The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in the order in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in a semester, you should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below. Some courses have been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take classes in the summer and/or winter intersessions, the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed schedule of the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate Degree”. If you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only required to take the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer) require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
This program empowers and prepares caring nurses who recognize the inherent worth of each individual and group to promote health, healing and hope. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse. Students who complete this program are also prepared for transfer to most BSN programs. Please see assist.org for details.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Nursing program students will be able to work within a variety of settings and provide care for patients of diverse groups in a multicultural community. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
1. Delegate tasks based on the legal scopes of practice.
2. Collaborate with members of the health team to provide a caring and compassionate environment.
3. Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote self-determination.
4. Exhibit evidence-based clinical reasoning and judgment that integrates nursing science and technology in the provision of safe quality care.
Icon Key
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Gateway Course
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Program Requirement
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General Education
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Appropriate for Intersession
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Available Online
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Global Citizenship
NOTE: This program has specific guidelines and advisement. Student should attend an Information Session and meet with a Health Sciences counselor prior to applying to the Program.
The prerequisite courses for the Nursing Program can be done in a shorter amount of time by using 6 -8 week intersession to complete science courses.
GE requirements are not REQUIRED to be completed prior to entrance to the Nursing Program, but may offer the student additional criteria points for admission, so it is recommended.
Noncredit Pathway Opportunity: The noncredit Certificate of Completion below can serve as a bridge into for-credit coursework. Refer to www.smc.edu/noncredit for more information.
- Introduction to Working with Older Adults: HEALTH NC 905, 906 and 907. This certificate is an introductory program for those students interested in credit courses in nursing and allied health. Gerontology is a multidisciplinary science and is applicable to any of the ancillary healthcare services. Students will benefit from the program by learning how to meet the unique and diverse non-medical needs of older adults. For those students completing the certificate program, there are immediate job openings for personal caregivers, companions and support staff.
- Nurse Assistant Pre-Certification Training Program (CNA): HEALTH NC 985 and 986. This certificate assists students in the development of skills needed to succeed in college and prepare for a career as a certified nurse assistant and home health aide. The 180-hour curriculum prepares students to achieve the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to work as entry level nurse assistants caring for patients in hospitals, assisted living, and long-term care settings.
- Home Health Aide Pre-Certification Program: HEALTH NC 987 and 988. This certificate assists students in the development of skills needed to succeed in college and prepare for a career as a certified home health aide. The 54-hour curriculum prepares students to build upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a nurse assistant to work as entry level home health aides caring for patients in home health and hospice settings.
Semester 1
14-16 Units
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
Chemistry 10 is a survey of introductory chemistry topics with a laboratory component. It is intended as preparation for Chemistry major or those planning to go into a STEM major or as a way to fulfill the science general education requirement. It introduces the main concepts and principles of chemistry and serves as a prerequisite for the General Chemistry sequence (CHEM 11 and CHEM 12). Emphasis is placed on understanding basic chemical principles and their quantitative application in various settings. Experimental techniques, including the safe and competent handling of chemicals and laboratory equipment will also be part of the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 31 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This one-semester course is designed for students preparing for studies in nursing or related allied health professions. Topics include measurements, unit conversions, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions and equations, gases, solutions and acid/base chemistry. There will be a special emphasis on properties and reactions of organic and biologically relevant compounds. NOTE: This course is NOT equivalent to CHEM 10 and does NOT meet the prerequisite requirement for CHEM 11.
- Prerequisite: MATH 31 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 50 or
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
MATH 54 recommended for BSN options
See the full list: SMC GE Area IV-B
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
13 Units
This course is an intensive study of the gross and microscopic structure of the human body including the four major types of tissue and their subgroups, and the following organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, nervous, and senses. Functions of the organ systems are included at the introductory level to prepare students for a course in Human Physiology. Laboratory assignments develop the skills of observation, investigation, identification, discovery and dissection. The use of actual specimens, including cat dissection and observation of a human cadaver, is emphasized to assure that students learn the relative structure, functions, textures and variations in tissues not incorporated in models. Supplemental materials such as models, photographs, charts, videotapes, and digitized images are also provided. This course is required for students preparing for many Allied Health professions including, but not limited to, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Education and Kinesiology Training, and Physician’s Assistant and is a prerequisite for Human Physiology 3.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
ENGL 2 recommended for CSU
See the full list: SMC GE Area III Course
This is a course in public speaking for students learning to prepare and deliver platform speeches. Assignments include speeches of description, exposition, and persuasion. Techniques for controlling tension, building self-confidence, and effective listening are emphasized.
