Nursing

• Registered Nurse

• Registered Nurse

Saddleback College Nursing Program Application Information for Fall 2025 Start

The application period for the Fall 2025 (August) start date will be open from January 1, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. to January 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Important Notes

• The application will be available through Submittable beginning January 1, 2025. The link to apply will be posted here on that date. Applications cannot be accessed before this date.
• Please create your Submittable account using a personal email address.
• Applications will not be accepted via email, mail, or in person.

Program Overview

• Accepted Students: Between 55-60 students are admitted twice a year (spring and fall).
• Duration: The Nursing program is 2 years, consisting of 4 semesters (spring and fall). Nursing core courses are not offered during the summer.
• Work Recommendations: The program is full-time, and we recommend working no more than 20 hours per week.

First Semester Details

• Lecture Schedule: Lectures are held on Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. on campus.
  • The first 8 weeks will focus on N 170: Nursing Process.
  • The second 8 weeks will cover N 171: Mental Health Nursing.
• Skills Lab: Prior to clinical rotations, you will meet half-days per week in the skills lab.

Clinical Sites

• Clinical placements are assigned to students and are located within Orange County.
• You will attend clinical two days per week, with the specific days depending on your assigned clinical site (weekends may be included).

Eligibility and Application Process

• Please review the Applicant Eligibility, Steps to Take Prior to Applying, and What to Expect After Being Accepted into the Saddleback Nursing Program to ensure you meet the necessary requirements.

For more information and to apply, please return to this page on January 1, 2025, when the application link will be live.

Nursing Application Support

If you would like assistance with any of the following:

• Completing your Nursing Application.
• Submitting or confirming Course Substitutions for nursing prerequisites and supplemental courses (Please complete with a counselor prior to application opening to ensure petition completion prior to application deadline.)
• Confirming equivalent courses for nursing prerequisites and supplemental courses.
• Confirming number of points you currently are eligible for.

NOTE: There will be no nursing application assistance on January 1st, as the college will be closed. We encourage you to schedule counseling appointments before the holiday break to ensure any questions are addressed in advance.

Set Up an Appointment to Speak with a Counselor

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement
   • Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission.
      
2. Social Security or ITIN
   • Must possess a valid Social Security card or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to allow for a background check and eligibility for NCLEX licensure upon program completion.
      
3. Completion of Prerequisite Courses
   • Biology 11 (Human Anatomy)
   • Biology 12 (Human Physiology) -must be completed within 7 years of application.
   • Biology 15 (General Microbiology)
      
   • All science prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
      
   • NOTE: Online courses taken between 2020-2022 due to the pandemic are acceptable. Otherwise, science courses must be completed in person, though hybrid courses (with an in-person lab component) are permissible.
      
4. English Requirement
   • Must have completed English 1A - Principles of Composition I (or an equivalent course) with a grade of C or higher.
   • All prerequisite courses must be completed before applying and grades must be reflected on your transcript at the time of application.
      
5. ATI TEAS Exam
   • Must have taken and passed the ATI TEAS Version 7 exam with a score of 62% or higher. Online proctored or in-person versions are both acceptable.
   • Version 6 is no longer accepted.
   • It is recommended to take the ATI TEAS exam after completing all RN prerequisites and the math requirement for an AA/AS degree.

All eligibility requirements must be met and documented before submission of your application. It is strongly recommended that applicants meet with a counselor before applying to confirm they meet all eligibility criteria.

Please call (949) 582-4572 or visit the Make a Counseling Appointment page.

Maximum Points: 100

The following criteria will be used to evaluate applicants for the RN program. Applicants will be ranked according to their points in each category, and the top 55-60 students with the highest scores will be invited to join the program. Please note that the point cut-off may vary with each application cycle (Spring/Fall). Be sure to include all required documentation when submitting your application in Submittable to receive full points. Official Transcripts must be submitted to the Admissions & Records office. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded with your application in Submittable (online software platform), while official transcripts must be submitted directly to the Admissions & Records office.

1. Academic Degrees from Regionally Accredited Programs

International transcripts must be evaluated by a third party.

• What to Include in Submittable:
  • A copy of your unofficial transcript showing where your degree was earned.
• Maximum Points: 5
  • BS/BA or higher = 5 points
  • AS/AA degree = 2 points

2. Work Experience (within the past 5 years)

Must have work experience as an LVN, LPT, CNA, EMT-P, EMT, or Respiratory Therapist with a valid, current license. No other work experience will be accepted.

