Santa Monica College nursing prepares students for registered nursing practice through a rigorous, community-focused curriculum. The program emphasizes clinical reasoning, diverse patient populations, and integrated theory with hands-on experience in Los Angeles healthcare settings.
Designed for local students and career changers, the program combines foundational sciences with nursing-specific coursework and extensive supervised placements. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue entry-level generalist roles in hospitals, clinics, and community agencies.
| Program Feature | Detail | Benefit | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Focus | Integrated theory, simulation, and clinical rotations | Real-world readiness across medical-surgical, maternal-newborn, pediatrics, mental health, and community health | Two to three years depending on enrollment status |
| Admission Cycle | {"builder":"omit"}Annual application window with multiple eligibility points and a point review for competitive selection | Clear milestones and predictable progression paths | Apply in fall for start the following fall |
| Clinical Partnerships | Hospitals, public health departments, and safety-net providers in Los Angeles County | Diverse patient populations and professional networking | Ongoing throughout the program |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rates | First-time pass rates compared to California and national averages | Indicator of program effectiveness and preparedness | Published annually by the college |
Program Structure and Pathways
Traditional and Alternative Routes
The Santa Monica College nursing program includes a traditional Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and an Alternate Route for career changers with prior college credits or relevant experience. Each pathway aligns with California Board of Registered Nursing standards and emphasizes equity, cultural humility, and community health.
Science Prerequisites and Timing
Before entering nursing core courses, students complete anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and statistics. Clear sequencing and recommended enrollment patterns help learners manage workloads and avoid scheduling conflicts across quarters.
Admissions Requirements and Selection Process
Applicants must meet general college admission requirements, complete prerequisite coursework with a competitive grade point average, and submit a supplemental nursing application by the published deadline. The selection committee uses a point review that considers grades, science performance, personal statement, and equity criteria.
Eligible students receive detailed guidance on document submission, placement exams, and orientation. Meeting technical standards and providing required immunizations and background clearances are mandatory for progression into clinical courses.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Support
Santa Monica College offers in-district, resident, and non-resident tuition rates, with reduced fees for California residents and available payment plans. Students can apply for federal grants, state programs, institutional scholarships, and workforce development funds to help manage educational costs.
Current tuition and fee schedules are published each term, and financial aid counselors assist with FAFSA completion, textbook grants, and textbook loan programs. Budgeting for uniforms, supplies, and background checks is recommended before starting clinical rotations.
Program Outcomes and Career Pathways
Graduates of the Santa Monica College nursing program are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Successful candidates typically find entry-level positions in acute care, outpatient clinics, public health, long-term care, and home health settings across the Los Angeles region.
Advanced educational pathways include Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion programs, graduate studies in Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nurse Educator roles. The college provides transfer guidance and maintains articulation agreements with four-year institutions to support continued professional growth.
Next Steps for Prospective Students
- Review prerequisite requirements and course sequencing on the nursing department page
- Submit the application and supporting documents by the published deadline
- Complete FAFSA and explore scholarships, grants, and payment plans
- Attend an information session or meet with a nursing counselor to confirm your pathway
- Prepare for clinical responsibilities by gathering required immunizations and background clearances
FAQ
Reader questions
How many hours are typically required for clinical rotations in the nursing program?
Clinical hours vary by course and may total several hundred across the program, with schedules including day, evening, and weekend shifts to mirror real-world healthcare settings.
I am a career changer with an associate degree in another field; can I apply to the Alternate Route?
Yes, eligible career changers may qualify for the Alternate Route, which allows advanced standing based on prior college work and relevant experience while still meeting all nursing core requirements.
What background checks and immunizations are mandatory before starting clinicals?
Students must complete tuberculosis testing, immunizations, drug screening, and criminal background checks, and meet technical standards as defined by the college and clinical agency policies.
How often are NCLEX-RN pass rates published, and where can I review them?
Pass rates are published annually in compliance with regulatory reporting, and students can review them on the college website, through the counseling office, and during program information sessions.