Nursing | Victor Valley College

Nursing | Victor Valley College
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Nursing
2025-2026 Edition
Department Chair:
Daniel Kniss
Department Location:
Bldg 33 Rm 120
Department Phone:
760-245-4271 Ext 2283
Department Email:
Daniel.Kniss@vvc.edu
School:
School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) and, upon successful completion, become eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of California.
California law allows for the denial of Registered Nurse Licensure on the basis of any conviction or action substantially related to nursing practice. The California Board of Registered Nursing requires applicants for licensure with prior convictions to provide proof of rehabilitation before taking the NCLEX-RN that establishes fitness for performing nursing functions. For further clarification, contact the Nursing Department or the California Board of Registered Nursing.
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Faculty accepts and operates within the framework of the philosophy and mission of Victor Valley College. The conceptual framework is based on the systems and change theory using the Nursing Process. The components of the curriculum are arranged around the client’s bio-psycho-social, and cultural/spiritual beliefs. The faculty believes that the student is an adult learner who is expected to take an active role in the learning process.
Separate application must be made into the nursing program. Several admission and progression options are available, including generic, advanced placement, transfer, non-graduate, and 30 unit option. Specific information is available in the application packet, the student nurse handbook, and from the program director. Please contact the Nursing Department for application dates.
Prerequisites for admission into the Nursing program
Human Anatomy (equivalent to Victor Valley College
BIOL 211
Human Anatomy
), 4-5 units, completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Human Physiology (equivalent to Victor Valley College
BIOL 231
Human Physiology
), 4-5 units, completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Microbiology (equivalent to Victor Valley College
BIOL 221
General Microbiology
), 5 units, completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Program prerequisites must be completed prior to application.
Note that these prerequisites themselves have prerequisites:
BIOL 100
General Biology
BIOL 107
Introduction to Human Biology
(preferred), or
BIOL 201
Biology of Cells
and
CHEM 100
Introductory Chemistry
or
CHEM 201
General Chemistry
Enrollment Process
After the prerequisites have been verified and there are still too many students for the spaces available, those accepted into the program will be based on the enrollment criteria. The enrollment process is based on the recommended Best Practice for Enrollment prepared by the Chancellor’s Office of the California Community Colleges, and approved by the Chancellor’s Office. Please contact the Nursing Department or Nursing Counselor for further clarification of the enrollment process.
Note:
Prior to admission to the ADN program, students must demonstrate physical health as determined by a history and physical examination.
To continue in the program, the students must submit a current physical and meet required immunizations, titers, and have a chest X-ray and/or PPD. Also, a current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Certificate, or equivalent, must be obtained and current. Current liability insurance and criminal background checks are required in order to comply with the program and clinical agencies’ contractual requirements. Per individual facility requirements, random drug testing may also be required.
The College does not provide transportation to and from required clinical facilities.
In order to continue in the ADN program students must earn a minimum grade of C in all nursing and other required courses.
Nursing courses have specific prerequisites. Refer to course descriptions in this catalog.
Placement Options
Generic Students
are those who will complete the entire nursing program at Victor Valley College. The application is submitted, and after approval, class selection is made according to the current enrollment process. Students must also pass (=>70%) the Testing of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V or higher) prior to program start. The TEAS V (or higher) Exam tests the student’s knowledge of basic math, English, reading, and applicable science. A maximum of two attempts to pass the TEAS V or higher version is allowable.
Transfer Students
are those who transfer nursing units from another college. The education code allows students to transfer only lower division units to a community college. Each student requesting transfer of Nursing units will be individually evaluated by the Nursing Program Admission, Promotion, Evaluation, and Program Effectiveness (AEPE) Committee to determine appropriate placement in the VVC Program. Placement will be made on a space available basis and is determined by the course content and number of nursing degree units completed. A Priority Transfer List will be established according to the Policy for Nursing Program Transfer. Students will be given credit for general education courses according to the college’s published policy (see College Catalog). If the student has earned a non-progression grade (D or F) in a registered nursing course at another school, acceptance to Victor Valley College Nursing Program will be considered their second chance. Prospective students must score a minimum of 70% on the TEAS V or higher version.
