Program Overview

 The Associate Degree Registered Nursing (RN) Program at Cuesta College is a two-year (four-semester) program offered on the San Luis Obispo campus.  This program prepares students to graduate with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN).  The RN curriculum is based on caring.  A variety of clinical settings and diverse faculty give students a well-rounded education as they participate in community-based internships and preceptorships. Students are given the tools to become successful members of a healthcare team and are encouraged to continue their education after graduation.

Licensing Exam and Pass Rates

Graduates of Cuesta’s RN program are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN), leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).  NCLEX-RN Pass Rates.

Admissions & Application Information

RN Program applications are accepted once a year in September for admission the following August. It is the applicant's responsibility to follow current application instructions and meet all current requirements and due dates.  

Program Eligibility

All persons who meet general Cuesta College admission requirements and submit a program application meeting all requirements are eligible for admission.  Eligibility does not guarantee admission. 

NOTE:  Conviction of a misdemeanor or felony may constitute grounds for denial of licensure.  Meet with the Director of Nursing to discuss any concerns before applying to the program.

Class Selection

Class Selection is determined using a multi-criteria screening process in accordance with California Education Code 78261 and the California Community College Chancellor's office.  A maximum of 100 points are awarded in the areas of: 
Academic degree, license or certificate; Prerequisite coursework and Math GPA; Work or volunteer experience in healthcare;  Life experiences/special circumstances; Foreign language proficiency; and a diagnostic assessment test (ATI-TEAS). Program Admission is offered to the highest scoring eligible applicants to fill available seats.  If there is a tie among applicants, a computerized random draw will break the tie.  There is no wait list for the RN program.  Applicants not admitted must reapply in a future application cycle.

Accreditation & Program Approval

Cuesta College is a member of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The Cuesta College Associate Degree Nursing program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses (BRN).  All courses and curricula are approved by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. 

Questions?

For questions regarding the RN program, application process or application instruction packet, please contact the Nursing Program Coordinator, Brita Blue at (805) 592-9426 or brita_blue@cuesta.edu. 

For questions regarding program eligibility, prerequisites, course evaluations, and academic planning, request an appointment a Counselor .