Lassen Community College Associates Degree Registered Nursing Program integrates evidence-based nursing, providing the basis of professional practice. Professional practice is the provision of care in primary, secondary, and tertiary health care settings focusing on the health-illness continuum.
Registered Nursing Students: Two year program
Advanced Placement Students: enter in the third semester.
The application period for the 2-year REGISTERED NURSING PROGRAM
opens August 1st on odd years and closes September 1st at 11:59pm.
The application period for the ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM opens
February 1st on even years and closes March 1st at 11:59pm.
The following proof of vaccination is required for clinical clearance to ensure your safety and the safety of the patients you will be serving. Keep copies of all compliance documents and do not turn paper copies into any staff member.
Immunizations
Hepatitis B:
Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine with 4 weeks between doses or positive antibody titer is required.
If not already completed a declination form will be signed.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella:
Two doses of MMR vaccine or a positive antibody titer is required.
Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis (Tdap):
One dose of Tdap vaccine is required within the last ten years. Td is not accepted.
Varicella (Chickenpox):
Two doses of Varicella vaccine or a positive antibody titer are required.
To have had chickenpox as a child may not be sufficient protection against the disease and a titer is therefore necessary to prove immunity.
Influenza Vaccination:
All student nurses must be vaccinated against the seasonal influenza virus once the vaccine becomes available.
The new flu vaccine is released each fall and should be received once available.
This is an annual requirement for all student nurses.
Covid-19 Vaccine Requirement for Lassen Registered Nursing Program
Effective Date: October 2023
Policy Overview: The Lassen Registered Nursing Program at Lassen Community College acknowledges the importance of Covid-19 vaccination in mitigating the spread of the virus and ensuring a safe healthcare environment. While the Covid-19 vaccine is not currently mandatory for enrolled students, this policy outlines the procedure to be followed if the clinical sites and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate the Covid-19 vaccine at any point during the program.
Policy Details:
Current Voluntary Vaccination Status: a. At present, the Covid-19 vaccine is not a mandatory requirement for enrollment in the Lassen Registered Nursing Program. b. Students have the option to voluntarily receive the Covid-19 vaccine if they choose to do so.
Mandatory Vaccination in Response to Clinical Site or CDC Mandate: a. If at any time during the Lassen Registered Nursing Program, the clinical sites and/or the CDC mandate the Covid-19 vaccine for individuals working in healthcare settings, all registered nursing students within the program will be required to receive the vaccine. b. The program will provide information and support to students regarding the vaccination process, including scheduling, locations, and any associated costs.
Consequences of Non-Compliance: a. Failure to receive the mandated Covid-19 vaccine as directed by the clinical sites or the CDC will result in dismissal from the Lassen Registered Nursing Program. b. Dismissed students will be ineligible to continue participating in the program, and their enrollment will be terminated.
Documentation and Verification: a. Students who receive the mandated Covid-19 vaccine must provide appropriate documentation to the program for verification. b. The program will maintain confidential records of vaccination status in compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.
Compliance and Awareness: a. All enrolled students are responsible for staying informed about changes to the Covid-19 vaccination requirements and related policies throughout their enrollment in the program. b. It is the responsibility of each student to comply with any Covid-19 vaccination mandates imposed by the clinical sites or the CDC.
Communication of Changes: a. The program administration will promptly communicate any updates or changes to the Covid-19 vaccination policy to all enrolled students. b. Updates will be provided through official communication channels, including email, program websites, and in-person meetings.
This policy is subject to periodic review and may be amended as necessary to align with evolving guidelines, mandates, or circumstances related to Covid-19. Any revisions will be communicated to enrolled students in a timely and transparent manner.
Once accepted into the program
Negative Criminal Background Check
Technical Standard Form
Negative Urine Drug Screen
Accepted Tuberculin Clearance
1. 1 step PPD or
2. Negative IGRA (Quantiferon or T-spot) or
3. Negative Chest X-Ray if unable to receive PPD
A Negative chest x-ray is required if newly positive PPD, (Chest x-ray is required annually).