LVN to RN Entry
Option are those documented as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California. Students choosing this option must apply to the program, meet the prerequisites (Completion of college-level Anatomy, Physiology and Microbiology) and take the Credit by Examination to bypass any of the courses.  Passing TEAS V or higher version is also a requirement for all entering students.
(LVN-RN) Please note: All Victor Valley College requirements for Credit by Examination must also be met. 1) Twelve units completed at VVC. 2) Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.0. 3) No previous grade received for the course. 4) Currently enrolled. NOTE: Credit by Examination may only be taken once for a course.
Challenge Students
Students admitted to the Nursing Program with previous documented experience may be allowed to challenge certain specified content areas - Education Code, Section 5557537, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code. Contact the Director of Nursing regarding this option.
Thirty Unit Option
is available to California Licensed Vocational Nurses. The Board of Registered Nursing regulation 1429 provides the option of completing 30 semester units in nursing and related sciences. In order to enter under this option the applicant must:
Have a current California LVN license
Prior to starting, have previously completed Human Anatomy, (5 units with a lab), Human Physiology, (5 units with a lab), and Microbiology, (5 units with a lab); all with C or better.
Applicants will take a credit by exam against our Nursing Process 1 as long as at least 12 units at Victor Valley College with a GPA of 2.5 or better and be currently enrolled.  If credit by exam passed for
NURS 221
Nursing Process 1
candidates will enter
NURS 222
Nursing Process 2
and complete
NURS 223
Nursing Process 3
and
NURS 224
Nursing Process 4
Candidates completing this option are not graduates of VVC, but are eligible to take the licensure exam. They are not eligible to wear the VVC graduate nursing pin nor graduate from the Associate Degree program. Additionally, they may not be eligible for RN licensure in any other state than California. Passing (70% or greater) on the TEAS V or higher is also a requirement for the 30-Unit Option students.
Non-Graduate Option
Allows students to complete only those classes required to take the NCLEX exam. In the VVC Nursing Program, those classes are:
BIOL 211
Human Anatomy
BIOL 221
General Microbiology
BIOL 231
Human Physiology
ENGL C1000
Academic Reading and Writing
SOC 101
Introduction to Sociology
CMST 106
Interpersonal Communication
CMST 107
Family Communication
CMST 108
Group Discussion
, or
COMM C1000
Introduction to Public Speaking
PSYC C1000
Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 110
Developmental Psychology
; and NURS (4 classes). All classes must be completed with a C or better. Students choosing this option are not graduates of VVC. The TEAS V requirement applies to all entry options.
Contracts or Grants
The Nursing Program reserves the right to bypass portions of the enrollment process to designate a certain number of spaces from any of the above entry options for contracts, grants, pilot programs or partnerships, and/or to meet requirements of grant-designated outcomes.
For detailed information regarding VVC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program Placement/Advancement Policy, please refer to the current ADN Program Student Handbook.
Career Opportunities
The graduate is prepared to practice nursing at any entry level in the following settings:
Medical/Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Maternal/Newborn Nursing, Post-Anesthesia Nursing, Perioperative Nursing Geriatric Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Rehabilitation Nursing, Neurosurgical Nursing, Oncology Nursing
Faculty
Ali, Susan
Gray, Tiana
Hale, Melissa
Kniss, Daniel
Larez, Pam
Millikin, Rebecca
Portillo, Silvia
Quinn, Jamie
Stroup, Jennifer
Taylor, Tashauna
Transfer
California State University, Dominguez Hills: RN to BSN program
Minimum of 60 semester units of transferable college credit with a grade point average of at least 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable course work (non-residents: 2.4) and have satisfied any high school subject deficiency in English and mathematics by equivalent course work (the maximum transferable credit accepted from a two-year college is 70 semester units). English composition, Public Speaking, GE Math and Logic/Critical Thinking must be completed prior to admission for new applicants.
Current RN licensure in the United States, or an RN interim permit.
It is recommended that students obtain GE certification from a community college prior to admission.
