Riverside Community College District | Nursing

About Nursing at RCC

Our nursing program has a history of excellence in the preparation of competent Registered and Vocational Nurses. The Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). In 1998, the NLNAC granted continuing accreditation/approval of RCC's Associate Degree program for the maximum length of time allowed. In 2003, the BRN granted continuing accreditation for the maximum length of time allowed.

The Vocational Nursing (VN) Program is accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). In 2004, the VN program was granted continuing accreditation for the maximum length of time allowed. RCC Nursing Education offers quality education with an emphasis on using critical thinking skills to apply theoretical concepts to clinical nursing practice. The learning environment includes extensive support services.

The Associate Degree Nursing program at RCC was established in 1957 and received the first BRN approval in 1958. NLN accreditation was first awarded in 1981. In recent years, RCC's Associate Degree Nursing Program has been recognized nationally as number one in the state of California for program completion.

The Associate Degree in Science in Nursing Program (Registered Nursing) has a strong foundation in the sciences and general education. The emphasis is on utilizing the problem-solving nursing process and critical thinking when making nursing judgments and employing leadership principles. Clinical experiences are wide and varied. The Registered Nursing Graduate has a basic foundation of nursing knowledge and skills. The experiences in this program are designed to encourage students to take responsibility for independent and life-long learning. The Associate Degree in Nursing preparation focuses on a strong medical-surgical foundation, leadership skills and application of the nursing process in a variety of community-based settings with clients across the life cycle. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to write the National Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of California. Graduates who complete the prescribed basic curriculum earn an Associate in Science in Nursing Degree. For more information about registered nurses, see "what is an RN?"

The Vocational Nursing Program was established in 1952, accredited by the California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners (BVNPTE) in 1953, and has been continuously accredited since 1953. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is awarded a certificate from Riverside Community College.

The Vocational Nursing Program is based upon a set of beliefs that includes collaboration among nurses whose practice evolves from varying levels of education, legal definitions, and employment opportunities. Classroom instruction is offered concurrently with clinical practice to assist the student in the application of theory to actual nursing situations.

The vocational nursing curriculum provides a prescribed base of knowledge which incorporates the natural, social, and behavioral sciences and focuses on manual and technical skills required in the performance of individual client care. Clinical experiences provided throughout the curriculum include individuals of all age groups receiving health care in a variety of community-based settings for conditions which place them at various points on the health-illness continuum. For more information about LVNs, see "what is an LVN?".

Students with previous nursing education or experience are eligible to petition for advanced placement in the Nursing Program. Additionally, a 30-unit option is offered to the Licensed Vocational Nurse. However, it is important to note that LVNs choosing to take the 30 unit option can never be qualified as graduates of Riverside Community College or of the Riverside Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program and will permanently be referred to as having attained a Nursing Non-Degree/Non-Graduate Status. Information regarding transfer/challenge policies and the 30-unit option for LVNs may be obtained from the Nursing Education Programs Office.