Information Brochure Career Ladder Nursing Program Pasadena City College

Information Brochure Career Ladder Nursing Program Pasadena City College Visit us on the web at: www.pasadena.edu/divisions/health-sciences/rn/career-ladder Please email any questions you have to pcchealthsciences@pasadena.edu Pasadena City College School of Health Sciences Division B6 3035 East Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 Revised: 5/15/15

The Career Ladder Nursing program at Pasadena City College is an associate degree program that is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Applying to the Program In order to be considered for acceptance into the Nursing Program, applicant must submit a COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET to the Health Science Division Office CEC B6 (3035 East Foothill Blvd Pasadena CA), which includes the following: One official U.S. high school transcript or GED certificate or Equivalency Report from one of the college s acceptable companies; not required if an Associate or higher degree is posted on U.S. college transcripts. One official transcript from ALL U. S. colleges and universities you have attended. One official transcript from the LVN school you graduated from. Copy of your current California LVN license (front & back). Printout of TEAS V transcript with an Adjusted Individual Total score of 62 or higher. Documentation of all applicable criteria for awarding points. UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND DIPLOMAS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Please note that upon acceptance to the Nursing Program the college s Records Office will also require transcripts. Incomplete applications will not be considered in the selection process. Application forms are available online during the following periods only: *January 1 st February 1 st : Summer admission *June 1 st July 1 st : Fall admission Applications can be downloaded from the following website: www.pasadena.edu/divisions/health-sciences/rn/careerladder or from the Division Office CEC B6. *If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, then the deadline is the following business day. All materials must be received in the Division office B6 by February 1 st or July 1 st by 3:00 pm. NOTIFICATION letters will be sent to applicants by EMAIL only approximately 10 weeks after the close of the application period. Note to applicant: 1. Transcripts and applications are not kept on file. Prior applications and transcripts are shredded after the completion of the selection process. 2. It is highly recommended that basic science courses (microbiology, anatomy and physiology) be completed within the past five years with a grade of C or higher. The BRN requires a C or better in all BRN required coursework in order to be considered for licensure. 3. It is recommended that the student complete non-nursing courses prior to beginning the RN program. The program is very rigorous and students will generally not be able to manage additional classes or work during the semesters they are in the program.

4. An Assessment/readiness test (TEAS V) is required. This is a basic test of reading, vocabulary, math and science that has been determined to be linked with success in a nursing program. A minimum score of 62 is required to apply to the nursing program. Study materials can be purchased from the following website: www.atitesting.com. Register and pay the test fee through ATI and take the proctored exam at an ATI approved site. Official results must be sent to PCC Nursing for consideration in admission. 5. Social Security number is required to be admitted to the program as it required to be eligible to take the licensing exam. In addition most of the clinical sites require the student to have a social security number in order to use their facility as the clinical portion of their nursing education. 6. Submission of an application packet does not guarantee admission. Prerequisites A GPA of 2.5 or higher is required in these courses: English 001A Microbiology 002 Anatomy 025 Physiology 001 Math course 131 or higher Additional courses required for the Registered Nursing Program and Associate Degree (it is strongly recommended to complete these courses prior to entering the nursing program): Psychology 024 Lifespan (birth to death) BRN requirements Humanities (See catalog or Counselor for list of options) Speech 001 or 010 BRN requirement History (See A.S. degree requirements) Political Science 001* Nutrition 011 BRN requirement Physical Activity or Dance Activity (2 units) *American Institutions 125 may be taken in place of the History and Political Sciences courses. Note: All required coursework must be completed to be eligible for the Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Contact a counselor in Building L for further information on prerequisite requirements. It is your responsibility to meet all graduation and BRN requirements. Your application for taking the NCLEX or obtaining licensure will not be sent to the BRN until the ALL requirements are met. Do not delay taking the NCLEX. PLEASE take the non-nursing classes required for graduation prior to completing the nursing courses. It is highly recommended that these A.S. degree requirements be taken prior to entering the nursing portion of the curriculum. Taking the NCLEX as soon after completing the nursing courses is linked with the highest pass rate for licensure as an R.N. See the PCC counselors for specifics about your educational plan BEFORE you enter nursing. 2

