contacting the Nursing Department for an appointment with the Program Director for counseling and evaluation.
- Providing unofficial transcripts and course descriptions at the appointment.
- Meeting requirements does not guarantee acceptance; entry is subject to space availability.
Student Learning Outcomes and Career Information for LVN 30-unit Option:
Student Learning Outcomes mirror those of the degree programs, focusing on core nursing competencies. Career information highlights that while this option enables RN licensure, it does not confer a degree and may affect employment and reciprocal licensure in other states. LVNs considering this option should consult with other state boards of nursing if relocation is a possibility.
Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate
The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate program at this medical allied career center provides training in holistic care for elderly individuals in long-term care facilities. Successful program completion qualifies students to take the California state CNA exam.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Certificate Requirements for CNA:
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AH 311 | Medical Language for Health-Care Providers | 3 |
| NURSE 100 | Nurse Assistant | 7 |
| Total Units: | 10 |
Enrollment Eligibility and Process for CNA:
Eligibility includes:
- Completion of AH 110 with a “C” or better.
- Negative TB test or chest x-ray.
- Influenza vaccine (seasonal requirement).
- Completed health history and physical exam.
- English language proficiency at a minimum sixth-grade level.
- Criminal background screening.
- Program reserves right to change criteria without notice.
Enrollment process involves:
- Reviewing application process on the ARC Nursing Department website.
- Admission by department consent after application review.
Student Learning Outcomes and Career Information for CNA:
Student Learning Outcomes focus on professionalism, resident rights, rehabilitation care, emergency care, restraint use, therapeutic diets, basic care procedures, and infection control. CNAs find employment primarily in long-term care facilities, but also in acute care, assisted living, and rehabilitation centers.
Home Health Aide Certificate
This certificate program expands on CNA knowledge to focus on holistic care for elderly homebound individuals. It introduces the roles and responsibilities of a Home Health Aide (HHA). CNAs who complete this course receive a Certificate of Completion and automatic HHA certification from the State of California without further testing.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Certificate Requirements for Home Health Aide:
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURSE 101 | Home Health Aide | 1.51 |
| Total Units: | 1.5 |
1Must provide proof of CNA certification or current enrollment in ARC’s CNA course.
Enrollment Eligibility and Process for Home Health Aide:
Eligibility includes:
- Proof of CNA certification or enrollment.
- Completed health history and physical exam.
- TB clearance.
- Influenza and other required vaccines.
- Criminal clearance.
Enrollment process involves:
- Submitting time-sensitive prerequisites as detailed on the ARC Nursing website.
Student Learning Outcomes and Career Information for Home Health Aide:
Student Learning Outcomes cover HHA roles and responsibilities, documentation, cultural and spiritual considerations in home care, common diseases of homebound clients, and providing a safe home environment. HHAs expand on CNA roles to include in-home client care.
Allied Health (AH) and Nursing (NURSE) Courses
American River College, as a comprehensive medical allied career center, offers a range of Allied Health (AH) and Nursing (NURSE) courses to support its program offerings:
AH Courses:
- AH 112 Strategies for Student Success in Health Occupations (3 units): Explores healthcare career paths, trends, ethics, communication, learning styles, cultural competency, medical terminology, math calculations, and teamwork.
- AH 299 Experimental Offering in Allied Health (0.5 – 4 units): Experimental course offerings in Allied Health.
- AH 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers (3 units): Focuses on medical terminology, prefixes, suffixes, roots, combining forms, pronunciation, spelling, and application to body systems, diseases, diagnosis, and treatment.
NURSE Courses:
- NURSE 100 Nurse Assistant (7 units): Prepares students for the CNA certification exam, covering gerontological nursing, asepsis, infection control, resident care skills, and emotional support. Prerequisite: AH 311.
- NURSE 101 Home Health Aide (1.5 units): Focuses on HHA responsibilities, home safety, meal planning, emotional care, and emergency procedures for homebound clients. Prerequisite: Proof of CNA certification or enrollment.
- NURSE 299 Experimental Offering in Nursing (0.5 – 4 units): Experimental course offerings in Nursing.
- NURSE 305 Transition to Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts for the Associate Degree Nurse (5 units): Bridge course for LVNs entering the ADN program, focusing on essential nursing concepts, patient response to health alterations, health promotion, and clinical competencies.
- NURSE 310 Pharmacology and Implications for Health Care Practitioners (3 units): Introduces principles of drug therapy, drug metabolism, action, classes, and implications for healthcare professionals.
- NURSE 320 Medical Dosage Calculations (1.5 units): Prepares health professionals for accurate drug dosage calculations, covering measurement systems, conversions, drug orders, and labels.
- NURSE 370 Focused Learning in the First Year of the ARC Nursing Program (1.5 units): Strategies for student success in the first year of the ADN program, focusing on learning styles, critical thinking, ATI resources, clinical performance, and dosage calculations. Corequisite: NURSE 400.
- NURSE 372 Focused Learning in the Second Year of the ARC Nursing Program (1.5 units): Strategies for student success in the second year of the ADN program, building on NURSE 370 and addressing advanced clinical skills and NCLEX preparation. Corequisite: NURSE 420 or 430.
- NURSE 400 Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts I (10.5 units): Introduces fundamental concepts of safe nursing care, nursing process, evidence-based practice, and core clinical competencies across the lifespan. Corequisite: COMM 301.
- NURSE 410 Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts II (10.5 units): Applies nursing concepts to diverse populations, focusing on health alterations, health promotion for families, and clinical judgment. Prerequisites: COMM 301 and NURSE 400. Corequisite: ANTH 310, 481, SOC 300, or 480.
- NURSE 420 Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts III (10.5 units): Focuses on nursing care for adults with acute and chronic health alterations, emphasizing clinical judgment, interprofessional communication, and patient safety. Prerequisite: NURSE 305 or 410, SOC 300 or 480, or ANTH 310 or 481.
- NURSE 430 Nursing, Patient, and Healthcare Concepts IV (10.5 units): Integrates nursing concepts for complex patient needs, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, team collaboration, and professional role transition. Prerequisite: NURSE 420.
- NURSE 499 Experimental Offering in Nursing (0.5 – 4 units): Experimental course offerings in Nursing.
Conclusion: Your Future in Nursing Starts Here
American River College, a respected medical allied career center, offers a comprehensive suite of nursing programs designed to meet the diverse needs of aspiring and practicing nurses. Whether you are an LVN seeking to advance your career through the LVN to RN Career Mobility program, a student exploring pre-health professions, or an individual starting your nursing journey, ARC provides the education, resources, and support you need to succeed. With a strong emphasis on practical skills, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care, ARC’s nursing programs prepare graduates to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Explore the program options, review the requirements, and take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful nursing career at American River College.
