Advanced Placement
We are pleased that you are interested in the Advanced Placement Program at College of the Desert. To learn more about our programs, please attend an Information Session.
If you have additional questions after reviewing the information below, please contact the Health Sciences/Nursing Office at (760) 773-2578 or reach out to the Nursing Counselor.
To schedule an appointment with the Nursing Counselor, please email NursingCounselor@collegeofthedesert.edu or call (760) 773-2578. When requesting an appointment, be sure to include your full name, availability, phone number, and student ID number (if applicable).
For specific questions about financial aid, FAFSA, BOG waivers, etc., please check with the Financial Aid Office at (760) 773-2532.
LVN to RN Transition Program
Advanced placement is defined as entering the nursing program at a level beyond the first semester.
The Nursing Department offers advanced placement opportunities that permit students to obtain credit for previous education or for other acquired knowledge in the field of nursing, including military education and experience, Licensed Vocational Nurses, or other healthcare workers. A challenge exam may be required.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). (404) 975-5000
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
The program is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). (916) 322-3350
Mailing Address: Board of Registered Nursing
PO Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
Physical Address: Board of Registered Nursing
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834-1924
By the end of the program, students will:
- Demonstrate accountability for the delivery of nursing care while influencing the behavior of others to achieve shared goals.
- Demonstrate the professional identity of nursing.
- Assimilate clinical judgment, rooted in evidence-based practice, to provide nursing care at an entry level.
- Design client-centered care for individuals that recognizes the client as a full partner with individual preferences and beliefs.
- Integrate communication principles to foster a respectful environment that supports shared decision-making in the efforts of improving the client’s optimal wellness.
- Competently manage all aspects of safety for clients through system effectiveness, individual performance, and quality improvement to minimize the risk of harm to clients
We believe community college students bring a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds,
life experiences, learning styles, and developmental levels to the learning environment.
The college community provides the opportunity for students and faculty to participate
in cultural exchange; it encourages the examination and development of ideas through
a balanced social forum and provides an environment for growth. We support self-development,
including ongoing self-assessment and
evaluation.
Philosophy of the Individual
We believe each person, regardless of race, creed, religion, or culture, is a unique, complex, holistic being and deserving of respect. All persons share with others common human attributes and basic human needs, adapting to physical and psychosocial experiences and stresses. Individuals have an inherent right to strive to attain optimal health and achieve their full potential in life. They possess dignity and self-worth and have the right to information that will assist them to make informed decisions regarding health care. We believe that access to health care is the right of each member of society.
Philosophy of Health
We believe health and illness are relative, ever-changing states of being. Individuals
exist on a continuum ranging from a state of optimal functioning to the absence of
discernible disease to obvious disease that can result in death. Illness occurs when
there is an alteration in the function of one or more body systems. We believe the
health care delivery system is changing quickly in response to societal demands, rapidly
changing technology, and the increasing lifespan. These changes have
resulted in a collaborative level of interaction between health care workers and the
consumer.
Philosophy of Nursing
We believe that nursing is a dynamic profession in which nurses work collaboratively to provide safe, compassionate, client-centered, holistic health care. As members of the health care team, nurses have an evolving practice, based on innovations, emerging technologies, and changing societal needs, based on the Art of Caring. Nursing blends evidence-based practice with the altruistic art of caring to promote, maintain, and restore wellness. Nursing demonstrates professionalism and caring for vulnerable individuals throughout their lifespan using cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills. Nurses assist individuals to use their available resources to adapt to an optimum level of functioning.
Philosophy of Nursing Education
Nursing education occurs in a variety of settings and prepares graduates with different levels of expertise. The nursing faculty uses a systematic approach to instruction that builds on previously learned knowledge from related disciplines and life experiences.
We believe that sound nursing education is based upon concepts relating to the individual,
health/illness, environment, and nursing. Nursing education values and adheres to
professional standards and regulatory guidelines, and incorporates knowledge from
a variety of disciplines, including the humanities, social, physical, and natural
sciences. Nursing education facilitates students gathering the knowledge, skills,
and attitudes that provide the framework for students to assume
responsibility and accountability as nurses.
Nursing education provides the environment that fosters students to become managers
of care, learn to anticipate the needs of their patients, and learn how to advocate
for health promotion and risk reduction. Nursing education provides students with
the tools necessary to become change agents for the individual as well as for the
profession of nursing. We believe that nursing education provides students with the
foundation for safe nursing practice. We believe nursing education is a transformative
process that builds upon past learning and serves as the beginning of a journey of
lifelong learning for the
professional nurse.
