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REGISTERED NURSE (ADN)

Program Information

Registered Nursing
AS Degree
Nursing Courses

We are pleased that you are interested in the Registered Nursing Program at College of the Desert. The program is approved by the California State Board of Nursing.

If you still have questions after reading through the materials below please feel free to contact either the Health Sciences/Nursing Office at (760) 773-2579 or the Nursing counselor, Ana Stockwell, 760-776-7380 or email her at astockwell@collegeofthedesert.edu

For specific questions about financial aid, FAFSA, BOG waivers, etc., please check with the Financial Aid Office at (760) 773-2532.

You are encouraged to attend one of the information sessions scheduled during the semester.

Application Packet for Fall 2020​    As a result of the mandatory campus closure due to COVID-19, the RN application for the Fall 2020 deadline was extended. The new deadline is May 25, 2020. All grades must be posted and included with the application in order to receive points. You can apply to the program without TEAS. 

  • Please mail your application to Admissions & Records, through regular mail. Make copies of all your documents for your records. You will receive an email within a week confirming that your application was received. 

Future Applicants: 

  • Online anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses will be accepted for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2020 semesters. 
  • Courses receiving emergency withdrawals (EWs) will not be counted as repeats under our repeat policy (two in seven years). 
  • ​Pass/no Pass or Credit/no Credit courses will NOT be accepted for any pre-requisite or degree courses. 

Current Admission Statistics:

LVN to RN Transition Spring 2020

Total Applicants: 22         Admitted: 3

Total Eligible: 20.            Highest points Admitted: 53  Lowest points Admitted: 48


Health and Background Screening:

All nursing and allied health students participating in a clinical rotation are required to have a clear background check. Background checks can be paid for at the COD Bursar's Office.

Drug Screening and Background Checks

The affiliation agreements with the clinical facilities regulated by The Joint Commission (TJC) require that all students have a clear drug screening and background check prior to each clinical rotation. If not, the student may not be allowed to participate in patient care at a clinical agency, which would prevent the student from completing the nursing program. Students are advised that an acceptable background check done for the clinical facilities does not guarantee the background check conducted by State Boards at the time of application for licensure or certification will be found acceptable. Background checks displaying discrepancies will be reviewed by the Nursing Director and facility assigned to determine if you are eligible to continue within the program.

In addition to screening prior to the start of each clinical experience, students may be subject to testing for cause; such as slurred speech, impaired physical coordination, inappropriate behavior, or pupillary changes.

All students will also be medically screened, prior to the first day of clinical by the Employee Health Department of the assigned facility. The screening will include a physical examination, TB testing, flu shot, blood tests (titers) which show definitive immunity to communicable disease, and drug and alcohol screening.

Students are responsible for all associated fees.

Onboarding is normally conducted in the month prior to the clinical rotation. Students MUST be available during that time. Missing onboarding may result in being dropped from the program. Students are required to have a new attestation form filled out by the Nursing Program Assistant every semester of the nursing program.​


Nursing Information Sessions:

Group information sessions are offered periodically throughout the year which provides an overview of the nursing programs and a 'question and answer' time.

Session availability is contingent upon nursing advisor availability.

Come and Find Out....

  • What prerequisite courses are needed
  • How to apply
  • Program particulars
  • Job particulars
  • Bring your questions!
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2019-2020 Nursing Programs Student Handbook v. 7-24-19.pdf​

Upcoming Nursing Info Sessions

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