No minimum hours required.

• What to Include in Submittable:
  • A copy of your valid, current license.
  • A letter from your employer verifying employment dates, using the program's template.
• Maximum Points: 15
  • Current licensure in one of the following: LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse), LPT (Licensed Physical Therapist), CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant), EMT-P (Paramedic), EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), or Respiratory Therapist = 15 points

NOTE: Both work experience and a valid license are required to earn full points (no partial points will be awarded).

3. GPA of Science Prerequisites (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology)

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to qualify (no rounding).

• What to Include in Submittable:
  • Your unofficial transcripts showing the grades for the science prerequisites. If you have retaken a course, we will accept your highest grade.
• Maximum Points: 30
  • 4.0 GPA = 30 points
  • 3.6 - 3.9 GPA = 25 points
  • 3.3 - 3.5 GPA = 20 points
  • 3.0 - 3.2 GPA = 15 points
  • 2.8 GPA = 5 points

We encourage applicants to meet with a counselor prior to applying to ensure they meet the requirements.

4. Completion of Relevant Nursing Coursework

Points will not be awarded for courses in progress. A grade must be reflected on your transcript at the time of application.

• What to Include in Submittable:
  • A copy of your unofficial transcript showing relevant nursing coursework.
• Maximum Points: 20
  • Pharmacology = 5 points
  • Lifecycle I, Fundamentals of Aging = 3 points
  • Lifecycle II, Growth & Development = 3 points
  • Psychology 1 = 3 points
  • Communication Studies (Speech 1 or 5) = 3 points
  • Math requirement for AA/AS or higher = 3 points

NOTE: To verify course equivalencies, speak with a counselor prior to applying. If the course is not on the approved list, you will need to submit a Petition for Course Substitution/Waiver form. If the petition is in progress at the time of application evaluation, you will not be awarded points for that course.

5. Life Experience

All applicants will automatically receive 3 points in this category.

• Maximum Points: 3

6. Second Language Proficiency

Cannot combine high school and college transcripts. Self-written letters will not be accepted as verification.

• What to Include in Submittable:
  • A verification document for second language proficiency (see list of acceptable forms below).
• Maximum Points: 2
  • You may use one of the following for verification:
    • Letter from a professor, supervisor, or clergy on formal letterhead confirming second language proficiency.
    • Unofficial transcripts from a foreign school showing you attended and completed coursework in the second language.
    • Unofficial high school transcript showing completion of 3 years in the same language with a grade of C or better.
    • Unofficial college transcript showing completion of 2 years in the same language with a grade of C or better.
    • Official AP score of 3+ in a second language.

7. ATI TEAS Version 7 Score

Must have a score of 62% or higher to qualify. Only Version 7 is accepted. We accept the highest score within 365 days.

• What to Include in Submittable:
  • Your unofficial TEAS score, which can be obtained through your ATI account.
• Maximum Points: 25
  • 85-100% = 25 points
  • 78-84.9% = 20 points
  • 71-77.9% = 15 points
  • 64-70.9% = 10 points
  • 62-63.9% = 5 points

Total Maximum Points: 100

Tiebreaker Criteria

In the event of a tie at the point cut-off, the following tiebreaker criteria will be applied, ranked from highest to lowest:

1. Completion of Relevant Nursing Coursework:
   • N 160: Pharmacology
   • N 161: Lifecycle I, Fundamentals of Aging
   • N 165: Lifecycle II, Growth & Development
   • Psychology I
   • Communication Studies (formerly Speech) 1 or 5
   • Math requirement for AA/AS or higher
2. GPA for the Three Science Prerequisites (Anatomy, Microbiology, and Physiology)
3. Overall ATI TEAS Score
4. Work Experience

Before applying to the Nursing Program, please follow these essential steps:

1. Submit an Application for Admission to Saddleback College

You must first submit an application for admission to Saddleback College and receive a student ID number. When completing the application, ensure you select the current semester.

Click here to apply for admission to Saddleback College.

2. Submit Official Nursing Transcripts

All relevant nursing transcripts must be submitted to the Admissions & Records office prior to submitting your Nursing program application.