A variety of caregivers are educated at different levels to provide health care services
to the public. The Vocational nurse is educated to be a responsible member of a health
care team, performing basic therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive care. The
role of the Vocational nurse is an evolving one and encompasses providing specific
services to patients under the direction of a licensed physician and/or registered
professional nurse.
Registered nurses with an Associate Degree in nursing function as designers, providers,
managers, coordinators of care, and are members of the profession. They utilize critical
thinking and clinical reasoning processes in their practice, including the establishment
of priorities, performance of therapeutic interventions, and evaluation of client
outcomes.
Philosophy of Teaching & Learning
We believe that learning results in a change in behavior that can be measured and
that persists. Optimum learning for a diverse student body occurs in a non-threatening,
supportive environment, in which frequent feedback is an essential element. Learning
is a life-long process. We believe that optimal learning occurs when multiple evidence-based
teaching methodologies are utilized in an environment with mutual respect and collaboration
between learners, faculty, and
healthcare team members.
We, as nurse educators, believe that accountability, ethical standards, moral values,
and high-level integrity lead to a successful nursing graduate. Learning is maximized
when the student feels a need to learn and accepts a share of the responsibility of
planning and implementing the learning experience. The engaged, motivated learner
enters the educational process with valuable life experiences, personal initiative,
commitment to the profession, and a belief in the worth and dignity of all persons.
Through passionate engagement, critical reflection, and multiple ways of knowing,
relating, and learning, students
will apply theory to ensure safe nursing practice.
We, as nurse educators, are an expression of the profession and facilitate a safe,
collaborative, interactive learning environment. In an environment of student-centered
learning, faculty foster and stimulate critical thinking, clinical reasoning and judgment,
and an appreciation of social, ethical, and cultural diversity. In collaboration with
the student, the nurse educator utilizes a multi-level curriculum moving from simple
to complex concepts to develop safe, competent, caring,
professional nurses.
We believe that a curriculum producing well-educated nursing professionals should
include the following program concepts: holistic patient-centered care, evidence-based
practice, professionalism, safety, caring, and collaboration/communication.
Adopted: 02/20; Revised: 05/22
Reviewed: 05/22
Frequently Asked Questions and Admission Information
The LVN to RN Program is designed for currently practicing LVNs. The program allows advanced placement in the RN program. Placement is based on individual assessment of previous learning credits and qualifications.
Eligibility criteria for the LVN to RN program include:
Science GPA 2.5 (no grade less than C)
Science courses must be within 10 years
No more than two repeats in the sciences in the last 7 years
BIO-013: Anatomy and Physiology w/lab-4 units
BIO-014: Anatomy and Physiology II w/lab – 4 units
BIO-015 Microbiology w/lab – 4 units
ENG-001A: College-level transferable English course that includes a research component
– 4 semester units
Unencumbered LVN License
N-057: Transition to Registered Nursing - 2.5 units in the last 2 years. (beginning
with applicants for Fall 2025 entry)
IV Certification is required to challenge the second semester
Although not required for eligibility, the multi-criteria worksheet is used to establish points for each applicant. The higher the points, the more likely the applicant is to gain entrance to the program.
This course is designed for the licensed vocational nurse seeking transition into the role of the registered nurse at the College of the Desert. The course facilitates the transition of the LVN and other approved challenge/advanced placement students into the second year of the RN program. Active and unencumbered California licensure as an LVN/LPN, and current intravenous therapy/blood withdrawal certification.
It provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the second year of the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) program. Students will gain a deeper understanding of nursing concepts and refine their clinical skills through both theoretical and hands-on laboratory experiences.
Starting August 1, 2024, all LVN to RN candidates must have successfully completed the N-057 course before applying to the program.
The N-057 course must be successfully completed within 2 years of applying to the program.
The N-057 course will meet all testing requirements for advanced placement.
College of the Desert Application Requirements
All applicants must first apply for admission to College of the Desert (COD) before
submitting an application to a nursing program. Information regarding the college
application process is available on the Admissions and Records webpage.
Returning Students: Students who have previously attended COD but have not enrolled in a course during the previous academic year must submit a new application for admission to the college.
Selection of Major: When completing the COD application, applicants will not find “Nursing” listed as an available major. Applicants must select “Health Sciences” as their major. Upon acceptance into a nursing program, the student’s major will be manually updated to Nursing.
