The Saddleback College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program was established in 1971 and has an outstanding reputation in the health care community. It is a two year (four semester) program in length after completion of prerequisite coursework.

    The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (formerly NLNAC) and Board of Registering Nursing (BRN) accredited Registered Nursing Program. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the CA State Board licensure exam for Registered Nurses. The NCLEX pass rates for our graduates is consistently above the state and national average. View NCLEX Pass Rates. Graduates of the program have successfully been employed in a variety of nursing positions and many transfer into upper degree nursing programs. See Saddleback College Nursing Program Outcomes.

    Saddleback College has not determined if the registered nursing program at Saddleback College meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. For more resources, please visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

    Degrees and Certificates

    View Classes in the Class Schedule

    The Saddleback Nursing Program does not offer weekend or evening classes at this time. Although there is the possibility that you could be assigned to a clinical day on a weekend. All lectures are on campus and held on Wednesdays.

    Admission Requirements and Application Information

    The following requirements must be completed and not in progress to be eligible:

    • Be at least 18 years of age at time of admission.
    • Completion with a 2.8 GPA or higher in the following BIO prerequisites: BIO 11 - Human Anatomy, BIO 12 - Human Physiology (must be completed within 7 years upon applying), BIO 15 - Microbiology. 
    • Completion of prerequisite English 1A- Principles of Composition I or equivalent with a "C" or better. 
    • Taken and passed the ATI TEAS exam version 7 with a 62% or higher (either proctored online or in seat does not matter with which institution you take it with). No longer accepting version 6. If you do not pass the exam, you should remediate and wait to retest approx. 365 days from previous attempt. If you pass the exam, but want to earn a higher score you need to wait to retest approx. 365 days from previous attempt.
    • Possess a social security card or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), to enable a background check to be completed and to be eligible to apply for NCLEX licensure upon program completion.

    It is recommend you wait to take the ATI TEAS exam AFTER you have completed all of your RN prerequisites and the math requirement for an AA/AS degree.

    We encourage all students interested in applying to the RN program, to make an appointment with a counselor ahead of time to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements to apply. Click here to make a counseling appointment

    The Saddleback College Associate Degree Nursing Program requires background/drug tests on all students entering the nursing program. This policy was instituted because the Joint Commissions requires any health care facility that requires employees to have personal criminal background checks must also require the same background check for students and volunteers involved in patient care.

    Applications are not accepted via email, by mail or in-person. The registered nursing program receives approximately 250-300 applications each period. The program accepts between 50 to 55 students twice a year (for fall and spring), and varies based on how many clinical spots we have. The program does keep an alternate list, in case students are unable to move forward. Please read below for information on submitting your RN program application.

    Fall 2024

    The application period for Fall 2024 entry is now closed. The last day to apply was on February 9th, 2024.

    The point cut off for Fall 2024 entry fell at 84 points with alternates ranging from 80-84 points.

    Please see next application date(s) below:

    Semester Start Date End Date Applications Dates Links
    Spring 2025 1/20/2025 12/18/2026 5/14/24 - 6/14/24  
    Fall 2024 8/19/2024 5/22/2026 Application closed on 2/8/24. Check your Submittable account for application status  


    NOTE: See "Steps to Take prior to Applying" for details. We are only accepting Version 7 of the TEAS exam. No older versions will be acceptable.

    Duration of the program: 2 year (fall & spring). Lectures are held on Wednesdays (in person) 1 day per week and skills labs/clinical days 2 days a week (day of the week depends on clinical site assigned to). The program is considered full time, not encouraged to work more than 20 hours week.

    • Applicants must have submitted an application for admission to Saddleback College and have a Saddleback/IVC student ID# to apply to the Nursing program. To apply for admission to Saddleback College, click here.
    • All official relevant nursing transcripts must be sent to the Admissions & Records office prior to submitting your application. 
    • No official transcripts need to be sent if all relevant nursing coursework was taken at Saddleback/IVC college. We have access to these transcripts.
    • Previously submitted transcripts are kept on file and do need to be resubmitted, unless additional relevant nursing coursework has ben completed and you need to update your records.
    • International transcripts must be evaluated by an acceptable third party, at https://www.naces.org/member.
    • You do not need to submit an official HS transcripts if you are using this solely for the purpose to show second language proficiency. However, if you are using it for a pre-requisite credit the official does need to be sent to Admissions & Records and on file. 
    • All course petitions (if applicable) should be submitted in advance prior to submitting your application to allow time to be processed/reviewed. If you are trying to earn credit for a course taken outside of Saddleback/IVC college a course petition may be needed. If you are unsure if the course you took is equivalent to a prerequisite or relevant nursing coursework, you should speak with a counselor at Saddleback.

