Nursing

• Registered Nurse

• Registered Nurse

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.

Our next application period for the Fall 2025 (August) start date will be open from 1/1/25 (opens at 12 a.m.) - 1/15/25 (closes at 11:59 p.m.).

NOTE: The application will become visible on 1/1/25 through Submittable and the link will be made available here. You will not be able to access it prior to this date. When creating your Submittable account, please use a personal email.

Applications are not accepted via email, by mail or in person. Saddleback Nursing program accepts between 55-60 students twice a year (spring/fall). The application period for Spring 25 (Jan) start closed on June 14th, 2024. The point cut off fell at 77.

Duration of program: 2 years, 4 semesters (spring/fall). No Nursing core courses during the summer. The program is considered full time, and we do not encourage you to work more than 20 hours a week.

1st semester schedule: Lectures are held on Wednesdays (on campus) from approx. 8 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. You start the first 8 weeks with N 170- Nursing Process and then end the second 8 weeks with N 171- Mental Health Nursing. Before going to your clinical sites, you will meet 1/2 days per week in the skills lab.

1st semester clinical sites: Clinical sites are assigned to the students. All clinical sites are located in Orange County. You are looking at attending clinical days 2 days a week. Day of the week will depend on the clinical site you are assigned to (weekends included).

If you are interested in applying to the program, please see "Applicant Eligibility", "Steps to take Prior to Applying", and review the "ADN Multi-Criteria for Enrollment".

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.

Set Up an Appointment to Speak with a Counselor

• 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 been 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 in person on campus (by reservation only) on the following date:

• Exam Date: Friday, December 13, 2024
• Exam Start Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: ATAS 233

To reserve a seat to take the exam through us, please complete the reservation form and send to dcamacho10@saddleback.edu by 12/9/24.

Download the Saddleback 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:

• Create an ATI account, if you have not already done so.
• Make sure your demographic information is completed or updated in your ATI account.
• If you encounter issues, please review the ATI Resolutions to Common Issues page before calling support.

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

Information Sessions 

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 will want to include one of the examples of verification. No self written letters will be accepted. Click here to download the second language proficiency template letter.
• 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 and Lifecycle II
   • Psychology 1
   • Communication Studies (formerly Speech 1 or 5)
   • Math requirement for AA/AS or higher.
2. GPA of Biology Prerequisites:
   • Anatomy
   • Microbiology
   • Physiology  (must be completed within 7 years upon applying)
3. ATI TEAS score
4. Work experience

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.

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, grey, 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.

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.
• 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.

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. 

• 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

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

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.