Nursing: LVN to RN Career Ladder Program
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This program provides high-quality nursing education to a diverse student population. The program facilitates the development of entry-level nurses who are prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community. The faculty supports a student-centered learning environment of collaboration, communication, safety, compassion, and excellence in nursing care.
Accreditation
Long Beach City College is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, (404) 975-5000 and approved by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing.
Restrictions on Licensure
Persons with substance abuse problems or with conviction of crimes substantially related to the practice of nursing may not be granted a license by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Fingerprints using Live Scan are part of the application for licensure. For further information, refer to the BRN site related to Prior Convictions and Disciplinary Actions. For additional questions, contact the ADN Program Director.
Program Admission Requirements
General Information Items
- All applicants must have a clear background as unclear backgrounds may prevent the student from completing clinical requirements and jeopardize completion of the nursing program or licensure.
- All applicants should be physically and emotionally fit. If selected, the applicant will need to demonstrate proficiency in nursing skills and competencies to meet course objectives and progress in the nursing program.
- A strong command of the English language, both written and verbal is essential for successful completion of the program.
- Some clinical facilities require proof of legal U.S. residency to complete required clinical hours. In some cases, an alternative clinical site mayl not be available. A Social Security or Taxpayer I.D. is required by the California Board of Registered Nurses to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse.
- All applicants must show proof of high school graduation or equivalency in the form of a diploma, transcripts or GED. This requirement is waived if the applicant has an Associate’s Degree or higher.
- All applicants must have a valid VN license.
Sequential Procedure for Application to the Program
- Applicants are encouraged to view and/or attend the Associate Degree Nursing information session. Information sessions are held on a regular basis throughout the fall and spring semester. Dates and times are listed on the nursing website: https://www.lbcc.edu/department-nursing.
- Successful completion with a grade of “C” or higher in a college math course at the level of MATH 120 or MATH 130 or MATH 130A or MATH 140 or MATH 115 or higher OR transcript verified completion with a grade of “C” or higher in a high school Math class at the level of Intermediate Algebra.
- Completion of ENGL 1/1H or ENGL C1000/H, or ENGL1S or ENGL C1000E, or ESL 1Sor equivalent with a grade of "C" or higher.
- Applicants must have a minimal overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Applicants must have a minimal GPA of 2.5 or higher in these science courses: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology and Microbiology. These science courses must be less than 5 years old at the time of application and have a grade of “C” or higher.
- Unofficial transcripts from LBCC and all colleges attended must be submitted with the application. If accepted into the nursing program, official transcripts for colleges other than Long Beach City College will be required.
- Complete the online application found on the nursing website (https://nursing.lbcc.edu) during the posted application period.
- All provisionally selected applicants and alternates will be required to attend a mandatory Advisement Meeting to discuss further requirements such as the TEAS test, background check and health information.
ADN 10 1.5 units
Nursing Track - Pharmacology 1
18 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course introduces the student to pharmacologic nursing practice using a conceptual approach. Emphasis is placed on drug classifications, prototypes, actions, interactions, adverse effects, and nursing implications. Curricular concepts related to pharmacological modalities are applied in lecture and laboratory settings. The nursing process and clinical judgment are the basis for understanding the role of the nurse in administering medications. Upon completion of the course, students will apply pharmacological principles and interventions to provide safe and effective nursing care.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 11A 2.5 units
Introduction to Nursing
45 hours lecture
Prerequisite: ANAT 1, PHYSI 1, BIO 2, and ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, ENGL C1000E, or ESL 1S.
Corequisite: ADN 11AL, PSYC C1000 or SOCIO 1 (may be taken as a prerequisite).
Grading: letter grade.
The course is an introduction to the basic concepts of the Self-Care Theory of Nursing by Dorothea Orem. Included are the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to meet or to assist in meeting the universal self-care requisites of the hospitalized adult. Also included are the fundamental concepts upon which subsequent courses in the nursing program are built.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 11AL 1.5 units
Introduction to Nursing Lab
81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ANAT 1, PHYSI 1, BIO 2, and ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, ENGL C1000E, or ESL 1S, and compliance with all clinical agency health and safety policies is required the first day of the course.
Corequisite: ADN 11A.
