Frequently Asked Questions
As a prospective student what steps should I take first?
- Submit a general application to Mt. San Jacinto College
- After completing the steps to become a student at MSJC, call 951-639-5577 to schedule an appointment with a college counselor to establish an educational plan.
What prerequisite courses, if any, do I need to take?
The prerequisite courses needed to apply to the program include:
- *ANAT 101- Anatomy & Physiology I (4 semester units)
- *ANAT 102- Anatomy & Physiology II (4 semester units)
- BIOL 125- Microbiology (5 semester units)
- MATH 096- Intermediate Algebra or higher (5 semester units)
- ENGL 101- Freshman Composition (4 semester units)
*Must be completed within a five-year period preceding qualifying date of eligibility.
Equivalent courses taken at other colleges and universities may be acceptable; see a College Counselor to determine equivalencies (equivalency grid).
May I take the prerequisites and other general education courses at other schools?
Yes, you can take these courses at other colleges; however, you will need to check with a College Counselor to determine their equivalency to MSJC courses.
Is there a GPA requirement for the prerequisite courses?
Yes, in order to be accepted into the nursing program, you must have a 2.50 Cumulative GPA in the prerequisite courses.
May I work while going through the program?
The nursing program is a very rigorous program and requires a lot of preparation and study time. We do not recommend working while attending this full time nursing program.
What sites do you use for the clinical (hospital) learning experiences?
We use a variety of health care agencies for our clinical experiences such as Hemet Valley Medical Center, Menifee Valley Medical Center, Inland Valley Medical Center, Rancho Springs Medical Center, Temecula Valley Hospital, Life Care, Patton State Hospital, Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside University Health Systems Medical Center, Devonshire, Sunny Rose Glen, Loma Linda Murrieta and Vista Pacifica.
What is the passing grade for nursing courses?
In order to progress in the nursing program, you must achieve a grade of "C" in each nursing course. A "C" is equivalent to 75%.
What are the specific costs for the program?
The majority of costs associated with the program include those costs associated with the purchase of textbooks, uniforms, instructional supplies, physical, immunizations, background check, drug screening, and the purchase of CastleBranch. Estimated costs are approximately $5,000 to $7,000 for the entire program.
What if I am an LVN already?
Mt. San Jacinto College has an LVN-RN Transition Program.
The prerequisite courses need to apply to the program include:
- *ANAT 101- Anatomy & Physiology I (4 semester units)
- *ANAT 102- Anatomy & Physiology II (4 semester units)
- BIOL 125- Microbiology (5 semester units)
- MATH 096- Intermediate Algebra or higher (5 semester units)
- ENGL 101- Freshman Composition (4 semester units)
- PSYC 101- Introduction to Psychology (3 semester units)
*Must be completed within a five-year period preceding qualifying date of eligibility.
In addition, you must provide us with a copy of your current active California LVN license. If you are success in passing the transition course you will then be placed into 3rd semester.
What if it has been more than 5 years since I have taken my science courses?
Please schedule an appointment with a Nursing and Allied Health Counselor for more details.
What is the average starting salary for an RN?
- http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
- http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
What if I took courses at a school outside of the United States?
You will need to have these courses evaluated by an International Credentialing Center. These organizations are private enterprises who charge a fee for their services. In all instances, original documents will be required when requesting the evaluation. Once you have received your evaluation then, make an appointment with a College Counselor to develop an educational plan.
Would the nursing courses I take at MSJC transfer to other Universities if I wanted to get my Bachelor's degree?
The local Universities do accept graduates from Associate Degree Nursing Programs who want to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. You will need to contact the specific Universities to determine their entrance requirements.
The MSJC Associate Degree Nursing program has developed articulation and transfer agreements with multiple undergraduate nursing schools which allow our students to pursue their Baccalaureate nursing degrees.
Please schedule an appointment with a Nursing and Allied Health Counselor for more details.
What is the pass rate on the State Board Exams for MSJC Nursing Graduates?
Click on the following link: CA BRN NCLEX pass rates
Can I transfer into your nursing program if I have taken nursing courses at another school?
Please schedule an appointment with a Nursing and Allied Health Counselor for more details.
Can I apply to the nursing program while taking the prerequisite courses?
NO; prerequisite courses must be completed before applying to the program.
How long is the program and is there a waiting list?
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is a two year program. This is not including the prerequisite courses. We currently do not have a waiting list. The program makes its selection based on the Multi-Criteria Point System. If you are not accepted then you would need to reapply during the next application period.
Is a high school diploma required for admission?
All applicants must meet the BRN requirement which states:
An applicant must meet the general preliminary education requirement of a high school
education in the United States or the equivalent. Upon request of the Board, an applicant
shall provide evidence of education equivalent to completion of a high school course
of study in the United States by submitting one of the following:
(a) A high school diploma received from a U.S. high school
(b) A General Education Development Certificate
(c) A degree from any junior college, college or university accredited by a state agency authorized to accredit such institutions
(d) An evaluation by a high school, unified school district, junior college, college, university or board of education which the board determines, after review, establishes that an education equivalent to a high school education in the United States was obtained in this or another state or in any foreign country