Verification of negative chest x-ray if a history of positive PPD in past.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid is dedicated funding that assist students with the costs of attending college, it is meant to help students achieve their academic goals. Funding sources include the Federal and State government as well as other public and private entities. Every student interested in receiving Financial Aid is first required to fill out a FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid on the web every academic year. The on–line application is found at www.studentaid.gov ; this is the only viable website to file a FAFSA. (The school code for LCC is 001217.) Each student receiving Financial Aid is expected to enroll only in classes/courses that are needed to complete their education goal at LCC.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education to establish eligibility.
2. Have demonstrated financial aid eligibility according to federal and state regulations.
3. Have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Students who do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent may not be eligible for federal financial aid, but may be eligible for state and locally funded aid programs.
4. Enroll in an eligible program to complete an associate degree or an eligible certificate program or transfer requirements. Most forms of financial aid are only available to students enrolled in an eligible program.
5. Declare a major and obtain an education plan as approved by a Lassen Community College counselor, which must be on file.
6. Most important!! Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Once a student’s aid has been verified and awarded it is the student’s responsibility to maintain SAP in order to keep their eligibility for Federal financial Aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Lassen Community College complies with federal requirements to monitor financial aid recipients’ SAP toward a declared and eligible educational objective of an associate degree, certificate or transfer to a baccalaureate degree granting institution. Students receiving financial aid are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0, and to successfully complete each course that they attempt .Also students are expected to complete their educational goal within a reasonable timeframe. Beginning July 1, 2012 the maximum lifetime eligibility to receive a PELL grant has decreased from 9 full time years to 6 full time years. In accordance with Federal Student Aid regulations, SAP procedures measure each student’s progress three unique ways qualitative, quantitative and incremental. Student’s failure to maintain SAP will first result in a semester on warning, if the student fails to meet SAP the next semester the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension along with disqualification of receiving Federal Financial Aid previously awarded. LCC has an appeal process that exists for those students who have had extraordinary and unexpected circumstances which caused the failure to maintain SAP.
Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA)
The table below is an estimate of the average annual cost of attendance (COA) at Lassen Community College. These are estimated and averaged costs as provided by the California Student Aid Commission with the exception of Fees and On Campus Housing, which are actual. The Student COA cannot be exceeded by the sum of all aid the student receives for the academic school year.
Entry Requirements
Successful completion of the 12th grade or equivalent.
Students are required to take the latest version of TEAS developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). A minimum passing composite score of 62% is required for consideration. Electronic transfer of TEAS score will be required. The exam must be completed within the past three years.
Register for the TEAS @ LCC: https://www.atitesting.com/teas/register/
Students must meet all health and safety requirements.
Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA in all college course work of 2.5 or higher and no less than a C in any required prerequisite course:
Prerequisites
All required prerequisites need to be completed prior to the semester before the intended start date of the registered nursing program.
BIOL 20 Microbiology with Lab
BIOL 21 Human Anatomy with Lab
BIOL 22 Human Physiology with Lab
ENGL 1 College Composition
MATH 40 Elementary Statistics
Co-requisites
SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology
SPCH 1 Public Speaking
Area C One course from Area C
PSY 18 Lifespan Development
ES-1 Introduction to Ethnic Studies
Advanced Placement Students are required to complete all of Lassen Community College Associates Degree Registered Nursing Program entry requirements and prerequisite. In addition, hold a:
Current unencumbered California Licensed Vocational Nurse Licenses
California State Blood Withdrawal and Intravenous Therapy Certification
All advanced placement students will be required to successfully complete a transition course during the second semester of their intended cohort in order to be considered.
Selection is based on the completion of the application and the Lassen Community College Associates Registered Nurse Merit-Based Admission Point System.
Students are required to take the latest version of TEAS developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). A minimum passing composite score of 62% is required for consideration into the Lassen Community College Associates Registered Nurse Program. A printout of the TEAS test is required electronic transfer of TEAS score will be required if TEAS submitted is not from Lassen Community College.
TEAS Exam cost is $117 at Lassen Community College. Students must complete the TEAS before applying to the RN program. TEAS Exams are offered at Lassen Community College in Room CA113 in the Creative Arts building. Click the to register below!
