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LVN to RN 30 Unit Option Certificate (California)

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Program Overview

California Only

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) who desire to complete the minimum number of units required to take the licensure examination may apply for this LVN to RN option. LVNs who select the “30 Unit” option method to satisfy the requirements for licensure as a registered nurse should consult the Chair of the Department of Nursing for an individual program consultation to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this option.

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Course Details

Required Preparation

  • 6 courses; 18 quarter units

CorequisiteBIO 191A, or BIO 201A; Recommended: Prior completion ofBIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A

Areas of study include chemistry, cells, tissues, organ systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the development and repair of the organs and tissues in these systems. BIO201 should be taken with the co-requisite section of either BIO191A or BIO 201A with the same instructor (and classmates).

CorequisiteBIO 201; Recommended: Prior completion ofBIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A or equivalent courses.

This laboratory course examines organ systems (skeletal, muscular and nervous). Students conduct cat/fetal pig dissections to identify and learn how skeletal muscles are organized according to body region. Sheep brain is used as a model to study human brain.

CorequisiteBIO 202A; PrerequisiteBIO 201 and BIO 201A

Organ systems (endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the effects of genetics, diet, lifestyle, and the environment.

CorequisiteBIO 202; PrerequisiteBIO 201; BIO 201A

This laboratory course examines homeostasis in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, along with digestive, and urinary systems. Chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, development and different types of inheritance through the testing of vision, hearing and taste and smell. Cat/fetal pig is used to study the internal organs.

CorequisiteBIO 203A Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.; Recommended: Prior completion ofBIO 100 and BIO 100A; CHE 101 and CHE 101A or equivalent courses; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A

Biology of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and viruses. The epidemiology of disease-causing agents is studied, along with the fundamentals of the human immune response. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.

CorequisiteBIO 203; Recommended: Prior completion ofBIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A

This laboratory course introduced students to procedures for handling microbes, methods of identification of microorganisms (microscopic and by diagnostic media), preparation of stained slides and wet mounts, aseptic techniques, isolation of a single colony, preparation of a pure culture, inoculation and interpretation of select diagnostic tests. This two-month course is a combination of lecture and laboratory activities. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.

Nursing Core Courses

  • 7 courses; 26.5 quarter units

PrerequisiteApproved by Chair of Nursing or designee.

The purpose of this course is to transition licensed LVNs and if applicable military personnel with medical experience and coursework to registered nursing practice by introducing concepts: professional registered nursing roles, scope of practice, and planning and implementing nursing care. This course implements the utilization of the nursing process based on evidence-based practices to provide holistic care to adult and geriatric populations with stable chronic and acute medical conditions.

PrerequisiteNSG 214; NSG 214A; CorequisiteNSG 330A

This course focuses on concepts relating to care of the adult and geriatric patients with acute, complex, and critical medical-surgical problems. This course emphasizes the utilization of current evidence in providing and evaluating interdisciplinary management of adult and geriatric patients to support positive outcomes. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 330A is required.

PrerequisiteNSG 214; NSG 214A; CorequisiteNSG 330

Practical application of knowledge and skills required for nursing care of adult and geriatric patients with acute and critical medical-surgical problems in laboratory and clinical settings. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 330 is required. Grading is S, U or I.

PrerequisiteNSG 330; NSG 330A; CorequisiteNSG 335A

This course demonstrates the relevance of mental health nursing concepts to all areas of professional practice. It provides a conceptual integration of the nursing process, theories, and research from the biopsychosocial sciences and humanities to promote mental health and provide care to all patients with mental disorders. Emphasis is placed on the use of therapeutic self and effective therapeutic communication to establish a therapeutic relationship among clients with mental health disorders. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 335A is required.

PrerequisiteNSG 330; NSG 330A; CorequisiteNSG 335

This course covers practical application of knowledge and skills required for nursing care across the lifespan with mentally ill patients with commonly occurring problems. Demonstration of skills takes place in clinical, laboratory and outpatient settings. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 335 is required. Clinical Laboratory is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis based on successful completion of the course requirements.

PrerequisiteNSG 335; NSG 335A; CorequisiteNSG 340A

The primary purpose of this course is to facilitate the development of a broad view of the management of health care delivery systems and the nurse leader’s role in that arena. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 340A is required unless approved by the Department Chair.

PrerequisiteNSG 335; NSG 335A; CorequisiteNSG 340

This course covers practical application of skills and knowledge required to coordinate care for multiple patients in a multidisciplinary setting. Collaborate with the nurse leaders in various clinical settings to promote quality improvement initiatives utilizing evidence-based practice. Concurrent enrollment in NSG 340 is required. Clinical Lab is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis based on successful completion of the course requirements.

Requirements for the Certificate

To receive the “30-45 Unit Option” certificate, students must complete the 44.5 quarter units as outlined 

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Develop a critical stance on professional issues related to nursing practice, education, and knowledge development by analyzing the historical and contemporary environments in nursing.
  • Use computer technologies to augment productivity and to gain access to multiple informational resource services.

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Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

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