Nursing

No Scrubs: An Action-Packed Career Path with a Healthy Paycheck

For every doctor, technology, and innovation at the peak of the medical profession, you can bet there’s a cadre of under-appreciated Sherpas forging the path. Sure, nurses work crazy hours…but it’s a crazy job! And that’s exactly how we like it…

As demand continues to outpace supply across California, college-educated professionals will continue to find healthy career opportunities in the nursing field while commanding even healthier salaries that are well above the national averages for all jobs.

Many people wrongly assume that a nurse’s job is simply to assist a doctor. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth—qualified nurses are an essential component of all allied health teams and are relied upon to independently perform a wide variety of patient-centered tasks and managerial duties across the medical spectrum.

For this reason, the need for qualified nurses is projected to grow at a rate of 35% between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In Orange County alone, Registered Nursing (RN) opportunities account for almost half of the health sector’s 10,000 average monthly online job postings.

Earning a Future BUILT ADN is the smart choice for those who want to save money and get started quickly in this dynamic field. Golden West College’s 2-year ADN qualifies students to take the Registered Nursing licensure examination (NCLEX), in the same way that a bachelor’s degree does, but in half the time and for half the money!

Program Details

Nursing Degrees & Certificates

Golden West College’s prestigious Nursing program offers an affordable and accessible pathway to a fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse in a variety of medical and healthcare settings. Currently, GWC offers two Associate in Science (AS) degrees and one certificate:

Nursing: Registered Nurse – Associate in Science (AS) Degree:
Students pursuing this degree develop professional-level skills relevant to careers in the healthcare industry. Graduates are eligible to take the Registered Nursing licensing examination (NCLEX), and are prepared to transition into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at various universities.

Nursing – LVN to RN Career Ladder – Associate in Science:
Strategically advance your career with this option designed specifically for Licensed Vocational Nurses who are interested in becoming RNs. Successful applicants gain higher level skills in the management and care of patients, and upon completion become eligible to take the Registered Nursing licensure exam (NCLEX).

Pre-Health Science – Certificate of Specialization:
This 16-unit specialization prepares students for more in-depth studies of health, medicine, and the human body by giving students a solid foundation in human anatomy, disease, and medical research techniques.

For additional program details, see the Nursing Program Main Page or the Golden West College Catalog.

Why Golden West College?

Golden West’s Nursing program boasts a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate of 90.95% as of May 2017!

Our knowledgeable and accessible faculty are chosen for their real-world industry experience. This ensures that GWC Nursing students learn the latest in software, technology, and industry philosophy.

Golden West cares! GWC is an energetic and welcoming community of learning, committed to supporting your higher education aspirations. Learn more about Golden West College’s student services and support resources by clicking here.

Golden Opportunities in Nursing

While job requirements and credentials differ slightly by state and organization, the fact that the nursing sector continues to grow at a rate significantly faster than the national average means that GWC Nursing graduates who receive their RN licensure will find themselves in demand, no matter where they live. Golden West College Nursing program grads are earning great salaries in the field of nursing and as RNs can advance their role with further education in these positions and more!

 

  • Aesthetic Surgery Nurse
  • Clinical Documentation Specialist
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • General Surgery Nurse
  • Informatics Nurse
  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
  • Labor & Delivery Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Specialized Needs Nurse
  • Urgent Care Nurse
Affording the Opportunity

Golden West College is proud to provide excellent-quality Career Education at a low cost. Our goal is to remain accessible to ALL community members seeking to enrich their future.

Tuition: $46 per unit for California residents.

Information on College Service Charge and additional fees available at:
http://www.goldenwestcollege.edu/register/.

Accolades for Golden West College Nursing

Golden West College’s Nursing department is honored to be the recipient of a 2018 Strong Workforce Silver Star from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. GWC’s Nursing program earned a Silver Star for meeting criteria for living wage attainment and earnings increases amongst graduates.

Future BUILT Support

Golden West College is committed to providing students with affordable, accessible Career Education pathways, along with responsive staff to assist and guide you on your way!

