Associate Degree in Nursing

Smith Chason offers you a learner-focused experience, with an evidence-based approach to your education that’s built on the knowledge of our professional nursing instructors. Our Los Angeles ADN program combines online theory and lecture classes with hands-on nursing skills in our highly developed simulation and skills labs, and off-site clinical experience, to provide you with complete education in the skills and competencies you will need as a registered nurse.

With our associate degree in nursing, you’ll take a wide range of core and general education courses that include:

• Beginning Medical Nursing
• Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
• Gerontology
• Arts and Science of Nursing – Pediatrics
• Pharmacology
• Leadership and Ethics in Nursing
• How to utilize evidence-based interventions to achieve the best patient outcomes 
• How to prepare and prioritize the appropriate skills, up through the highest levels of care 
• How to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals 
• How to be a patient safety advocate at all times by establishing compassionate, caring, and therapeutic relationships 
• And more

At Smith Chason College, our commitment to comprehensive education extends beyond the classroom. Through our externship programs, we integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, empowering our students to thrive in their respective fields. Collaborating with hospitals and clinics nationwide, we offer hands-on learning opportunities under a mentor’s guidance. Whether aspiring to become proficient sonographers, MRI technologists, or healthcare professionals, our students gain invaluable real-life experience, supporting their goals to become exceptional practitioners prepared to meet the demands of their chosen profession. 

These experiences are typically conducted throughout the program, allowing students to apply their accumulated knowledge in real-world settings. Moreover, these opportunities often serve as a gateway to potential job opportunities, enabling students to forge connections and establish themselves within their chosen field even before graduation. At Smith Chason College, we believe in equipping our students with not only the requisite skills but also the practical experience and industry connections necessary to support them on their journey toward a successful career in healthcare. 

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, graduates will earn an Associate Degree in Nursing and will:

1. Communicate effectively using interpersonal skills and to use appropriate informatic technology.
2. Utilize evidence based nursing interventions to achieve best outcomes in patient care.
3. Prepare and prioritize the appropriate nursing care skills, from simple to highest level of care throughout the life span, always keeping safety as the top priority.
4. To teach and employ critical reasoning and critical thinking to effectively and safely provide the best nursing care.
5. To always provide patient centered nursing care using the nursing process to accommodate social and cultural differences along with all members of the healthcare team.
6. Respect the right of patients to participate in decision making process affecting their health and always ensuring confidentiality.
7. Be a patient safety advocate at all times, establishing compassionate, caring and therapeutic relationships in a physical and psychologically safe environment.
8. Assume responsibility for the quality of nursing care and always adhering to legal and ethical standards, giving positive image to the profession.
9. Always serve as an advocate as a continuity of care and promote quality access to healthcare for our patients and families.
10. Mentor students to transition into the nursing profession as lifetime learners and promote continuing high education.

Theory/Lab hours are typically 2 to 3 days a week (Monday-Friday), 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, and one to two 12-hour Clinicals a week, Monday-Sunday, (i.e. 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM) 

Connect with an admissions advisor to learn more about the schedule.

All applicants must meet the Smith Chason College General Admissions Requirements and pass the entrance exam to be eligible for enrollment.

All Associate Degree in Nursing applicants must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) by ATI Entrance Exam with a satisfactory score of 65 or higher. This must be completed before you can begin your application.

• Register for the exam: Register for the TEAS
• Study for the TEAS entrance exam by utilizing these great resources:
  • TEAS Prep Resources by ATI
  • ATI TEAS Study Guide

In addition to meeting the General Admissions Requirements, Associate Degree in Nursing applicants must:

• Applicant must be 18 years or older.
• Completion of Application for Admissions.
• Submit proof of graduation from an accredited high school or the equivalent recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign high school transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluation agency.
• Submit a copy of an unexpired valid government-issued photo ID.
• Completion of Letter of Intent (500-word essay)
• Interview with the Nursing Program Director or Designee.
• Completion of physical examination which includes:
  • Student health form(physical)
  • Tdap (Tetanus Diphtheria Pertussis) Booster (if not within 10 years)
  • Rubella, Rubeola, Mumps (MMR 1,2), Varicella (X2), and Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titer Report
    • If the titer is negative, immunizations required as medically warranted. If titer level indicates nonimmunity, 1st injection required prior to starting program.
    • Having the disease is not proof of immunity
    • The series of Hepatitis immunizations takes several months to complete. Proof of each Hepatitis B immunization (#1,2, &3) is required to be submitted to the program office within one week of the immunization injection
  • 2–step Tuberculosis (TB) tests with the TB surveillance survey form
    • The 2-step TB test required consists of 2 complete TB tests 2-step PPD test required. 2nd PPD after 7 days of receiving the first PPD and within 3 weeks of the 1st PPD If TB test is positive, chest X-ray is required with an annual TB surveillance survey
    • Chest X-ray must have been completed within the last 5 years. (Chest X-ray will only be accepted if proof of positive PPD or QuantiFERON® documented).
    • Chest X-ray is not accepted without a TB surveillance survey form
  • Annual influenza immunization by the official beginning of flu season or proper waivers and agreements as required by the county or institution.
  • COVID-19 vaccine may be required at clinical sites
• Proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) completion card (American Heart Association Health Care Provider)
• Complete a criminal background check. Background checks must be processed and cleared.
• Provide fingerprinting and urine drug screenings prior to the start of clinical experience. Students are responsible for all associated costs.
• Nursing Liability Insurance as required

The College recognizes that prior education, healthcare experience, and military service may prepare students for advanced placement in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Students may earn transfer credit, credit by examination (challenge), or military credit to apply toward program requirements.

Transfer Credit

The College evaluates prior academic coursework to determine eligibility for transfer credit. All transfer credit must be equivalent in content, rigor, and learning outcomes to courses in the ADN program and support student success, in accordance with California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) regulations (CCR §1430).

General Requirements (New and Returning Students):

• Courses must have a grade of C (2.5) or higher. Pass/Fail grades are not accepted.
• No more than 25% of total program credits can be awarded through transfer credit.
• A minimum of 75% of total program credit hours must be completed at the College.
• Courses must be comparable in scope, content, and level to courses offered by the College.
• International transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an approved agency.
• Only one repetition of any course will be considered for transfer credit.

Time Limits for New Students:

• General education courses must be completed within 5 years of program start.
• Nursing core courses must be completed within 2 years, with successful completion of a test-out assessment.
• One attempt is permitted per course assessment.

Returning Students:

• Evaluation of prior coursework is based on length of absence from the program:
  • Absent >5 years: Must complete test-out assessments for natural science courses (Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology).
  • Absent >12 months: Must complete test-out assessments for nursing core courses.
  • Absent >2 years: Required to retake all nursing core courses and meet readmission requirements.
• Only one attempt permitted per course assessment.

Documentation:

• Students must provide official transcripts and supporting course documentation, if requested, at least 45 days prior to enrollment.

Challenge (Credit by Examination):

Challenge credit is available for students who demonstrate prior knowledge or experience in related nursing or healthcare fields, including military training, in accordance with California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) regulations (CCR §1430).

Requirements:

• Requests must be submitted prior to the start of the course.
• Students must complete theory and/or clinical competency examinations as determined by the College.
• Students must achieve:
  • Minimum 75% on theory (written) exams
  • 100% on clinical competency-based evaluations
• Prior to the assessment, students will receive a course outline, objectives, textbook list, and exam expectations.

Military Credit Guidelines

The College recognizes prior military education, training, and healthcare experience as a potential source of academic credit or advanced placement in the ADN program, in accordance with California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) regulations (CCR §1424, §1426, §1430).

Eligible Military Roles Include, but Are Not Limited To:

• Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP)
• Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic)
• Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4N0X1C)

Process & Requirements:

• Applicants must provide official documentation, including Form DD-214, military transcripts, and training records.
• All military coursework, experience, and credits-by-exam will be considered to determine the quantity and quality of applicable competencies.