- 1C: Oral Communication
- A1 - Oral Communication
Techniques for effective interpersonal communication are studied with emphasis on developing awareness of one's own actions and their impact on relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication styles are analyzed and practiced in one-to-one and small group situations. Lecture, discussion, and class participation are utilized to demonstrate a variety of skills including listening conflict resolution, and the effective use of language in personal and professional interactions. In addition, exercises in body language, role playing, and self-disclosure and positive/negative thinking help students understand the power of the communication process.
- 4G: Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
- D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This course is an introduction to the science and practice of psychology. It provides students with an overview of the core areas of the field and an introduction to the various ways in which psychologists conduct research as well as well-known theories and classic psychological studies. Course content includes biopsychology; states of consciousness; human development; learning and memory; intelligence; social and environmental influence; theories of personality; and psychological disorders.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
Semester 3
11 Units
From a psychological perspective, this course traces physical, emotional, social and intellectual development throughout the lifespan from conception through aging and dying. Special attention is paid to the interaction of biological, environmental, and psychological factors on development. The way familial, cultural and socioeconomic influences impact the individual will receive special emphasis. Theories and research regarding physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are used as a foundation to understand lifespan issues, developmental problems, and practical implications at each stage of development.
- Skills Advisory: PSYCH 1
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This rigorous course provides a basic understanding of physiological mechanisms with a focus on the human body. Basic concepts of cellular physiology, including: molecular control; mechanisms of gene expression; ligand-binding site interactions; energy and cellular metabolism; membrane transport; membrane and action potentials; and cellular communication, including signal transduction, will be integrated within the concept of homeostasis involving the following body systems: nervous, sensory, endocrine, muscle, skeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, renal, digestive, reproductive, and integumentary. The course content includes both general and clinical applications and is intended to prepare students for advanced courses in Allied Health and Medical professions including Nursing, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Physician's Assistant, Pharmacy, and Exercise Science/Kinesiology Training.
- Prerequisite: ANATMY 1 and
- Prerequisite: CHEM 19 or
- Prerequisite: CHEM 10 or
- Prerequisite: Eligibility for Chemistry 11
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course reviews the mathematics used in medical calculation. It investigates the systems of measurements and methods of computing safe and accurate medication dosages.
SMC GE Area II-A Course 3 units
Semester 4
11 Units
This course involves study of several types of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria. Principles of microbiology, metabolism, genetics, immunology, and medical and nonmedical applications are considered. The laboratory includes aseptic transfer techniques, cultural characteristics, methods of microscopy, and analytical techniques for identifying microbial organisms. The course content is related to both general and clinical applications including recent molecular biological and serological techniques.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 10 or
- Prerequisite: CHEM 19 or
- Prerequisite: eligibility for Chemistry 11 and
- Prerequisite: PHYS 3 or
- Prerequisite: BIOL 3 or
- Prerequisite: BIOL 21
- Skills Advisory: eligibility for English 1
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This as an introductory course in pharmacology designed to enable the student to recognize the various classes of drugs used in modern medicine. It includes a brief review of anatomy and physiology, how drugs exert their effects, the major indication for drug use, routes of administration, expected and adverse drug effects, precautions and contraindications. Emphasis is on prescription drugs, but over the counter medications are also included.
- Prerequisite: ANATMY 1 and
- Prerequisite: PHYS 3 and
additional GE Course recommended for BSN option
Semester 5
9 Units
This course provides a basic introduction to nursing and roles of the nurse, as well as professional concepts related to patient-centered care, safety, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care to the adult and older adult. The theoretical foundation for communication and nursing skills is presented. An introduction to the nursing process provides a framework to assist students in developing effective clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, and clinical decision making.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 1L
- Prerequisite: ANATMY 1
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- Prerequisite: MCRBIO 1
- Prerequisite: PHYS 3
This course provides the opportunity for students to apply foundational concepts related to patient-centered care, safety, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care. Students will begin to utilize communication and nursing skills in the laboratory and long-term care settings. The nursing process provides a framework to assist students in developing effective clinical decision making.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 1
This course expands the discussion of the roles of the nurse, as well as profession-related and patient care concepts. Emphasis is placed on leadership, spirituality, sexuality, nutrition, medication administration, and patient education. An exploration of basic human needs and nursing skills is presented in providing care for the adult and older adult.
