This is a full-time program that admits students once a year. Please refer to the current Class Schedule for course days and times. However, the schedule is subject to change without notice. Please note that students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted two months prior to beginning the LVN-RN Program.
Studies show that nursing students who work more than 24 hours per week (even in the health care setting) tend not to be successful in an RN program. It is highly recommended to restrict working hours.
Admission Requirements and Application
The department anticipates accepting applications again starting in Spring 2025. For those who are selected to begin in Summer and/or Fall 2025, there will be an orientation on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, from 9am-1pm and it is mandatory for all students to attend in person.
Eligibility Requirements for the LVN-RN Program
The online application to the LVN-RN Program will be available in SURF under "Student Forms" March 1-7 (to apply for both summer and fall). All applicants will be placed in a lottery for admission and must receive a minimum of 75 points from the multi-criteria point system to be considered and admitted to the program. All transcripts and official AP scores must be received at least two weeks prior to the application deadline (see Transcript Requirement below for further information).
Eligibility Requirements
- Current California Vocational Nursing License
- An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 for Human Anatomy (BIO 210 or BIO 210H), Human Physiology (BIO 220), and Microbiology (BIO 230) with no grade less than "C" for each course and no more than one repetition of any of these courses. Sciences must be 4 or more units and include a lab component.
- Completion of the following prerequisites with a grade of no less than “C”:
- Composition and Reading (ENGL100) – 4 semester units or equivalent
- Pharmacology Review & Update (PHAR201) – 3 semester units or equivalent
Sociology/Psychology and Communication/Speech must be completed to receive points in the “Fixed Set” GPA section. See Registered Nursing program information in the college catalog for the list of acceptable courses.
There is no expiration for any of the prerequisites. Those students holding a bachelor's degree in another discipline from a U.S. regionally accredited institution may not be required to take any other general education requirements for the A.S. Registered Nursing degree.
- Transcript Requirement: Please submit an official transcript from every college you have attended and official AP scores to Admissions and Records by February 15. Send official transcripts to transcripts@miracosta.edu. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm all official transcripts and AP scores are on file with Admissions and Records.
- Foreign Transcripts: If you took a prerequisite course in a foreign country, foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service for determining U.S. equivalency. View list of approved agencies.
- Testing Requirement: All students must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills
(TEAS). This is a diagnostic test that covers basic Math, Reading, and Science.
- Starting September 1, 2023, we will only accept ATI TEAS Version 7.
- Applicants that do not meet the minimum 62% are required to contact the Nursing Department to schedule an appointment with the Director to discuss a remediation plan before applying to the program.
- If you would like to increase your points, second attempt at the TEAS will be considered 6 months after the first attempt.
- If a student has multiple attempts the first TEAS score within the last 6 months will be accepted.
- Official TEAS score needs to be sent to MiraCosta College directly from ATI.
Students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted two months prior to beginning the LVN-RN Program.
Non-Degree 30-Unit Option
Any LVN licensed in the state of California is eligible to apply for the Non-Degree 30-Unit Option LVN-RN program, for which MiraCosta College acts as a facilitator. This program is prescribed by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and provides an RN license for California only. Other states may not recognize this option. A maximum of 30 units of nursing and support courses is required to fulfill the unit requirement for licensure by the BRN. This program is offered as space allows. Please contact the Nursing and Allied Health Department for course requirements.
Applicants who desire the 30-Unit Option complete the same application form required for LVN-ADN Step-Up students and indicate this choice on the application form where appropriate. Students may apply upon completion of the program prerequisite courses of:
- Human Physiology (BIO220) – 4 semester units or equivalent
- Introduction to Microbiolgy (BIO230) – 5 semester units or equivalent
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. Please contact the Program Director if you have questions.
For applicants who are notified that they have been accepted for enrollment in the program, there are additional requirements
- Health Requirements: Applicants selected for enrollment in the program must have a physical examination, laboratory tests, and immunizations just prior to starting the Nursing Program. The student must be free from communicable diseases, infections, and must be able to perform the essential requirements of the program with or without reasonable accommodations for disability.
- Students should plan on spending approximately $1500 per semester during the LVN-RN Program for tuition, uniforms, books, and the required software package, physical examination and immunizations. Since the clinical portion of the program is taught at local long term care facilities and hospitals, students must have reliable transportation to these sites and should budget for these expenses.
- Orientation and Advisement Session must be attended once accepted for enrollment in the program.
- ALL nursing students in ALL programs will be required to complete the background check and urine drug screen BEFORE BEGINNING THE NURSING PROGRAMS IN SAN DIEGO - THIS IS A HOSPITAL/HEALTH CARE AGENCY REQUIREMENT. Students will be given the information to obtain these requirements at the orientation and advisement.
If you have any convictions on your background check in the last 7 years, you will not be eligible to start the program.
The Associate Degree nursing program at MiraCosta College meets the state educational requirements for a Registered Nursing license in the state of California. MiraCosta College has not determined if the associate degree nursing program at MiraCosta College meets the state educational requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful.
Board of Registered Nursing
1170 Durfee Ave. Suite G
South El Monte CA. 91733-4400
626.575.7080