Credit Awarding:

• Credit may be awarded when prior military education and experience:
  • Demonstrate equivalency in theory and/or clinical content
  • Meet established course objectives and learning outcomes
  • Reflect recent and relevant experience (generally within the last 5 years)
• Partial credit is not allowed; credit is awarded only for full courses that meet program objectives.
• Credit is awarded based on demonstrated competency, not military rank or title.
• The College will determine which courses require written and/or clinical competency exams.
• Credit awarded through military experience must meet the same grading standards as required for program completion.

Advanced Placement Procedures:

1. Meet all ADN program admission requirements, including entrance assessments.
2. Submit a written request (petition) for advanced placement within 2 years of discharge, verified by Form DD-214.
3. Schedule an individual appointment with the Program Director or designee.

Veterans with Military Healthcare Experience – Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):

• Active, unencumbered LVN license required.
• Submit official transcripts and detailed experience statement.
• May request challenge exams to demonstrate competency:
  • Minimum 75% on theory exams
  • 100% on clinical competency evaluations
• Complete medical dosage calculation assessment.

Veterans with Military Healthcare Experience – Non-LVN:

• Submit official transcripts and detailed experience statement.
• May request challenge exams to demonstrate competency:
  • Minimum 75% on theory exams
  • 100% on clinical competency evaluations
• Complete medical dosage calculation assessment.
• Complete required skills and simulated assessments for first-quarter nursing competencies.

Key Information for All Credit Types:

• Transfer, challenge, and military credits are counted toward attempted and completed credit hours but do not affect GPA.
• Documentation of all evaluations is maintained in the student’s academic record.
• Final determination of credit is made by the Director of Nursing, Registrar, or Director of Education.

Contact Information

For questions regarding transfer, challenge, or military credit, please contact the Nursing Department.

About Tuition and Fees

Knowing what to expect is important when planning for your college education. We understand that this can be a big commitment for you in your life and for your finances. Combining quality with value is important and we aspire to give you both.

The current schedule of tuition and fees is included in the latest School Catalog under “Tuition and Fee Schedules”. The cost is dependent on the term and location; for exact financial information please contact your local representative.

See details about Tuition here

Financial Aid is available.

Smith Chason College is eligible to participate in federal financial assistance programs, California state aid programs, approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons, private student loans, and scholarships. Learn more about financial options available to those who qualify at Smith Chason College on our Financial Aid page

Registered nurses are the backbone of our modern healthcare industry. They work across the system, everywhere from tiny clinics to big public hospitals, serving the needs of their patients. Modern nurses are more highly trained and specialized than ever before, and it can be a great way to be a part of the medical profession. Many registered nurses go on to add specialties to their resume or even to further their education by becoming clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners.

Registered nurses are the jacks-of-all-trades of the medical profession, tasked with doing everything from providing direct patient care to educating patients and the public to offering mental and emotional support. Their day-to-day tasks might include:

• Assessing the condition of patients, both when they’re admitted and during the course of their visit.
• Filling out and keeping record of patients’ medical histories and current symptoms or treatments.
• Administering medications and treatments to patients as prescribed by a physician.
• Assisting with and contributing to the development of care plans for patients.
• Operating and monitoring medical equipment.
• Helping to perform diagnostic tests and consulting with the care team on the results.
• Communicating results, treatments, and post-release care with patients and their families.

Nurses can also choose to work with specific conditions and patient groups, like: addiction treatment, cardiovascular, pediatrics, rehabilitation, surgical recovery, neonatal, and others.

Both the aging of the U.S. population and the growing number of people who can access health insurance through programs like ACA and Medicare expansion are contributing to rising demand in medical services. In order to keep up, skilled, registered nurses will be needed in medical facilities and health organizations all over the country.

According to the BLS, around 60% of the registered nurses employed across the U.S. in 2020 worked at state, local, and private hospitals, including academic and research hospitals and specialty hospitals.

