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. 

Eligibility criteria for the RN program includes: 

• 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.
• BIO-013: Anatomy & Physiology w/lab-4 units
• BIO-014: Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab – 4 units
• BIO-015 Microbiology w/lab – 4 units
• ENG-001A: College level transferable English course that includes a research component – 4 semester units

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. 

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.

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 $4,505. Click here for a detailed list of associated costs.

All grades must be posted and included with the application in order to receive points.

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 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. 

Applications for Spring 2023 are closed. Please view future application periods tab for our next open application period. 

Fall 2023 - Application open February 1-February 28, 2023

Spring 2023 - Application open August 1- August 31, 2022

All future applications for the RN program will be available in February for fall admissions and in August 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 February 2022 (entrance for Fall 22) are as follows:

Number of Applicants - 169

Number of Eligible Applicants- 147

Highest Score - 84

Lowest Score - 50

Number of seats/admitted students - 30

Score Range for Initial Admission Offers - 84-53

The admission stats for the period of September 2021 (entrance for Spring 22) are as follows:

Number of applicants - 144

Number of eligible applicants - 136

Highest Score - 72

Lowest Score - 47

Median Score - 39

Number of seats/admitted students - 42

Score range for initial admission offers - 72-48

The RN program is in the midst of a curriculum revision which will begin with the Fall 2022 cohort. Pending BRN approval (anticipated June 2022), students will take all of the following courses in the following sequence: