Nursing Applicant Bulletin 2025–2026

Revised July 2025

In This Bulletin

1. About the Program
2. Prerequisite Courses
3. Basic Nursing Applicant
4. Advanced Placement Overview
5. LVN / LPN Applicant
6. Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT)
7. Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel
8. Transfer Applicant
9. Foreign-Trained Nurse
10. 30-Unit Option (LVN/LPN)
11. Requirements Applying to All Applicants
12. Helpful Information

About the Associate Degree Nursing Program

Contra Costa College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) has been graduating nurses since 1960. The program is designed to meet the college requirements for graduation with eligibility for an A.S. degree, as well as the requirements of the California Board of Registered Nursing. Contra Costa College is proud of its excellent program, faculty, simulation and skills labs, and the quality of its graduates.

The nursing program is four semesters (two years) in length. A graduate of the nursing program is eligible to take the State Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Upon passing the exam, the title of Registered Nurse is earned, and the graduate is qualified for entry-level positions in nursing.

You will hear more about our concurrent enrollment Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree opportunity once classes begin.

Who Should Read This Bulletin

This bulletin covers all applicant types for the CCC ADN program: the Basic Nursing Applicant (entering first semester) and all Advanced Placement pathways — LVN/LPN, Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT), Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel, Transfer, Foreign-Trained Nurse, and the 30-Unit Option. Read the section that applies to you, then refer to the Requirements Applying to All Applicants section, which is common to every pathway.↑ Back to top

Prerequisite Courses

All applicants (except the 30-Unit Option, which has its own course list) must complete prerequisite courses divided into Group A and Group B. There is no recency requirement for prerequisite courses.

• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in Group A courses and 2.75 or higher in Group B courses.
• Each course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• GPA transition note: Students who completed all Group A courses prior to June 2024 will be considered eligible for admission with a Group A GPA of 2.75 for Fall 2024 only. Students who completed all Group A and Group B courses prior to Fall 2023 will be considered for admission for Fall 2024 only with the previous Group A GPA of 2.75.

* Course has a prerequisite. See a counselor to determine how Group A courses transfer into BSN programs.

* Course has a prerequisite.

Additional Courses Required for Graduation

Additional courses are required for the Associate in Science Degree. If you hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (not a foreign degree), you are eligible to receive an A.S. degree upon completion of the prerequisite and nursing program courses — please consult the catalog for current general education degree requirements or meet with a college counselor.↑ Back to top

Basic Nursing Applicant

The Basic Nursing Applicant is a student seeking to enter the first semester of the nursing program. The first semester begins in the fall semester only. All Group A and Group B courses must be completed by the fall semester prior to the application deadline date.

Before applying, meet with a college counselor to discuss the general education courses necessary to satisfy the Associate Degree requirements for graduation.

Applying to the Nursing Program — Basic Applicant

1. Ensure all Group A and Group B courses are complete with the required GPA by the deadline date.
2. Submit a completed Basic Nursing Application Packet to the Admissions & Records Office.October 1 – February 1for consideration for the following fall semester (postmarked by February 1). No material accepted after the deadline.The completed application packet contains:
   1. The Basic Nursing Application — available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or from the Admissions & Records Office. Students must possess a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
   2. A completed Contra Costa College application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
   3. All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
3. The Admissions and Records Office will notify you of your eligibility by April 1. For questions, contact Joanne Solano at (510) 215-3926.A random selection lottery will be held if there are more qualified applicants than spaces available. The lottery is typically held in mid-April. Selected applicants will receive written notification of Conditional Acceptance via their college email. It is the student’s responsibility to check their college email for lottery standing.The applicant must reply to the Nursing Department indicating acceptance or refusal by the date stated in the Conditional Acceptance letter. If no response is received by the deadline, admission will be forfeited and an alternate applicant will be selected.

Conditional Admission Process

Applicants selected from the lottery who have accepted admission are Conditionally Admitted and must complete the following steps in order:

1. Take the ATI TEAS Exam (Version 7) at atitesting.com. The exam must be taken prior to the deadline and the result sent directly to the CCC Nursing Department. ATI TEAS Version 6 or earlier will also be accepted per ATI TEAS.Required Cut ScoreYou must pass the ATI TEAS with a composite cut score of 62. Your ATI TEAS score must be received by the Nursing Department by Thursday, May 28, 2026. No exceptions. The nursing program recognizes and accepts only the first ATI TEAS exam score for admission. Falsification or misrepresentation of TEAS information is grounds for denial of admission.
2. Proceed with background check and drug screening by the deadline. Results must be clear for entry. Complete the annual physical exam and required immunizations. Information is provided in the acceptance letter.
3. After the physical, immunizations, drug screen, and background check are completed, admission to the nursing program is granted.

