dberg@sdccd.edu Debbie Berg, Director
Nursing Education, Office Number: T-322
Phone: (619) 388-3439

Nursing Career/Technical Web Site

Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADN) 
This program is generally two years in length and is offered in many community colleges throughout the United States. Upon graduation from the Associate Degree Program, the graduate is eligible to take the national licensure examination to become a registered nurse. The associate degree registered nurse administers patient-centered care to individuals and families in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, homes, schools, and other healthcare facilities. They can care for patients of all ages in a variety of clinical specialties. The ADN can administer medications and do complex treatments and can be a team leader in health care settings. Many ADN-RNs continue their education and achieve a BSN or higher degree after they begin working. The starting salary range for the ADN-RN is an average of $35,000 - $40,000 per year. ADN Programs in California.

2001 Earnings Survey:  Higher earnings, longer hours. 
As our nation's demand for RNs increases, earnings improve for nurses in almost every specialty and region, on both an hourly and annual basis. Click on the link above to read an insightful article by Jeff Bauer, Senior Editor from RN, a popular nursing journal.

Bachelor’s Degree Registered Nurse (BSN) 
This program is generally four years in length and is offered in state college and university settings. Upon graduation from the bachelor’s program, the graduate is eligible to take the national licensure examination to become a registered nurse. The bachelor’s degree registered nurse gives nursing care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, offices, clinics, homes, schools, industry, the military and can practice as a public health nurse. BSN nurses can become teachers and managers, and can work with companies such as insurance and pharmaceutical. BSN nurses can care for patients with complex health problems. The starting salary range for BSN nurses is an average of $36,000 - $45,000. Four Year Programs in California.

Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) 
Once a nurse has the BSN degree they can continue their education and get a Master’s Degree in Nursing. The programs are generally one to two years in length. Graduate study in nursing is designed to expand the nurse’s knowledge in a particular clinical area. Some nurses become Nurse Practitioners. The Nurse Practitioner can go into practice with a physician and see patients who are sick. They can diagnose health problems and prescribe medications. They can become Nurse Midwives and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists or Nurse Administrators in health care facilities. Graduate Schools in California

Doctoral Degrees (PhD, ND, DNSc) 
Doctoral programs in nursing prepare nurses to do nursing research and to become expert clinicians. They can become teachers in colleges and university settings, health policy leaders, or can lead health care institutions in leadership positions. The programs are generally four to five years in length. University San Diego Doctoral Program

Phone: 619-388-3441 | Fax: 619-388-3821 | T Building: T- 324 | Monday - Friday: 8 AM to 4:30 PM