Career and Employment Center:
GWC’s Career Center is a hub for services related to the career development needs of students and the general public. Our friendly staff can assist you in exploring career fields with a comprehensive library of up-to-date, computerized and published resources.

Learning Resource Center:
Featuring facilities and materials for general assistance in math, reading, writing, and more, GWC’s Learning Resource Center is a one-stop destination for student support. Take advantage of tutoring services, computer lab access, library resources, and more!

Special Programs:
Golden West hosts a variety of career-oriented programs and services, including CalWORKS, Cooperative Work Experience (CWE), and many others.

Advising and Counseling:
Make sure you’re in the right classes… and on the right course! GWC’s Planning and Guidance Services cover a broad range of student needs, including degree advising, career counseling, and transfer assistance.

Special Programs:
Golden West College is committed to assisting our underserved and challenged students in any way possible. GWC offers specific resources for DACA students, Former Foster Youth, students requiring Basic Needs Assistance, and more.

Gainful Employment Information

For more information regarding the Nursing program costs and employment outcome averages, click here.

Program Learning Outcomes

Nursing – LVN to RN Associate in Science :

  • Patient-centered care safety/quality improvement: Provide safe, quality patient-centered care for individuals and families across the health-illness continuum in a variety of settings to promote positive patient outcomes.
  • Evidence-based practice/nursing judgment: Utilize current knowledge from research and other credible sources to make nursing clinical judgments and provide patient care within a family and community context.
  • Teamwork/collaboration and informatics/technology: Utilize information technology in collaboration with nursing and healthcare teams to facilitate communication and coordinate patient care.
  • Professional identity: Demonstrate professional behaviors and adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards.

 

Nursing – Registered Nurse Associate in Science :

  • Patient-centered care/safety/quality improvement: Provide safe, quality, patient-centered care for individuals and families across the health-illness continuum in a variety of settings to promote positive patient outcomes.
  • Evidence-based practice/nursing judgment: Utilize current knowledge from research and other credible sources to make nursing clinical judgments and provide patient care within a family and community context.
  • Teamwork/collaboration and informatics/technology: Utilize information technology in collaboration with nursing and healthcare teams to facilitate communication and coordinate patient care.
  • Professional Identity: Demonstrate professional behavior and adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards.

 

Pre-Health Science Certificate of Specialization :

  • Students will name and identify the basic structures of the human body. Students will describe and explain major anatomical structures involved in organ system homeostasis.
  • Students will identify normal and abnormal physiological values.
  • Students will describe the role of microorganisms related to their role in disease.
  • Students will identify, evaluate, and select research material relevant to a well-defined topic and properly compile this material into a research paper.

Program Contact

Diana Rochat

Division Office

Average Salary in this Field

$52,521 –
$86,592

Silver
Star

California Community College Strong Workforce Star Recipient

Careers in this Field

Informatics Nurse
Pediatrics Nurse
Urgent Care Nurse

Ready to Get Started?

Orange County industry depends on Future BUILT professionals with the next-level knowledge and skills learned in Golden West College’s Career Education programs.
Apply today and start building your  bolder future!

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I had great professors who genuinely wanted me to succeed. GWC gave me the tools I needed to graduate in Cosmetology, and inspired me to help others too.

Amanda, Cosmetology Program Graduate

Golden West is a genuine place. Everyone feels like family here. The professors and counselors have been supportive too. They talk to you and help you with support and guidance.

James, Rustler Football Athlete and Psychology Major

GWC has a great nursing facility, with mannequins and various opportunities to perform simulations. The counseling services, financial assistance, and additional scholarship options are also impressive.

Eden, School of Nursing Student

When I first came to Golden West I was unsure of myself and a little overwhelmed. It has since become my second home.

Frankie, History Major

Golden West provides so many opportunities for success, from access to professors and office hours, the free tutoring center and student services, and ways to get involved on campus.

Erin, Liberal Arts and Sciences Major

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