Advanced Placement - LVN to RN Program

Division: Nursing & Allied Health

LVN to RN Advanced Placement Program Admission Requirements (prior to application):

  • Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalency

  • Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher for all courses at or above collegiate levels

  • Must pass Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and English 1 with a minimum ‘C’ grade

  • Accumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on combined Biology prerequisite courses

  • Must complete 4 semester units including a lab component in each Biology prerequisite course

  • No more than one (1) repetition in each Biology prerequisite coursework is allowed, W’s count as a repeat

  • All Additional Graduation Requirements must be passed with a minimum ‘C’ grade and can be taken either before entry into the program or during completion of nursing courses

  • ATI TEAS exam must be taken and passed with a score of 62% or higher

    • You must achieve this score in your first two attempts at the TEAS. If you cannot achieve a score of at least 62% in your first two attempts, you will not be considered for the COS Nursing Program. A minimum of 45 days between test taking is required. 

  • LVN Program Certificate

  • LVN License

*Local area hospitals require background checks and urine drug screen prior to clinical placement

Admission Requirements

  • LVN’s requesting “30 unit option” must meet with the Nursing Director prior to application.
  • Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalency.
  • 2.5 or higher GPA on combined Biology prerequisite courses and an overall GPA of 2.5.
  • A minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite courses. Please be advised that a “C” grade in all prerequisite courses does not meet the 2.5 minimum GPA requirement.
  • No more than one repetition of any biology course. Ws count as a repeat.

Note: You must have the following upon admission into the COS RN Program:

  • Current, valid California LVN License
  • Current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR card
  • Health Clearance (Immunizations, TB Skin Test and Physical Exam)
  • Current California Driver's License Current California automobile insurance and use of an automobile
  • Recommended: Completion of an LVN Transition course with a “C” or better-or-if no LVN Transition course completion of COS LVN Transition Study Module (required)
  • Validation of skills competency before starting NURS 134

Local area hospitals will require background checks and urine drug screen prior to clinical placement. 

Upon successful completion of the RN Program, the California Board of Registered Nursing requires students to complete application paperwork and fingerprint screening in order to take the State NCLEX-RN licensure exam. If you have ever been convicted of offenses, other than traffic violations, it is recommended that you contact the Director of the RN Program for advising or the BRN for further information (916) 322-3350 or www.rn.ca.gov

Application Instructions

  1. Complete and return the LVN to RN application before the deadline. There are TWO application deadlines. The deadline for applying for the Fall class is February 1st and the deadline for applying for the Spring class is July 15th. Indicate the LVN to RN option you prefer (I, II, III).
  2. Request two (2) official (sealed) transcripts from every college, university, or post-high school program you have attended, including College of the Sequoias. If you did not graduate from high school but took a GED exam, have (2) official (sealed) copies of your scores sent to the College AND request official (sealed) transcripts from every college, university, or post-high school program you have attended (including College of the Sequoias). All transcripts must be received by the deadline of February 1st for Fall class and July 15th for Spring class.
  3. Complete TEAS exam with 62 percent or higher PRIOR to applying.
  4. Submit one copy of TEAS Individual Performance Profile. Note: Submit one copy of TEAS Transfer Receipt from ATITESTING.com if TEAS exam is taken somewhere other than COS.

Timeline Information for LVN to RN Applicants

Fall Admissions

  • Application Deadline: February 1st  
  • Transcript Deadline: February 1st  
  • Date of Notification: April 1st
  • Semester begins: August 

Spring Admissions

  • Application Deadline: July 15th
  • Transcript Deadline: July 15th
  • Date of Notification: October 1st
  • Semester begins: January 

Advanced Placement students who are not LVNs should begin the process by meeting with the Nursing Counselor.

Note: Nursing courses and requirements-taken with approval from the Nursing Director

Validation of Skills Competency before entering NURS 134