Is Nursing for me?
Health care experience is not required to enter the nursing program but you will serve yourself well by determining before hand if this is the field you want! Listed below are areas offering experience in the health care field.

• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate

• Participation in a hospital volunteer program

• Working in a health care environment

 As a perspective student what should I do first?

• Attend an Information Meeting. They are conducted on the first Tuesday of the month (excluding January, June & July) or you can view the content of the Information Meeting PowerPoint Presentation online.

• Apply to Palomar College www.palomar.edu

• Take the Math & English Assessment Tests offered by the Assessment Office.

• Schedule an appointment with a Counselor at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2179.
  

Can I apply to the nursing program and then complete my prerequisites? No, science and math prerequisites must be completed prior to applying to the program. The TEAS exam must also be taken prior to submitting your application.

How long will the program take me? The Nursing program for generic students is 4 semesters (2 years). LVN-RN students requires a 2 semester (1 year) commitment.

Can I work during the program? Students are encouraged not to work if at all possible. This is not a requirement but a suggestion. If you find it necessary to work, part time would probably be more manageable.

What is the difference between an ADN nurse & a BSN nurse? Both degreed students sit for the same NCLEX Board exam to obtain their RN license. The BSN nurse would be more likely to have a management position and higher compensation. ADN nurses are more likely to be bedside nurses.

If there is a nursing shortage, why is there such a long wait to get into a nursing program? Unfortunately, there is also a shortage of nursing faculty and there is a limit to how many students can safely be educated in the hospital facilities. Patient safety is the top priority. All programs are highly regulated by the Board of Registered Nursing and are carefully evaluated. Given these guidelines, every effort is being made to increase our current enrollment capacity. 

If you have been convicted of a felony can you become a registered nurse?  Please consult www.rn.ca.gov for guidelines regarding convictions.