Registered Nursing

• Tips for Admission – Sierra College RN Roadmap
• Equivalency Grid
• GPA Calculator

Prerequisite Course Evaluations. The Nursing Program office does not complete prerequisite course evaluations. If you have taken a prerequisite course outside of Sierra College and it is not listed on the Equivalency Grid, contact your counselor.

Upper Division Courses. If you are using upper division courses for any prerequisites, it is mandatory to contact your counselor to obtain a course substitution. Contact your counselor.

Prerequisites “in progress” are not accepted.

All prerequisites must be completed with a grade “C” or better, and posted to the appropriate Official College Transcript before submitting an application to the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

** Indicates courses which must be completed within 7 years of application to the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

Plus, completion of one of the following courses:

Non-Sierra Courses: Please refer to the Equivalency Grid to determine if a course taken outside of Sierra College meets our program requirement.

The TEAS exam must be completed prior to applying in our program, as it will factor into the multi-criteria points.

• An unofficial copy must accompany your application and your score must be reflected on the multi-criteria form.
• Only the latest edition of the TEAS exam will be accepted by Sierra College. TEAS VI and earlier will not. A minimum cumulative score of 62% is required.
• You only need to have ATI Testing send official TEAS results to Sierra College if you are accepted into the program.

Visit atitesting.com to locate TEAS testing locations, dates and resource materials.

Co-requisites must be completed prior to beginning the final semester of the program in order to meet the requirements for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

It is highly encouraged that you complete your co-requisites before entrance into the nursing program. This is due to possible impaction of classes, as well as the overall difficulty of the nursing program.

If completed, co-requisites may be listed; however, course descriptions are not required. Courses must be completed with a grade “C” or better.

The Sierra College Associate Degree Nursing Program enrolls 40 students every Fall semester.

Applications are accepted once a year during the Spring semester.

Before applying, please review the Student Nurse Handbook to understand program expectations.

Deadline

The Acceptance Period is: February 1 until 4 pm on February 28 (or the last business day prior).

Applications may be mailed or delivered to:

Sierra College Nursing Department
Bldg RN-1, Room 100
5100 Sierra College Blvd.
Rocklin, CA 95677

If you drop off your application after hours, please deposit it in the locked mailbox outside of RN-100. Postmarks are not acceptable.

Regular business hours are:
Monday – Thursday: 7 am – 4 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 12 pm

Application Forms

Only one submission will be accepted per applicant. Multiple applications will result in disqualification.

• Multi-Criteria Entrance Form (download, fill-in and submit. Note: Form will not populate with points using Safari browser)
• Foreign Language Proficiency Form

Note: Effective March 2022, we will no longer give points for volunteer experience.

 Application Checklist

Only complete application packets are evaluated for potential admission. A complete application packet consists of the following:

*Official course descriptions are not required for courses found on the Equivalency Grid. If not listed on the Equivalency Grid, official course descriptions must be provided for all courses referenced in the application, including prerequisite courses and any course documented on the application to meet the qualifying requirements (reading competency, etc.). NOTE: Co-requisites, if completed, may be listed; however, course descriptions are not required.

Advisory Official Course Descriptions. Official Course Descriptions must be from the college catalog. The course descriptions must state the name of the college, the year, and the semester in which the course was completed as documented on the Official Transcript. Course descriptions submitted without the above “official” information are not accepted. College schedules, counseling notes, and/or course information typed on a sheet of paper by the applicant are not accepted.

Official course descriptions may be obtained by photocopying the college catalog for the year and semester the course was completed. Official college catalogs with course descriptions may also be available online on the college’s catalog web page.

Once the application acceptance period has ended, all applications will be evaluated, with multi-criteria scores confirmed. All qualified applications will be randomized and a cohort will be chosen.

• Multi-Criteria Entrance Form (download, fill-in and submit. Note: Form will not populate with points using Safari browser)

A full cohort consists of 40 enrollees and 10 alternates. Alternates who are not admitted in the class for which they were chosen as an alternate, automatically receive placement in the next class.

Once 40 qualified applicants and 10 alternates have been selected, the evaluation process ends. Therefore, not all applications will be chosen.

Qualification is based on the following criteria:

• A score of 70 points or higher on the multi-criteria enrollment form.
• Submission of a complete application.
• Completion of all program prerequisites.

Only successfully selected applicants will be contacted via the email address provided on the application within 8 weeks of the close of the acceptance period. Please be sure the email address is legible.

Admission into the nursing program is contingent upon a clear background check, drug screening, health screening, and CPR certification (American Heart Association course for Healthcare Providers).

There will be 3 mandatory orientations that the selected applicants must attend.

• Dates will be provided to the Applicants and Alternates after the selection process is complete

NON-SELECTED applicants will not be contacted. No telephone verification is provided by the Nursing Department or the Counseling Center.