• Send official (unopened) transcripts from any colleges or universities other than Saddleback/IVC to Admissions & Records. This includes any high school AP scores used for course credit.
• If you have completed all relevant nursing coursework at Saddleback College or IVC, you do not need to submit official transcripts, as we have access to these records.
• Previously submitted transcripts are kept on file and do not need to be resubmitted unless additional nursing coursework has been completed.
• International transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited third-party organization. For a list of accepted evaluators, visit NACES.

3. Submit High School Transcripts (if applicable)

• You are not required to submit high school transcripts if they are being used solely to demonstrate second language proficiency.
• If you are using high school transcripts to meet prerequisite requirements, official transcripts must be submitted to the Admissions & Records office and be on file.

4. Submit Course Petitions (if applicable)

• If you have completed coursework outside of Saddleback/IVC and need to request credit for it, you may need to submit a course petition to have the course reviewed and approved as equivalent to the program’s prerequisite or relevant nursing coursework.
• Important: Course petitions must be submitted before applying to the Nursing program. Waiting until the application period may result in missing out on points for that course or being notified of deficiencies in prerequisites.
  
  If you have questions about course equivalencies or need assistance with a course petition, please consult a Saddleback College counselor.

5. Schedule a Counseling Appointment

Call (949) 582-4572 to schedule an appointment with a counselor. This meeting will help you:

• Ensure you meet the requirements to apply to the RN program
• Discuss any additional courses you may need to take before applying
• Complete your nursing application during the application period
• Submit or confirm course substitutions for nursing prerequisites
• Confirm course equivalencies for nursing prerequisites and supplemental courses
• Determine your current eligibility for points based on completed coursework

6. Gather Required Documents for Your Application

Start collecting the following documents to submit with your application:

• Unofficial transcripts showing where you completed prerequisites and any relevant coursework. Official transcripts must also be on file with Admissions & Records for any coursework taken outside of Saddleback/IVC.
• Unofficial ATI TEAS score (available through your ATI account).
• Proof of second language proficiency (if applicable). Accepted verification documentation can be found in the multi-criteria Enrollment section.
• Copy of your valid license (if licensed as an LVN, LPT, CNA, EMT, EMT-P, or Respiratory Therapist). No other licenses will be accepted.
• Employment verification: If you have relevant work experience within the last 5 years, please have your employer complete the employment verification form.

7. Complete Recommended Prerequisite Courses (Optional)

Completing the following courses before applying will help you earn additional points in the application process:

• N 165 (formerly Gerontology 101) - Fundamentals of Aging
• N 160 - Pharmacology
• N 161 - Growth & Development
• Communication Studies (formerly Speech) 1 or 5
• Psychology 1
• Math requirement to fulfill AA/AS degree or higher

NOTE: If these courses are not completed before entering the program, they must be taken concurrently during the 1st, 2nd, and 4th semesters of the nursing program, as outlined in the Nursing curriculum.

Important Reminder

Be sure to complete all necessary steps before submitting your application to avoid delays or issues with your application.

ATI TEAS Exam Information for Saddleback College Nursing Program Applicants

Saddleback College Nursing offers a proctored ATI TEAS exam twice a year for students applying to our nursing program. The exam is provided free of charge, but seats are limited to 30 students per session. The exam is typically offered a month prior to the application period.

Important Update

• All spots for the December 13th ATI TEAS exam are now full.
• Please check back for the next available exam date.

Eligibility to Take the ATI TEAS Exam at Saddleback College

To take the ATI TEAS exam at Saddleback College, you must reserve a seat. The reservation form will be available on this website once we begin accepting reservations.

NOTE: While taking the ATI TEAS exam at Saddleback College is recommended, it is not required to apply to our nursing program. If you are unable to reserve a seat with us, you can find other locations to take the exam either in-person or remotely through the ATI website.

Score Requirements

All applicants to the Saddleback College Nursing program must have taken ATI TEAS Version 7 and achieved a minimum score of 62% or higher to be eligible to apply.

Retake Policy

• You no longer have to wait 365 days between retakes if you pass on your first attempt.
• We will accept the highest score from within the past year.

Recommended Timing for the ATI TEAS Exam

We recommend that students wait until after completing the following courses before taking the ATI TEAS exam:

• Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• English
• Algebra or higher

ATI TEAS Study Materials

If you are interested in purchasing a study guide, you can find resources on the ATI website.

