Saddleback College Associate Degree in Nursing Program

Procedure for Application & Admissions Packet

We encourage all students interested in our nursing program to attend an information session.
Dates/times are posted on our website at https://www.saddleback.edu/hs/Nursing-Program. NO
RESERVATION IS NECESSARY. It is not mandatory to attend one of these meetings for
admittance into the program. Due to the nursing program being impacted, we will not be
accepting international students with F-1 visas into the program.
Application Periods: Applications are accepted twice a year. Check website for exact dates. We
do not have a waiting list. Admission to our RN program is based on the Saddleback College
ADN Program Multi-criteria for Enrollment. Students ranked with the highest points will be
invited into the program.
Directions for submitting application: All applications must be hand delivered to the Health
Science Division office located in HS 235 (no exceptions). If unable to drop off application in
person, you may have someone else deliver it on your behalf. You may also pay for a
courier/delivery service. We will not accept mailed applications. We encourage students to
reapply, should they not be initially admitted to the program. You will be required to resubmit all
documentation attached. We do not keep copies of previously submitted documentation (with the
exception to official transcripts, which will be kept on file with Admission & Records office).
Transcripts: All relevant official (sealed) transcripts must be sent to the Admission & Records
office prior to submitting application. Official transcripts previously sent to Admissions are kept
on file and do not need to be resubmitted unless changes have been made or additional relevant
coursework has been completed. It is your responsibility to ensure they are received at (949)
582-4555. No transcripts required for Saddleback/IVC coursework. International transcripts must
be evaluated by an acceptable third party see link: www.naces.org/members.html.
Interested in applying to Saddleback College Nursing program? Follow these steps.

❑ Step 1- If you are not a Saddleback/ IVC student, apply to the college online at:
https://www.saddleback.edu/admissions/Apply-Saddleback-College. Note: If you attended
Saddleback or Irvine Valley College in the past but missed one or more semesters you will
need to re-apply as a returning student.

❑ Step 2- Submit relevant official (sealed) transcripts to Admission & Records PRIOR to
submitting application (this includes any AP scores being used for credit or degrees being
claimed). See Multi-Criteria for Enrollment for relevant coursework. Note: If you’re using AP
scores you will need to order these in advance as they could take up to 2 months to receive.

❑ Step 3- Set up an appointment to meet with a counselor at (949) 582-4572 to review your
transcripts/ AP scores/ degrees/etc. to ensure nursing requirements are met before you submit an
application. If no degree has been earned also discuss GE requirements. If you have taken
coursework outside of Saddleback/IVC College, a petition for course substitution may be
required to receive credit.

Revised July 2019 1

 Applicant Eligibility:

 Be at least 18 years of age at the time of admission. Applicants must possess a social
security card. To enable a background check to be completed and to be eligible to apply
for NCLEX licensure upon program completion.

 All relevant official (sealed) Transcripts must be on file with Admission & Records
office prior to submitting application.

 Completion with a 2.8 GPA or better in the following science pre-requisites: Bio 11-
Human Anatomy, Bio 12- Human Physiology (must have been completed within the
last 7 yrs.), Bio 15- General Microbiology. Completion of English 1A- Principles of
Composition I or the equivalent with a “C” or better. No coursework IP will be
accepted. Grade must reflect on transcript to be eligible.

 Pass the ATI TEAS test with a 62% or higher. We no longer accept TEAS version
V. Students taking the TEAS test at other proctored locations (other than
Saddleback College) can print and attach their scores to the application. They do
not need to officially come from ATI. We accept only the first score within 365 days.

We encourage students to reapply, should they not be initially admitted to the program. You will be
required to resubmit all documentation attached to your application. We do not keep copies of previously
submitted documentation with the exception to official transcripts submitted to the admissions office.