    NOTE: If you wait to submit a course petition during the application period, you jeopardize not being awarded points for that course or receiving a non-qualified notice due to being deficient in a prerequisite course. 

    The next ATI TEAS Exams will be held on the following dates:

    • Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024 Time: 8:30 a.m.

    Download the Saddleback College Nursing Program ATI Reservation Form

    For more information regarding the ATI TEAS exam, please visit "ATI Testing".


    Please complete and review the following information prior to testing:


    NOTE: Testing is only offered to students applying to the Saddleback College Nursing Program. 

    Information Sessions 

    Date Time Zoom Links Information Packet
    Friday, January 19, 2024 3 - 4 p.m. Session Recording RN Program Info Packet

    If you are unable to attend the information session but would like to hear the information provided, the session will be recorded and be made available the next day.

    Those invited into the program must be in adequate health to perform the duties of a nurse. Students must have titers drawn and show immunity as indicated on the "Mandatory Health Assessment Packet". This process can take up to 6 months, start the process early if you are planning on entering the Nursing program. This is a requirement for any Nursing program.

    Students who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony 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 who have concerns about these circumstances should speak with the Nursing Program Director or contact the Board of Registered Nursing before starting the nursing program.

     

    1. If you are not student at Saddleback College or IVC, complete an application online. You will need a student ID to fill out the nursing application once it becomes available.
    2. Submit all official (unopened) relevant transcripts from other colleges/universities other than Saddleback/IVC/ATEP to Admissions & Records before you submit your nursing application. This includes any high school AP scores being used for course credit. Previously submitted transcripts are kept on file and do not need to be resubmitted unless, additional relevant nursing coursework was completed, and you need to update. International transcripts must be evaluated by an acceptable third party, at https://www.naces.org/member
    3. Set up an appointment to speak with a counselor to ensure you meet the requirements to apply to the RN program and to discuss any additional courses you may need to take, including GE requirements. You also want to verify course equivalencies to ensure that any relevant coursework taken outside of Saddleback is equivalent. If determined that a course has not been previously petitioned you may need to fill a petition for course substitution or waiver. A counselor can help you fill this petition out and direct you on where to submit it. To set up a counseling appointment, please visit the Counseling page or call (949) 582-4572.
    4. Start gathering the documents that you may be using to submit with your application, such as:
    • Unofficial copy of your transcripts showing where you took the prerequisites and any relevant coursework, including where your degree was earned if applicable, (official transcripts should also be on file with A&R if taken outside of Saddleback/IVC)
    • Unofficial copy of your ATI TEAS score (can obtain a copy through your ATI account)
    • If you are proficient in a second language you want to include one of the examples of verification. No self written letters will be accepted.
    • If licensed as an LVN, LPT, CNA, EMT, EMT-P, or Respiratory Therapist you will need to include a copy of your license (must valid). No other licenses will be accepted.
    • If you have some work experience within the last 5 years as any of the job duties listed above, please have your employer fill out our employment verification form.

    It is to the student’s advantage to complete the following required courses prior to entering the RN program as they be used to earn points:

    • N 165 - Lifecycle 1, Fundamentals of Aging
    • N 160 - Pharmacology for Nursing
    • N 161 - Lifecycle 2,  Growth and Development
    • COMM 1 - Communication Fundamentals or COMM 5 - Interpersonal Communication
    • PSYC 1 - Introduction to Psychology
    • Math requirement to fulfill AA/AS degree or higher 

    If these courses are not completed prior to entering the program, these must be completed concurrently with 1st, 2nd and 4th semesters of the program as indicated in the nursing program curriculum. *The nursing core courses are in person, not online.

     This Multi-Criteria is used to determine who will enter the Nursing program. The criteria consists of 100 total points possible. Students with the highest points will be selected to enter the program. In the event of a tie breaker, candidates will be selected based off the following in order:

    1. Completion of relevant Nursing course work- Pharmacology, Lifecycle I, Lifecycle II, Psychology 1, Communication Studies (formerly Speech 1 or 5), and Math requirement for AA/AS or higher.
    2. GPA of Biology Prerequisites- Anatomy, Microbiology, & Physiology
    3. ATI TEAS score
    4. Work experience
    Admission Criteria/Details Maximum Points Point Distribution

    Academic Degrees from regionally accredited program. International transcripts must be evaluated by a 3rd party.

