If I attend Glendale Community College and complete the RN curriculum, what kind of degree will I earn?

Response: If you successfully complete the general education degree requirements established by the College (requirements of most colleges vary), as well as the nursing requirements, you will be eligible to apply for the Associate in Science (AS) degree.

What is the difference between an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a baccalaureate (BSN)?

Response: An excellent nursing education can be obtained from either type of degree. The baccalaureate is a 4-year degree obtained from a 4-year college or university. There are some areas that are covered more extensively in the baccalaureate degree. Some of these include nursing research, a greater emphasis on leadership, and public health nursing. Basic nursing content is the same.  Graduates of both associate degree programs and baccalaureate programs take the same licensing examination.  Many colleges in the area offer "completion" programs for the RN with an associate's degree who wants to complete a BSN.

What are the advantages of attending a 2-year nursing program instead of a generic baccalaureate degree?

Response: The 2-year degree cannot actually be completed within that time frame, because of the prerequisite requirements which must be completed before beginning the four semester nursing sequence. Nevertheless, for multiple reasons, many students select the associate degree as their entry to registered nurse practice. For many, the community college fee structure is much more attractive than that available from 4-year institutions. Others choose this option so they can obtain licensure and work in nursing while pursuing a more advanced degree. For others it is a matter of convenience, familiarity, or a level of confidence.

Is it hard to pursue a baccalaureate degree after receiving an associate degree in nursing?

Response: More than 2/3 of the licensed registered nurses in California obtained their initial nursing education in an associate degree program. The curriculum at Glendale College is an accredited associate degree program. Our Department strives to enable the student to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary, not just for the work place, but also to continue his or her education. This is important since many nurses choose to return to school to earn a baccalaureate degree (BSN) in nursing. Many, if not most of the opportunities for baccalaureate nursing education in California are completion programs (designed for the licensed RN from an associate degree program), rather than a generic baccalaureate program.  California needs more nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level and Glendale Community College encourages its students and graduates to pursue the more advanced degree.

What other degrees are available in nursing?

Response: Beyond the baccalaureate degree is the master's degree and even a nursing doctorate. These nurses fill widely varied roles, some of which include the Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, midwife, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, case manager, and nurse administrator and executive.


How long has Glendale Community College had a nursing program?

Response: The Department of Nursing is part of the Allied Health Division at Glendale Community College. The College has been involved in nursing education since the early 1950's when the Vocational Nursing Program was begun. It has grown, changed, and improved over the years, keeping pace with the myriad of influences that have impacted health care and nursing. The biggest change, of course, has been the addition of the RN programs. First the LVN-RN Career Ladder Program in the early 80's and, later that decade, the generic RN Program.  The LVN Program, because of decreasing employment opportunities and community needs is not accepting applications and is in a moratorium status.

Where are nursing classes held on campus?

Response: The Department ended a 17 year separation from the main college campus in March of 1998, when nursing faculty and students returned to the main campus to occupy the first modular buildings in the newly created San Fernando Complex. The nursing offices are located in SF 100, which is directly adjacent to the Verdugo (South) Gym. The Nursing Skills Laboratory and classroom with beds, computers, manikins, and equipment for nursing student practice is located in SF 102. The classrooms in SF 105 and 106 serve as standard classroom settings for nursing theory classes.

In Fall 2004 or Winter 2005 the groundbreaking will occur for the new building which will house the Allied Health Division.  We will be on the 3rd floor of this structure which will be located behind Advanced Technology and on the current site of the GCC Facilities building.  It will be an exciting time to become a part of this Program!


How do I know that I would be successful in nursing?

Response: Nursing requires very special talents and skills. The academic and clinical preparation for becoming a nurse is rigorous and demanding. Simply wanting to be a nurse and help others is not enough. In addition to being a successful student in English, mathematics, and the sciences, The candidate for a career in nursing should be able to:

• communicate clearly and effectively,
• transfer knowledge from the classroom to the clinical setting,
• demonstrate good organizational skills,
• assume responsibility and be accountable for his or her actions,
• manage multiple priorities,
• enjoy challenges,
• think clearly and logically, even under stress,
• demonstrate good judgment,
• negotiate and work well with others,
• supervise others,
• defend an unpopular belief or position if necessary,
• consistently demonstrate integrity and honesty, and
• put the needs of the patient first and foremost.

If you feel that these attributes might well describe you, a career in nursing may be just what you have been looking for!