Letters of acceptance: Will be mailed to the address listed on the application. It is the student’s
responsibility to notify us of any changes. It’s critical a student is available while awaiting
letter of acceptance. Once invited into the program, student must accept or decline admission
during the required response time as indicated in the letter. If a student declines the invitation
into the program, he/she must re-apply. A student is allowed only one declination of invitation.
Those invited into the program must be in adequate health to perform the duties of a nurse.
Students will be required to have a physical examination within 3 months of admission. The
following immunizations/ titers will be required: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, TDAP,
Hepatitis B, TB skin test, & seasonal flu shot. Students will also be required to complete a
background/drug test and obtain liability insurance prior to registering for nursing courses.
It is to the student’s advantage to complete the following courses prior to entry into the program
as they can be used to earn points. These courses are part of the General Education requirements
and required to earn your degree: *Must be completed prior or concurrently with 1st/2nd semester.

• *N 165- Lifecycle 1: Fundamentals of Aging (formerly Gerontology 101)

• *N 160- Pharmacology
• *N 161- Lifecycle II: Growth and Development
• Comm 1 or Comm 5 (formerly Speech 1 or 5)
• Psychology 1- Intro to Psych
• Math Requirement for AA degree or higher

Revised July 2019 2

 Saddleback College ADN Program Multi-Criteria for Admission

The criteria is made of 100 points total. Students with the highest points will be selected to enter the
program. In the event of a tie breaker, candidates will be selected in following order:
1) Completion of Nursing coursework, 2) GPA of Biology Prerequisites (Anatomy, Microbiology, &
Physiology), 3) ATI TEAS Score, and 4) Work or volunteer experience.

Only 1 of the following may be used for work or volunteer experience:

Licensed LVN, CNA, PM, EMT, Respiratory Therapists; documented medical
military experience, with work experience ≥ 1000 hours = 15 points, 500-999 hours
= 8 points, 0-499 hours = 5 points
OR
Phlebotomist, PCT, ER Tech, Hospital unit based clerical or telemetry staff, Health
care related therapists/tech, such as Physical of Occupational therapists, Medical
Assistant with work experience ≥ 1000 hours = 8 points, 0-999 hours = 5 points
OR
Physical Therapy Aide, Medical Scribe, Dental Hygienist, Radiology/CV tech, Home
Health Aide, Athletic Trainer (not a personal trainer) = 5 points
OR
Completion of N 204- Beginning Nursing Concepts at Saddleback College with a
“B” or better + volunteer activity with direct patient care contact ≥ 200 hours = 5
points
OR
Completion of N 204-Beginning Nursing Concepts at Saddleback College with a “B”
or better = 3 points
OR
Clinical Care Extender, Adapted Kinesiology Assistant, or other program of
volunteer activity with direct human patient care contact ≥ 200 hours = 2 points
Maximum points under this category is 15 points

Proficiency or completion of Completion of relevant Academic Degrees from regionally

advanced coursework in 2nd
language (other than English)
= 2 points
*Verification must be provided
even if native
Maximum points under this
category is 2 points
GPA of Biology prerequisites:
(Anatomy, Microbiology &
Physiology)
4.0 = 30 points
3.6-3.9 = 25 points
3.3-3.5 = 20 points
3.0-3.2 = 15 points
2.9 = 5 points
Maximum points under this
category is 30 points
nursing coursework:
N 160 Pharmacology = 5 points
N 165 Lifecycle I (GERO) = 3
points
N 161 Lifecycle II = 3 points
Psychology 1 = 3 points
Comm 1 or 5 (formerly Speech
1 or 5) = 3 points
Math requirement for AA/AS
or higher = 3 points
Maximum points under this
category is 20 points
Life Experience: (everyone
receives) = 3 points
Maximum points under this
category is 3 points
accredited college
BS/BA or higher = 5 points
AA/AS = 2 points
*Degree must be posted on official
transcripts to claim
Maximum points under this
category is 5 points
ATI TEAS Score:
85-100% = 25 points
78-84.9% = 20 points
71-77.9% = 15 points
64-70.9% = 10 points
62-63.9% = 5 points
Maximum points under this
category is 25 points

