College of the Canyons Nursing Program Review

College of the Canyons (COC) is a public community college that opened its doors to students in 1969. The college offers both Associate of Science (A.S) and Associate of Arts (A.A) degrees. There are also various certificate programs at the college.

It is specially noted for its large student body that has catapulted to astounding numbers over the last years. Students can attend any of the two campuses located at Valencia and Canyon County depending on the course in which they are enrolled. Nursing students can choose from the following programs at the college:

 Registered Nurse Two-Year Program

This program is accredited by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The curriculum is aimed at students that want to be entry level registered nurses. All students must take a state approved assessment test and rank at the required level.  Only students that complete the necessary pre-requisite courses respecting the required GPA will be allowed into the program. It is a two-year registered nurse program that equips graduates with the necessary training and knowledge to take the NCLEX-RN examination to become a registered nurse (RN). They are also awarded an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)  after graduation.

 LVN to RN “Career Ladder” Program

Only licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can apply to this program. Those that are admitted are trained and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become registered nurses. Upon successful completion they receive a certificate of completion and an Associate Degree in Nursing. They are also eligible to apply for licensure to become a registered nurse in the state of California.

LVN to RN – 30-Unit Option

This is another option open to LVNs that want to become registered nurses. The program is structured to allow the students to take specific courses that give the necessary foundation on which to gain licensure when they take the NCLEX-RN. However, students are advised that while they are able to practice in California the same may not be true in other states. They may experience some degree of challenges if they decide to transfer to another state. When they sit the NCLEX-RN, they sit as a non-graduate. As a result, they may have trouble getting into advanced courses. Applicants must submit proof of employment as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and approved I.V certification course.

ADN to BSN Nursing Program

This program was offered by College of the Canyon in conjunction with the California State University at Northridge (CSUN). It is currently suspended. After successful completion of the NCLEX examination they would be able to get their BSN degree in just one year.

An alternative route for students is to enroll in the program offered by National University at College of the Canyons University Center. The course is offered on the COC campus. It is only open to registered nurses that have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and want to hold a BSN after completing the program. However, those that do not have an ADN can meet the required equivalency for National University by completing pre-requisite courses. All students must hold and current active license and have the required GPA for admission.

Collaborative RN Program

Since 2010 this program is not longer offered. However, applicants from participating hospitals can submit employment letters to the College to gain priority access to the RN program being offered.

Paramedic to RN Option

This pilot program is no longer offered and students are encouraged to apply to the two year RN program instead.

Nurse Assistant Training (Nursing 050)

In this program, students are trained to be nursing assistants and gain the necessary skills about nursing care in various settings. At the end of the program they receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the California Certificate Examination.

Contact:

College of the Canyons
Canyon Country campus
17200 Sierra Highway
Canyon Country, CA 91351

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