Grading: letter grade or pass/no pass.
The course includes on-campus lab practice and application of the course content in clinical nursing situations. This lab course aligns with the course content presented in ADN 11A.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 11B 2.5 units
Health Deviations 1
45 hours lecture
Corequisite: ADN 11BL.
Grading: letter grade.
This course is an introduction to deviations in health of the adult client. It emphasizes the health deviation self-care requisites of intake of air, intake of water, balance of activity and rest. Collaborative problems are added to previously learned information about the nursing process; as well as medication administration, oral and injected. The course places an emphasis on teaching safety and communication for the hospitalized patient.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 11BL 1.5 units
Health Deviations 1 Lab
81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ADN 11A and ADN 11AL, and compliance with all clinical agency health and safety policies is required the first day of the course.
Corequisite: ADN 11B.
Grading: letter grade or pass/no pass.
This course includes on-campus lab practice and application of the course content in clinical nursing situations. Skill activities include oral and injected drug administration, respiratory, abdominal and lower leg assessment and related skills.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 12A 2.5 units
Health Deviations 2
45 hours lecture
Corequisite: ADN 12AL.
Grading: letter grade.
This course is the second medical-surgical nursing course in the nursing program. The effects and results of specific pathological conditions and treatment modalities upon the perioperative patient will be studied. Emphasis is placed on the nursing care needs of the middle adulthood. Students must be enrolled in this course before attempting to enroll in ADN 12AL.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 12AL 1.5 units
Health Deviations 2: Lab
81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ADN 11B and 11BL, and compliance with all clinical agency health and safety policies is required the first day of the course.
Corequisite: ADN 12A.
Grading: letter grade or pass/no pass.
This laboratory course includes both on-campus laboratory practice and application of course content in the live nursing situation. Skills include intravenous therapy, medical and surgical aseptic practices and selected physical assessments. Students will provide nursing care for a two patient perioperative assignment in the acute care setting. Experiences off the unit may include a day in the operating room or outpatient services.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 12B 2.5 units
Health Deviations 3
45 hours lecture
Grading: letter grade.
This course continues to explore the professional role of the nurse and patient demands for increased care necessitated by health deviations in the hospitalized adult. The content emphasizes the nursing process using Orem's Self-Care Theory, specifically the requisites of sufficient intake of water and food, elimination, and excretion. Focus is placed on collaborative management of care, communication, safety, and critical thinking in assuming the expanding role of the registered nurse. Additionally, the effects of specific pathological health deviations and medical treatment modalities for the medical patient are studied with attention to teaching and learning. Students must be enrolled in this course before attempting to enroll in ADN 12BL. Students will be required to attend 1 hour of the supplemental learning activity in a designated Success Center.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 12BL 1.5 units
Health Deviations 3: Lab
81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ADN 12A and 12AL, and compliance with all clinical agency health and safety policies is required the first day of the course.
Corequisite: ADN 12B.
Grading: letter grade or pass/no pass.
This course provides on-campus lab practice and application of course content utilizing Orem's Self-Care Theory and the nursing process in the live nursing situation. Skill activities include intravenous therapy, physical assessments, and medical and surgical aseptic practice with related skills. Students assume the professional role of the registered nurse while collaborating and managing the safe care of a multiple patient assignment in the medical areas of the acute care facilities. Communication, teaching and learning, and critical thinking skills are emphasized.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 14A 3.5 units
Foundational Concepts of Nursing
36 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory
Grading: letter grade.
