We are pleased that you are interested in the Registered Nursing Program at Desert Community College District. The program is approved by the California State Board of Nursing and is nationally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission* (NLNAC). The following includes questions prospective students most frequently ask and information we hope will provide the answers for you.
*NLNAC NEW LOCATION:
Their new address as of June 1, 2009: 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326; P. 404.975.5000; F. 404.975.5020; www.nlnac.org
OF INTEREST TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS:
The Application Periods for the RN Program are in the months of March and August. (See RN Info brochure link below) The four prerequisite courses must be completed and grades reported on your official transcripts before applying. Review the RN Information flyer for further details and instructions. Currently there is no weekend or evening program.
If you have further questions about entering the College of the Desert and the Registered Nursing Program, please contact the college Counseling Office @ 760-773-2520
TEAS testing for those entering the RN Program (click link): TEAS Info
TEAS Testing Requirement Information (click link)
- The TEAS is for provisionally accepted (invited) students only. Test dates and times will be posted here once they are scheduled. Those taking the tests MUST sign up with the RN counselor prior to the test date to reserve a spot on one of those dates. Contact information will be provided in the email sent to all provisionally accepted students.
- TEAS Orientation: Friday, June 4, 2010 @ 6:00pm in West Annex 1. For ALL provisionally accepted RN students who have not previously taken the TEAS tests.
- TEAS testing schedule: TBA. Counselor will have sign up for the testing sessions at the Orientation Meeting. Tests will be administered in the Academic Skills Center Lab.
NOTE: If you have successfully passed a TEAS test at another institution or location, COD must receive official results directly from ATI in order to be considered. See www.atitesting.com
OF URGENT INTEREST TO CURRENT AND CONTINUING NURSING STUDENTS:
Scheduling of clinicals times may be different than the printed schedule of classes due to enrollment changes based on grant funding. The RN program will post any section changes by mid July. Please check the website and/or WebAdvisor carefully and frequently for updates.
Remember - being on probation, owing money, or not being a student last semester are some examples of what could prevent you from registering. Contact Counseling or Admissions if you need to check on outstanding issues that could be a barrier to getting the class you need.
CURRENT SEMESTER STUDENT ID CARD PAYMENT/PICKUP INFORMATION:
Student ID Cards will be available at the ASCOD office according to the following schedule:
o Fall: TBA
Please note the ASCOD office staff will be strictly adhering to this schedule. Please contact the HS/ECE Division office if you have questions.
OTHER GENERAL ITEMS OF INTEREST TO CURRENT & CONTINUING NURSING STUDENTS:
Notice: Change to Class Size of Nursing 1 Effective as of Spring 2010:
Maximum enrollment for N001 as of spring 2010 will be set at 45 seats. The amount of graduating RN students will remain the same as it has since 2005, but the program will not be accepting more than 45 students into the first semester of the Nursing Program (N001). This change is being implemented for a variety of reasons, most importantly in the interest of being able to consistently offer the LVN-to-RN transition course (HS 055) which will assist LVNs to further their personal goals, while also maintaining current levels of RN students graduating from COD. It is COD’s intent, by consistently offering HS 055 in the Nursing Program, to increase the overall strength of COD Nursing graduates, as well as further enhancing the nursing workforce in the Coachella Valley.
All nursing and allied health students participating in an acute care rotation will be medically screened, prior to the first day of clinical by the Employee Health Department of the assigned facility. Screening may include a physical examination, TB testing, blood tests which show definitive immunity to communicable disease, and will include drug screening.
Students who do not clear the screening will be dropped from the program.
- Current Nursing Students: Please check Blackboard and your instructor's web page for ongoing information and updates concerning class supplements, handouts, and announcements.
- CURRENT RN HANDBOOK Click link --> Fall 2010 - 8-10-10final.pdf
- Nursing Uniforms
- Current Cost of Background Checks: $52.00
- All students attending COD have the option of obtaining a COD email address when registering. (At some point in the near future this may become mandatory for all official notifications.) We highly recommend getting a COD email account for all school related business. Once created, there is also an option of having emails automatically forwarded to another email address for your convenience.
REACCEPTANCE ('CONTINUATION/REENTRY') INFORMATION:
Click on this link to view the most current guidelines/directions for submitting a request form for reacceptance (aka 'continuation'/'reentry') to the RN program. 
Reacceptance Guidelines
* Remember - if you were not a COD student during the previous semester, you will need to reapply to the College also. If you are not a current student, reacceptance requests will be accepted in the Fall semester beginning the Monday following Thanksgiving; in Spring, beginning the Monday following Spring Break. If you are a student of the current semester, you may submit a reacceptance request any time after your exit interview.
Reacceptance Request (the form letter for reacceptance (aka 'continuation'/'reentry') in the RN Program) will be available after the start of the spring semester. If PDF link is not active please continue to monitor this webpage or call the division to find out when it may be available.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING INFORMATION SESSIONS: (Group information sessions are offered periodically throughout the year which provide an overview of the RN program 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!