If not selected:

• all submitted materials will be destroyed. Sierra College does not retain the applications of non-selected applicants.
• A new, complete application must be submitted each application cycle.

Sierra College does not maintain a waitlist for nursing.

Several cost variables at Sierra College, such as occasional fee increases, student health plans and incidentals prohibit the ability to provide an exact financial figure. Based on current tuition* costs, students should expect to invest less than $5,000 for this program.

The following are approximations:

• 1st semester – 11 units ($506)
• 2nd semester – 11 units ($506)
• 3rd semester – 11 units ($506)
• 4th semester – 11 units ($506)
• Approximate Total: 44 units ($2,204)

*Tuition is subject to change due to mandatory campus-wide fee increases.

Do I need to take the CPR course before applying to the program?
Applicants do not have to provide a copy of their CPR card to apply. Selected applicants must complete the American Heart Association course for Healthcare Providers prior to enrolling in the class.

I have one pre-requisite course left to take. Can I still apply to the program?
No. All prerequisite courses must be completed and posted to the appropriate transcript prior to applying for the program.

Do I have to have my Communication Studies and Sociology/Anthropology courses completed before I apply?
No. Co-requisites, however, must be completed before completion of the final semester of the program in order to meet the requirements for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. It is highly encouraged that you complete your co-requisites before entrance into the nursing program. This is due to possible impaction of classes, as well as the overall difficulty of the nursing program.

I took my pre-requisites at another college. You are asking for course descriptions for those courses. How do I obtain the course descriptions?
Official college course descriptions may be obtained by photocopying the college catalog for the year and semester the course was completed. Official college catalogs with course descriptions may also be available online through the institution’s website.

I see that the science courses and nutrition courses cannot be more than seven years old when I begin the program. One of my courses is older than seven years. Do I need to retake the course?
We recommend that you see an academic counselor regarding course repetition and/or course challenge process.

I took my anatomy and physiology at a school where the courses were combined for two semesters. At Sierra they are offered separately. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes. We accept equivalent course work. Two semesters of combined anatomy and physiology is equivalent to two semesters of separate course work.

Some of my prerequisites are upper division from a four-year university. Is this okay?
We will accept upper division coursework to satisfy prerequisites. Students using upper division coursework to satisfy prerequisites will not receive units for the upper division courses and they may need to complete coursework to satisfy graduation requirements. We recommend that these students see an academic counselor for guidance.

Is it okay if I turn my application in late? I have a really good reason.
No. All applications must be received by the due date/time. Postmarks are not acceptable.

I was not accepted into the nursing program. Will my application materials be returned to me?
If not selected, all submitted materials will be destroyed. Only transcripts of selected applicants will become property of the District and posted.

My employer wants to write a letter of recommendation for me to get into the nursing program. Should I enclose that with my application?
Letters of recommendation are not considered. We request that you not enclose any in your application packet.

I attended several colleges. Do you need all the transcripts or just those where I took prerequisites? How do I get them to you?
You must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended in the completion of your pre-requisite courses and all colleges referenced in your application. All official transcripts must be submitted in the application packet. Official transcripts sent directly to the nursing department are not accepted.

When should I expect to hear the results of the selection process and how will I be notified?
Only selected applicants are notified via email using the email address clearly documented on their application. It takes approximately 8 weeks after the close of application acceptance to complete the selection and notification process.

If I have committed a previous legal infraction or have ended employment in a negative fashion with any clinical site used by Sierra College, can I still be in the program?
All clinical sites have final right of approval regarding who may participate in clinical rotations in their facility.

Do you have questions about how to get into our nursing program? Come to our workshop to learn about the pre-requisites for our nursing program and to gain a better understanding of the multi-criteria entrance process. The application process will also be discussed, as well as:

• How do I apply?
• What grades do I need?
• What is the multi-criteria application?
• What is TEAS?
• What is BSN merger?

No Fee – registration is not required.

Upcoming Workshops

There are no workshops scheduled at this time. Please visit the Events calendar for exact date and time once posted.

Drop in to our Sierra College Nursing Application Open Lab Hours to have your questions answered.

Counselors will be available via zoom during these open lab times to answer any general questions you have prior to submitting your Sierra College Nursing Program application. We can help clarify information, answer last minute questions, and assist you with finalizing your application before you turn it in.

Lab Times

Visit the Events calendar for date and times.

Attend an ATI TEAS Workshop or watch our How to Tackle the ATI TEAS Test video to learn more about the ATI TEAS test from just-finished second semester nursing students, including:

• What to expect on the ATI TEAS
• How best to study
• Resources to help you prepare
• Timelines and scores
• Tips from current nursing students

Workshops are always held the first week after the end of the semester. Please visit the Events calendar for exact date and time once posted.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact counseling or make an appointment.