If You Do Not Achieve the Required TEAS Cut Score

Conditionally Admitted applicants who do not achieve a composite score of 62 on their first attempt will be allowed to remediate for one year and retake the TEAS the following spring. It is the student’s responsibility to find suitable TEAS study resources.

• Admission is deferred for one year pending successful completion of remediation and passing the ATI TEAS.
• If the student achieves the required cut score on the retake, they will be conditionally admitted to the nursing program.
• If the student does not achieve the required cut score on the retake, they will not be admitted and must reapply as a Basic Nursing Applicant from the beginning.

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Advanced Placement — Overview

Advanced Placement (AP) applicants are individuals with existing licenses, training, or nursing coursework who are seeking to enter the nursing program beyond the first semester. All AP admissions are based on space available. AP applications are kept on file with the nursing department for two years; if you are not selected within two years of applying, you must submit a new application.

Priority Order for Advanced Placement Admission

When more AP applicants are qualified than space permits, priority is given in the following order:

1. Readmission of current Contra Costa College nursing/remediation students
2. LVN / LPN / LPT or Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel applicants
3. Transfer applicants
4. Foreign-Trained Nurses
5. 30-Unit Option applicants

Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) Exam

All advanced placement applicants (except Transfer applicants, who may meet the requirement through coursework or challenge exam) must successfully pass the Drug Dosage Calculation competency exam prior to or as part of the admission process. Specific timing is noted in each section below.↑ Back to top

Advanced Placement: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

The LVN or LPN applicant holds an active California LVN or LPN license and is requesting to enter as an advanced placement student. Placement is based on evaluation of individual student transcripts. Admission into either the second or third semester is based on space available.

The applicant must meet with a college counselor to discuss the general education courses necessary to satisfy the Associate Degree requirements for graduation. Prerequisite courses are divided into Group A and Group B (see the Prerequisite Courses section). All Group A and Group B courses must be completed by the fall semester prior to admission.

Applying — LVN / LPN

1. Ensure all Group A and Group B courses are successfully completed with the required GPA.
2. Submit a completed LVN/LPN Application Packet to the Admissions & Records Office.October 1 – February 1for the following fall semester (postmarked by February 1)July 1 – October 1for the following spring semester (postmarked by October 1)No material will be accepted after the deadline date.The completed application packet contains:
   1. The LVN/LPN Application — available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or from the Admissions & Records Office. Students must possess a valid SSN or ITIN.
   2. A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
   3. All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
   4. A copy of your current LVN or LPN license.
   5. A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
3. The Admissions and Records Office will notify you of eligibility once the application has been evaluated, then forward it to the Nursing Department. The nursing faculty will notify selected applicants by the end of December for spring admission and by the end of May for fall semester admission.
4. In selecting LVN/LPN applicants, the faculty will consider:
   • GPA (above the minimum) in Group A courses, including any multiple withdrawals or repetitions
   • Current employment in a health care field
   • Current LVN or LPN license
   • Successful passing of the Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) competency exam
5. If selected, you must take and pass the Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) exam. If successful, proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission. Information is provided in the Welcome letter.

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Advanced Placement: Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT)

The LPT applicant holds an active LPT license and is requesting to enter the second semester of the nursing program. The second semester is offered in the spring only. Admission is based on space available.

The applicant must meet with a college counselor to discuss the general education courses necessary to satisfy the Associate Degree requirements for graduation. Prerequisite courses are divided into Group A and Group B (see the Prerequisite Courses section). All Group A and Group B courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester, with the nursing application submitted by the October 1 deadline.

Applying — LPT

1. Ensure all Group A and Group B courses are successfully completed with the required GPA.
2. Submit a completed LPT Application Packet to the Admissions & Records Office.July 1 – October 1for the following spring semester (postmarked by October 1). No material accepted after the deadline.The completed application packet contains:
   1. The LPT Application — available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or from the Admissions & Records Office. Students must possess a valid SSN or ITIN.
   2. A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
   3. All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
   4. A copy of your current LPT license.
   5. A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
3. The Admissions and Records Office will notify you of eligibility once the application has been evaluated, then forward it to the Nursing Department. The faculty will review all qualified LPT applicants.
4. In selecting LPT applicants, the faculty will consider:
   • GPA (above the minimum) in Group A courses, including any multiple withdrawals or repetitions
   • Current employment in a health care field
   • Current LPT license
5. If selected, the nursing faculty will notify you by December for the following spring semester. You must take and pass the Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) exam. If successful, proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission. Information is provided in the Welcome letter.

