Advanced Placement
Advanced placement is defined as entering the nursing program at a level beyond the first semester.
The Nursing Department offers advanced placement opportunities that permit students to obtain credit for previous education or for other acquired knowledge in the field of nursing including military education and experience, Licensed Vocational Nurses, or other healthcare workers. A challenge exam may be required.
We are pleased that you are interested in the Advanced Placement 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) 773-2578 or the Nursing counselor. To make an appointment to see the Nursing Counselor please email NursingCounselor@collegeofthedesert.edu. Be sure to include your full name, availability, phone number and student ID (if applicable). Alternatively, you can also call us directly at 760-773-2578 to make an appointment.
The COVID pandemic presents a fluid situation. Please continue to visit this webpage for future updates, as they become available.
For specific questions about financial aid, FAFSA, BOG waivers, etc., please check with the Financial Aid Office at (760) 773-2532.
Click on a topic below for further information
Information Sessions
Group information sessions are offered periodically throughout the year which provides an overview of all COD nursing programs (CNA, LVN, RN, & LVN-RN), pre-requisite courses, admissions process, application, cost, etc. and a "question and answer" time.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Zoom Link for all sessions listed below
January 19th 2023 5:00 PM
February 6th 2023 10:00 AM
February 22nd 2023 5:30PM (In Person) TBA
For more information, please email NursingInfo@collegeofthedesert.edu
To view a pre-recorded information session, click here.
Eisenhower Health LVN to RN Transition Program
Information sessions:
Future Dates Coming Soon!
Eisenhower and College of the Desert have come together in a collaboration to benefit the LVNs, employed at Eisenhower.
The Eisenhower/College of the Desert LVN to RN Program is designed for currently practicing LVNs, employed as a part-time or full-time LVN by Eisenhower Health . The program allows advanced placement in the RN program. Placement is based on individual assessment of previous learning credit and qualifications.
The program is two to three (2-3) semesters in total, depending on assessment of student credit and qualifications.
Admission to the RN program requires application to the program. Admission is based on completion of eligibility requirements and points earned through the multi-criteria points. Candidates with the most points will be offered a provisional seat in the program. Candidates are only eligible for multi-criteria points after eligibility criteria has been met.
Students must apply to the College of the Desert prior to applying to the nursing programs. Information on application can be found on the Admissions & Records webpage.
If you are a past COD student, who has not enrolled in a course over the last academic year, you will be required to reapply to COD.
*When the application asks you for a major, you will not have an option for "nursing". Please select "health sciences", once accepted into the nursing program, we will manually change your major to Nursing.
While Social Security Numbers or ITIN are not required to take classes at COD, the facilities used by the Nursing Program for clinical instruction DO require them as part of their security clearance process. Social Security Numbers or ITIN are also required for licensing and/or certification examinations at the completion of the various healthcare programs. If you do not have a Social Security Number please contact the HS/Education office for further instructions.
Eligibility criteria for the Eisenhower LVN to RN program includes:
BIO-013: Anatomy & Physiology w/lab-4 units
BIO-014: Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab – 4 units
BIO-015 Microbiology w/lab – 4 units
Science GPA 2.5 (no grade less than C)
Science courses must be within 10 years
No more than two repeats in the sciences in the last 7 years.
ENG-001A: College level transferable English course that includes a research component – 4 semester units
Unencumbered LVN License
Employed as a part-time or full-time LVN by Eisenhower Health
IV Certification is required for challenging second semester.
Transcripts can be evaluated by a counselor to ensure equivalency of courses at other institutions. For a list of courses, already evaluated and deemed equivalent, click here to use our equivalency database.
In addition to eligibility and prerequisite requirements, once a student is registered, further items are required to begin courses and clinical rotations. You will receive information on how to complete these items once admitted to the program.
** Please note: This partnership does not have any impact on registration priority. Prerequisite registration is not guaranteed. Priority for registration cannot be modified. **
What is the TEAS test?