This course introduces the nursing student to foundational concepts across the lifespan. Principles of safety, care competencies, health care infrastructure, attributes and roles are included. The application of concepts through clinical skills are experienced through seminar, lab and clinical settings. Upon completion, students will provide safe nursing care incorporating identified concepts.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 14B 4 units
Nursing - Health Care Participant
36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course introduces the nursing student to the attributes of the health care participant as an individual, a family, and a community. Curricular concepts are applied in seminar, lab, and clinical settings. Upon completion, students will provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts of elimination, nutrition, mobility, perfusion, oxygenation, comfort, cognition, glucose regulation, infection, and tissue integrity.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 15A 4 units
Health and Illness Nursing Concepts 1
36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course focuses on health and illness concepts for care of individuals with common acute or chronic conditions. Emphasis is placed on concepts including homeostasis and regulation, protection and movement, oxygenation and hemostasis. Professional nursing concepts include professional attributes and care competencies. Curricular concepts are applied in seminar, lab and clinical settings. Upon completion, students will provide safe nursing care incorporating the identified concepts.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 15B 4.5 units
Health and Illness Nursing Concepts 2
36 hours lecture, 135 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
The course focuses on health and illness concepts for care of individuals with complex acute or chronic health conditions. Emphasis is placed on concepts including oxygenation, homeostasis and regulation, protection and movement, and coping. Professional nursing concepts include selected professional attributes and care competencies. Curricular concepts are applied in seminar, lab and clinical settings. The laboratory portion includes both on-campus laboratory practice and application of course concepts in the live nursing situation.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 20 1.5 units
Nursing Track - Pharmacology 2
27 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course continues the study of pharmacology from a conceptual approach as it relates to nursing management of drug therapy. Emphasis is placed on the drug classifications, prototypes, actions, interactions, adverse effects, and nursing implications. Complex curricular concepts, related to pharmacological modalities, are applied in seminar settings. Students are encouraged to utilize the nursing process and clinical reasoning while engaging with these curricular concepts. Upon completion of the course, students will apply pharmacological principles and interventions to provide safe and effective nursing care.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 20A 1 units
Transition to Second Level Nursing
18 hours lecture
Prerequisite: ANAT 1, PHYSI 1, BIO 2, and ENGL 105, ESL 34X, ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, ENGL C1000E, or ESL 1S, and CPR Certification for health care providers.
Corequisite: ADN 202.
Grading: letter grade or pass/no pass.
This course is designed to prepare advanced placement licensed vocational nursing students for second level Registered Nursing content. The major foci are Orem's Self Care Theory of Nursing and the application of the nursing process as a second level practitioner.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 21B 2.5 units
Mental Health
45 hours lecture
Corequisite: ADN 21BL.
Grading: letter grade.
This course is a study of Orem's Self-Care Theory and the nursing process as they relate to mental health and/or mental health deviations in the client with acute/chronic debilitating diseases. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication skills.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 21BL 3 units
Mental Health Lab
162 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ADN 12B and ADN 12BL or ADN 20A, and compliance with all clinical agency health and safety policies is required the first day of the course.
Corequisite: ADN 21B.
Grading: letter grade or pass/no pass.
This laboratory course includes both on and off campus labs that provide an opportunity to practice and apply the theory content in simulated and live nursing situations. The primary emphasis is placed on the application of theory and integrating communication skills into interactions with patients in both the psychiatric and medical-surgical acute care settings. Skill activities include intravenous venipuncture, group participation and various communication techniques.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 22B 2.5 units
Advanced Nursing II/Role Transition
45 hours lecture
Corequisite: ADN 22BL.
Grading: letter grade.
This course provides the opportunity to integrate all previously learned theories and skills. Advanced geriatric content and leadership theory is utilized in a primary or team nursing setting on various hospital shifts,and in the home health settings. The major emphasis is placed on the role transition from student to graduate nurse.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 22BL 3 units
Adv Nursing II-Role Transition Lab
162 hours laboratory
Corequisite: ADN 22B.
Grading: letter grade.
This laboratory course provides the opportunity to integrate all previously learned theories and skills in the clinical setting. It incorporates advanced geriatric content and leadership theory in a primary or team nursing setting on various hospital shifts and in the home health setting. The major emphasis is on the role transition from student to graduate novice nurse.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 24A 2.5 units
Maternal Newborn Nursing Concepts
18 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course focuses on maternal and newborn health concepts. Emphasis is placed on reproduction and sexuality, emotion, homeostasis and regulation. Curricular concepts are applied in seminar, lab and clinical settings. Upon completion, students will provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in this course.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 24B 2.5 units
Pediatric Nursing Concepts
18 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course focuses on pediatrics health concepts. Emphasis is placed on attributes and resources; homeostasis and regulation. Curricular concepts are applied in the seminar, lab, and clinical setting. Upon completion, students will provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified in the course.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 24C 3 units
Mental Health Nursing Concepts
27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course focuses on mental health concepts across the lifespan. Concepts emphasized include coping and stress tolerance, emotion, cognitive function, and maladaptive behavior. Curricular concepts are applied in lecture, lab and clinical settings. Upon completion, students will provide safe nursing care incorporating the concepts identified.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 25A 4 units
Health and Illness Nursing Concepts 3
36 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course focuses on health and illness concepts for care of individuals with multisystem and emergent health conditions. Emphasis is placed on concepts including acid-base balance, infection, intracranial regulation, perfusion, oxygenation, tissue integrity, clinical judgement, and evidence-based practice. Professional nursing concepts include selected professional attributes such as clinical judgment, communication, collaboration, health promotion, safety, technology and informatics. Curricular concepts are applied in seminar, lab and clinical settings.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 25B 5 units
Health and Illness Nursing Concepts 4
36 hours lecture, 162 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the ADN program are required for enrollment.