About the ATI TEAS Exam

The ATI TEAS exam consists of 170 total questions covering the following areas:

• Reading
• Mathematics
• Science
• English and Language Usage

You will have 209 minutes to complete the exam. The question types include:

• Multiple choice
• Multiple select (select all that apply)
• Fill in the blank
• Ordered response
• Hot spots

For more details, visit the official ATI exam page: ATI TEAS Exam Details.

Submitting Your ATI TEAS Score

When applying to the Saddleback College Nursing program, you will include your ATI TEAS score with your application.

Information Sessions 

Work Recommendations for Nursing Students

We recommend that nursing students work no more than 20 hours per week while enrolled in the program. If working is necessary for financial reasons, it is advised to schedule work during weekends or holidays, and ideally in a role that offers flexibility to accommodate the rigorous demands of the nursing program.

Weekly Schedule Overview

• Lectures: Held once a week on campus every Wednesday.
• Simulation Days: Occur on campus approximately two days per week.
• Clinical Days: Clinical placements are assigned to students and will vary depending on the assigned clinical site. All clinical sites are located within Orange County.

Students should be prepared for a demanding schedule balancing theory, clinical practice, and simulation activities throughout the program.

Course Hours Breakdown

Students who are in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply for financial aid online. Get started on the Financial Aid page.

Admission Requirements and Health Compliance for the RN Program

Once accepted into the RN program, students must accept or decline the offer within the timeframe specified in their acceptance letter. If a student declines the invitation, they must re-apply in a future application period. Students are allowed only one declination of admission.

If invited as an alternate, students must also accept or decline the offer within the designated response time and fulfill the same requirements as directly accepted students to remain as an alternate.

Health Requirements for Admission

To ensure that students are physically capable of performing nursing duties, all students accepted into the RN program must meet specific health requirements. The following immunizations, titers, and screenings must be completed within four months of admission. We recommend starting these requirements as soon as possible to meet the deadlines:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella
• TDAP
• Hepatitis B
• Annual TB Skin Test
• COVID-19 Annual Booster
• Annual Physical Exam
• Annual Seasonal Flu Shot

All required health documentation is outlined in the Mandatory Health Assessment Packet.
Titers are lab tests that confirm immunity to specific diseases. Clinical sites require positive titers for Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella (proof of vaccination alone is not sufficient). The process involves:

1. Blood tests to check for immunity.
2. If the titer is negative or equivocal, a booster vaccine must be administered.
3. After receiving the booster, you must wait at least 4 weeks before retesting. Testing before this waiting period will yield invalid results.

It's important to note that many individuals may not be immune, even if they have received the required childhood vaccinations. This process can take several months, so it is crucial to begin as soon as possible. Titers do not expire.

Additional Requirements

Before starting the RN program, students must also complete the following requirements:

• Background check and drug test (CastleBranch)
• Annual liability insurance (NSO)
• Current health insurance (any provider is acceptable)
• Current BLS CPR certification (American Heart Association only)

Mandatory Sessions

Accepted students will be required to attend:

• A mandatory paperwork session via Zoom, where all health requirements, paperwork, and deadlines will be reviewed.
• An in-person orientation, which is also mandatory.

Be sure to meet all deadlines and requirements to ensure a smooth transition into the RN program.

• Dean Grievance Form
• Saddleback Nursing Student Handbook 24-25
• Nursing Re-entry Petition Form
• Military Challenge Policy
• Saddleback College ADN Curriculum/ Recommended Courses
• Saddleback College ADN Program Multicriteria for Enrollment Form
• File a Complaint
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing - Complaints Against an Accredited Program
  • California Board of Registered Nursing - File a Complaint
• 2nd Language Proficiency Letter Sample
• Employment Verification Form

Saddleback College provides the following technical standards with examples of learning activities to inform prospective and enrolled students of the skills required in completing their chosen profession’s curriculum and in the provision of health care services. These technical standards reflect the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary for successful completion of the requirements of clinical based health care programs. These standards are not a requirement of admission into the program. Individuals interested in applying for admission to the program should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities and behavioral characteristics required for successful completion of the program.

Students admitted to Saddleback College Nursing Program are expected to be able to complete curriculum requirements, which include physical, cognitive, and behavioral core competencies that are essential to the functions of the entry level professional nurse. These core competencies are considered to be the minimum and essential skills necessary to protect the public. These abilities are encountered in unique combinations in the provision of safe and effective nursing care.

