Registered Nursing
As a RN, you will evaluate nursing care plans for patients, families, groups, populations, and communities across the lifespan. Our RN program includes both classroom study and supervised clinical practice. Clinical practice takes place in our labs, local hospitals, and medical care facilities.
The LVN to RN program provides current LVNs with an opportunity for career advancement and preparation for the expanded scope of practice of the registered nurse. In addition to the associate degree option, Hancock offers a 30-unit certificate option. See below for more information.
Hancock's RN program is approved by the Board of Registered Nursing.
RN Requirements At a Glance
Effective 2026 application period: Students who submit a RN application in the year 2026 and beyond (first time and waitlisted applicants), are required to have completed a transferable-level math course, STAT C1000 is highly recommended for nursing students pursuing a BSN degree. In addition, RN applicants are required to follow the 2024-2025 AHC general education pattern. Refer to the Associate Degree in Registered Nursing audit in DegreeWorks. See a counselor for any questions.
Application Process |
Prerequisites |
Program Dates |
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The RN application filing period is July 1 - July 31. There is a current 0-1 year waitlist. Students are required to apply every year to maintain a waitlist position. Applications can be hand delivered or mailed. Mailed applications must be postmarked by July 31. If you attended other colleges, you are required to provide official transcripts with your application. You will be notified by the end of August regarding your application status. Information regarding the status of your application will not be given over the phone or email. Students accepted into the program must comply with background checks and drug screening required by clinical agencies. The application will be posted below during the scheduled filing period.RN Application Link Here |
Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better. In-progress courses will not be accepted:
If you completed prerequisites at another college, you are required to submit all official transcripts to the Admissions and Records Office.
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The RN program runs January - December. Spring | Fall |
Merit-Based Admission
All RN applicants must hold a current LVN license, complete all prerequisite courses, and meet the merit-based admission criteria to be eligible for enrollment in the RN program.
The merit-based admission criteria is as follows:
- Overall grade point average (GPA)
- Number of science repeats (Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology)
- Merit-based admissions test
AHCRN* = 1.181 (overall GPA) + 0.160 (Merit-based Admission test) – 0.568 (Number of science repeats)
An applicant with more than four (4) repeats in the sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology) is not eligible to apply to the RN program.
The merit-based admission test is based on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The applicant has two (2) attempts to meet the calculated cut-score for the merit-based admission test. If the applicant does not meet the calculated cut-score, they will meet with the RN program director (or designee) to develop a remediation plan. An applicant who does not meet the calculated cut-score after two attempts is not eligible to enroll in RN program.
SB466 Applicants with Military Education and Experience
The following application instructions apply:
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All admission criteria must be met as outlined in the RN application.
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A current California LVN license is necessary to meet application requirements.
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Official transcripts must show proof of LVN curriculum completed by military education and experience.
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DD214 or a military card is required. Your discharge status must be in a condition other than dishonorable.
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Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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Once application eligibility has been established, the veteran will be given priority admission.
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Two admission slots will be held for any applicant who proves military education and experience and holds a valid and active California LVN license.
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If the slots are not filled by priority military applicants, the waitlist applicants will be admitted.
30- Unit Option (California Only)
The LVN to RN 30-Unit Option is a streamlined pathway that allows LVNs in California to qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs without earning an associate degree. This non-degree option is ideal for LVNs seeking a quicker route to RN licensure through focused coursework.
Eligibility:
- Current LVN license.
- Completed Physiology and Microbiology.
Program:
- 30 units of combined prerequisites and registered nursing courses.
- Program designed to prepare LVNs for the NCLEX-RN examination.
Licensure:
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Eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure in California.
Limitations:
- No degree awarded,
- May not meet employment requirements for certain agencies (e.g., Veterans Administration, military, or out-of-state employers),
- RN license may not be recognized in other states,
Role of the College:
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Provides coursework, guidance, and resources to meet the minimum educational requirements for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Please Note: This option is state-specific and comes with long-term career limitations. A meeting with the RN Program Director is mandatory before applying. Students are strongly encouraged to carefully consider their long-term goals before pursuing this path.
Meet with a Counselor
It is important for all nursing students to schedule a counseling appointment to develop a comprehensive student education plan. The plan will capture your nursing goal to ensure you complete the necessary classes. If you attended other colleges, submit all external transcripts to our Admissions and Records before scheduling your counseling appointment. Wait for your email confirmation that your transcripts were received and evaluated, once confirmed, schedule your counseling appointment.