LVN-RN Program Admission Requirements
Admission to the LVN-RN program requires a separate application to the nursing program.
Applicants must first satisfy all established eligibility requirements to be considered
for admission. Eligible applicants are then evaluated and ranked according to the
points earned through the multi-criteria selection process.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
All grades must be officially posted and submitted with the application to qualify for points.
Applications will only be accepted during designated application periods.
Effective Spring 2020, the Nursing Program will accept online and hybrid courses until further notice.
Courses with emergency withdrawals (EWs) will not be considered repeats under the repeat policy, which allows for two repeats within a seven-year period.
Pass/No Pass or Credit/No Credit courses are not accepted for prerequisite or degree requirements.
All official transcripts and documentation must be on file by the application deadline.
Applicants will apply using the updated multi-criteria.
Applicants are advised to thoroughly review all instructions prior to commencing the application. The application requires approximately one hour to complete and must be submitted in a single session, as saving progress for later completion is not permitted.
Please allow six weeks following the application deadline for processing.
Fall 2027: January 12th-26th, 2027
*Students will be notified by mid-March
Spring 2028: July 13th-27th, 2027
*Students will be notified by mid-September
Allow up to 6 weeks for processing after the application deadline. Students will be notified of their application status via their MYCOD student email.
*Notification timelines are subject to change. Students who have not received a notification after six weeks following the application deadline may contact nursingadmissions@collegeofthedesert.edu for further assistance.
All future applications for the RN program will be available in January for fall admissions and in July for spring admissions.
Applications will be digital with automated responses. Please make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the application. The application will take approximately 1 hour to complete and must be completed at one time (no save option).
Applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree from the U.S. may have certain courses waived. Questions regarding the process may be directed to the Nursing Counselor. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 760-773-2579.
Courses Required:
- BI-013
- BI-014
- BI-015
- ENGL-C1000
- PSYC-C1000 or PSY-003
- One of the following: Communication C-1000, 009, 013, or 017
- STAT-C1000 or SOC-003
- COD GE Area A3: Arts Humanities and Culture (3 unit minimum)
- COD GE Area A6: Ethnic Studies (3 unit minimum)
- COD GE Area A7: Personal Growth and Development, Health, Activity and Wellness (2 unit minimum)
In addition to eligibility and prerequisite requirements, once a student is registered, further items are required to begin courses and clinical rotations. You will receive information on how to complete these items once admitted to the program.
- TEAS exam with a score of 62% or greater
- Valid Social Security card*
- Valid Government ID
- Clear background check
- Clear drug screen
- Physical Exam
- Current American Heart Association CPR card**
- Malpractice Insurance
- Communicable disease clearance (titers and Vaccinations)
- Meet ADA technical standards
- iPad, iPad pencil, iPad keyboard (more information provided upon admission)
*While Social Security Numbers or ITIN are not required to take classes at COD, the facilities used by the Nursing Program for clinical instruction DO require them as part of their security clearance process. Social Security Numbers or ITINs are also required for licensing and/or certification examinations at the completion of the various healthcare programs. If you do not have a Social Security Number, please contact the Dreamer's Recource Center for further instructions.
**BLS certifications are required before the start of the semester. Please plan accordingly.
Students can obtain this certification through an outside resource or by taking KINE-001 First Aid and Safety (in-person/hybrid) at College of the Desert. KINE-001 will be offered in all terms based on enrollment numbers.
Please note that costs are estimated. Costs may vary depending on insurance coverage and financial assistance. The total program cost is estimated at $2744.05.
| Item | Cost |
| Tuition- Resident of CA ($46/unit)* | $414.001 $414.002 |
| Student Fees & Malpractice Insurance | $61.001 $61.002 |
| Nursing Skills Kit | $193.631 $41.822 |
| Uniforms | $300.001 $0.002 |
| Textbook Bundle | $636.601 $0.002 |
| Nursing ID Badge | $10.001 $10.002 |
| Health Records & Vaccinations (depending on insurance) | $300.001 $50.002 |
| Background Check | $150.001 $0.002 |
| Drug Screen | $50.001 $50.002 |
*May vary for out-of-state residents
1Cost During First Term
2Cost During Second Term
Licensure cost (NCLEX application, exam, and live scan) is estimated at $725.00
| Term | Core Courses: 16-week Courses |
| Third Semester |
NRN 210: Chronic Alterations in Health |
| Fourth Semester |
NRN 220: Acute Complex Alterations in Health AND NRN 250: Transition to Practice |
