Registered Nursing Program Brochure

Introduction

The study of nursing is the application of knowledge from the arts and sciences. The purpose of the Bakersfield College (BC) Registered Nursing Program (RNP) is to provide the foundation for students to become competent Registered Nurses (RNs). The RNP Faculty respects the individuality of students and recognizes that each student has different educational, experiential, cultural, spiritual, economic and social backgrounds and a unique support system. The goal of the Program is to provide a positive, innovative learning model which fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills so that the graduate nurse is equipped to deliver care to a culturally diverse population in a variety of healthcare settings.

Mission

The Nursing/Allied Health Department, as an integral part of BC, supports the mission, core values and vision of the College by providing high quality education to our socially and ethnically diverse students. Consistent with the overall College mission, the RNP mission is to prepare entry-level RNs as providers and managers of care across the health/illness continuum, and as members of the profession. Graduate nurses will collaborate with members of the health care team, be effective communicators, be politically aware, and demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning.

Recommended Courses

• Nurse Assistant Certification — offered as MEDS B69 at Bakersfield College
• MEDS B37(Medical Terminology, previously MEDS B60) — highly recommended prior to taking BIOL B32
• NURS B99 - Strategies for Success in a Nursing Program

Pre-requisite Requirements

All pre-requisites must be completed at the time the application is submitted, and applicants must have earned a “C” grade or higher at BC, or an equivalent course at another accredited college. (*Please note that there is a minimum of 2.5 combined GPA required, and no less than a “C” in any course for the Biological sciences)

• ENGL B1A (Expository Composition) (3 units)
• BIOL B32 (Anatomy & Physiology I) (4 units)
• BIOL B33 (Anatomy & Physiology II) (4 units)
• BIOL B16 (General Microbiology) (5 units)

Assessment Tests

All conditionally accepted students and alternates will be required to take the ATI TEAS exam, a state approved nursing assessment test. The ATI TEAS is not a pre-requisite to the Bakersfield College RNP program, however it is a requirement to secure an offered seat in the program. Students need to study and test using the ATI TEAS, 7^th edition, as earlier editions are no longer accepted. Bakersfield College students can look into a free study guide made available through PLATO Courseware Resource which is accessible through the Student Success Lab-CSS 143. Students must rank at or above 62% on their first attempt on the ATI TEAS exam to be eligible for admission into the program. Students not meeting the criteria will be offered a remediation program. If students have already taken and passed the current version of the exam, they are not required to retake the exam if passed.

Remediation Program

Students who do not meet the ATI TEAS Score of 62%, will be considered eligible for enrollment into the RNP Program ONLY upon successful completion of the remediation courses listed below. These courses MUST be completed within 12 months from the initial application date to the RNP Program. Failure to meet this requirement would result in ineligibility. For those students with a prior 1^st attempt TEAS that do not meet this requirement, contact Educational Advisors for further instruction: venessa.reyes@bakersfieldcollege.edu or giovanni.garcia@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

1. ACDV B70 A through F Series — Study Skills with a “P” (passing grade)
2. NURS B30 — Pathophysiology (or equivalent course) with a “B” or higher - may be taken off campus
3. Purchase the ATI Testing Basic Package study guide-provide copy of transcript reflecting time spent studying and multiple attempts at pre-test and post-test scores — a minimum of 6 weeks of study time must be documented to meet requirement

*Once remediation has been completed, students must retake the ATI TEAS at any of the approved test sites AND achieve a score of at least 62% to be considered eligible to re-apply. If the retake score is less than 62%, the student is no longer eligible for the RN program.

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Bakersfield College General Education Pattern - RNP

General education courses are required to graduate from BC with an RNP. Students are encouraged to follow the CSU General Education Pattern if there is a desire to pursue their Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN). See catalog for the CSU General education requirements. It is strongly suggested that most of these courses be completed prior to beginning the Nursing Program:

• A. Communication in the English Language and Critical Thinking (6 units)
  • A.1 Oral Communication (3 units)
    • COMM B1*-Public Speaking recommended, or any course as listed in Area A.1 (“C” grade or higher) (COMM B2* see advisor for approval status)
  • A.2 Written Communication (3 units)
    • ENGL B1A*-Expository Composition (“C” grade or higher) - prerequisite course
• B. Physical Universe and Life Forms (6 units)
  • B.1 Natural Sciences (3 units) BIOL B32*-Anatomy & Physiology I, B33*-Anatomy & Physiology II and B16*-Microbiology - prerequisite courses
  • B.2 Mathematics and Logic (3 units) Math B27 (previously MATH B75/B70)-College Algebra, its equivalent, or higher level (Math B22 or PSYC B5 preferred) (“C” grade or higher)
• C. Arts, Literature, Philosophy, and Foreign Language (3 units)
  • C.1 / C.2 PHIL B12-Ethics of Living and Dying recommended, or any course as listed in area C of the General Education Pattern in the BC Catalog
• D. Social, Political, Legal and Economic Institution and Behavior, Historical Background (9 units for AA;6 units for AS)
  • D.1 RNP Students are not required to take a course from this area
  • D.2 ANTH B2* - Cultural Anthropology or SOC B1* - Intro to Sociology (“C” grade or higher) (3 units)
  • D.3 American (U.S. Institutions) (3 units) Any course listed in area D.3 of the General Education Pattern in the BC Catalog
• E. Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development (4 units total)
  • PSYC B1A*-General Psychology (“C” grade or higher) (3 units)
  • Physical Education 1 unit required from PHED courses as listed in the BC Catalog: PHED B2-B29 or B32-B33 (1 unit)