The TEAS test is an assessment test that includes basic english, math, science, and reading content. This assessment test is often used for nursing program applications criteria.
How do I learn more about the TEAS test?
Visit atitesting.com, scroll down the bottom to the section titled “free TEAS resources”. If you have further questions contact our Nursing Counselor at NursingCounselor@collegeofthedesert.edu.
What is a passing score for the TEAS test at COD?
A 62% or higher is a passing score for COD's nursing programs.
Do I have to have the TEAS test completed prior to application?
No. You may apply for the program without TEAS results. However, applicants are not eligible for points on the multi-criteria under the TEAS category if the results are not posted by the application due date. Additionally, if the applicant is offered a seat, the applicant must have a passing TEAS score prior to the start of the program (specific dates are given to applicants at the time of acceptance to the program).
How many attempts do I have to successfully pass the TEAS test?
Currently, applicants have unlimited chances to successfully pass the TEAS test. However, COD nursing programs only offer points on the multi-criteria worksheet for the first attempt. It is important that students feel well prepared to take the TEAS test in order to increase their chances of admission to the program.
Do I have to submit official or unofficial results?
COD Nursing programs will accept an unofficial report of TEAS results for application, however upon acceptance, candidates will be required to submit an official report.
What version of the TEAS test is required?
Currently COD is accepting the TEAS version 6. The TEAS version 7 is scheduled for release on June 3, 2022. COD Nursing programs will accept TEAS 6 up through June 2023. After that time, only TEAS 7 will be accepted.
If I already took TEAS 6, and then I take TEAS version 7, does that count as my second attempt?
No. A new TEAS version offers applicants an opportunity for a new "first attempt" score. For example, a candidate took TEAS 6 and passed it on the second attempt. The candidate could take TEAS 7 and pass on the first attempt, COD nursing programs will take the first attempt TEAS 7 score on the application and for multi-criteria points.
How many times can I take the TEAS test?
There is no limit on how many times you can take the test, however please note that for multi-critieria points, we only accept your first attempt.
How do I sign up to take the TEAS test?
Students can sign up for a testing date through atitesting.com
Applicants can utilize the option for "TEAS Online - Proctored by ATI" to take the TEAS test at home if students have a device that meets minimum requirements.
What are the device minimum requirements for taking the TEAS test at home?
System Requirements - Online TEAS Exam
Use Google Chrome™️ Version 77 or later
Test on a PC or Mac ( a phone or tablet cannot be used):
PC - Windows 10 or later, minimum resolution 1024 x 600
Mac - MAC OS® X10.11 or later, minimum resolution 1024 x 600
Have a microphone - either internal or external.
Have a webcam (minimum resolution 320 x 240 VGA) either internal or external.
Ensure your internet speed is at least 0.5 - 1 Mbps. You can test your internet speed using www.speedtest.net.
Please note that costs are estimated. Depending on insurance coverage and financial assistance, costs may vary. Total cost of the program is estimated at $3500. Click here for a detailed list of associated costs. Please note that costs may vary depending on where each transition candidate is placed within the RN program.
All grades must be posted and included with the application in order to receive points.
Applications are only available during application periods.
Effective Spring 2020, the Nursing Program is accepting online/hybrid courses until further notice.
Courses receiving emergency withdrawals (EWs) will not be counted as repeats under our repeat policy (two in seven (7) years).
Pass/no Pass or Credit/No Credit courses will NOT be accepted for any pre-requisite or degree courses.
All applicants will utilize the updated multi-criteria found here.
Please make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the application. The application will take approximately 1 hour to complete and must be completed at one time (no save option).
Applications for Fall 2023 admission are open until January 31st at 11:59 pm. Any applications received after that time will be void.
Spring 2024 - Application open July 1 - July 29, 2023
Fall 2024 - Application open January 3- January 31, 2024
All future applications for the RN program will be available in January for fall admissions and in July for spring admissions.
Applications will be digital with automated responses. Please make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the application. The application will take approximately 1 hour to complete and must be completed at one time (no save option).
Applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree from the US will have certain courses waived.
- General Education courses already completed will be waived.
- Courses Required:
- Science Prerequisites
- Statistics
- Psychology 001 or 003
- English Composition ENG 1a
- One of the following: Communication 001, 013, or 017
- One of the following: Sociology 001, 014, 015 or Anthropology 002, or 007.
The first Eisenhower LVN to RN cohort will be in Fall 2022. Stats for admissions will be available in March 2022.
LVN to RN Transition Program
The LVN to RN Program is designed for currently practicing LVNs. The program allows advance placement in the RN program. Placement is based on individual assessment of previous learning credit and qualifications.
The program is two to three (2-3) semesters in total, depending on assessment of student credit and qualifications.
Admission to the RN program requires application to the program. Admission is based on completion of eligibility requirements and points earned through multi-criteria points. Candidates with the most points will be offered a provisional seat in the program. Candidates are only eligible for multi-criteria points after eligibility criteria has been met.
Students must apply to the College of the Desert prior to applying to the nursing programs. Information on application can be found on the Admissions & Records webpage.
If you are a past COD student, who has not enrolled in a course over the last academic year, you will be required to reapply to COD.
*When the application asks you for a major, you will not have an option for "nursing". Please select "health sciences", once accepted into the nursing program, we will manually change your major to Nursing.
While Social Security Numbers or ITIN are not required to take classes at COD, the facilities used by the Nursing Program for clinical instruction DO require them as part of their security clearance process. Social Security Numbers or ITIN are also required for licensing and/or certification examinations at the completion of the various healthcare programs. If you do not have a Social Security Number please contact the HS/Education office for further instructions.
Eligibility criteria for the LVN to RN program includes:
- BIO-013: Anatomy & Physiology w/lab-4 units
- BIO-014: Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab – 4 units
- BIO-015: Microbiology w/lab – 4 units
- Science GPA 2.5 (no grade less than C)
- Science courses must be within 10 years
- No more than two repeats in the sciences in the last 7 years.
- ENG-001A: College level transferable English course that includes a research component – 4 semester units
- Unencumbered LVN License
- IV Certification required to challenge second semester.
Although not required for eligibility, the multi-criteria worksheet is used to establish points for each applicants. The higher the points, the more likely the applicant is to gain entrance to the program.
Transcripts can be evaluated by a counselor to ensure equivalency of courses at other institutions. For a list of courses, already evaluated and deemed equivalent, click here to use our equivalency database.
In addition to eligibility and prerequisite requirements, once a student is registered, further items are required to begin courses and clinical rotations. You will receive information on how to complete these items once admitted to the program.
College of the Desert Kinesiology offers American Heart Association (AHA) CPR courses for both the first time certification and for recertification.
For first time certification, students can register for KINE-001
For recertification, students can register for KINE-302
KINE-001 and KINE-302 will be offered during Summer and Winter sessions based on enrollment numbers.
CPR cards are required prior to the start of the semester, please plan accordingly.
What is the TEAS test?
The TEAS test is an assessment test that includes basic english, math, science, and reading content. This assessment test is often used for nursing program applications criteria.
How do I learn more about the TEAS test?
Visit atitesting.com, scroll down the bottom to the section titled “free TEAS resources”. If you have further questions contact our Nursing Counselor at NursingCounselor@collegeofthedesert.edu.
What is a passing score for the TEAS test at COD?
A 62% or higher is a passing score for COD's nursing programs.
Do I have to have the TEAS test completed prior to application?
No. You may apply for the program without TEAS results. However, applicants are not eligible for points on the multi-criteria under the TEAS category if the results are not posted by the application due date. Additionally, if the applicant is offered a seat, the applicant must have a passing TEAS score prior to the start of the program (specific dates are given to applicants at the time of acceptance to the program).
How many attempts do I have to successfully pass the TEAS test?