Register for TEAS In Person - TEAS
TEAS CAN BE TAKEN IN-PERSON OR PROCTORED ONLINE
Dates Available at Lassen Community College:
August 6th @ 9:30am
August 7th @ 9:30am
August 14th @ 9:30am
TEAS Exams MUST be completed prior to applying to the program.
TEAS Exams may not be re-taken within 14 days of the original exam date and may only be taken a total of 3 times in a 12-month period.
*The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) must have been completed in the last three years, or you will need to retake the exam. *
Be responsible for all assignments given in the classroom or clinical area.
Be prepared for classroom and clinical assignments.
Be on time for class and clinical.
Be responsible for own transportation to the clinical facilities.
Respect and keep all information regarding the patient confidential. No printing from clinical sites, visiting, or calling to gain information for assignments.
Refrain from smoking or use of smokeless tobacco or devices during class or clinical rotations.
Report any prescribed drug therapy occurring at any time during the program to the Nursing Director.
Limit telephone conversations to break and non-class times.
Cellphones must be turned off in locker and/or left in car during clinical.
Comply with all Lassen Community College policies and regulations regarding students.
While in the clinical setting, comply with all clinical facility rules governing employees and students.
Show respect to each patient, classmate, instructor, and all employees at clinical sites.
Any reason for concern for the students well-being by instructor may result in a referral to LCC behavior health services.
Remember this is a drug-free environment, and should be drug-free career. Abuse of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is unprofessional. Proven violation, including incarceration, will result in disciplinary action, up to the possibly including dismissal from the program at the discretion of the nursing faculty.
*Limitations of licensure will apply.
Licensed vocational nurses who do not wish to complete the course work for a Degree in Nursing but wish to take the NCLEX-RN examination to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in California must follow the guidelines set forth by the Board of Registered Nursing, Effective 1997:
Section 1429:
“A licensed vocational nurse shall be eligible to apply for examination for licensure as a registered nurse under this chapter provided, they have successfully completed the approved curriculum in a school accredited by the board and meets all other requirements as set forth in section 1429”.
Additional educational required of licensed vocational nurse applicants shall not exceed a maximum of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter nursing course units.
These nursing courses shall be taken in an accredited school and shall be beyond courses equivalent to the first year of professional nursing courses.
These nursing courses shall include: Nursing intervention in acute, preventive, remedial, supportive, rehabilitative and teaching aspects of nursing.
Theory and courses with concurrent clinical practice shall include advanced medical-surgical, mental health/psych nursing, pediatrics and obstetrics nursing.
Lassen Community College Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program Department of Nursing Policy for the Thirty Unit Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Option:
1. The burden of responsibility to qualify to take the examination for registered nurse licensure rests within the licensed vocational nurse.
2. California LVNs are required to obtain objective counseling from the nursing department director or designee to clarify that the LVN 30-unit Option does NOT lead to a degree. All applicants will be required to consult with the nursing director prior to enrollment.
3. LVNs that complete the option may sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and if successful may be licensed in the state of California with a “non-graduate license.” There may be no reciprocity for licensure in any other state.
4. LVN candidates, during the objective counseling session, will be asked to sign a statement acknowledging item 2 above. The statement will be placed in their student file in the Department of Nursing.
5. These students are to apply for admission to the college as “No Objective” candidates; they will not enter as nursing majors. Students are not required to complete the lower division general education requirements; pre-requisite nursing core courses or additional preparatory courses in the major.
6. Students qualifying for admission to designated nursing courses will be considered along with all other qualified applicants on a space available basis.
7. Once the courses designated are complete, the Nursing Director will complete the California Board of Registered Nurses’ “Individual Candidate Roster” form, the “Candidate Worksheet” showing any course waivers of equivalency, and their request for transcripts. Students completing this option will NOT be a graduate of the Lassen Community College nursing program and are not eligible to receive a nursing pin.