Progression in the program may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the essential functions or technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

Saddleback College is obliged to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities, which may include academic adjustments, auxiliary aids and or program modifications. Accommodations that fundamentally alter the nature of the academic program, could jeopardize the health and safety of others, or cause an undue burden to the program are not considered reasonable accommodations. Regular consistent attendance and participation is essential to learning, especially for all scheduled clinical experiences.

Cognitive functions include:

• Recall, collect, analyze, synthesize, and integrate information from a variety of sources.
• Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data.
• Problem-solve and think critically in order to apply knowledge and/or skill.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
• Relay information effectively, accurately, reliably, and intelligibly. This includes a thorough and accurate use of computers and other tools to individuals and groups, using the English language.
• Effectively collect, analyze, synthesize, integrate, recall and apply information and knowledge to provide safe patient care for assigned clinical shifts.

Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:

• Process information thoroughly and quickly to prioritize and implement nursing care.
• Sequence or cluster data to determine patient needs.
• Develop and implement a nursing plan of care for patients in acute, long term and community settings.
• Discriminate fine/subtle differences in medical word endings.
• Report patient data using multiple formats to members of the healthcare team.
• Appropriately interpret medical orders and patient information found in the medical record.
• Perform math computations for medication dosage calculations. Apply knowledge/skills gained through completion of program prerequisites, including requirement for computer proficiency.

Motor technical standards:

• Coordinate fine and gross motor movements.
• Coordinate hand/eye movements.
• Negotiate level surfaces, ramps and stairs.
• Work effectively and efficiently within a limited space.
• Effectively manage psychomotor tasks to provide safe patient care for up to twelve (12) hour clinical shifts.

Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:

• Transfer patient/patients in and out of bed from stretchers and wheelchairs.
• Control a fall by slowly lowering patient to the floor.
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Lift, move, turn, position, push, or pull patients and/or objects, weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Gain access equipment such as intravenous fluid bags or catheter bags, within compliance of safety standards.
• Transport equipment and supplies to the patient bedside.
• Manipulate small equipment and containers, such as syringes, vials, ampules, and medication packages, to administer medications.
• Safely dispose of needles in sharps container.
• Dispose of contaminated materials in a safe and compliant manner.
• Complete assigned periods of clinical practice (up to twelve (12) hour shifts, days, evenings, or nights, holidays, weekdays and weekends).
• Complete skills tests within assigned time limit.

Sensory technical standards:

• Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences, including but not limited to information conveyed through online coursework, lecture, small group activities, demonstrations, and application experiences.
• Collect information through a variety of senses and/or using appropriate and approved equipment.
• Use and interpret information from diagnostic procedures.
  Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:
• Detect changes in skin color, condition, or temperatures (i.e. pale, ashen, gray, or bluish).
• Detect a fire in the patient care environment.
• Draw up a prescribed quantity of medication into a syringe.
• Observe patients in a room from a distance of 20 feet away.
• Detect sounds related to bodily functions using appropriate equipment, such as a stethoscope.
• Detect alarms generated by mechanical systems such as those that monitor bodily functions, fire alarms, call bells.
• Observe and collect data from recording equipment and measurement devices used in patient care.
• Communicate with patient and members of the healthcare team in person and over the phone in a variety of settings, including isolation and the operating room where health team members are wearing masks and there is background noise.
• Detect foul odors of bodily fluids or spoiled foods.
• Detect smoke from burning materials.
• Detect unsafe temperature levels in heat-producing devices used in patient care.
• Detect anatomical abnormalities, such as subcutaneous crepitus, edema, or infiltrated intravenous fluids. Observe vibrations, such as an arterial pulse, using touch or approved equipment.

Behavioral technical standards:

• Demonstrate ability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments to provide safe patient care.
• Maintain effective communication and teamwork to provide effective patient care.
• Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with others or the learning environment.
• Possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility and tolerance.
• Accept responsibility for own actions and communicate in a courteous, assertive, non-aggressive, non-defensive manner with instructors, peers, staff and healthcare team members.
• Integrate feedback into own performance.

Examples of learning activities found in the nursing curriculum and related to industry standards:

• Exercise judgment, meet acceptable timeframes for patient care delivery (acceptable timeframes are reflected by ability to carry out the usual patient care assignment for a particular point in the program), work effectively under stress, and adapt to rapidly changing patient care environments.
• Accept accountability for actions that resulted in patient care errors.
• Deal effectively with interpersonal conflict if it arises and maintain effective and harmonious relationships with members of the healthcare team.