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Advanced Placement: Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel

The Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel applicant is requesting to enter the nursing program as an Advanced Placement student. Placement — either the second or third semester — is based on individual evaluation of the applicant’s formal military training and experience. Verifiable education and experience within the last five years is required, as is documentation of honorable discharge. Admission is based on space available.

The applicant must meet with a college counselor to discuss the general education courses necessary to satisfy the Associate Degree requirements for graduation. Prerequisite courses are divided into Group A and Group B (see the Prerequisite Courses section).

All Group A and Group B courses must be completed by the end of the prior spring semester for spring admission (application by October 1), or by the end of the prior fall semester for fall admission (application by February 1).

Applying — Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel

1. After meeting with a CCC counselor to determine eligibility, ensure all Group A and Group B courses are successfully completed with the required GPA.
2. Submit a completed Military-Trained Healthcare Application Packet to the Admissions & Records Office.October 1 – February 1for the following fall semesterJuly 1 – October 1for the following spring semester (postmarked by October 1). No material accepted after the deadline.The completed application packet contains:
   1. The Military-Trained Healthcare Application — available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or from the Admissions & Records Office. Students must possess a valid SSN or ITIN.
   2. A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
   3. All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
   4. A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
   Please see the Advanced Placement Military Personnel Policy for additional documentation requirements.
3. The Admissions and Records Office will notify you of eligibility once the application has been evaluated, then forward it to the Nursing Department. The faculty will review all qualified Military-Trained Healthcare applicants for advanced placement based on previous credits.
4. In selecting Military-Trained Healthcare applicants, the faculty will consider:
   • GPA (above the minimum) in Group A courses, including any multiple withdrawals or repetitions
   • Current employment in a health care field
   • Passing score on the Drug Dosage Calculation Examination
   • Passing score on the individualized placement and skills assessments
5. If selected, the nursing faculty will notify you. Proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission into the nursing program. Information is provided in the Welcome letter.

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Advanced Placement: Transfer Applicant

The Transfer Applicant has successfully completed part of a nursing program at another college or university and is seeking advanced placement into the CCC nursing program. Transfer applicants are admitted into the semester recommended by the Nursing Admissions Committee. Applicants can only be considered within two years of their last nursing course.

The Transfer Applicant must demonstrate proof of having successfully completed the prerequisite courses below, or demonstrate completion of equivalent coursework from their nursing program, or successfully achieve the passing score on the challenge exam(s).

Applying — Transfer Applicant

1. Submit a completed Transfer Application Packet to the Admissions & Records Office.October 1for spring admissionFebruary 1for fall admissionNo material will be accepted after the deadline date.The completed application packet contains:
   1. The Transfer Application — available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or from the Admissions & Records Office. Students must possess a valid SSN or ITIN.
   2. A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
   3. All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
   4. A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Attn: Nursing Admissions Committee, indicating your goal, reason for transfer admission request, work history, licenses, and certifications.
   5. A letter from your transfer school stating you left in good standing.
2. The Admissions and Records Office will forward the application to the nursing department after review and evaluation.
3. Admission is based on space available. The Nursing Admissions Committee may schedule an interview to determine placement. The nursing faculty will notify the student of conditional acceptance. The applicant will then proceed with background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission. Information is provided in the welcome letter.

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Advanced Placement: Foreign-Trained Nurse

The Foreign-Trained Nurse applicant has been trained in another country and has received a letter from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) indicating a need for additional coursework in order to become eligible to take the State Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Foreign-Trained Nurses are admitted into the semester that offers the required course content identified by the BRN. Foreign-Trained Nurses are admitted based on space available.

Applying — Foreign-Trained Nurse

1. Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “B” or better, or pass the challenge exam for each:
   • NURS 205 — Drug Dosage Calculation (2 units)
   • NURS 212 — Pharmacology for Nurses (2 units)
2. Submit a completed Foreign-Trained Nurse Application Packet to the Admissions & Records Office.The completed application packet contains:
   1. The Foreign-Trained Nurse Application — available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or from the Admissions & Records Office. Students must possess a valid SSN or ITIN.
   2. A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
   3. A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
   4. A copy of the Board of Registered Nursing letter.
3. The Admissions and Records Office will forward the completed application packet to the Nursing Department.
4. Admission is based on space available. The nursing faculty reviews all qualified advanced placement applicants.
5. If selected, the nursing faculty will notify you in May for fall semester admission or in December for spring semester admission. You must pass a Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) examination prior to admission. If successful, proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission. Information is provided in the welcome letter.