*Board of Registered Nursing requirement

Please Note: Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to complete an Educational Planning Course to meet matriculation and graduation requirements and receive priority registration. Courses meeting this requirement include:

• NURS B99 - Strategies for Success in a Nursing Program
  OR
• STDV B1 - Educational Planning - or any STDV course listed in the BC Catalog. These courses are recommended to be taken during the first semester at BC

Note: All graduation requirements must be met to earn an RNP and to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

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Applying

Application Period

All application forms and transcripts must be received in the Nursing/Allied Health Department (MS-178) during the designated filing period outlined below. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO, OR AFTER THESE DATES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

January 1- January 31 - for the Program scheduled to start in the FALL

• Applications must be accompanied by an official or unofficial BC transcript. (All required coursework must be on transcript.)
• Transcripts from other colleges/universities needing evaluation for this period must be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office no later than Nov 1st along with a Request for Evaluation form. This form can be obtained in the Admissions & Records office.
• Please note, The Admissions & Records office will need a minimum of 12 weeks to complete the evaluation process.

July 1-July 31 - for the Program scheduled to start in the SPRING

• Applications must be accompanied by an official or unofficial BC transcript. (All required coursework must be on transcript.)
• Transcripts from other colleges/universities needing evaluation for this period must be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office no later than May 1st along with a Request for Evaluation form. This form can be obtained in the Admissions & Records office.
• Please note, the Admissions & Records office will need a minimum of 12 weeks to complete the evaluation process.

Application Procedure

1. Read ALL instructions in their entirety before completing the application.
2. It is the applicant's responsibility to complete ALL application requirements/procedures. FAILURE TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION.
   • Access RNP APPLICATION
   • Print and complete all sections. The application must be legible.
   • Submit an application AND all of the following documents, including:
     • Submit either official or unofficial Bakersfield College transcripts showing all pre-requisite courses posted. ALL applicants must submit.
     • Print and complete the MULTI-CRITERA POINT ALLOCATION form (Appendix A). Circle/complete all applicable points and calculate the subtotal. Attach supporting documentation where listed and submit with program application during the appropriate application period.
   • Refer to Appendixes B-D. Only if applicable: download, print, complete, and attach to application.

If you have taken courses from any college other than Bakersfield College :

• Apply for Admission to BC either in person at the Admissions & Records office or apply on-line. Follow the Steps.
• Order an official copy of your transcripts from your previous college(s);
• Submit the official copy of your transcripts along with a Request for Evaluation to the Admissions & Records office.
• The Request for Evaluation form can also be obtained from the Admissions & Records office.
• If you have taken courses from Porterville College or Cerro Coso Community College you do not need to submit official copies of transcripts for evaluation, but rather you ONLY need to submit the Request for Evaluation form to the BC Admissions & Record Office so they can convert the coursework to BC equivalent courses.
• Once your transcripts have been evaluated and posted to your BC transcripts, either order an official copy from the Admission & Records, OR print your unofficial BC transcript, AND submit along with the Application Form and supporting documentation to the Nursing/Allied Health Department, in the Math Science building, Room 178, during the appropriate application period.
• Please note, it takes a minimum of 12 weeks for transcripts to be evaluated by BC's Admissions & Records Office, and this evaluation must be completed PRIOR to the end of the application period. Transcripts from other colleges/universities needing evaluation for the January application must be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office no later than November 1^st whereas, transcripts for the July application must be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office no later than May 1^st. *Upper division course work will not be posted on a BC transcript, therefore the student must meet with the BC Department Chair of the appropriate course and discuss the possibility of accepting that upper division course as a BC equivalent course. Allow time for review given program deadlines.

Application Selection Process

The program utilizes a blended combination of multi-criteria selection AND a random lottery. Seventy percent (70%) of the available seats will be filled by applicants with the highest ranking score using the Multi-Criteria Point Allocation Form. All other eligible applicants will be placed in a random lottery to fill the remaining thirty percent (30%).

Veterans

Veterans with previous experience/education should refer to the Military Challenge Advanced Placement Policy to verify how to receive credit for Nursing courses. Eligible Veterans with relevant experience must request an appointment with the Program Director at least eight (8) weeks prior to the application period.

