Nursing and Allied Health

¹BIOL 430, 440, and 442 have prerequisites. Please check catalog course descriptions.

²Credit for NURSE 400 will be given after evaluation of LVN program transcripts.

³Credit for NURSE 410 will be given after evaluation of LVN program transcripts.

The LVN to RN Career Mobility Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Possession of a current clear and active California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license at the time of application and through program completion.
• A grade of "C" or better and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 in the following science prerequisites: BIOL 430, BIOL 431, and BIOL 440 or 442.
• A grade of “C” or better and a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 in the following prerequisite courses: ANTH 310, ANTH 481, SOC 300, or SOC 480; ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H; NUTRI 300; PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H; and COMM C1000.
• Completion of the latest edition of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI). A minimum composite score is necessary to be eligible for application to the program. Additional information is available from the ARC Nursing website: http://www.arc.losrios.edu/~nursing/
• Note: In-progress grades are not accepted for prerequisite courses.
• Note: The Nursing Admissions Committee will determine acceptance of pre-nursing courses taken outside the Los Rios Community College District.
• Note: The American River College Nursing Program reserves the right to make changes in the enrollment criteria, academic requirements, grading standards and other processes without notice at any time.

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• Applicants must obtain a Los Rios Community College District student identification number in order to access the online application.
• Detailed information about program requirements, enrollment criteria, enrollment applications and deadlines are available on the ARC Nursing website at www.arc.losrios.edu/ARC_Majors/Health_And_Education/Nursing.htm.
• Applications for enrollment, transcripts, and all other supporting documents must be submitted by the posted due date for the candidate's application to be reviewed, and potentially placed into the pool for random selection. Only students who meet the educational and pre-nursing requirements and follow the enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
• Only students who meet the educational and pre-nursing requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• use clinical reasoning and knowledge based on the nursing program of study, evidence based practice outcomes, and research based policies and procedures as the basis for decision-making and delivery of comprehensive, safe, patient centered care.
• use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and mitigate error.
• participate in quality improvement activities to measure patient outcomes, identify hazards and errors, and to improve care.
• coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with diverse patients, families, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to plan, deliver, and evaluate care that promotes quality of life.
• demonstrate delegation, management, and leadership skills that integrate systems thinking, communication, and change processes.
• demonstrate behavior that reflects the values of the nursing profession including self-awareness, a spirit of inquiry, leadership, ethical comportment, effective communication, clinical judgment and competence, and mentorship.
• adhere to standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the professional nurse.

"Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives" (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dec. 2015. Job Outlook Registered Nurse. Retrieved from www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm).

The Pre-Health Occupations Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• articulate career options and necessary educational pathways.
• describe the structure and function of each body system.
• demonstrate a workable knowledge of medical language.
• demonstrate professionalism in a range of clinical interactions and settings.
• describe the principles of nutrition and their effect on health.
• describe the role that culture and diversity play in patient care.

Upon completion students are prepared to enter a range of Allied Health and Nursing training programs. This may include training programs for professions such as: nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, respiratory therapy, and radiology technician.

¹ANTH or SOC must be taken either prior to or concurrently with NURSE 410.

²BIOL 430, 440, and 442 have prerequisites. Please check catalog course descriptions.

³COMM C1000 or 331 must be taken either prior to or concurrently with NURSE 400.

The Registered Nursing Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) or California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE). Graduates from outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated by an approved independent agency. These requirements are defined by the Nurse Practice Act, California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 14, ARTICLE 1, §1412.
• A grade of "C" or better and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 in the following science prerequisites: BIOL 430, BIOL 431, and BIOL 440 or BIOL 442.
• A grade of "C" or better and a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 in the following courses: ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, or ESLW 340; NUTRI 300; and PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H.
• Completion of the latest edition of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI). A minimum composite score is necessary to be eligible for application to the program.
• Note: In-progress grades are not accepted for prerequisite courses.
• Note: The Nursing Admissions Committee will determine acceptance of pre-nursing courses taken outside the Los Rios Community College District.
• Note: The American River College Nursing Program reserves the right to make changes in the enrollment criteria, academic requirements, grading standards and other processes without notice at any time.

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• The Associate in Science Degree Registered Nursing Program at American River College uses a multi-criteria enrollment process. Students must reapply each semester. There is no waiting list.
• Detailed information about program requirements, enrollment criteria, enrollment applications and deadlines are available on the ARC Nursing website at www.arc.losrios.edu/ARC_Majors/Health_And_Education/Nursing.htm
• Applicants must obtain a Los Rios Community College District student identification number in order to access the online application.
• Applications for enrollment, OFFICIAL transcripts, and all other supporting documents must be submitted by the posted due date for the candidate's application to be reviewed, and potentially placed into the pool for random selection. Only students who meet the educational and pre-nursing requirements and follow the enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
• Students wishing to transfer into the second, third, or fourth semester of the nursing program must contact the department office at (916) 484-8254. The office will provide a transfer packet and current information on space availability.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• use clinical reasoning and knowledge based on the nursing program of study, evidence based practice outcomes, and research based policies and procedures as the basis for decision-making and delivery of comprehensive, safe, patient centered care.
• use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and mitigate error.
• participate in quality improvement activities to measure patient outcomes, identify hazards and errors, and improve care.
• coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with diverse patients, families, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to plan, deliver, and evaluate care that promotes quality of life.
• demonstrate delegation, management, and leadership skills that integrate systems thinking, communication, and change processes.
• demonstrate behavior that reflects the values of the nursing profession including self-awareness, a spirit of inquiry, leadership, ethical comportment, effective communication, clinical judgment and competence, and mentorship.
• adhere to standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the professional nurse.

"Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives" (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dec. 2015. Job Outlook Registered Nurse. Retrieved from www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm).

¹BIOL 430, 440, and 442 have prerequisites. Please check catalog course descriptions.

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Possession of a current clear and active California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license at the time of application and through program completion.
• Completion of a minimum of six months recent LVN work experience.
• A grade of "C" or better and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 in the following science prerequisites: BIOL 430, BIOL 431, and BIOL 440 or BIOL 442.
• Note: In-progress grades are not accepted for prerequisite courses.
• Note: The Nursing Admissions Committee will determine acceptance of pre-nursing courses taken outside the Los Rios Community College District.
• Note: The American River College Nursing Program reserves the right to make changes in the enrollment criteria, academic requirements, grading standards and other processes without notice at any time.

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• Contact the Nursing Department at 916-484-8254 for an appointment with the Program Director. Objective counseling of this option and individual evaluation will occur at the appointment.
• Provide unofficial transcripts and course descriptions of physiology, microbiology, and previous LVN program at the appointment.
• Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Entry is subject to space availability.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• use clinical reasoning and knowledge based on the nursing program of study, evidence based practice outcomes, and research based policies and procedures as the basis for decision-making and delivery of comprehensive, safe, patient centered care.
• use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and mitigate error.
• participate in quality improvement activities to measure patient outcomes, identify hazards and errors, and to improve care.
• coordinate, collaborate, and communicate with diverse patients, families, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to plan, deliver, and evaluate care that promotes quality of life.
• demonstrate delegation, management, and leadership skills that integrate systems thinking, communication, and change processes.
• demonstrate behavior that reflects the values of the nursing profession including self-awareness, a spirit of inquiry, leadership, ethical comportment, effective communication, clinical judgment and competence, and mentorship.
• adhere to standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the professional nurse.

The State of California provides the LVN with an option to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) after completing 30 college semester units. The LVN seeking this path to RN licensure will not receive a degree and this may impact employment opportunities. Additionally, reciprocal RN licensure in other states may be affected. LVNs considering moving out-of-state are encouraged to consult with that state's board of nursing for RN licensure requirements before committing to the 30-unit option.

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• The program reserves the right to make changes in the enrollment criteria, academic requirements, grading standards, and other processes without notice at any time.
• Students must complete course AH 110 with a "C" or better.
• Student will be required to submit a negative TB skin test completed within 90 days prior to class entrance or a negative chest x-ray completed within 90 days prior to class entrance.
• Spring semester student must submit proof of having a current influenza vaccine to participate in clinical experiences. Fall semester student must obtain an influenza vaccine when the vaccine becomes available.
• Student must submit a completed health history and physical exam completed within 90-days prior to class entrance. Physical exam must clear student to fully participate in clinical labs. Student must use and submit the ARC Nurse Assistant Medical Form.
• Student must meet the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulation that requires the student be able to listen, comprehend, and respond appropriately, both verbally and in action, to the English language at a minimum sixth grade level.
• CNA student-applicants must obtain a criminal screening prior to acceptance into the course.

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• Read the application process located at the ARC Nursing Department website and follow the directions.
• Admission to the course is by department consent only and determined after review of the applications.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• explain the California Administrative Code, Title XXII, Section 72527, as it relates to the role and responsibilities of the Certified Nursing Assistant regarding professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.
• discuss resident rights, appropriate interaction with residents, families, and other members of the health care team.
• describe and demonstrate rehabilitation and restorative care with proper and safe body mechanics.
• explain what constitutes an emergency and the basics of emergency care required of a Certified Nurse Assistant.
• discuss and practice basic restraint use and associated safety measures and alternatives to restraints.
• differentiate common therapeutic diets.
• discuss and demonstrate basic care procedures required of a Certified Nurse Assistant.
• state and demonstrate protective measures to prevent the spread of infection.

Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) have a wide variety of work opportunities. The most common work placement is in long-term care facilities. Additionally, CNA work may be found in acute care settings, assisted care facilities, and rehabilitation care centers.

¹Student must submit one of the following items prior to the start of class: (A.) A copy of a current Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate (B) Be currently enrolled in a CNA course at ARC.

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Proof of having completed a CA approved nurse assistant course or proof of current California nurse assistant certification.
• have a completed health history and physical exam done within 90 days prior to the start of class. The health history and physical exam must be signed by the student and the health care provider. Physical exam must clear student to fully participate in clinical labs. Student must use the ARC Nurse Assistant Medical form provided.
• provide a Tuberculin [TB] skin clearance test within 90 days prior to start of class, or submit a TB clearance chest x-ray within 90 days prior to start of class.
• proof of current influenza vaccine and other required vaccines.
• proof of criminal clearance before entering the NURSE 101 class.

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• Student must submit completed, time-sensitive prerequisites. Student must refer to the ARC Nursing website, NURSE 101 information for complete information about course prerequisites and prerequisite submission deadline.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• explain and discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Home Health Aide (HHA).
• discuss and demonstrate documentation requirements of the HHA.
• describe how culture, religious/spiritual needs, lifestyle, and life experiences of the client and family can influence care provided by the HHA.
• describe and discuss the signs and symptoms of common diseases and disorders of the homebound client.
• provide basic personal care needs and a clean, safe, and healthy environment for the homebound client.

The Home Health Aide may expand on the CNA work experiences and settings to include the homebound client.