Thirty Unit Option Policy
LVN to RN Transition Program Only
BACKGROUND:
The 30-unit option is prescribed by the Board of Registered Nursing in California as an alternative for applicants who are Licensed Vocational Nurses in the state of California. This pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse was designed as a career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses wishing to become Registered Nurses. The students who choose the 30-unit option take fewer courses to become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN® and become Registered Nurses in the state of California. These students typically do not have to repeat courses that they have already taken (e.g., Pediatrics and Obstetric Nursing). This option is only available on a space available basis.
Students who are considering this option need to be aware of the following:
- NO DEGREE IS GRANTED UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM (students who complete the program do not earn the Associate Degree of Science in Nursing).
- STUDENTS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NURSING PINNING CEREMONY OR OBTAIN A NURSING PIN SINCE THEY ARE CONSIDERED NON-DEGREE GRADUATES.
- MOST OTHER STATES DO NOT RECOGNIZE CALIFORNIA’S 30 UNIT OPTION AND WILL NOT ISSUE REGISTERED NURSE LICENSURE TO THESE STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED THE 30 UNIT OPTION (students may not practice outside of the state of California)
- STUDENTS COMPLETING THE 30 UNIT OPTION AND ARE CONSIDERING CONTINUING THEIR EDUCATION FOR ADVANCED DEGREES IN NURSING (RN-BSN OR RN-MSN) MAY FIND APPLYING DIFFICULT (rn.ca.gov/careers/steps.shtml)
POLICY:
- Students who are considering the 30-unit option must meet with the Interim Associate Dean of Nursing to discuss all options that can be explored prior to beginning the application process.
- Students are required to complete the same application process as for the generic/traditional Associate Degree Nursing Program.
- Students can apply during the application periods that occur twice a year only after all pre-requisites are completed.
The 30 Unit Option at Grossmont College
Includes the Following Courses:
Pre-requisites:
|
Course |
Units |
|
|
Bio 141 |
Physiology |
3 |
|
Bio 141L |
Physiology Lab |
1 |
|
Bio152 |
Microbiology |
5 |
Nursing:
|
Course |
Units |
|
|
Nursing 220 |
Medical-Surgical Nursing II |
5.5 |
|
Nursing 222 |
Psychiatric and Community Health Nursing |
5.5 |
|
Nursing 230 |
Medical-Surgical Nursing III |
8 |
|
Total # of Units |
28 |
This option has both advantages and disadvantages.
The primary advantages are:
- there are fewer courses to complete to become licensed.
- there is no repeat of content (i.e. pediatrics and maternity) that has already been completed in their vocational nursing program.
The disadvantages are:
- those completing this option will not be graduates of the program or Grossmont College therefore, ineligible to receive a nursing program pin.
- those completing this option and subsequently becoming a RN in California, who wish to become licensed in another state will commonly find that they do not meet licensure requirements to become an RN in any other state but California.
Before considering the 30-unit option, please consult with the Director of Nursing at Grossmont College to discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Please contact the Nursing Program office at (619) 644-7301 to set up a time to speak with the director.
Applicants who desire this option will complete the same application form required for LVN-RN Step-Up students and should indicate this choice on the application form where appropriate. Students may apply upon completion of the program pre-requisite courses.