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Registered Nursing Program

Associate Degree Nursing Program Mission Statement

The mission of the MiraCosta College Nursing Program is to educate a diverse population of qualified students to become safe, competent, and caring registered nurses who will provide care in a variety of settings throughout the community. The program also serves as a foundation for educational mobility, personal growth, and lifelong learning.

The Nursing Program directly aligns with the college mission by providing educational opportunities to a diverse population of students in a supportive, caring environment.

Associate Degree Nursing Program Outcomes

  • At least 85% of entering students complete the nursing program within three years (graduation rate).
  • At least 85% of graduates past the NCLEX-RN as first time writers per national average.
  • At least 85% of employers rate graduates as average or above average in demonstrating nursing process, providing safe care, and behaving in a caring and professional manner.
  • At least 85% of graduates rate their education at MCC as above average in managing and providing care to patients.
  • At least 75% of graduates acquire their first RN position within one year of graduation.

This is a full time, 4 semester (summers not included) program which meets during the day.  Days and times vary per semester.  Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Exam (NCLEX) for licensure as a registered nurse. Graduates may also transfer their units to any 4-year college or university if a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) is desired.

Are you interested in a career in healthcare? This self-assessment tool will help you decide if Healthcare is a good fit for you. 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.

Admission Requirements and Application

The online application to the Registered Nursing Program will be available in SURF under "Student Forms" March 1-7 (to apply for fall) and September 1-7 (to apply for spring). 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

  • Completion of the following SCIENCE PREREQUISITES with a combined G.P.A. of 2.5 with no grade less than "C" for each course and no more than one repetition for a substandard grade in any one of the 3 courses:
    • Human Anatomy (BIO210) – 4 semester units or equivalent
    • Human Physiology (BIO220) – 4 semester units or equivalent 
    • Microbiology (BIO230) – 4 - 5 semester units or equivalent
  • Completion of the following PREREQUISITES with a grade of no less than “C”:
    • Composition and Reading (ENGL100) – 4 semester units or equivalent
    • Intermediate Algebra (MATH64) or Statistics (MATH103/103S, PSYC104, or SOC125) – 4 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 to Admissions and Records at least two weeks prior to the application deadline. Send official transcripts to transcripts@miracosta.edu.
  • 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.
    • TEAS Prep Workshop

Students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted two months prior to beginning the GENERIC ADN Program.

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 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.

    *Note: If you have any convictions on your background check in the last 7 years, you will not be eligible to start the program.

    Board of Registered Nursing
    1170 Durfee Ave., Suite G
    South El Monte, CA. 91733-4400
    626.575.7080