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 1
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 36
- Corequisite: NURSNG 2L
This course expands the application of the roles of the nurse, as well as profession related and patient care concepts. In the laboratory and clinical setting emphasis is placed on leadership, spirituality, sexuality, nutrition, medication administration, and patient education. An integration of basic human needs and nursing skills are practiced.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 2
Semester 6
8 Units
This course focuses on the care of adult patients with health alterations that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with alterations in selected body functions. Concepts of patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity, informatics, safe practice, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 2
- Corequisite: NURSNG 3L
- Corequisite: NURSNG 17
This clinical course focuses on the care of adult patients with health alterations that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with alterations in selected body functions. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care to adults in a variety of settings. Concepts of patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity, informatics, safe practice, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 3
This course focuses on the care of patients across the lifespan experiencing cognitive, mental and behavioral disorders. Emphasis is placed on management of patients facing emotional and psychological stressors as well as promoting and maintaining the mental health of individuals and families. Concepts of crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, anger management, and coping skills are integrated throughout the course. The community as a site for care and support services is addressed.
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 3
- Corequisite: NURSNG 4L
This clinical course focuses on the care of patients experiencing cognitive, mental and behavioral disorders. Emphasis is placed on management of patients facing emotional and psychological stressors as well as promoting and maintaining the mental health of individuals and families. Concepts of crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, anger management, and coping skills are integrated throughout the clinical experience. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care to patients in selected mental health settings.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 4
Semester 7
10 Units
This course focuses on the care of adult patients with complex medical/surgical health problems. Emphasis is placed on helping patients and their families cope with alterations in body functions. Concepts of pharmacology, health promotion and education, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be integrated throughout the course.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 5L
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 4
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 17
This clinical course provides the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe care for adult patients with complex medical/surgical health problems in a variety of settings. Emphasis is placed on helping patients and their families cope with alterations in body functions. Concepts of pharmacology, health promotion, education, evidence based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be applied throughout the clinical course.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 5
This course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of mothers, newborns, and families. Emphasis is placed on normal and high-risk pregnancies, normal growth and development, family dynamics and the promotion of healthy behaviors in patients.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 6L
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 5
This clinical course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of mothers, newborns and families. Emphasis is placed on normal and high-risk pregnancies, normal growth and development, family dynamics and the promotion of healthy behaviors in patients. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care to mothers and newborns in selected settings.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 6
This course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of children. Emphasis is placed on normal growth and development, family dynamics, common pediatric disorders and the promotion of healthy behaviors in patients.
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 5
- Corequisite: NURSNG 7L
This clinical course provides an integrative, family-centered approach to the care of children. Emphasis is placed on normal growth and development, family dynamics, common pediatric disorders and the promotion of healthy behaviors in patients. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care to children in selected settings.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 7
Semester 8
8 Units
This course focuses on advanced concepts of nursing care as they relate to patients with complex, multi-system alterations in health. Emphasis is placed on implementing time management and organizational skills while managing the care of patients with multiple needs and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. Complex clinical skills, as well as priority setting, clinical judgment, and tenets of legal and ethical practice are integrated throughout the course.
- Prerequisite: NURSNG 5
- Corequisite: NURSNG 8L
This clinical course focuses on advanced concepts of nursing care as they relate to patients with complex multi-system alterations in health. Emphasis is placed on implementing time management and organizational skills while managing the care of patients with multiple needs and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. Complex clinical skills, as well as priority setting, clinical judgment, and tenets of legal and ethical practice are integrated throughout the course. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe care to patients and selected groups in a variety of settings.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 8
This course facilitates the transition of the student to the role of a professional nurse in the microsystem of a work unit. Emphasis is placed on contemporary issues and management concepts, as well as developing the skills of delegation, conflict management, and leadership. Legal and ethical issues are discussed with a focus on personal accountability and responsibility. Standards of practice and the significance of functioning according to state regulations and statutes are analyzed.
- Pre/Corequisite: Nursing 8
- Corequisite: NURSNG 9L
This clinical course facilitates the transition of the student to the role of a professional nurse in the microsystem of a work unit. Emphasis is placed on contemporary issues, leadership and management concepts, as well as developing the skills of delegation, prioritization, time management and conflict management. Legal and ethical issues are discussed with a focus on personal accountability and responsibility. Standards of practice and the significance of functioning according to state regulations and statutes are analyzed. Clinical experiences provide the student the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts while functioning in a leadership role and providing care to groups of patients.
- Corequisite: NURSNG 9