Nursing course work begins during the junior year. Faculty and staff provide individual academic advisement and career counseling. Information is available through the Nursing Department's Student Affairs Office on a 30-unit option for Licensed Vocational Nurses which enables them to take the R.N. licensure examination. This option, which is required by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing, does not lead to a degree. By eliminating duplication and organizing the course work, generic bachelor students, second degree students and Associate Degree in Nursing students can progress easily and in a shorter period of time from a bachelor's degree to a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
Detailed information is available from the department.
The department considers applicants who meet freshman university admissions standards. The equivalent of USC freshman and sophomore course work must be completed prior to beginning the nursing sequence. This course work includes anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, statistics, sociology, psychology, developmental psychology, adult development and aging, two semesters of English composition and three general education courses. All required science courses must include laboratory work. A list of specific transferable courses may be obtained by contacting the Department of Nursing directly.