The Associate in Science Degree Registered Nursing Program at Sacramento City College is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete general education, science, and nursing courses with related clinical experiences in local hospitals. The Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the California Board of Licensed Vocational Nursing- Psychiatric Technicians. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete general education, science and vocational nursing courses with related experiences in local clinical facilities. There is an Associate Degree and Certificate available in Vocational Nursing.
Nursing applications for all programs are held once a year during the period of February 1 to 28.The Registered Nursing program is 4 semesters in length and the Vocational Nursing Program is 3 semesters. The career mobility LVN to RN track is 3 semesters in length with a full-time and part-time option available. In addition to regular expenses such as enrollment fees, living costs, activity fees, and books, nursing students have the expense of uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, graduation, and licensing costs. They also are responsible for their physical examination, immunizations, background check, and drug screen, as well as transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences. COVID vaccines are highly recommended due to the potential for exposure and transmission in the clinical setting. Covid vaccines and boosters are required for the Vocational Nursing Program with no exemptions accepted due to clinical facility requirements. COVID vaccines are highly recommended for the RN Program, however clinical facilities will accept approved medical or religious exemptions which must be processed by the Los Rios Community College District via the nursing program. COVID vaccine policies are subject to change based on clinical facility requirements. All enrolled students must have a current American Heart Association Health Provider CPR with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) card.
All of the nursing programs include a rigorous course of study. Student learning in the VN Program is all in-person. Student learning in the RN Program is partially online for each course with the majority of the coursework occurring in-person on campus and in the clinical setting. Access to a reliable internet connection is required to access the CANVAS learning system and course materials. In order to ensure academic success and to protect students’ health, full-time employment is not advisable. It is recommended that students who must continue outside employment reduce their hours to 8-12 hours or less per week. Nursing courses must be taken in sequence. Informational meetings are held several times each semester to provide prospective students with information about program prerequisites, the enrollment process, and other requirements in the program.
The Nursing Department includes two board-approved programs: Associates Degree – Nursing (ADN) and Vocational Nursing (VN). Each program has pre-requisite courses, plus nursing theory with concurrent clinical practice. Graduates of both programs are eligible to sit for the licensure examination and are prepared for employment. A career mobility LVN to RN track is also available that culminates in achieving the Associate Degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Entry to mid-level
Financial requirements of the four-semester, full-time program total approximately $6,100, which includes:
Students must have access to a computer, internet, printer, ink, and paper. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Students with a baccalaureate degree or over 72 units are not eligible for financial aid. Students with a conviction history may not be allowed in a clinical facility and may not be qualified for a nursing license. The BRN has the right to deny any graduate the opportunity to take the licensure exam.
The financial requirements of the program are approximately $4,200, which includes:
Students must have access to a computer, internet, printer, ink and paper; students must also have reliable transportation to off-campus clinical facilities. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Applicants are encouraged to meet with a SCC counselor and attend VN Program Information Meetings.
The purpose of the Vocational Nursing Program at SCC is to prepare a graduate who is eligible for licensure, utilizes the nursing process effectively within health care agencies, and is able to provide competent patient care as an entry-level professional vocational nurse. The purpose is also to prepare nurses who function within legal and ethical boundaries, and who are responsible for continuing education activities that will aid in maintaining competency in practice.
Every person, regardless of race, creed, sex or age, is worthy of being treated with respect. All people share common human attributes and have basic human needs. People change continuously and adapt to stressors throughout their lives. People respond to each stressor based on current perceptions and past experiences, striving to attain optimal wellness and to maximize their potential in life.
Nursing is an art and a science, founded on a professional body of knowledge that integrates concepts from liberal arts, biological, physical, psychological and social sciences. Nursing is based on an understanding of the human condition across the life span, cultural and spiritual aspects, and the relationships of an individual with others and within the environment. Nursing is a dynamic, continually evolving discipline that uses critical thinking to integrate increasingly complex knowledge, skills, technologies and patient care activities into evidence-based nursing practice. The goal of nursing care in any setting is preventing illness, alleviating suffering, and providing protection, promoting comfort and restoring health, and promoting the dignity of the individual in end of life issues. Nursing care requires the ability to recognize and differentiate levels of wellness and illness and use appropriate independent judgments in the practice of nursing.
The nurse provides a complete assessment of the health status of the patient and/or family, and implements a holistic approach to a plan of care. The nurse assists in promoting health, in coping with health problems, in adapting to, and/or recovering from the effects of disease or injury, and in supporting the right to a dignified death. The nurse is accountable for abiding by the legal and ethical boundaries of vocational nursing practice.
Education is an ongoing process of gaining knowledge and skills. Nursing education provides the basic competencies necessary to become eligible for licensure and function as vocational nurse. The student gains an appreciation for the necessity of ongoing education in order to provide safe, effective care. This education is provided within a comprehensive and relevant nursing curriculum, which supports career mobility for both returning and entering students.