California State University, San Bernardino: BSN program
Completion of an application to the university and nursing program
Attendance at a group advising session
Completion of the following prerequisites:
BIOL 211
Human Anatomy
BIOL 231
Human Physiology
BIOL 221
General Microbiology
CHEM 100
Introductory Chemistry
STAT C1000
Introduction to Statistics
COMM C1000
Introduction to Public Speaking
ENGL C1000
Academic Reading and Writing
PSYC 110
Developmental Psychology
; and complete the CSU General Education/Breadth pattern.
3.5 GPA minimum
“C” or better on all course work
Acceptance into a baccalaureate of science degree in Nursing is based on completion of prerequisites and entrance requirements. To pursue a BSN, complete the requirements prior to transfer. For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit
assist.org
. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Programs of Study
Nursing Licensure Certificate of Achievement
Nursing, AS
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication, and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to
Provide quality, safe, patient-centered nursing care using current evidence-based practices as a competent, entry-level professional nurse generalist.
Function within the scope and standards of practice as a competent, entry-level professional nurse generalist while incorporating all ethical and legal principles in a variety of health care settings for diverse patient populations.
Assimilate communication principles to foster collaborative relationships, using effective communication with the inter-professional health care team for the purpose of providing and improving patient outcomes as a competent, entry-level professional nurse generalist.
Integrate critical thinking principles to make sound clinical judgments necessary for providing safe patient care and promoting quality improvement as a competent, entry-level professional nurse generalist.
Integrate nursing informatics and competently demonstrate the use of technology to effectively communicate, manage and analyze data, prevent errors, and support decision-making as a competent, entry-level professional nurse generalist.
Nursing Courses
NURS 0138
Noncredit - Work Experience Education Nursing
(0.0 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. This is a non-credit course to support Nurse Extern programs. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281. The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information.
Transfer: Not transferable
NURS 138
Work Experience Education Nursing
(1-8 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281. The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 138A
Work Experience Education Nursing - Level 1
(1-8 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, 8- or 6- week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. WEE Nursing 138a is designed for a Nursing student's first semester as an intern, extern or employee at their place of work.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 138B
Work Experience Education Nursing - Level 2
(1-8 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, 8- or 6- week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. WEE Nursing 138b is designed for a Nursing student's second semester as an intern, extern or employee at their place of work.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 138C
Work Experience Education Nursing - Level 3
(1-8 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, 8- or 6- week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. WEE Nursing 138b is designed for a Nursing student's third semester as an intern, extern or employee at their place of work.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 138D
Work Experience Education Nursing - Level 4
(1-8 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, 8- or 6- week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. WEE Nursing 138d is designed for a Nursing student's fourth semester as an intern, extern or employee at their place of work.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 138E
Work Experience Education Nursing - Level 5
(1-8 Units)
Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, 8- or 6- week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. WEE Nursing 138e is designed for a Nursing student's fifth semester as an intern, extern or employee at their place of work.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 221
Nursing Process 1
(12.0 Units)
An introduction to the Victor Valley College Associate Degree Nursing Program and the nursing profession. Emphasis is on the nursing process and fundamentals of nursing; including risk management, health promotion, psycho-social aspects, electrolyte and acid-base management, and the perioperative experience practiced in various clinical settings and the classroom laboratory.
Lecture Hours: 126.0; Lab Hours: 270.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 222
Nursing Process 2
(10.0 Units)
The Nursing Process applied to family nursing and the childbearing family, the adaptations of nursing care for various stages of growth and development, and the nursing management required in common adult conditions; e.g., nutritional, tissue perfusion, elimination.
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 221
, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 90.0; Lab Hours: 270.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 223
Nursing Process 3
(10.0 Units)
This course will synthesize and correlate nursing knowledge and skills in providing care to multiple patients who have complex, multi-system illnesses. Focus will be for the students to predict patient needs and priorities, and evaluate outcomes of care. Associated psychomotor skills will be integrated and practiced.
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 222
, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 90.0; Lab Hours: 270.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
NURS 224
Nursing Process 4
(10.0 Units)
The Nursing Process applied with a holistic view to multi-system problems with a comprehensive approach in the hospital and community setting. Clinical experience demonstrates the use of legal, ethical, and leadership principles, and the ability to function with minimum supervision as a preceptee.
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 223
, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 90.0; Lab Hours: 270.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
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Victor Valley College 2025-2026 Catalog
A PDF of the entire 2025-2026 catalog.