The Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing offers an Associate in Science degree in nursing. It is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Completion of this program allows graduates to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for Registered Nursing. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions. The curriculum provides hands-on experiences with a variety of healthcare populations, including geriatrics, medical, surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatric/mental health. Due to space limitations, completion of program prerequisites does not guarantee admission to the program. All of the following are considered when screening applicants:

• Academic degrees
• Grade point average in relevant prerequisite coursework (all courses require a letter grade)
• Life experiences or special circumstances
• Relevant work, volunteer experience or healthcare certification
• Proficiency or advanced coursework in a language other than English

Once selected, applicants must successfully complete a pre-entrance readiness test (and remediation plan if indicated) in order to be admitted. Once selected for the program, students must comply with additional program requirements such as health screen, background check, drug screen, and proof of immunizations. The cost of these requirements is the responsibility of the student and is explained in detail at mandatory new student orientation.

LVNs/LPNs who seek advanced placement into the second or third semester of the program must qualify by completing program prerequisites; for third-semester placement must also successfully complete a placement examination and performance-based preparation plan (LVNs/LPNs may also request to be admitted under the Board of Registered Nursing Regulation 1429, the 30-unit option, which does not confer a degree). Advanced placement is available only as space permits.

An accelerated first-semester course is also available to selected applicants with previous education in the field of nursing, including military education and experience, who qualify by the multi-criterion selection process.

Contact the Counseling Department or the School of Nursing for more detailed program information. The following is the contact information for the program’s accrediting and approval bodies:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 1-404-975-5000

California Board of Registered Nursing
P.O. Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244
1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: 916-322-3350

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Provide safe and effective nursing care to patients in a variety of clinical settings using Standards of Competent Performance and in accordance with California statutes and regulations outlined in the Nursing Practice Act.
• Formulate the plan of care to incorporate evidence-based practice.
• Integrate concepts of growth and development to enhance patient-centered care for diverse and dynamic patient populations.
• Utilize technology to effectively communicate, manage knowledge, prevent errors, and support decision making.
• Coordinate activities as a leader within the interdisciplinary health care team to advocate for patients, families, and communities.

Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements

¹

Nursing students who hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college may not be required to complete additional general education units or coursework other than prerequisite courses and nursing courses required specifically for the nursing program. See nursing program counselor or Director, School of Nursing.

²

Required for MPC graduation but may not be required for the nursing program of study if the student has a prior baccalaureate degree.

³

STAT C1000 Recommended for BSN transfer

⁴

Recommended for BSN Transfer.

⁵

Students must complete the Information Competency Graduation requirement (LIBR 50). However, students who complete NURS 52A and NURS 52B or NURS 52B and NURS 54 will meet the equivalency for MPC graduation.

⁶

PSYC 25 will satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (Area 4) requirement.

Advanced Placement LVN Students Only

Qualified Advanced Placement LVN students may not need to take the following courses:

Advanced Placement LVN students only must also take:

Please refer to the program requirements section of the Catalog for information about associate degree requirements and certificate requirements including Information Competency, and General Education requirements.  
 

The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.

Suggested Course Sequence

Suggested Course Sequence

MPC “Ready to Work” Career Education programs offer students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills needed for employment and job advancement.

All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss career pathways, for support with career exploration and planning, and to create a personalized education plan to help them meet their academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.

Additional resources are available through MPC’s Career & Transfer Resource Center (CTRC). The CTRC offers career resources, workshops, guidance and referrals. Visit the CTRC for support finding online career information and other resources to explore majors, occupations, and employment information.