College of San Mateo

Associate of Science Degree in Nursing

Major Requirements

Students interested in an LVN upgrade must attend an in person information session on one of the dates noted on the nursing department website. Students who wish to transfer into the nursing program or challenge nursing courses should call the Nursing Department.

To comply with SB 139, students accepted into the nursing program who have completed a bachelor’s degree at a college or university in the United States that is accredited by an agency approved by the SMCCCD do not need to complete CSM prescribed general education courses.

Requirements for R.N. Licensing Exam:

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent
2. All major requirements listed under pre-admissions and major.
3. If an individual has been convicted of a crime, he or she should contact the Board of Registered Nursing regarding eligibility for licensure. Candidates are reviewed on a case by case basis.

*must be completed within 5 years of acceptance in the Nursing Program

Total Required Major Units: 77.5 - 79.5

And required General Education coursework required for the Associate degree.

Career opportunities are available in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, labs, nursing and personal care facilities, public health and other government agencies, educational services, health and allied services, outpatient care facilities. Many nurses specialize in areas such as cardiac care, geriatrics, intensive care, obstetrics, pediatrics, and surgery. Specific career opportunities include nursing administrator, clinic nurse, critical care nurse, emergency department nurse, flight nurse, home health nurse, hospital staff nurse, industrial nurse, medical researcher, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, office nurse, public health nurse, school nurse, and teacher/educator.

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Apply nursing methods, protocols, and procedures to appropriate care situations
• Use the nursing process, which emphasizes critical thinking, independent judgment, and continual evaluation as a means to determine nursing activities
• Utilize theory and knowledge from nursing, the physical/behavioral sciences, and the humanities in providing nursing care
• Identify and assess the healthcare needs of patients/clients using the tools/framework appropriate to the clinical setting
• Document and evaluate the outcome of nursing and other interventions and communicate to team members
• Prioritize care delivery on an ongoing basis
• Work in partnership with patients, clients, and caregivers
• Engage in and disengage from therapeutic relationships through the use of effective interpersonal and counseling skills
• Provide compassionate, culturally sensitive care to clients in a variety of settings
• Adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics for nurses, treating patients as unique, whole individuals with specific needs, desires, and abilities
• Describe current legal and professional standards for nurses in relation to common clinical problems
• Practice in a manner that respects patient confidentiality and adheres to HIPAA
• Appraise own professional performance accurately. Evaluate their professional learning needs and take steps to meet them