    What to include with your application:

    1. Copy of unofficial transcript where degree was earned.
    5 points
    • BS/BS or higher = 5 points OR
    • AS/AA = 2 points

    Work experience - Must have some work experience in the last 5 years as an LVN, LPT, CNA, EMT-P, EMT or Respiratory Therapist (no minimum hours required) and a current valid license as indicated.

    Must have both to earn full points (no partial points will be given).

    What to include with application:

    1. Copy of valid current license.
    2. Letter from employer verifying employment dates on our template.
    15 points
    • Current licensure as LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse), LPT (Licensed Physical Therapist), CNA (certified Nurse Assistant), EMT-P (Paramedic), EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and Respiratory Therapists = 15 points

    GPA of Biology Prerequisites (Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology). *Must have a 2.8 GPA or higher to qualify (no rounding).

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

    30 points
    • 4.0 GPA = 30 points
    • 3.6 to 3.9 GPA = 25 points
    • 3.3 to 3.5 GPA = 20 points
    • 3.0 to 3.2 GPA = 15 points
    • 2.8 GPA = 5 points

    Completion of relevant Nursing coursework. No work in progress will be awarded points. 

    What to include with application:

    1. Copy of unofficial transcript where relevant Nursing coursework was completed.
    20 points
    • Pharmacology = 5 pts
    • Lifecycle I, Fundamentals of Aging= 3 pts
    • Lifecycle II, Growth & Development = 3 pts
    • Psychology 1 = 3 pts
    • Communication studies (Speech 1 or 5) = 3pts
    • Math requirement for AA/AS or higher = 3 pts
    To verify course equivalencies, speak with a counselor prior to
    applying. If not on approved list, student will need to fill out a Petition for course substation/waiver form. If petition is in progress at time of application evaluation, you will not be awarded points. 
    Life experience (no documentation needed). 3 points All students will automatically receive 3 pts for this section.
    Second language proficiency.
    • Cannot combine HS/College
    • transcripts.
    • Do not accept self-written letters as
    • verification.
    What to include with application:
    1. Attach your verification to your application.
    2 points May use ONE of the following for verification:
    • Letter from professor, supervisor, or clergy on formal letterhead verifying second language proficiency.
    • If native/fluent in second language, you may attach unofficial transcripts from foreign school showing you attended there.
    • Unofficial high school transcript showing completion of 3 years in the same language with a “C” or better.
    • Unofficial college transcript showing completion of 2 years in the same language with a “C” or better.
    • Official AP score of 3+ 

    Test of Essential Academic Skills
    (TEAS) VERSION 7 score. *Must have a score of 62% of higher to qualify. We accept the first passing score within approx. 365 days.

    NOTE: We are only accepting VERSION 7 at this time. No older versions will be eligible.

    What to include with application:
    Unofficial TEAS score which you
    may obtain through your ATI
    account.

     

    25 points
    • 85-100% = 25 pts
    • 78-84.9% = 20 pts
    • 71-77.9% = 15 pts
    • 64-70.9% = 10 pts
    • 62-63.9% = 5 pts
    If you do not pass the TEAS exam on the first attempt, you should remediate and retest approx. 365 days from 1st attempt.

    For additional questions, please email scnursing@saddleback.edu

    NOTE: this is subject to change. Official transcripts must be on file with Admissions & Records prior to submitting your application.

    Tuition, Fees, and Program Costs
    Semester 1  
    Background/Drug Test $82
    Compliance Tracker $38
    Liability Insurance $27
    Physical/Immunizations/Titers $350
    HESI Payment $210.43
    N 170/N 171 Lecture and Lab $483
    Student Health Fee $23
    Parking Permit $40
    Uniform $200
    Books $557
    Equipment - Stethoscope/ Blood Pressure Cuff / Pen Light / misc $200
    BLS/ CPR Card $55
    Semester 1 total approximate cost $2,225.43
    Semester 2  
    HESI Payment $215.06
    Student Health Fee $23
    Parking Permit $40
    N 172 Lecture and Lab $391
    Books $600
    Semester 2 total approximate cost $1,269.06
    Semester 3  
    HESI Payment $210.43
    Student Health Fee $23
    Parking Permit $40
    Renew Liability Insurance $25
    Annual TB/ Physical $40
    N 173/ N 174 Lecture and Lab $322
    Semester 3 total approximate cost $670.43
    Semester 4  
    Student Health Fee $23
    N 176 Lecture and Lab $368
    Parking Permit $20
    NCLEX Licensing Fees / Live Scan and DOJ/FBI $600
    Semester 4 total approximate cost $1,221.43
    Approximate program total $5,386.35