Revised July 2019 3

Program Costs: The expenses for a first semester nursing student cost approximately $2500 or
more. Students in need of financial assistance should apply for financial aid at www.fafsa.gov. If
you need one-on-one assistance you can attend a Saddleback College Financial Aid Application
Workshop every Tuesday from 4:00-5:30pm in the Career & Re-Entry Center (SSC-140).
Scholarship information can be found at https://www.saddleback.edu/fao/scholarship-
information. The entire program may cost approximately $6000. Upon completion of the
program, the cost for the Board of Registered Nursing application, licensure exam, interim
permit, and live scan is approx. $500 or more.
Additional Information: Students who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are
required to disclose this information on their application to take the RN licensure exam. A
conviction may affect your eligibility to take this exam. Students who have concerns about
these circumstance should contact the Board of Registered Nursing at (916) 322-3350 or
visit www.rn.ca.gov before starting the nursing program.
Eligibility Requirements for RN Licensure Exam: In order to take the NCLEX-RN licensure
exam, one of the following curriculum options must be completed.
1. Associate Degree in Nursing (graduate)
• Prerequisite courses
• Required core courses
• General education requirements

2. Registered Nurse Certificate (non-graduate)

• Prerequisite courses
• Required core courses
Students who complete only the registered nurse certificate will take the NCLEX-RN as a non-
graduate. Some states require an Associated Degree (“graduate”) status before allowing licensure
by reciprocity. In other words, non-graduates may not be allowed to practice nursing as an RN
in another state with their California license. For that reason, completion of the associate
degree in nursing is highly recommended.

For more information, please contact the Health Science & Human Services Division office at
(949) 582-4701.

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 Saddleback College
Division of Health Sciences and Human Services
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM CURRICULUM

PREREQUISITE COURSES
Course ID Title Units
BIO 11 Human Anatomy 4
BIO 15 General Microbiology 5
BIO 12 Human Physiology** 4
ENG 1A English 1A * 4
Total Units 17
**Human Physiology must have been completed within the last 7 years.
* Freshman Composition 3 unit equivalent course will be accepted
REQUIRED CORE COURSES (Effective August 2007) RECOMMENDED COURSES
Sem Course Title Units Course Title
ID ID
I • N 160 * Pharmacology 3.00 FN 161 Nutrition for Health Occupations
• N165 * Lifecycle I: Fundamentals of Aging 1.50 FN 50 Fundamentals of Nutrition
• N 170 Nursing Process 7.50 N 263 Skills Lab Basic(must be enrolled in nursing
• N 171 Mental Health 3.00 program)
Nursing 15.00 HSC 201 Medical Terminology
Total Units HSC 228 Calculations for Medication Administration
II • PSYC 1 * Introduction to Psychology 3.00
• N 161 * Lifecycle II: Growth & Development 1.50 N 267 Skills Lab Intermediate(must be enrolled in nursing
• N 172 Medical-Surgical Nursing 8.50 program)
Total Units 13.00
N 245 IV Therapy Techniques for Nurses

III • N 173 Nursing Care of Children & 3.50 HSC 217 Cardiac Dysrhythmias
• N 174 Families Women’s Health Nursing 3.50 HSC 226 Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Total Units 7.00 HSC 227 Pediatric Advanced Life Support
N 264 Skills Lab Specialties(must be enrolled in nursing
program)
IV • Comm 1(or)* Communication Fundamentals (or) 3.00 N 265 Skills Lab Advanced(must be enrolled in nursing
Comm 5 Interpersonal Communication program)
• N 176 Advanced Nursing 8.00
Total Units 11.00 SE 101 Introduction to Therapy & Rehabilitation
Total Units 46.00

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

*American Institutions 3 units
*Fine Arts and Humanities (1 course each from Group A and Group B) 6 units
*Life Skills Waived
*Survey and Assessment of Fitness (KNES 107) 1 units
Total 10 units
Demonstration of Mathematics and Reading Competency required as listed in the College Catalog. Information C ompetency for Nursing is met with
N176. Math competency is Intermediate Algebra or higher. (Math 205 also qualifies but is NOT recommended for eventual BSN candidates. See counselor)

*Courses can be taken prior to entry into the program

If Psych 7 was taken prior to August 2007, it will be grandfathered into the program as a substitute for N161.

NOTE: *N160, *N161, *GERO 101, *PSYCH I, and *Comm 1 or 5 must be completed with a minimum grade of “C”
or better prior to or concurrent with the semester for which they are listed.

April 2019