Application Status

The status of applications will be posted on the website on the Nursing page under Application Status. Applicants will be notified approximately EIGHT (8)- TEN (10) weeks after the closing date by their student assigned email with one of the following responses:

Eligibility

The application and all supporting documents have been reviewed and the applicant has met all program requirements.

Conditionally Accepted

Conditionally accepted is the reservation of a seat prior to the ATI TEAS Assessment. Once the top ranked students and random lottery selected students have completed the assessment with a minimum score of 62%, they will then move from conditionally accepted to “officially accepted” in the RNP program. *Intake requirements such as drug screen and background must also be met.

Alternate Status

Alternate students are students who are eligible, but are only selected if a seat becomes available for the cohort in which they applied. Alternates will also be asked to complete the Assessment. Once all alternate applicants have taken the ATI TEAS Assessment, a re-ranking will occur based on their post-TEAS overall score (Multi-criteria + ATI TEAS Score points). Alternates will then be selected based on their ranking order. *Please note that being considered an Alternate does not guarantee selection in future application periods for the Bakersfield College RNP program. If an Alternate applicant is not selected, they must reapply. There is NO waitlist.

Eligible, Not Selected

Your application meets program requirements however, your name was not selected in multi-criteria point allocation and/or random lottery selection for this enrollment period. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply during the next application period. There is NO waitlist.

Not Eligible/Incomplete

We have reviewed your application, and based on program requirements, your application is not qualified. You will be emailed further information.

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Program Requirements

Essential Technical Standards

Bakersfield College nursing faculty have the responsibility to educate and prepare students to become competent nurses who safely care for their patients and families using critical judgment, broadly based knowledge, and refined technical skills. Individuals interested in applying for admission to the programs should review the Essential Technical Standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities and behavioral characteristics required to successfully progress in, and graduate from our programs. To be qualified for the BC RNP Program, individuals must be able to meet Essential Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. For further information regarding services and resources to students with disabilities and/or to request accommodations please contact the Disabled Student Programs & Services located in the Center for Student Success (CSS) Building, 1st floor, CSS 10; (661) 395-4334.

Physical Examination Requirements

A physical examination completed by a Healthcare Provider, of the student's choice, is required upon entering the Program. This is to demonstrate that a student is in good physical and mental health, and meets the Essential Technical Standards necessary to meet the Program objectives. Appropriate immunizations and/or vaccinations are also required, and are performed at the student's expense.

Drug/Alcohol Screening

As a condition of enrollment into any Nursing Program with a clinical laboratory component, students are required to submit to, and pass a designated drug and alcohol screening at the student's expense. *Although the State of California has legalized cannabis use, it is still illegal under federal law.

Background Screening and Licensure Eligibility

As a condition of enrollment into any Nursing Program with a clinical laboratory component, students are required to complete and submit a background check, at the student's expense. Please note:

• A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render a student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.
• If students are unable to attend clinic due to background restrictions, then the student's seat will be forfeited as they will not be able to meet Program/Course Objectives.

Basic Life Support

Students are required to show proof of a valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) card. This BLS card must be valid at all times.
*This requirement can be fulfilled by completion of MEDS B52.

Estimated Program Costs (Gainful Employment)

Students will be required to purchase uniforms, textbooks and selected equipment, provide transportation to off-campus clinical education sites and pay current college fees. Estimated Program Costs.

Program Accreditation

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) accredits the BC RNP Program. Bakersfield College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The ACCJC is one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Licensure/Certification Eligibility

Conviction of any offenses other than minor traffic violations must be reported to the Board of Registered Nursing at the time of application for licensure. For clarification contact the RNP Program Director or the Board of Registered Nursing, 400 R Street, Suite 4030, Sacramento, California, 95814, (916) 322-3350. Board of Registered Nursing-Enforcement Division

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

In accordance with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act, Bakersfield College provides services and benefits to students regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, religion, marital status, medical condition or disability. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to administration and participation in vocational education programs. (Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.)

Pursuant to SB 1393, a student of a registered nursing program with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution is not required to complete any coursework other than that which is unique and exclusively required to earn a nursing degree from that institution. All course work must meet the graduation requirements and licensure eligibility requirements as set forth by the Board of Registered Nursing.

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Associate Degree Nurse Program Curriculum

The following courses are taken AFTER the student enters the Program

Program Units - Grand Total: 38.0

Students Transferring from Other Nursing Programs

Students who desire to transfer from another nursing program into our BC nursing program must meet with the Program Director and Nursing Educational Advisor to ensure course/program alignment, and be in good standing from their previous nursing program. Good standing is defined as a student who was not on academic or clinical probation, and who is eligible for re-entry into their previous program. An original letter stating standing in previous program is required by previous Program Director on school letterhead. A transfer approval is still contingent on an available seat in the program that student is intending on transferring into.

Students Transferring to California State University, Bakersfield

Students who plan to obtain their Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at CSUB after completing the Bakersfield College RNP Program should consult the CSUB RNP to BSN program for current requirements.

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