Grading: letter grade.
This course focuses on the theory and clinical application of the Nursing Process and Clinical Judgment model when providing care for patients across the lifespan. This course facilitates the transition from student nurse to graduate nurse. The student participates as a preceptee or mentee/member of the healthcare team and assumes responsibility for a group of patients under the supervision of a clinical teaching assistant and faculty. Course content includes professional nursing and healthcare concepts. By the end of this course, the student is expected to function satisfactorily within the Nurse of the Future Competencies.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 31A 1 units
Trends in Nursing A
18 hours lecture
Grading: letter grade or pass/no pass.
This course is designed for students to study the trends and issues which affect current nursing practice. The major foci include the evolution of nursing, professional opportunities for the practice of nursing, the legal and ethical relationships in nursing, the economics of health care, the interpersonal relationships among health care professionals and current issues.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 31B 1 units
Trends in Nursing B
18 hours lecture
Prerequisite: ADN 31A.
Grading: pass/no pass.
This course is designed to continue the study of the trends and issues in nursing. The major foci includes: Preparation for licensure, communication, development of a personal philosophy of nursing, the professional role of the nurse, professional employment, educational and volunteer opportunities. It also includes critical thinking, safety and collaboration.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 35A 1.5 units
Maternal/Newborn Nursing
27 hours lecture
Grading: letter grade.
Formerly ADN 235A. This course emphasizes Orem's Self-Care Theory of developmental self-care requisites, health deviations and universal self-care requisites as it relates to women and newborns. The content involves the study of gynecological problems, deviations from normal pregnancy, care during prenatal, intrapartal, and postpartal periods, of normal and high-risk pregnancy. In addition, the assessment and care of the normal newborn is included.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 35AL 1.5 units
Maternal/Newborn Nursing Lab
81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ADN 20A and CPR certification.
Corequisite: ADN 35A.
Grading: letter grade.
Formerly ADN 235AL. This course applies the course content in a live nursing situation. It includes on-campus/clinical lab practice and testing of required skills in perinatal units, newborn nursery, GYN, and community setting.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 35B 1.5 units
Pediatric Nursing
27 hours lecture
Grading: letter grade.
Formerly ADN 235B. This course emphasizes Orem's Self-Care Theory of developmental self-care requisites, health deviations, and universal self-care requisites as it relates to ill children. The content involves the study of illness in children.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 35BL 1.5 units
Pediatric Nursing Lab
81 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ADN 20A and CPR Certification.
Corequisite: ADN 35B.
Grading: letter grade.
Formerly ADN 235BL. The activities for this laboratory course include on-campus practice and application, in acute care hospitals and outpatient settings, of course content in pediatric nursing taught in ADN 235B. The course emphasizes the educative/supportive role of the nurse.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 45A 1.5-2.5 units
Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing
45 hours lecture
Prerequisite: ADN 35A and ADN 35AL and ADN 35B and ADN 35BL and ADN 21B and ADN 21BL and CPR certification for health care providers.
Grading: letter grade.
Formerly ADN 245A. This course emphasizes Orem's Self-Care Theory, in particular health deviations as it pertains to the nursing care of acutely ill and critically ill adults. The content involves the study of critical illness in the adult patient. This course unit value can range from 1.5 to 2.5.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 45AL 1.5-3 units
Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing Lab
162 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: ADN 35A and ADN 35AL and ADN 35B and ADN 35BL and ADN 21B and ADN 21BL and a CPR certification for health care providers.
