Nursing

Start your nursing career

The nursing programs at Allan Hancock College have been built upon the “ladder concept,” providing the opportunity for upward mobility, while continuing to work in a fulfilling career. At the completion of any step, you may continue or stop, go to work and return for more education later. Once accepted into the program, a physical exam, immunizations, and CPR will be required.  In addition, the clinical agencies require a background check and drug screening.  The acceptance packet will explain more in detail.

The Registered Nursing program is fully accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing. It is a two semester program offered every year starting spring semester. Graduates from accredited vocational nursing programs are eligible to apply. The LVN-RN program is specifically designed to provide the LVN with an opportunity for career advancement and prepares the LVN for the additional responsibilities required of the registered nurse. 

This program will help you to: 

• evaluate nursing care provided to patients, families, groups, populations, and communities across the lifespan from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings
• collaborate with members of the inter-professional health care team to manage and coordinate the provision of safe, quality care
• use evidence-based quality improvement processes to effect change in the delivery of patient-centered care
• demonstrate effective use of strategies to mitigate errors and reduce the risk of harm to patients, self and others

Nursing Priority Registration:

Nursing priority is for students working toward an LVN or RN degree at Allan Hancock College. 

• Who is eligible?
  • AHC nursing students who have not completed the science prerequisites to apply to the program.
• When does it start and when do I need to have the form turned in?
  • Click on the link and choose the 'When is my Priority Registration date?' - https://www.hancockcollege.edu/admissions/priority.php
• What is the process in getting Nursing Priority?
  • Step 1 - Download and read the entire form
    • If you meet the requirements, fill out the form.
  • Step 2 - Have an updated SEP completed by a counselor.
  • Step 3 - Turn in the completed application with your SEP to the Health Sciences Department (Building M100)

Once you are given priority registration, your date to register is located in your Hancock portal under "Register/Add/Drop Classes".  

Nursing Priority Registation Form

LVN and RN Applicant Changes

This update introduces significant changes to the math prerequisite and general education requirements for LVN and RN applicants. Here's a breakdown:

Math Prerequisite Changes (Effective 2026 application period):

• Old Requirement: MATH 331 (Intermediate Algebra) or equivalent was acceptable.
• New Requirement: Any transfer-level math course will satisfy the math prerequisite.
• Recommendation for RN to BSN Pathway: MATH 123 (Statistics) is highly recommended.
• Acceptable Courses: Any course meeting the CSU General Education Area B4 requirement.

AHC General Education Pattern (Effective 2024-2025 Catalog):

• A new general education pattern applies to all associate degrees, including nursing.
• Exemptions:
• • Students starting the LVN or RN program in Spring 2025.
  • Students who have been on the LVN or RN waitlist for at least 2 years.
  • Licensed LVN students applying to the RN program in July 2025.

Action Items:

• Non-Exempt Students: Required to follow the 2024-2025 AHC general education pattern.
• Counseling Appointments: Recommended for clarification and guidance on completing requirements.

These updates may impact your planning, so consider consulting with a counselor for personalized advice

The Nursing program is separated into the three areas of education:

Program Requirements and Course Sequences

To view the program requirements and suggested course sequences for the degrees and/or certificates available for this program, please visit the course catalog.

Programs you may also be interested in exploring...

• Biology
• Medical Assisting
• Dental Assisting
• Nutrition & Dietetics

Contact Information