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Advanced Placement: 30-Unit Option (LVN / LPN — Non-Graduate Status)

Important — Non-Graduate Status

The student completing the 30-Unit Option is categorized as a NON-GRADUATE. Completion of courses and graduation after licensure does not change the non-graduate status.

The nursing license for a 30-Unit Option RN is valid only in selected states. Please consult a counselor to determine how these courses will be accepted for transfer into a BSN program.

An applicant who is licensed as a vocational or practical nurse is eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse after completing a maximum of 30 units (prerequisite and nursing courses). The applicant who chooses this option and completes the required courses is eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

The 30-Unit Option applicant must have an active LVN or LPN license and is seeking to complete a total of 30 units consisting of selected prerequisite and required nursing courses.

30-Unit Option — Course Requirements

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the prerequisite courses. Each course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. There is no recency requirement for prerequisite courses. All prerequisite courses must be completed the fall semester prior to admission.

* Course has a prerequisite.

Total: 26.3 units

Applying — 30-Unit Option

1. Ensure all prerequisite courses have been successfully completed with the required GPA.
2. Submit a completed 30-Unit Option Application Packet to the Admissions & Records Office.February 1 – April 1for consideration for the following fall semester (or postmarked by April 1). No material accepted after the deadline.The completed application packet contains:
   1. The 30-Unit Option Application — available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or from the Admissions & Records Office. Students must possess a valid SSN or ITIN.
   2. A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
   3. All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
   4. A copy of your current LVN or LPN license.
   5. A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
3. The Admissions and Records Office will forward the completed application to the Nursing Department.
4. Admission is based on space available. The nursing faculty reviews all qualified advanced placement applicants. All advanced placement applicants must successfully pass the Drug Dosage Calculation exam to be considered for admission.
5. If selected, the nursing faculty will notify you in May for fall semester admission. Proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission. Information is provided in the Welcome letter mailed after official acceptance.

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Requirements Applying to All Applicants

The following requirements and policies apply to every applicant — Basic and Advanced Placement — regardless of pathway.

Health, Safety & Clinical Requirements

• Students must have documented evidence of an annual physical exam and current immunizations that demonstrate the ability to perform in the nursing program.
• CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS instructor-led course for Healthcare Providers) must be current at the time of admission and currency must be maintained while enrolled as a nursing student.
• A background check and drug screening are required. Results must be clear for admission. Details are provided in the welcome/acceptance letter.
• Students must successfully pass a Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) competency exam each semester while in the RN program.

Costs & Fees

• Fees per semester are set by the state legislature and are subject to change. California residents, out-of-state students, and international students should check with the Admissions & Records Office.
• Additional costs include: uniforms, nursing shoes, bandage scissors, stethoscope, watch with second hand, textbooks, skills lab supply kits, criminal background check, drug screening, respiratory mask fitting, hospital orientation fees (if required), and Complio.
• The student is responsible for transportation to and from the campus and clinical facilities, and any associated parking fees.

Disabilities & Accommodations

• Nursing courses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you have special needs, please inform the instructor(s) and every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate you. Accommodations must be validated by Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS).

Criminal Conviction Disclosure (NCLEX-RN)

• All candidates eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination are required by law to report misdemeanor and felony convictions to the Board of Registered Nursing, unless they are only minor traffic violations. “Driving under the influence” convictions must be reported. Convictions must be reported even if they have been expunged or a court-ordered diversion program has been completed. Failure to report prior convictions or disciplinary action is considered falsification of the application and is grounds for denial of licensure or revocation of license.

Social Security Number / ITIN

• All applicants must possess a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply.

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Helpful Information

Requirements Subject to Change

Requirements may change on an annual basis due to unforeseen circumstances or Board of Registered Nursing regulations. Please consult the Nursing Department for current information each semester.

Application Information Online

All nursing program applications are available at:
contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/

Advanced Placement Application File Duration

Advanced placement applications are kept on file with the nursing department for two years. If you are not selected within two years of applying, you must submit a new application to be considered for advanced placement admission.

TEAS Exam Resources (Basic Applicants)

ATI TEAS exam video tutorials and information are available at atitesting.com.