Selection Criteria for Admission CRITERIA Point Required Supporting Documentation Distribution 1. Previous academic degrees or diplomas, or relevant health care certificates held by an applicant Maximum Points = 15 1a. BS/BA or higher 10 Official transcript from regionally accredited U.S. colleges or 1b. AA/As degree 5 universities with degree posted. 1c. LVN, Paramedic, Psychiatric Technician, Radiologic Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Anesthesia Technician or Military Medic 5 Licensed or certificated healthcare worker requires a copy of your current California license including your license number, date of issue and date of expiration 1d. Recent (within 3 years) LVN, Paramedic, Psychiatric Technician, Radiologic Technician, Anesthesia Technician, Respiratory Therapist, or Military Medic work experience in direct patient care > 1000 hours of experience 1e. Certified health care worker e.g. CNA, HHA, EMT, MA 5 Work: Letter from current/former employer verifying employment. The letter must be on organization letterhead with an original signature and must include applicant s name, start date and end date (if applicable), employee status (fulltime/part-time), number of hours worked per week (or total hours from/to date), job title, department if applicable, and examples of duties including patient interaction. The letter must clearly show that the student has worked 1000 or more hours. 2 Licensed or certificated healthcare worker requires a copy of your current California certificate including your certificate number, date of issue and date of expiration 1f. Recent (within 3 years) CNA, HHA, EMT, MA work experience in direct patient care > 1000 hours of experience 1e. Volunteer with direct patient care contact with >200 hours experience 3 The same documentation listed in 1d will be required. 2 Volunteer: Letter from current/former organization verifying volunteer service. The letter must be on organization letterhead with an original signature and must include applicant s name, start date and end date (if applicable), number of hours volunteered and examples of duties including patient interaction. 2. Grade point average in relevant course work Maximum Points = 50 2a. Minimum 2.5 GPA in Prerequisites: Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology, and English 1A, 1S, or 1H, and Math 131 or 141 or 150 or higher GPA = 4.0 GPA = 3.5-3.9 GPA = 3.0-3.4 GPA = 2.5-2.9 2b. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all college courses GPA = 4.0 GPA = 3.5-3.9 GPA = 3.0-3.4 GPA = 2.5-2.9 25 20 15 0 25 20 15 10 Official transcripts (in original sealed/unopened envelope) for all lower and upper division courses completed at any and all regionally accredited U.S. institutions, regardless of applicability to nursing requirements will be required. Transcripts will not be required for courses completed at PCC. All transcripts from outside the United States must be evaluated by a PCC-approved foreign evaluation service. Credit from foreign schools will only be recognized for math, humanities, and the physical education requirements. Courses completed at other regionally accredited United States colleges or universities must be equivalent to Pasadena City College courses. For determination of course equivalency, official transcripts AND course descriptions for prerequisite courses will be required. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better and the final grade must be posted on the transcript. If a prerequisite course is repeated, the highest grade will be used. Failure to submit transcripts with all grades posted will result in disqualification from the application process. The same documentation listed in 2a will be required for 2b. 3

3. Life experiences or special circumstances of an applicant Maximum Points =3 points Applicant may have one or more in this category but maximum points awarded are 3. Documentation will only be required for the one that may apply 3a. Disabilities (Same meaning used in Section 2626 of the Unemployment Insurance Code) 3b. Low family income (Eligibility for, or receipt of, financial aid under a program that may include, but not limited to, a fee waiver from the Board of Governors, the Cal Grant Program, the federal Pell Grant program or CalWORKs) 3 Documented disability from college Learning Disability Program or Disability Support Programs & Services 3 Proof of eligibility or proof of receipt of financial aid e.g. BOGG fee waiver, Cal Grant, Pell Grant or other federal grant, CalWORKs 3c. First generation to attend college 3 Complete the ADN Admission Supporting Documentation Form explaining situation or circumstances 3d. Need to work (Need to work means student is working at least part-time while completing academic work that is prerequisite for the Nursing Program) 3e. Disadvantaged social or educational environment 3f. Difficult personal and family situation/circumstances 3 Paycheck stub during period of time enrolled in prerequisite courses or letter from employer (must be on organization letterhead) verifying employment was at least part-time while completing prerequisite courses. Students should explain on the ADN Admission Supporting Documentation Form which prerequisites were completed while working. 3 Participation or eligibility for Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) 3 Complete ADN Admission Supporting Documentation Form explaining situation or circumstances 3g. Refugee status 3 Documentation or letter from United States Citizens and Immigration Service (USCIS) 3h. Veteran status 3 Copy of Defense Department Form 214 (DD 214) Honorable Discharge required. 4. Proficiency or advanced level coursework in languages other than English Maximum Points = 2 Points Proficiency in a language other than English 2 points Official transcript from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university verifying four (4) semesters of foreign language OR Verification of proficiency Complete the ADN Admission Supporting Documentation Form 5. Approved diagnostic Assessment Tool Maximum points = 30 Assessment/readiness test results. The TEAS is required to apply for the nursing program unless the student has a BS/BA degree or higher. TEAS results you must go to www.atitesting.com online store and request that your official TEAS results are sent to the college. A minimum score of 62 is required to apply. TEAS Score 90 to 100 85 to 89.99 80 to 84.99 74 to 79.99 70 to 73.99 30 25 20 15 10 4

62 to 69.99 5 BS/BS degree 30 TEAS testing is not required for applicant possessing a BA/BS degree or higher from regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities with degree posted. Official transcript from regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities with degree posted. All transcripts from outside the United States must be evaluated by an ECC-approved foreign evaluation service During the Program Required Nursing Classes Program sequence: Semester 1 Semester II Semester III Nursing 210 Nursing 052S Nursing 053S Nursing 052 Nursing 053 Nursing 052L Nursing 053L Nursing 042 Nursing 042L Completing & Licensure for Degree Program Upon completion of the Nursing curriculum and meeting PCC graduation and BRN requirements, the student will receive an Associate of Science Degree with a Certificate of Achievement in Registered Nursing. They will be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and should file to do so as soon as possible, as the sooner the student takes the exam the more likely they will be successful. There is a fee to take the NCLEX and a separate fee for licensure application. When the graduate passes the NCLEX-RN, they may then qualify to receive a license from the Board of Registered Nursing to practice nursing in the State of California or whatever state or US territory they desire.*completion of the program does not guarantee licensure or employment* Agency contact information: California Board of Registered Nursing P.O. Box 944210 Sacramento, CA 94244-2100 (916) 322-3350 www.rn.ca.gov 5