Other big employers of registered nurses include long-term and residential care facilities, educational programs, and ambulatory health services like:

• Physicians’ offices
• Home health and hospice care
• Public health
• Outpatient care like surgery centers and urgent care clinics

Many RNs choose to specialize their careers in departments like:

• Medical/Surgical
• Critical Care
• Cardiology
• Geriatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecological (OB-GYN)
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Oncology
• Pediatrics
• Surgery and Transplantation
• Emergency Room
• Nursing Education

A formal postsecondary education is required in order to become a registered nurse, often through accredited programs like the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Smith Chason. Our Los Angeles nursing degree program has been approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and is a complete partner of ATI. We prioritize hands-on learning from day one, starting in our highly developed simulation lab.

Vocational nurses should also:

• Have strong critical-thinking skills — RNs have the most contact with patients and need to be able to assess their status and know when and how to take action when necessary.
• Be compassionate — An empathetic and caring disposition are key in those looking to enter the nursing profession.
• Have good physical stamina — Being a registered nurse is a very active profession that often requires being on your feet much of the day and assisting, moving, and even lifting patients.
• Be very organized — RNs often juggle multiple patients and their individual conditions and need to be able to keep all of them straight and know what each of them needs at the appropriate times.
• Have strong communication skills — As an RN, you’ll be working with a whole team of other medical professionals, so being able to interact and communicate with them well is key.

All registered nurses who want to work in the State of California are required to be licensed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing by successfully passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Preparation for the NCLEX exam is a core component of our curriculum, and we pride ourselves on readying you to successfully sit for your licensure.

Most new nursing graduates are also expected to have Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and potentially Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) as well.

There are additional specialized certifications nurses can pursue as well that can open up new employment opportunities like:

• IV Therapy
• Long-term care
• Wound care
• Oncology
• Hospice and palliative care
• And a lot more

Yes, Smith Chason College is accredited by the ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges).

Our programs work in cooperation with community partners nationally in the medical field, including but not limited to hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and assisted living.

Externships and clinical rotations may be attended during daytime hours, evenings, or weekends as approved by externship/clinical sites and Smith Chason. Students are responsible for transportation to and from their externship site and may be required to travel more than 75 miles from the campus each way including out of the area or out of state.

In addition, our partners require that we ensure that our students participating in externships or clinical practice at their facilities have required vaccinations, health screenings, and clear background checks.

All programs at our college require clinical applications on real patients as required by the Boards that license our graduates. Therefore, any person enrolling at Smith Chason will be required to perform all clinical requirements to meet graduation and state board requirements.

Yes. Smith Chason College is eligible to participate in federal financial assistance programs, California state aid programs, approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons, private student loans, and scholarships. Learn more about financial options available to those who qualify at Smith Chason College on our Financial Aid page

Smith Chason also offers and accepts a variety of scholarships. Our Smith Chason Scholarship booklet contains a sampling of various scholarships granted by Smith Chason and other sources for you to consider as you embark on your educational journey. Scholarships can be a great source of additional assistance to help you fund your education and your future!

For other scholarships not listed in our booklet, please visit FastWeb, an online resource to search over 1.5 million scholarships.

Search FastWeb

*Smith Chason College does not control the availability, validity or selection criteria of outside scholarships. Scholarships and financial aid is available to those who qualify

Our Los Angeles ADN program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses (California BRN).

Our Vocational Nursing programs at our Los Angeles campus is approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

Our Vocational Nursing programs at our Ontario campus is provisionally approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

Yes, graduates who have successfully completed all parts of their program are eligible to sit for their registry and NCLEX exams. This includes the SPI and CCT for our medical imaging students which can be taken after completing PHY202 and CAR220 respectively, ARRT(S), ARRT(MR), ARMRIT, ARDMS, NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN after graduation.  Smith Chason strongly recommends obtaining certifications to provide you with the best knowledge and opportunities when entering the medical imaging and nursing field.

Smith Chason provides registry reviews, NCLEX prep with a robust ATI program, and assistance with the exam process.