Currently, applicants have unlimited chances to successfully pass the TEAS test. However, COD nursing programs only offer points on the multi-criteria worksheet for the first attempt. It is important that students feel well prepared to take the TEAS test in order to increase their chances of admission to the program.
Do I have to submit official or unofficial results?
COD Nursing programs will accept an unofficial report of TEAS results for application, however upon acceptance, candidates will be required to submit an official report.
What version of the TEAS test is required?
Currently COD is accepting the TEAS version 6. The TEAS version 7 is scheduled for release on June 3, 2022. COD Nursing programs will accept TEAS 6 up through June 2023. After that time, only TEAS 7 will be accepted.
If I already took TEAS 6, and then I take TEAS version 7, does that count as my second attempt?
No. A new TEAS version offers applicants an opportunity for a new "first attempt" score. For example, a candidate took TEAS 6 and passed it on the second attempt. The candidate could take TEAS 7 and pass on the first attempt, COD nursing programs will take the first attempt TEAS 7 score on the application and for multi-criteria points.
How do I sign up to take the TEAS test?
Students can sign up for a testing date through atitesting.com
Applicants can utilize the option for "TEAS Online - Proctored by ATI" to take the TEAS test at home if students have a device that meets minimum requirements.
What are the device minimum requirements for taking the TEAS test at home?
System Requirements - Online TEAS Exam
Use Google Chrome™️ Version 77 or later
Test on a PC or Mac ( a phone or tablet cannot be used):
PC - Windows 10 or later, minimum resolution 1024 x 600
Mac - MAC OS® X10.11 or later, minimum resolution 1024 x 600
Have a microphone - either internal or external.
Have a webcam (minimum resolution 320 x 240 VGA) either internal or external.
Ensure your internet speed is at least 0.5 - 1 Mbps. You can test your internet speed using www.speedtest.net.
Please note that costs are estimated. Depending on insurance coverage and financial assistance, costs may vary. Total cost of the program is estimated at $3500. Click here for a detailed list of associated costs. Please note that costs may vary depending on where each transition candidate is placed within the RN program.
All grades must be posted and included with the application in order to receive points.
Applications are only available during application periods.
Effective Spring 2020, the Nursing Program is accepting online/hybrid courses until further notice.
Courses receiving emergency withdrawals (EWs) will not be counted as repeats under our repeat policy (two in seven (7) years).
Pass/no Pass or Credit/No Credit courses will NOT be accepted for any pre-requisite or degree courses.
All applicants will utilize the multi-criteria.
Beginning in January, applications will be digital with automated responses. Please make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the application. The application will take approximately 1 hour to complete and must be completed at one time (no save option).
Spring 2024 - Application open July 1 - July 29, 2023
Fall 2024 - Application open January 3 - January 31, 2024
All future applications for the RN program will be available in January for fall admissions and in July for spring admissions.
Applications will be digital with automated responses. Please make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the application. The application will take approximately 1 hour to complete and must be completed at one time (no save option).
Applicants with a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree from the US will have certain courses waived.
- General Education courses already completed will be waived.
- Courses Required:
- Science Prerequisites
- Statistics
- Psychology 001 or 003
- English Composition ENG 1a
- One of the following: Communication 001, 013, or 017
- One of the following: Sociology 001, 014, 015 or Anthropology 002, or 007.
The admission stats for the period of October 2021 (entrance for Spring 22) are as follows:
Number of applicants - 34
Number of eligible applicants - 30
Highest Score - 62
Lowest Score - 12
Median Score - 44
Applicants admitted - 0
We were unable to take in a cohort as previously planned due to staffing challenges.
Transfer Students
"Transfer student" is defined as students who have already been enrolled in a BRN approved nursing program and are changing schools.
Applications are only available during the application period.
Admissions for transfer students are only considered based on space available and admission is not guaranteed.
Applications are available during the months of January and July. Applications for Fall admission are due January 31st. Applications for Spring admission are due July 29th.