Additional Information General Admission Requirements for the Nursing Programs: 1. Upon selection to the program students are required to complete: A health clearance Criminal background check in order to be able to attend clinical experiences. Details regarding these clearances will be provided with the acceptance packet upon selection. Students who have questions or concerns about the background check are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss these concerns with the nursing program director. You can also view some of the issues on the BRN website at www.rn.ca.gov 2. Nursing students must have the ability to communicate safely, accurately, and effectively in both written and spoken English. Students with Foreign Transcripts: Students with foreign transcripts must have their transcripts evaluated by one of the following three companies prior to applying: International Education Research Foundation Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute American Education Research Center (IERF) (ACEI) (AERC) (310) 258 9451 (310) 275 3530 (626 ) 339 4404 www.ierf.org www.acei1.com Official transcripts and application can be mailed or delivered in person to: Pasadena City College School of Health Sciences Division B6 Attn: Career Ladder Program 3035 East Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 6

Estimated Costs of the Program Listed below are the items required for the Nursing Program. Please note prices are estimates and subject to change: Health Screening from PCC Student Health Services (costs will be higher in other settings) Administrative Fee for services 13.00 Lab work 50.00 Hepatitis B vaccine 37.00 Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine 53.00 Tdap 41.00 Varicella vaccine 85.00 Physical exam 25.00 Uniform (per set) 2 sets are recommended. 120.00 Shoes 150.00 Name Badge 12.00 PCC Patch 5.00 Stethoscope & other equipment 100.00 Watch with second hand 50.00 RN ATI Package (Books, practice tests, Nurse Logic, Sigma Theta Tau Leadership modules) total cost for 4 semesters payments will be made each semester) 498.00 Background Check 42.00 Textbooks & Syllabi (total cost for 4 semesters) 2,000.00 RN NSO Insurance 22.00 Pearson Package (includes My Nursing Lab, EHR, My Neighborhood & some additional textbooks, etc.) 450.00 Parking (per semester includes campus and clinical sites) x 8 semesters= $100/sem 800.00 Tuition (per unit for CA resident) minimum of 72 credits $46/credit = ~ $ 3400.00 CPR Card American Heart Association only 65.00 NCLEX Exam fee 200.00 RN Licensing application 150.00 Live Scan Fingerprinting fee 150.00 Essential Job Functions Work hours: 1. Must be able to work at various clinical sites, including the hospital, at least 8-12 hours per day two days per week. 2. Must be able to attend the nursing and other college theory classes an additional 1-3 days per week. 3. Must be able, on some days, to take theory and clinical classes lasting as much or more than 12 hours per day. 7

Physical demands: 1. Must be able to complete all physical demands required in the Nursing Handbook and the hospital unit where the clinical course is scheduled. 2. Must be able to use all physical senses, i.e., seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling in a manner that allows the nurse to be able to accurately assess the patient and clinical situation. 3. Must be able to use fine motor skills of the hands to carry out clinical procedures accurately and safely. 4. Must be able to operate varied medical equipment. 5. Must be able to perform such duties as, but not limited to: a. Lifting patients of various sizes and weights into, onto, and out of bed, chairs, stretchers, and other surfaces. b. Maneuvering, pulling, pushing, lifting, and turning of patients in awkward positions. c. Performing related tasks which require the use of hands, arms, shoulders, legs, and feet. d. Participating in work-related activities that require extensive bending, kneeling, crouching, stooping, standing, and critical movements. Work Environment 1. Must be aware of potential risks in healthcare settings which require wearing of safety equipment, such as masks, head coverings, glasses, latex or non-latex gloves, shoe coverings, etc. 2. Must be able to meet hospital and college performance standards. 3. Must be able to travel to and from academic and clinical training sites. Cognitive Abilities 1. Must be able to understand and work from written and verbal orders. 2. Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills in English sufficient to safely work in academic and clinical settings. 3. Must be able to understand and implement related academic and health regulations, healthcare facilities, and hospital policies and procedures. 4. Must follow all state, federal, and local hospital policies regarding confidentiality rules on patients personal, family, and health-related information. 5. Must possess technical competency with nursing procedures, equipment and computers in patient care and related areas. 6. Must be able to perform mathematical calculations to determine correct medicine dosage and intravenous flow rates. 7. Must be able to speak and communicate effectively in English to individuals and small groups in a manner that can be readily understood. 8. Must be able to conduct personal appraisals and counsel patients and families. 9. Must be in a functional state of mental health. 10. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing patient care and professional situations. 11. Must not have any disability that would interfere with cognitive, physical, or sensate ability to function safely in patient and nursing situations. 8