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(831) 646-4258Advanced Placement Requirements
The following are required for initial entry into the second or third semester of the nursing program:
- A copy of active California LVN license.
- Evidence of one year of work experience as an LVN.
- Completion of all program prerequisite coursework with a transcripted grade of C or better, with the exception of Lifespan Development (PSYC 25) and Pharmacology for Nursing (NURS 100).
Applicants who meet the above qualifications should apply to the nursing program during the regular application period, and note their interest in advanced placement on the application.
In the event that there are more advanced placement applicants than anticipated seats, prerequisite course grades and quality of work experience will be used to select candidates.
Accelerated Nursing School Options for LVNs
Depending on your prior academic record, standardized test results, and work experience, you may qualify to waive some coursework required for a Nursing associates’ degree.
Alternatively, if space is available, you may enroll in the 30 Unit Option to qualify for state licensure without obtaining a degree.
The faculty may determine that you should begin with placement in the first semester.
If you opt to proceed, you must meet all general admission criteria, and selection
will be based on the multi-criterion selection process described on the main Nursing Page. The director of the School of Nursing may review available transcripts to determine
whether coursework can be substituted for multi-criterion scoring.
LVN Placement Options
If you have an LVN, you can still apply as a regular first-semester student for admission to the Nursing program. You may be eligible to enter an alternate, abbreviated first-semester sequence (NURS 54 or 55).
You must have a transcripted grade for Pharmacology (NURS 100) or appropriate substitute coursework; and a transcripted grade for Lifespan Development (PSYC 25) or appropriate substitute coursework.
If you qualify as a second-semester student, you must participate in the Supervised Nursing Skills Lab 1 course (NURS 204).
In addition, depending on performance in the Role Transition courses, you may need to complete workshops or remedial training prior to enrolling in the second-semester Nursing II (NURS 52B) course.
To qualify to enter the program in its third semester, you must complete qualifying steps to assess mastery of content and skills.
There is no cost for the evaluation and testing process, regardless of the outcome.
- NACE I Testing
Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE I) scores are one factor used to assess prior learning and experience and assign the best fit for placement in the Nursing program.
Exam components and the required passing scores for placement in Nursing III (NURS 52C):
- Foundations - 75%
- Care during Childbearing - 62%
- Care of the Child - 66%:
If your test scores don’t qualify, faculty may still proceed with advanced
placement performance evaluations based on the quality of your prior work
experience.
Third-semester applicants are required to participate in an individual clinical simulation performance evaluation of the clinical skills involved in the courses for which competency is required.
Based on the results of this performance portion of the placement testing, the nursing faculty will recommend the appropriate semester for placement and develop an individualized preparation plan, which may include assigned lectures, labs, skills practice, and/or other coursework.
Support for Career Transitions
"As a Licensed Vocational Nurse joining the MCCSN RN family it was scary and exciting at first. When I walked through the door to meet my classmates and instructors for the first time, I found them all incredible and welcoming. MCCSN faculty went out of their way to make this transition as seamless as possible."