Each semester the Tutoring Center has a TEAS Study Group. Visit the Tutoring Center and check the Rocklin tutoring schedule for dates and times.

Resources

• ATI TEAS Resource Guide
• 11 TEAS Test Prep Tips to Help You Pass
• Comparison Chart for Test Prep Websites

Program Completion Rates

Licensure Pass Rates, First Time Pass Rates

Job Placement Percentages, Registered Nursing

Our Associate Degree Nursing program accepts transfer and re-entry students. Please refer to the catalog for requirements. Transfer into the nursing program is done on a space available basis.

Military Personnel and Veterans may be eligible for enrollment into the second or third semester of the Sierra College Associate Degree Nursing Program, based on work experience. Please meet with a Veterans Success Center counselor prior to application submission.

Pathway I – General ADN Program (enrollment into the second semester)

1. Education and experience* must meet all general entrance requirements of Sierra College and the nursing program. (*Experience must be equal to that of the NRSR 21 clinical experience).
2. Recency requirements for certain prerequisite courses are in place (per program policy).
3. Course equivalency must be verified for each course according to Sierra College and program policy.
4. California Community Colleges currently does not provide equivalency of the Joint Service Transcript as an accredited college transcript at this time.
5. Candidates must meet the same eligibility requirements for admission into the Sierra College ADN program as other applicants, including completion of:A. Science, English and math prerequisite courses
   B. General education courses for the Associate Science Degree (ASD)
   C. Achieve a minimum of 70 points on the multi-criteria entrance form

While we have attempted to provide thorough information about our program on this website, we urge students to seek further information or clarification from a counselor or Nursing Department staff member.

Additionally, please be aware that bachelor’s and master’s degree nursing programs at four-year colleges and universities differ widely in transfer and credit-granting policies, requirements and course offerings. Students planning on seeking advanced degrees in nursing should obtain appropriate college catalogs.

These are the essential functions required of ALL nursing students:

Motor Capability

1. Move from room to room and maneuver in small places.
2. Transfer patients who may require physical assistance.
3. Guard and assist patients with ambulation.
4. Lift and carry 20-30 pounds.
5. Squat, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, kneel, use standing balance and climb stairs.
6. Use hands repetitively; use manual dexterity.
7. Adjust, apply and clean therapeutic equipment.
8. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
9. Travel to and from academic and clinical sites.
10. In the average clinical day, students sit 1-2 hours, stand 6-7 hours and travel 1-2 hours.

Sensory Capability

1. Coordinate verbal and manual instruction.
2. Assess a client 10 feet away to observe a client’s posture and respond to treatment.
3. Respond to a timer, alarm or cries for help.
4. Monitor vital signs.
5. Hearing, visual and tactile ability sufficient to assess patient status and perform treatments. Examples: color changes in skin, hear heart or lung sounds.

Communication Ability

1. Communicate effectively in English with patients, families and other health care providers, both verbally and in writing. Examples: explain treatment procedures, teach patient and families, and document in medical records.
2. Effectively adapt communication for the intended audience.
3. Interact, establish rapport with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
4. Assume the role of a health care team member.
5. Function effectively under supervision.

Problem Solving Ability

1. Function effectively under stress.
2. Test-taking within predefined time constraints.
3. Respond appropriately to emergencies.
4. Adhere to infection control procedures.
5. Demonstrate problem-solving skills in client care (measure, calculate, reason, prioritize and synthesize data).
6. Use sound judgment and safety precautions.
7. Address problems or questions to the appropriate person at the appropriate time.
8. Organize and prioritize tasks.
9. Follow the policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings.

As of August 5, 2021, the State of California, Department of Public Health, put forth the Order of the State Public Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement (“Order”). This Order defines “workers” and includes among them nurses and nursing students. Our program partner hospitals requested that nursing students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 1, 2021.

Though the Order lists some exceptions, the surrounding health care facilities are requiring proof of vaccination for COVID-19 to be submitted to the facility, just as we do for many other required vaccines (Hep B, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, influenza), as well as wearing of surgical and/or higher-level respirators (NIOSH) for the entire time in the facility.  Students must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination without reliance on a potential exemption since we work with multiple partner hospitals with different policies and rules.

In the same fashion that our nursing program requirements reflect the vaccines, BLS, PPD, background checks, drug screening and blood titers historically required by our clinical partners, we must include COVID-19 vaccination and approved NIOSH face covering fit testing so that we can appropriately prepare nursing students for licensure, meet facility, and state regulations and keep our students as safe as possible.

• California Board of Registered Nursing
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
• Nursing Exam (NCLEX) Pass Rates by School
• Reporting License Discipline and Convictions per the California Board of Registered Nurses
• TEAS Study Guide
• Tips for Admission – Sierra College RN Roadmap