Send or deliver to:
Director of Nursing - BNC 4
RN Transfer Application
College of the Desert
43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
International RNs
Registered Nurses from outside the USA needing to fulfill California Board of Registered Nursing requirements.
* Please note: COD nursing courses are NOT structured as individual classes in a particular content area, such as Obstetrics or Mental Health. The various content areas are incorporated within the different semester groups.
Upon acceptance, students will be placed in the semester group that best meets their needs as defined by their letter from the Board of Registered Nursing.
Applications are available during the months of January and July. Applications for Fall admission are due January 31st. Applications for Spring admission are due July 29th.
Send or deliver to:
Director of Nursing - BNC 4
RN Transfer Application
College of the Desert
43-500 Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Veterans
The College of the Desert’s Nursing program wants to provide military trained healthcare personnel with the opportunity to earn advanced placement in the nursing program.
Individuals who have held Military Health Care Occupations, specifically: Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic), or Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4NOX1C) may achieve advanced placement upon review and approval from the School of Nursing program Director. Documentation of education and experience qualifying them for the specific Military Health Care Occupation is required. Admission is contingent upon space available as well as successful completion of the challenge exam, dosage calculation exam, and skills competency evaluation.
- Applicants must meet all general entrance requirements of the Associates Degree Nursing program, including a minimal GPA of 2.5, completion of designated prerequisites and the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a minimum score of 62%.
- Acceptance into the Associate Degree Nursing program is contingent upon space availability, skills competency (determined after meeting with the Program Director), 75% or above on the Challenge Exam, and 100% on a dosage calculation quiz.
- Military Challenge students applying to the Associate Degree Nursing program after failure at another school will need a letter from the Program Director at the previous school indicating that the applicant was in good standing upon departure from that program.
- Applicant must submit DD214 with Application.
Interested candidates must request an appointment with the Program Director at least 8 weeks prior to the application period to discuss eligibility requirements for the Associates Degree Nursing Program.
Challenge applicants applying for transfer credit must submit the following materials verifying education and experience:
- Official transcripts from appropriate education program(s) demonstrating satisfactory completion of coursework and clinical experience;
- At least one letter of recommendation, official transcripts, and DD214 form
- Documentation of work and educational experience
- After a review of the applicant’s documentation, and upon determination that the applicant has met the educational and experience requirements, as well as the additional nursing program admission requirements, the student will be required to take a written challenge examination, a competency skills evaluation, and a dosage calculation exam.
- The following materials will be available to the applicant once challenge confirmation
is made:
- Course syllabus, including course objectives
- Content outline
- Bibliography and textbook list
- Example of style and format of examination
- Written and skills competency examinations for advanced placement challenge must be completed eight weeks prior to admission to the program, unless waived by the Director of the Nursing Program.
- Advanced Placement will be granted if applicant meets minimum requirements equivalent to those required of students enrolled in the actual course.
Thirty-Unit (Non-Degree Option)
Applicants who are currently licensed Vocational Nurses in California and desire to complete courses required for RN licensure may select the 30-Unit Option. This is a non-degree option. Upon successful completion of this program of study, the student may apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. The student will be licensed as a non-degree candidate. This option is recognized in California and there is no restriction to practice. However, states other than California may not recognize this educational track as preparation for licensure.
Application for 30-Unit Option: Schedule appointment with the Director of Nursing, who will then provide application form after meeting with applicant.
Health Screening & Background Checks
All nursing and allied health students participating in an acute care rotation are required to have a clear background check. Background checks can be paid for at the COD Bursar's Office and the receipt brought to the Nursing Office for processing.
All students must be medically screened, prior to the first day of the term. Screening will include a physical examination, TB testing, blood tests (titers) which show definitive immunity to communicable disease, and drug & alcohol screening. Students who do not clear the screenings will be unable to complete clinicals. Students are responsible for all associated fees.
All students attending COD will obtain a COD email address upon registering. We strongly advise activating this as soon as possible since this address will be used for all official notifications. Once activated, there is also an option to have emails automatically forwarded to another email address for your convenience.