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

    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.
    • Completion of N 162* and N 164* with a grade of "C" or better within a maximum of two years of program entry.
    • Overall GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses.
    • Completion of standardized Assessment Technology Institute (ATI) test version 7 with a 62% or higher.
    • Proof of completion of a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care.
    • 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.

    Required Prerequisites
    Course ID Title Units
    BIO 11* Human Anatomy 4 units
    BIO 12* Human Physiology 4 units
    BIO 15* General Microbiology 5 units
    ENG 1A* Principles of Composition 1 4 units
    N 162* Successful Transition to Professional Nursing 1.5 units
    N 164* LVN to RN Clinical Lab 1.5 units
    Total Units: 20
    Required Core Classes
    Course ID Title Units
    N 165 Lifecycle I: Fundamentals of Aging 1.5 units
    N 171* Mental Health Nursing 3 units
    N 173* Nursing Care of Children and Families 3.5 units
    N 174* Women's Health Nursing 3.5 units
    N 176* Advanced Nursing 8 units
    PSYC 1 Introduction to Psychology 3 units
    Comm 1 Communication Fundamentals 3 units

    Denial of Licensure-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

    The mission of the Saddleback College Nursing Program is to:

    • provide high quality, innovative education
    • support student success
    • instill in the learner the need for life long learning and professional development, and
    • prepare competent entry level registered nurses to provide quality patient-centered care

    2023-2024 Estimated Cost of Attendance

    The estimated cost of attendance at Saddleback College includes an estimate for tuition and fees, books
    and supplies as well as basic living expenses like food and housing, and personal and miscellaneous
    expenses. Your actual expenses may be higher or lower than the amounts listed below.

    Expenses Living With Parents (2 Semesters) Living Away from Parents (2 semesters)
    Tuition & Fees $1,426 $1,426
    Books & Supplies $938 $938
    Living Expenses: Food & Housing $12,656 $22,670
    Personal & Misc. $3,608 $4,428
    Transportation $1,612 $1,764
    Total Resident $20,240 $31,226
    Total Non-Resident $32,540 $43,526
    Expenses Living with Parents Living Away from Parents
    Tuition & Fees $709 $709
    Books & Supplies $312 $312
    Living Expenses: Food & Housing $4,218 $7,557
    Personal & Misc. $1,203 $1,476
    Transportation $537 $588
    Total Resident $6,979 $10,642
    Total Non-Resident $13,129 $16,792
    Expenses Living With Parents Living Away from Parents
      Summer Fall & Spring Summer Fall & Spring
    Tuition & Fees $1,426 $709 $1,426 $709
    Books & Supplies $938 $312 $938 $312
    Transportation $1,612 $537 $1,764 $588
    Total Resident $3,976 $1,558 $4,128 $1,609
    Total Non-Resident $16,275 $7,708 $16,428 $7,759
    • Enrollment Fee: $46 per unit
      • Based on 15-units for Fall, Spring and Summer
    • Health Fee $26 for Fall and Spring, $22 for Summer
    • Non-Resident Tuition (in addition to the $46 per unit enrollment fee): $410 per unit ($365 non-resident tuition fee + $45 capital outlay fee)
    • Estimated cost of attendance may be adjusted for documented circumstances such as dependent care expenses, purchase of a computer, and other special circumstances (except for students enrolled less than half-time)

    Optional fees

    • ASG Sticker - $10
    • Student Representation Fee - $2.00 (per semester)
    • Parking Permit Fee
    • Instructional Material Fees - as listed in the Schedule of Classes

    Contact the Nursing Department

    Nursing Department

    Please use this contact information to email our department to avoid duplicate emails being sent to individuals.
    Office Location
    HS 235

    Office Hours
    Monday-Thursday:
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Friday:
    8 a.m. - 3 p.m.