The adult learners who come to the SCC nursing program have different learning needs and styles. Many have life experiences that influence their approach to learning. Most of our students have families and maintain employment. Some of our students come to the nursing program for a second career. Our philosophy of learning is sensitive to our unique, culturally diverse, adult students who ultimately must be responsible for their own learning.
The learning process is strengthened when the relationship between concepts is apparent, and the learner has the opportunity to apply theoretical principles in clinical situations. Adult learners tend to be self-directed and wish to apply knowledge immediately. They are highly motivated when information is perceived as relevant and useful. Student achievements are influenced by their self-perception and the environment in which they are taught. Learning is fostered in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Success fosters success. Repetition, practice, experiential activities and recognition of achievement promotes learning and retention.
The learning process is further enhanced through faculty-student interaction in the classroom. This modality of dynamic interaction requires student reading and content preparation prior to theory classes, which utilize a variety of learning activities. Limited student-teacher ratios facilitate optimum learning in the clinical area and are essential for safe practice. In addition, the clinical skills lab and simulation lab provide opportunities to learn and practice skills, decision making, and leadership in a safe environment.
Support services are available to maximize student success. These services include faculty advising, learning resource center referrals, lab skills practice, computer assisted instruction, and tutorial services. Faculty implements the recommendations from the Disability Resource Center regarding learning differences of students. Students are responsible for setting up testing time with the Disability Resource Center.
The purpose of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at SCC is to prepare a graduate who is eligible for licensure, utilizes the nursing process effectively within health care agencies, and is able to provide competent patient care as an entry-level professional registered nurse. The purpose is also to graduate nurses who function within legal and ethical boundaries, and who are responsible for continuing education activities that will aid in maintaining competency in practice.
Every person, regardless of culture, ethnicity, creed, sex/gender, lifestyle, or age, is worthy of being treated with respect. All people share common human attributes and have basic human needs. People change continuously and adapt to stressors throughout their lives. Individuals respond to each stressor based on current perceptions and past experiences, striving to attain optimal wellness and to maximize their potential in life.
Nursing is both an art and a science, founded on a professional body of knowledge that integrates concepts from the liberal arts, and the biological, physical, psychological, and social sciences. Nursing is based on an understanding of the human condition across the life span, cultural and spiritual aspects and the relationships of an individual with others and within the environment. Nursing is a dynamic, continually evolving discipline that utilizes critical thinking to integrate increasingly complex knowledge, skills, technologies and patient care activities into evidence-based nursing practice. The goal of nursing care in any setting is preventing illness, alleviating suffering, protecting, promoting comfort and restoring health, and promoting the dignity of the individual in end-of-life issues. Nursing care requires the ability to recognize and differentiate levels of wellness and illness and use appropriate clinical reasoning and judgment in the practice of nursing.
The nurse provides a comprehensive assessment of the health status of the patient and/or family, and then develops and implements a holistic approach to a plan of care. The nurse assists in promoting health, in coping with health problems, in adapting to and/or recovering from the effects of disease or injury, and in supporting the right to a dignified death. The nurse is accountable for abiding by the legal and ethical boundaries of registered nursing practice.
Caring is defined as the interaction of the nurse and client in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust that acknowledges the biases of self and others. In this collaborative and therapeutic relationship, the nurse provides encouragement, hope, support, and compassion to diverse clients as they evolve throughout their lifespan to help achieve desired client outcomes.
Education is an ongoing process of gaining knowledge and skills. Nursing education provides the basic competencies necessary to become eligible for licensure and function as a registered nurse. The student gains an appreciation for the necessity of ongoing education in order to provide safe, effective care. This education is provided within a comprehensive and relevant nursing curriculum, which supports career mobility for both returning and entering students.
The adult learners who come to the SCC nursing program have different learning needs and styles. Many have life experiences that influence their approach to learning. Most of our students have families and maintain employment. Some of our students come to the nursing program for a second career. Our philosophy of learning is sensitive to our unique, culturally diverse, adult students who ultimately must be responsible for their own learning.
The learning process is strengthened when the relationship between concepts is apparent and the learner has the opportunity to apply theoretical principles in clinical situations. Adult learners tend to be self-directed and wish to apply knowledge immediately. They are highly motivated when information is perceived as relevant and useful. Student achievements are influenced by their self-perception and the environment in which they are taught. Learning is fostered in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Success fosters success. Repetition, practice, experiential activities, and recognition of achievement promote learning and retention.
The learning process is further enhanced through faculty-student interaction in the classroom and/or online. This modality of dynamic interaction requires student reading and content preparation prior to theory classes, which utilize a variety of learning activities. Limited student-teacher ratios facilitate optimum learning in the clinical area and are essential for safe practice. In addition, the clinical skills lab and simulation lab provide opportunities to learn and practice skills, decision-making, and leadership in a safe environment.
Support services are available to maximize student success. These services include faculty advising, learning resource center referrals, lab skills practice, computer-assisted instruction, and tutorial services. Faculty implements the recommendations from the Disability Resource Center regarding learning differences of students.