8. Students desirous of enrolling to take the courses designated by the Department of Nursing are required to meet all prerequisite requirements. In compliance with Public Law 1435.5, a maximum of thirty semester units obtained by successful completion of the following nursing courses are required and include:
a. BIO 20 Microbiology (5)
b. BIO 22 Human Physiology with Lab (4)
c. NURS 9 Medical Surgical 3 (4)
d. NURS 10 Advanced Maternal Child (3)
e. NURS 11 Clinical Practice 3 (3)
f. NURS 12 Nursing Lab 3 (2)
g. NURS 13 Medical Surgical 4 (4)
h. NURS 14 Clinical Practice 4 (4)
i. NURS 15 Nursing Lab 4 (1)
The Lassen Community College Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program makes provision for the granting of credit for previous education or acquired knowledge. Upon request to the program director, any student accepted into the Lassen Community College Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program may be evaluated for such credit.
Students who have successfully completed academic courses and/or have relevant knowledge and/or skills acquired in other than an accredited institution will be given advanced standing in the nursing program upon verification of such knowledge and/or skills.
Credit granting, transfer, and challenge opportunities will be provided in accordance with Lassen Community College AP 4235 Credit for Prior Learning which follows Education Code Section; 66025.71, 70500, Title 5 Section 55050, and ACCJC Accreditation Standard II.A.10.
In compliance with the California Code of Regulations sections 1423.1, 1423.2 and amended CCR sections 1418, 1424, 1426, and 1430 that implement Senate Bill 466 and in recognition of the service that Military Personnel have provided to the country and its citizens, the Lassen Community College Nursing Program offers advanced placement for qualified individuals.
Individuals who present with relevant military education and experience equal to but not limited to Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic), or Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4N0X1C) are eligible for advanced placement into the Lassen Community College Nursing Program. All nursing courses can be challenged; however, individuals must have prior relevant education and experience that meet the specific requirements of each course.
Prospective applicants must schedule a counseling appointment with the Nursing Program Director.
The Admissions Committee will review the following documentation to determine whether full or partial course credit can be given for nursing courses through its course challenge policy:
● Form DD214, demonstrating honorable military discharge.
● Documents demonstrating completion of program entrance requirements, including designated prerequisites and assessment testing.
● Official transcripts with syllabi of relevant military education programs and clinical experience demonstrating satisfactory completion of coursework and clinical experience
Procedure:
1. For ALL Military Applicants: Review the Lassen Community College College Registered Nursing Program Admission Information.
2. Complete program entrance requirements, including designated prerequisites.
3. Schedule an advising appointment with the Director of Nursing to review the eligibility requirements for the Lassen Community College Registered Nursing Program.
4. Submit a completed advanced placement application and include:
a. Documents of honorable discharge (Form DD214).
b. Submit all official transcripts with syllabi of relevant military education program(s). and clinical experience demonstrating satisfactory completion of coursework and clinical experience with the application.
c. Complete the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam (62% or higher) and submit official results to the Lassen Community College Registered Nursing Department.
d. Completion of the following National League for Nursing(NLN) Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams (NACES) with a score of 75% or higher:
i. For entry into Semester 2: Foundations of Nursing and Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family
ii. For entry into Semester 3: Foundations of Nursing, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of Children
iii. For entry into Semester 4: Foundations of Nursing, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of Children, Nursing Care of Adults
5. Application and supporting documents will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. If the applicant meets the criteria for challenge, the Admissions Committee will schedule the candidate to complete the challenge exam(s) for all applicable courses. Satisfactory level of achievement on challenge examinations or other evaluative methods to validate achievement of course objectives will include;
a. Skills competency evaluation
b. Dosage calculation exam
6. The following materials will be made available to the applicant as preparation for the examination(s) and skills testing for credit:
a. Course outline
b. Syllabus with course objectives
c. Content outline
d. Bibliography and textbook list
e. Types of test items
f. Format of examination and testing
g. Critical elements for nursing skills
h. Dosage calculation review sheet, rules for rounding, and passing policy.
Advanced Placement students are admitted on a space availability basis; however, military personnel and veterans are given preference.
Military Challenge students admitted to the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Lassen Community College after academic failure at another school will not be eligible for re-entry at Lassen Community College if they are dismissed for academic failure (or withdrawal to avoid academic failure) from the Lassen Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program.