1.  As a prospective student what steps should I take first?
2. What prerequisite courses, if any, do I need to take? 
3. May I take the prerequisites and other general education courses at other schools? 
4. Can I get on the waiting list and then complete the prerequisites? 
5. How long is the waiting list?
6. Is there a GPA requirement for the prerequisite courses?
7. May I work while going through the program?
8. What sites do you use for the clinical (hospital) learning experiences?
9. What is the passing grade for nursing courses?
10. What are the specific costs for the program?
11. What if I am an LVN already? 
12. What is the average starting salary for an RN?
13. What if I took courses at a school outside of the United States?
14. What could I do while I am waiting to enter the program, assuming I have met the required prerequisites? 
15. Would the nursing courses I take at City transfer to other Universities if I wanted to get my Bachelor's degree?
16. What is the pass rate on the State Board Exams for City's Nursing Graduates?
17. Can I transfer into your nursing program if I have taken nursing courses at another school?

1.  As a prospective student what steps should I take first?
a. Submit a general application to the College http://www.sdccd.edu/
b. Attend a Nursing Workshop; contact the Counseling Office at 619-388-3540 for a list of planned meetings.
c. Schedule an appointment with a College Counselor.
d. Contact the Nursing Admission's Advisor  for additional information.

2. What prerequisite courses, if any, do I need to take?     
You will need to take Human Anatomy with a lab, Human Physiology with a lab, and General Microbiology with a lab. Equivalent courses taken at other colleges and universities may be acceptable; see a College Counselor to determine equivalencies. (Link to Prerequisite page)

3. May I take the prerequisites and other general education courses at other schools?
Yes, you can take these courses at other colleges; however, you will need to check with a College Counselor to determine their equivalency to City's courses.

4. Can I get on the waiting list and then complete the prerequisites? 
No, you are not eligible to apply to the program until you have completed the last of the prerequisite courses.

5. How long is the waiting list?
a. Generic Program:  As of January 2007, the waiting list for entry is approximately 2 years. During this waiting period, students usually complete the remainder of their Associate of Science degree requirements or take elective courses.
b. LVN-RN Advanced Placement Program:  Currently, the waiting list is 1-2 years.

6. Is there a GPA requirement for the prerequisite courses? 
Yes, in order to be accepted into the nursing program, you must have a 2.50 Cumulative GPA in the prerequisite science courses.

7. May I work while going through the program? 
That depends. The nursing program is very demanding and requires a lot of preparation and study time. In order to ensure success, you most likely will need to reduce your work hours while attending the program.

8. What sites do you use for the clinical (hospital) learning experiences?
We use a variety of health care agencies for our clinical experiences such as Scripps Mercy, Sharp Memorial,  Sharp Coronado, Scripps La Jolla, Balboa Naval Medical Center, Paradise Valley, Scripps Green, and Kaiser Permanente.

9. What is the passing grade for nursing courses?
In order to progress in the nursing program, you must achieve a grade of "C" in each nursing course. A "C" is equivalent to 75%.

10. What are the specific costs for the program?
The majority of costs associated with the program include those costs associated with the purchase of textbooks, uniforms, instructional supplies and materials, and immunizations. Estimated costs are approximately $1500 per year. 

11. What if I am an LVN already?  
City College has an LVN-RN Advanced Placement Track. You will need to meet the same entrance requirements as the generic students. In addition, you must provide us with a copy of your current and active California LVN license.

12. What is the average starting salary for an RN?
The average starting salary for a new graduate in San Diego is approximately $44,000 annually.  For current estimates check out the Salary Wizard. Salary advances occur with additional education and experience.

13. What if I took courses at a school outside of the United States?
You will need to have these courses evaluated by an International Credentialing Center such as Academic and Professional International Evaluations, Inc. in Los Alamitos, CA at (562) 594-6498. There is usually a fee associated with this service. Then, make an appointment with a College Counselor to develop an educational plan.

14. What could I do while I am waiting to enter the program, assuming I have met the required prerequisites?
Many students find it helpful to complete a nursing assistant course and work as a nursing assistant prior to beginning the nursing program. Nursing assistant programs are available at the SDCCD Centers for Education and Technology, Southwestern College, and Grossmont Health Occupations 619-596-3690.   You can also take some of the general education courses that are required for the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. If you have completed all degree requirements, then you could take some elective courses such as Occupational Spanish, Advanced Computer Skills, or courses needed for transfer to a University.  City students often transfer to San Diego State University, The University of San Diego, National University, and The University of Phoenix.

15. Would the nursing courses I take at City transfer to other Universities if I wanted to get my Bachelor's degree?
The local Universities do accept graduates from Associate Degree Nursing Programs who want to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. You will need to contact the specific Universities to determine their entrance requirements (See response to #14). 

16. What is the pass rate on the State Board Exams for City's Nursing Graduates?                                                                                                                                
For the Class of 2005 and 2006, the pass rate for first-time test-takers was 93-97% (not all results have been reported as yet). Historically, individuals who do not pass on their first attempt are successful the second time. 

17. Can I transfer into your nursing program if I have taken nursing courses at another school?
Eligibility for transfer credit and/or advanced placement is determined on an individual basis. You will need to contact the Program Director for specific information. All nursing courses must have been taken within the last five years.