Corequisite: ADN 45A.
Grading: letter grade.
Formerly ADN 245AL. The course emphasizes the educative/supportive role of the nurse, collaboration and communication among the health care team, safe nursing care, and the utilization of all previously learned skills. The activities for this laboratory course include: 1. On-campus lab practice and application
2. Clinical practice in an acute hospital setting and critical care units. This course unit value can range from 1.5 to 3.
Transferable to CSU Only ADN 200 0.5 units
Nursing Skills Refresher
27 hours laboratory
Grading: pass/no pass.
This course allows self-paced, individualized instruction in basic bedside nursing skills and advanced nursing skills with supervised practice to improve performance and is designed for students in the Associate Degree Nursing program, students
approved for re-entry, individuals who are currently licensed as LVNs and foreign graduate nurses.
ADN 201 0.5 units
Nursing Skills Adjunct Laboratory
27 hours laboratory
Grading: pass/no pass.
Formerly ADN 201AD. This course allows self-paced, individualized instruction in first semester basic bedside nursing skills with supervised practice to improve performance.
ADN 202 0.5 units
Nursing Skills Adjunct Laboratory
27 hours laboratory
Grading: pass/no pass.
Formerly ADN 202AD. This course allows self-paced, individualized instruction in second semester medical and surgical nursing skills with supervised practice to improve performance. This course builds on skills practiced in ADN 201AD.
ADN 203 0.5 units
Nursing Skills Adjunct Laboratory
27 hours laboratory
Grading: pass/no pass.
This laboratory course allows self-paced, individualized instruction in maternal-child and mental health nursing skills with supervised practice to improve performance. This laboratory builds on skills practiced in ADN 202. It is designed for students in the RN program, students approved for re-entry, individuals who are currently licensed as LVNs and/or foreign graduate nurses.
ADN 204 0.5 units
Nursing Skills Adjunct Laboratory
27 hours laboratory
Grading: pass/no pass.
This course allows self-paced, individualized instruction in advanced medical-surgical, critical care and pediatric nursing skills with supervised practice to improve performance. This course is designed for students in the RN program, students approved for re-entry, individuals who are currently licensed as LVNs and/or foreign graduate nurses.
ADN 225 3 units
Pharmacology
54 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: BIO 60 or ANAT 1 and PHYSI 1 and READ 82 or completion of Reading proficiency.
Grading: letter grade.
This is an introductory course into the study and management of commonly prescribed drugs. Drug classifications and prototypes are discussed rather than individual medication. The principles of medication administration including common side-effects and nursing responsibilities is included. Dosage calculation is not included. This course is not open for credit to students who have completed VN 225. ADN 225 and VN225 are equivalent courses.
ADN 430 2.5 units
NCLEX-RN Preparation Course
45 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Letter of Eligibility to take NCLEX-RN or Authorization to test (ATI) letter from BRN.
Grading: letter grade.
This course is designed to prepare the graduate nurse to pass the NCLEX-RN. The content includes medical, surgical, pediatrics, nursing of the child-bearing family, mental health, pharmacology, critical thinking, community health and leadership refresher course.
ADN 600 0 units
Nursing Learning Center
54 hours laboratory
Corequisite: Current enrollment in a nursing course.
Grading: non graded.
This is a noncredit course designed to facilitate students' learning of nursing theory and skills. It will enhance academic success and skill attainment in the nursing programs. This course will provide one-to-one and small group tutoring for students who require additional support learning the concepts of nursing.
ADN 610 0 units
Nursing Skills Refresher Laboratory
13 hours laboratory
Grading: non graded.
This course is designed to provide students with individual and small-group instruction in basic bedside nursing skills and advanced bedside nursing skills. Supervised practice is available on a recurring, as needed, and/or drop-in basis to improve performance levels.
ADN 810 0.5 units
Preparation for Nursing
9 hours lecture
Grading: pass/no pass.
This course is designed for a pre-nursing student. The course supports the pre-nursing student in: the development of effective study habits, test-taking strategies, nursing terms, abbreviations and symbols used in health care, and knowledge of the nursing profession.