2025-2026 College Catalog

Nursing

 

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This program empowers and prepares caring nurses who recognize the inherent worth of each individual and group to promote health, healing and hope. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing.  Upon completion of the program, graduates receive an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse.  Students who complete this program are also prepared for transfer to most BSN programs. Please see assist.org for details.  

In order to pursue this LVN to ADN Career Ladder Program, a student must have a valid CA LVN license, IV Certification and one year experience in direct patient care within the past two years.

Please visit the Nursing website (smc.edu/nursing) for additional application and admission information.

The estimated cost of the entire Nursing Program over two years is $4,000 – $5,000. Students should be prepared to spend approximately $1,000 the first semester for books, equipment, uniforms, and tuition. For additional information, please visit smc.edu/nursing.

Nursing (ADN), Associate Degree

Program Learning Outcomes: Nursing program students will be able to work within a variety of settings and provide care for patients of diverse groups in a multicultural community. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to: 

  1. Delegate tasks based on the legal scopes of practice.
  2. Collaborate with members of the health team to provide a caring and compassionate environment.
  3. Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote self-determination.
  4. Exhibit evidence-based clinical reasoning and judgment that integrates nursing science and technology in the provision of safe quality care. 

All prerequisites to the Nursing Program must be completed prior to application and posted on transcript.

Area of Emphasis: (62 units)

Prerequisite Requirements: (16 units)

ENGL C1000,Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 1)(3)
ANATMY 1,General Human Anatomy(4)
PHYS 3,Human Physiology(4)
MCRBIO 1,Fundamentals of Microbiology(5)

Once the prerequisites above are completed you may then meet with the Health Sciences counselors to apply to the program.

Required  Courses: (6 units)

It is recommended that the courses below be taken prior to enrollment in Nursing courses or during intersessions after beginning the Nursing curriculum. 
PSYCH 19,Lifespan Human Development(3)
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COMM C1000,Introduction to Public Speaking (formerly COM ST 11)(3)
or
COM ST 35,Interpersonal Communication(3)
Students who have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education are not required to complete SMC local general education requirements. Coursework that is required to earn a nursing degree must be completed. (Per Educational Code 66055.8) 

Students seeking admission to the Nursing program MUST meet the following criteria:

  • An overall grade point average of 2.5 for the Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Microbiology prerequisite courses, taken in the last 5 years, with no grade less than C for each course.
  • Only one repetition (excluding W) in the group of science prerequisite courses (Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology) is allowed within the last 5 years at the time of application.
  • College-level English composition class (minimum 3 semester units) with a grade no less than C.
  • Be in good standing at Santa Monica College (not on academic or lack-of-progress probation).
  • Meet the minimum physical qualifications and essential functions (more information at smc.edu/nursing).
  • Must have negative criminal background check and drug screening.
  • Persons who have been convicted of misdemeanor or felony may not qualify for licensure to practice nursing in California.
  • Must take and achieve the required score on an Admission Assessment.
  • Must have a valid Social Security Number or a valid Individual Tax Identification Number.

First Semester

NURSNG 1,Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts 1(2)
NURSNG 1L,Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts 1 Lab(2.5)
NURSNG 36,Calculations in Drugs and Solutions(1)
NURSNG 2,Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts 2(2.5)
NURSNG 2L,Fundamentals of Nursing Concepts 2 Lab(2.5)

Second Semester

NURSNG 3,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 1(2.5)
NURSNG 3L,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 1 Lab(2.5)
NURSNG 17,Pharmacological Aspects of Nursing(3)
NURSNG 4 ,Mental Health Nursing Concepts (1.5)
NURSNG 4L,Mental Health Concepts Lab(1.5)

Third Semester

NURSNG 5,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 2(2.5)
NURSNG 5L,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 2 Lab(2.5)
NURSING 6,Maternal Newborn Nursing Concepts(1.5)
NURSING 6L,Maternal Newborn Nursing Concepts Lab(1)
NURSING 7,Pediatric Nursing Concepts(1.5)
NURSING 7L,Pediatric Nursing Concepts Lab(1)

Fourth Semester

NURSNG 8,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 3(2.5)
NURSNG 8L,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 3 Lab(2.5)
NURSNG 9,Nursing Leadership Concepts(1.5)
NURSNG 9L,Nursing Leadership Concepts Lab(2)

Graduation Major Requirements:

These requirements can be completed prior to application: 

NURSNG 17,Pharmacological Aspects of Nursing (Prerequisite: Physiology 3)(3)
NURSNG 36,Calculations in Drugs and Solutions(1)
-----
COMM C1000,Introduction to Public Speaking (formerly COM ST 11)(3)
or
COM ST 35,Interpersonal Communication(3)
-----
PSYCH 19,Lifespan Human Development(3)

All courses in the approved nursing curriculum must be passed with a minimum “C” grade to remain in the program, progress to the next course, graduate, and apply for licensure.

General Education Requirements:

Nursing students who earned a Bachelor degree or higher at a U.S. regionally accredited institution are not required to complete the Associate Degree general education requirements below.

AREA 1B,Oral Communication & Critical Thinking(3)
AREA 2,Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning(3)
AREA 3 ,Arts and Humanities(3)
AREA 6,Ethnic Studies(3)
AREA 7,Global Citizenship(3)

Note: Many Global Citizenship courses are also in GE areas and can be used to satisfy both; refer to Associate Degree General Education Requirements.

