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).
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.
Possess a social security card, to enable a background check to be completed and to be eligible to apply for NCLEX licensure upon program completion.
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.
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.
Spring 2024
The application period for Spring 2024 entry will open at 12 a.m. on July 1, 2023 and close at 11:59 p.m. on July 8, 2023. See “Steps to Take Prior to Applying” for details.
NOTE: We are only accepting Version 7 of the TEAS exam. No older versions will be eligible.
Fall 2023
The application period for Fall 2023 is now closed. The last day to apply was on February 8, 2023.
All communication regarding your submission will be sent to your Submittable account. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are checking their Submittable account to ensure they do not miss any important information.
The point cut off for Fall 2023 entry fell at 83 points with alternates ranging from 80-82 points.
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.
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:
TEAS Version 7: Monday, June 12th at 9 a.m.
TEAS Version 7: Monday, June 26th at 9 a.m.
NOTE: We are currently at capacity for our ATI TEAS Exam and are no longer taking reservations.
Please complete and review the following information prior to testing:
Make sure your demographic information is completed or updated in your ATI account.
Complete a dry run at least 3 days prior to testing to ensure no issues day of the test. To complete a dry run, log into your ATI account, select the "My ATI" tab at the top, then select the "Test" tab, then select "Add Product" and enter the Assessment ID: 18137817 and password: 28S7845A58.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
GPA of Biology Prerequisites- Anatomy, Microbiology, & Physiology
ATI TEAS score
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:
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:
Copy of valid current license.
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:
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:
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.
NOTE: this is subject to change. Official transcripts must be on file with Admissions & Records prior to submitting your application.
Once invited into the program, the student must accept or decline admission during the required response time as indicated in their letter. If a student declines the invitation into the program, he/she must re-apply. A student is allowed only one declination of invitation.
If invited as an alternate, the student must accept or decline admission during the required response time and complete the same requirements being asked as the invited student to remain an alternate.
Those invited into the program must be in adequate health to perform the duties of a nurse. Students will be required to obtain the following titers/immunizations/vaccines within 3 months of admission and should get started on these right away:
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Varicella
TDAP
Hepatitis B
TB Skin test
COVID-19 (full immunity)
Annual Physical
Annual Seasonal Flu shot
More details can be found on the Mandatory Health Assessment packet. Students will also need to complete a background/drug test, obtain liability insurance, and have health insurance, BLS CPR card through American Heart Association and more.
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.
Advanced Placement LVN Transfer Packet - Coming Fall 2024
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 $23 for Fall and Spring, $19 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)