Admission of LVNs to the Nursing program is on a space-available basis. To be placed on the waitlist it requires:

• Proof of satisfactory completion of an accredited VN program or a current California VN license.
• Completion of all the core science courses: BIO 11*, 12, 15, and ENG 1A* or equivalent, with a grade of "C" or better.
• Application to be submitted during the application period. Check website for dates
   

NOTE: Every required prerequisite and core class must be complete with a "C" or better.

The California Board of Registered Nursing may deny a license regulated by the Business and Professional Code, Section 480, on such grounds as: being convicted of a crime, acts of dishonesty, fraud or deceit. All students selected for enrollment in the nursing program will be assessed for past criminal activity prior to clinical experiences. Should you have any concerns, please contact the Program Director. 

If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, you must disclose this information when applying for the RN licensure exam. A criminal conviction may affect your eligibility to take the exam. If you have concerns regarding your eligibility, please consult with the Nursing Program Director or contact the Board of Registered Nursing before starting the nursing program.

Yes, all prerequisites MUST be completed prior to applying. You cannot have any prerequisites in progress at time of application.

You can verify if a course you took elsewhere is equivalent two ways:

1. After you apply to the college, you can set up an appointment to meet with a counselor on campus (preferably you want to meet with Erin Long, Brooke Sauter, or David Francisco as they are most familiar with the Nursing program at Saddleback). They can go over all your transcripts to see which courses will give you credit.
2. You could contact each Division according to the course you took for example, to verify that the science courses you took are equivalent to ours you would contact the Science Division at (949) 582-4820. For English courses you would contact the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at (949) 582-4733. For Speech courses you would contact the Fine Arts Division at (949) 582-4747. For Math courses you would contact Math Division at (949) 582-4820.

No, admission to our RN program is based off the Saddleback College ADN Program Multi-criteria for Enrollment. The criteria is made up of 100 points total and considers Academic degrees earned, Work/Volunteer experience, GPA of Science prerequisites, completion of relevant nursing course work, 2nd language proficiency, and TEAS score. Those with the highest points will be invited into the program.

Point cut off fluctuates each application period, although we see a trend that the point cut off has been rising. To be competitive you want to have 80+ points.

We get anywhere between 200 - 250 applications each period.

We take approximately 50 to 60 students. It all depends on how many clinical placements we have that semester.

Our estimated cost for all 4 semesters totals to a little over $6,000 dollars. First semester is always the most expensive with an estimated cost of around $2,500. This is due to purchasing liability insurance, completing a background/drug Test, getting your physical/immunizations completed, buying your uniform, HESI computerized testing/books packages, equipment, etc. We offer financial assistance through FASA, Scholarships/Grant awards, free groceries through CARE Corner, and other resources.

Yes, everyone is required to take this exam to apply. It must be TEAS Version 7. You must score with a 62% of higher to qualify.

You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission.

You must possess a social security card or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in order to complete a background check and be eligible to apply for the NCLEX licensure upon program completion.

Yes, you will be required to take the prerequisites, required courses, and GE requirements if you have not already taken them. We recommend you meet with a counselor to see which courses are transferable and will give you credit. You can also check out www.assist.org.

NOTE: If you are planning on seeing a counselor you must apply to the college first and have a student ID.

Students are required to disclose this information on their application to take the RN licensure exam. A conviction may affect your eligibility to take this exam. Students cannot be on probation when entering the program. Anyone with concerns about these circumstances should make an appointment to speak with the Nursing director at (949) 582-4792 before starting the nursing program. You may also contact the Board of Registered Nursing at (916) 322-3350 or visit www.rn.ca.gov for more information.

Unfortunately, we are not offering the LVN to RN program currently. We have been unable to run the LVN-to-RN transition course since 2016 due to limited spots in clinical locations. We are hoping to bring the transition course back in Fall of 2025. If you are interested please email scnursing@saddleback.edu. Currently, the only way to get into Saddleback Nursing program is to apply to the ADN Program.

Unfortunately, we do not as our clinical placements are impacted. You may want to try Evergreen Valley College, Loma Linda University, and Southwestern (case by case basis).

No, we do not accept core nursing courses from other institutions. However, we will consider all other courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English 1A, Pharmacology, Fundamental of Aging, Growth and Development, Psych, Speech, and Math.