SMC ADN requirements must be successfully completed prior to graduation. 

LVN-ADN Advanced Placement Career Ladder Curriculum Option - (For LVNS Only)

The Associate in Science degree in Nursing prepares students to meet the standards of the California Board of Registered Nursing.  The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing.

Upon completion of the program, graduates receive an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse. The program empowers and prepares caring nurses who recognize the inherent worth of each individual and group to promote health, healing and hope.  Students are encouraged to transfer to BSN programs.

This career Ladder option is for LVN's who would like to complete the RN Program.

All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. Nursing theory courses have a corresponding clinical (laboratory) component that must be taken concurrently. 

Requirements for LVN and ADN Career Ladder Curriculum: 

  1. Meet admission requirements for the Nursing Program.
  2. Minimum physical qualifications.
  3. Completion of all required courses listed below.
  4. Licensure in California as a vocational nurse in good standing with the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician. 
  5. At least one year of direct nursing experience within the past two years, preferable in an acute care setting. 

Program Learning Outcomes: Students who complete the Nursing program will use theoretical concepts of leadership and management to administer and design plans of care that integrate knowledge and skills pertinent to the role of manager of care of a group of patients and members of the health care team. Graduates will also utilize delegation, priority-setting skills, and knowledge of legal-ethical issues and health care delivery systems to design and coordinate a plan of nursing care for a group of patients.

All prerequisites to the Nursing Program must be completed prior to application and posted on transcript.

Prerequisite Requirements: (18 units)

ENGL C1000,Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 1)(3)
ANATMY 1,General Human Anatomy(4)
MCRBIO 1,Fundamentals of Microbiology(5)
PHYS 3,Human Physiology(4)
NURSNG 19,Orientation to Advanced Placement – ADN Program(2)
(Note: If NURSNG 19 is not offered students may take Challenge Exam)
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NURSNG 4,Mental Health Nursing Concepts(1.5)
NURSNG 4L,Mental Health Concepts Lab(1.5)
NURSNG 5,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 2(2.5)
NURSNG 5L,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 2 Lab(2.5)
NURSING 6,Maternal Newborn Nursing Concepts(1.5)
NURSING 6L,Maternal Newborn Nursing Concepts Lab(1)
NURSING 7,Pediatric Nursing Concepts(1.5)
NURSING 7L,Pediatric Nursing Concepts Lab(1)
NURSNG 8, Adult Health Nursing Concepts 3(2.5)
NURSNG 8L,Adult Health Nursing Concepts 3 Lab(2.5)
NURSNG 9,Nursing Leadership Concepts(1.5)
NURSNG 9L,Nursing Leadership Concepts Lab(2)

Note: Many Global Citizenship courses are also in GE areas and can be used to satisfy both; refer to Associate Degree.

General Education Requirements:

SMC ADN requirements must be successfully completed prior to graduation. 

All courses in the approved nursing curriculum must be passed with a minimum “C” grade to remain in the program, progress to the next course, graduate, and apply for licensure.

Non-Graduate 30-Unit Option

Program Learning Outcomes: Students who complete the Nursing program will use theoretical concepts of leadership and management to administer and design plans of care that integrate knowledge and skills pertinent to the role of manager of care of a group of patients and members of the health care team. Graduates will also utilize delegation, priority-setting skills, and knowledge of legal-ethical issues and health care delivery systems to design and coordinate a plan of nursing care for a group of patients.

NOTE: The 30-Unit Option program is a two-semester program designed to prepare students for employment as a Registered Nurse in California only, with full practice rights as a Registered Nurse after passing the NCLEX. LVNs who select this option should be aware that they may not change their status as a 30-unit option RN with the California Board of Registered Nursing at any time after being granted a RN licensure. Individuals who become licensed as Registered Nurses using this option may not be eligible for licensure in states outside of California, and may have difficulty applying to a college/university for an advanced degree. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. If more information is needed regarding the Non-Graduate 30-Unit Option, students should contact the Associate Dean of Health Sciences for further details.

Requirements Are:

  • Meeting admission requirements for the Nursing program
  • Minimum physical qualifications; completion of all required courses listed below;

      and

  • Licensure in California as a vocational nurse in good standing with the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician and at least one year of direct nursing experience within the past two years, preferably in an acute care setting.

Persons Interested in this curriculum option are advised that:

  1. There are out-of-California licensure limitations;
  2. There may be employment limitations; and
  3. No degree is granted

Prerequisite Courses with a grade of C or higher: (11 units)

MCRBIO 1,Fundamentals to Microbiology(5)
NURSNG 19,Orientation to Advanced Placement - ADN Program(2)
(if NURSNG 19 is not offered, student may take Challenge Exams)
PHYS 3,Human Physiology(4)

Required Nursing Courses:

NURSNG 4,Mental Health Nursing Concepts(1.5)
NURSNG 4L,Mental Health Nursing Concepts Lab(1.5)
NURSNG 5,Adujlt Health Nursing Concepts 2(2.5)
NURSNG 5,Adujlt Health Nursing Concepts Lab (2.5)
NURSNG 8,Adult Nursing Concepts 3(2.5)
NURSNG 8L,Adult Nursing Concepts Lab 3(2.5)
NURSNG 9,Nursing Leadership Concepts(1.5)
NURSNG 9L,Nursing Leadership Concepts Lab(2)