The RN and LVN to RN programs have a highly-selective application process in which only the most qualified candidates are chosen to fill available seats.
RN Application Process
For RN, applicants are evaluated on several criteria, including GPA, assessment tests, work experience and a personal interview.
Admission is determined based on a point scale of the following categories:
- ATI TEAS assessments, to be administered during the application process
- Postsecondary education (Attainment, GPA)
- Personal essay
- Application selection interview
LVN to RN Application Process
For LVN to RN, prospective students are responsible for providing proof of admission requirements and submitting additional required documents related to the application process. During the process, prospects will earn points, and final selection is based on total points earned. When a complete application file is received, the applicant takes entrance assessment exams, writes a personal goal statement and meet with the Registered Nursing Program Director and faculty committee for a personal interview.
The final selection will be based on points earned in the following categories:
- RN Fundamentals 2016
- Personal Goal Statement written on site
- GPA scores for general education pre-requisite classes
- Interview
Only applicants with the highest point totals based on their GPA on their prerequisite courses and their LPN-STEP exam will be scheduled for interviews. You must be selected for an interview to be considered for enrollment into the LVN to RN program at SJVC.
When the number of qualified applicants exceeds the capacity of the class, applicants may apply for admission the following year. It is the applicant’s responsibility to reapply. No waiting list is maintained or priority given for previous applicants. Each class is selected of candidates with the highest points.
For both RN and LVN to RN, applicants with the highest number of points will be selected.
To begin the application process to SJVC’s Registered Nursing program, download the application and necessary admissions forms.
To begin the application process to SJVC’s LVN to RN program, download the application and necessary admissions forms.
Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions attended must be included in the application packet. The applicant must request transcripts of all completed prerequisite courses be sent to SJVC by the application deadline.
30-Unit Option
In accordance with the Board of Registered Nursing Policy (Section 1435.5) California Licensed Vocational Nurses may apply for the non-degree program. This program is commonly referred to as the “30-Unit option” and prepares the student to take the NCLEX-RN Examination, but does not award an A.S. Degree. Completion of this option may not meet the criteria to practice in other states. Non-degree applicants will be considered on a space available basis only and if program resources allow. See the Program Director for more information.
Challenge/Advanced Placement Policy for Military Trained Healthcare Personnel Requesting Entrance into the RN Nursing Program
Effective August 2017: Individuals who have held Military Health Care Occupations, specifically: Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic) or Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4N0X1C), may achieve advanced placement into the nursing program with documentation of education and experience qualifying them for the specific Military Health Care Occupation and upon successful completion of the challenge exam(s), dosage calculation exam, and skills competency exam. Download full information.
Foreign Institutions & Transfer of Credit
Applicants who have completed coursework outside of the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF) or equivalent organization. An official copy of the Academic Detailed Report from IERF or an equivalent organization must be included with the application. All applicants must include course descriptions of prerequisite coursework in the application packet.
SJVC accepts credits for the following courses or their equivalents from accredited Colleges and Universities upon evaluation of their transcripts:
| Course Number | Course Name | Semester Units |
| ENG 1 | Reading/Composition | 3.0 |
| MTH 55 | Intermediate Algebra or Higher* | 3.0 |
| CHEM 3 | General Chemistry with lab | 4.0 |
| SPC 1A | Intro to Public Speaking/Oral Communication | 3.0 |
| BIOL 10 | Human Anatomy with lab | 4.0 |
| PHIL 1C | Ethics** | 3.0 |
| SOC 1 | Intro to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 |
| BIOL 14 | Microbiology with lab | 4.0 |
| BIOL 45 | Human Physiology with lab | 5.0 |
| PSY 1 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
*Intermediate Algebra must be equivalent to SJVC’s Math 121/122. **Ethics must be taken at SJVC if not transferred in at the time of enrollment.
A one-page written personal statement explaining why the applicant wants to become a registered nurse (to be done during the interview orientation meeting) must be submitted with the application packet, along with two letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable of and able to evaluate the applicant’s health care experience.
Qualified candidates will be considered for invitation to interview with the selection committee.
For additional information, please contact the RN Admissions Advisor at admissions.rn@sjvc.edu.
