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Registered Nursing

RN Students

The registered nursing (RN) program, approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, is a two-semester program offered every spring semester. The program includes both classroom study and supervised clinical practice. Clinical practice takes place in our labs, local hospitals, and medical care facilities.

Application Information

The RN Nursing Program application period is open June 1 – July 31 each year.
Applications are only available and accepted during this time.

Important: If you are visiting outside the application window, the application will not be visible or accessible. Please check back during the official application period.

Dates are subject to change. Be sure to check the website regularly for the most current information.

California licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and graduates from accredited vocational nursing programs are eligible to apply upon completion of Allan Hancock College program prerequisites. The LVN-to-RN program provides current AHC LVNs with an opportunity for career advancement and preparation for the expanded scope of practice of the registered nurse. When accepted into the program, you must comply with background checks and drug screening required by clinical agencies.

In addition to the associate degree, the college offers a 30-unit certificate of achievement, see below for more information.

Applications may be submitted by mail or placed in the designated drop-off box or office. To be eligible, they must be received or postmarked by the final day of the application period. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Status notification letters will be mailed on the date listed in the application. Please note: Application status updates will not be provided by phone or email.

Eligibility Requirements

All of the following requirements must be completed and reflected in the submitted application and supporting documents at the time of submission. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

  • U.S. high school diploma or GED
  • Current, valid, and unencumbered California LVN license
  • Completion of the following courses (or approved equivalents) with a grade of C or better:
    • ENGL C1000 or ENGL 101
    • Any 100-level Math course (Recommended: STAT C1000)
    • PSYC C1000 or PSY 101
    • BIOL 124 – Anatomy
    • BIOL 125 – Physiology
    • BIOL 128 – Microbiology
  • Must meet merit-based admission criteria

Note: Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology must include lab components.

 

The following application instructions apply:

  1. All admission criteria must be met as outlined in the RN application.

  2. A current California LVN license is necessary to meet application requirements.

  3. Official Transcripts must show proof of LVN curriculum accomplished by military education and experience

  4. DD214 or Military Card is required. Your discharge status must be in a condition other than dishonorable.

  5. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

  6. Once application eligibility has been established the veteran will be giving priority admission .

  7. Two admission slots will be held for any applicant who proves military education and experience and holds a valid and active California LVN license.

  8. If the slots are not filled by priority military applicants the wait list applicants will be admitted.

All applicants must complete course requirements and meet the merit-based admission criteria to be eligible for enrollment in the Registered Nursing program.

The merit-based admission criteria are:

  • 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 re-apply to the RN program.

View merit based admission criteria* table. 

NCLEX pass rates  

Allan Hancock College RN program is approved by the Board of Registered Nursing and can be found listed on their webpage.

LVN to RN – 30-Unit Option (California)

The LVN-RN 30-Unit Option is a streamlined pathway that allows Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California to qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam and become Registered Nurses without earning a degree. This non-degree option is ideal for LVNs seeking a quicker route to RN licensure through focused coursework.

Key Features of the 30-Unit Option:

Eligibility:

  • Must hold a current, valid California LVN license
  • Must complete specific prerequisite courses—typically Human Physiology and Microbiology—with a minimum GPA

Coursework:

  • Approximately 30 units of combined prerequisites and required nursing courses
  • Designed specifically to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination

Non-Graduate Status:

  • Important: Upon completion, students are considered non-graduates of a registered nursing program, even after passing the NCLEX-RN

Licensure:

  • Eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse in California

Limitations:

  • No degree awarded (no ADN or BSN)
  • 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:

  • 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.


View comparison chart

Degrees and Certificates Offered

Each program has unique requirements. The order in which you take courses may affect your completion time. Visit the links below to view the program requirements and a general semester-by-semester course schedule.

Associate in Science- Nursing: Registered Nursing (LVN to RN)

Certificate of Achievement- Nursing: 30 Unit Option

To view all available degrees and certificates visit the Allan Hancock College course catalog.