LVN-RN Application Info
Application Steps & Requirements
LVN-RN Nursing Application Process
To enroll in this program, you must be a currently Licensed Vocational Nurse and submit a copy of your license with your application.
*Applications will be accepted June 23-26, 2025.
Step 1: Attend the Information Meeting
Information meetings are held by Zoom video conference and are regularly held during the Fall and Spring semesters. Please email Marc Smith, Nursing & Allied Health Coordinator, at m4smith@lbcc.edu for a meeting link.
Step 2: Meet Application Requirements
When applying to any of the nursing programs at Long Beach City College, it is important to understand the academic requirements needed to enter the programs. Please refer to the following requirements before submitting your application and associated documentation.
| PREREQUISITES |
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| ENGLISH 1 |
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Completed at LBCC with a passing grade or successful completion of an approved college English course at the level of English 1 from another college or university. |
| SCIENCES |
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The following courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher before admittance to the program:
Life Science courses must have a combined GPA of 2.5 or higher and be completed within five (5) years prior to the application deadline. Equivalent courses taken at other colleges must be reviewed by LBCC). If you would like to have your courses evaluated, please submit the Life Science Equivalency Form with your application. |
| PSYCHOLOGY & SOCIOLOGY |
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The following courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher before admittance to the program:
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| COMMUNICATIONS |
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It is recommended that one of the following courses be completed with a grade of C or higher before admittance to the program. Course completion is required for graduation.
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| GRADUATION PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS |
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We do not accept assessment test results from other schools. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree or higher should see a Counselor regarding General Education requirements. For more information, please refer to the graduation proficiency requirements listed in Plan A under the General Education Patterns or speak with a Counselor. |
| READING |
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Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following:
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| MATH |
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Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following:
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| INFORMATION COMPETENCY |
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Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by any one of the following:
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| ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS |
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| HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA or GED (Mandatory) |
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All applicants must provide a copy of a high school transcript, diploma or GED certificate. International transcripts must be evaluated by the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute. |
| OVERALL/CUMULATIVE GPA |
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Overall or cumulative GPA must be 2.5 or higher and based on grades from all colleges attended. Please attach an unofficial transcript of LBCC courses and an official, sealed transcript from all other colleges. Classes taken at other colleges must be evaluated and approved for equivalency. Make an appointment with the Counseling Office and give them an official transcript to submit for evaluation. |
| INFORMATION MEETING |
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Information meetings are mandatory and regularly held during the Fall and Spring semesters. Please refer to the meeting schedule for dates and times. No food, drinks, or children are allowed in the room. Please note: Meetings are subject to change and cancellations. Remember to Attach a stamped, self-addressed envelope, size 9 1/2” x 4” (available at LBCC Bookstore) to your application. |
Step 3: Complete the Nursing Application
All students must complete the Application during the posted application periods before being admitted to the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to apply to the program?
No, we do not require a social security number, but you do need either a social security number or a taxpayer I.D. number to apply for licensure to the California Board of Registered Nursing. One of our facilities also requires documentation of legal residency for students who are not citizens.
Do I need a high school diploma?
If you do not have an Associate or Bachelors degree, you will need to show proof of high school graduation or the equivalent when you apply to the program.
Do I need to attend an information session?
Information Meetings are highly recommended but not mandatory to apply. Please email Marc Smith, Nursing & Allied Health Coordinator, at m4smith@lbcc.edu for a link to our Information Meetings.
Do I need a Student ID?
No, you do not need to apply to LBCC or have an LBCC Student ID before applying to the ADN program.
Do I need to see a counselor before applying?
No, you do not need to meet with a counselor before applying. If you wish to meet with a counselor, A counselor will be available to meet with you in the C building during the application week, but meeting with a counselor is not required.
What do I do if I took a required science course at another college?
Email Life Science Equivalency Form, catalog course descriptions, and unofficial transcripts to Marc Smith, Nursing & Allied Health Coordinator, at m4smith@lbcc.edu.
What if my life science courses are more than five years old?
The three life science courses, Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology must be no more than 5 years old at the time of your application.
Do I need to take a computer technology or Physical Fitness/Wellness course?
You must take a computer technology and physical fitness/wellness course before you graduate if you are on Plan A. This course does not need to be completed at the time of your application. If you complete your general education requirements through Plan B or Plan C, you do not need to complete these degree requirements.
Do I need to meet the reading proficiency requirement before I apply?
Reading proficiency is required for graduation, but is not required to apply to the nursing program. Reading proficiency can be met through completion of a Critical Thinking course meeting Area A3 on Plan B, by having a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or by the completion of the Guided Placement Tool on the Viking Student System with a result of Proficiency Met.
When do you accept applications?
We accept applications once per year. Please check the top of this page for current application dates.
What is the minimum required overall GPA to apply to the program?
The minimum cumulative GPA required is 2.50 and the minimum life science GPA required is 2.50. If either GPA is lower, your application will not be accepted.
Is there a part-time option for the ADN program?
No. It is a full-time program with classes on weekdays. Hospital clinical hours may be on weekends or evenings depending on the course. It is important to have flexibility in your work schedule while you are in the nursing program. Many students must decrease their work hours to do well in the program.
How do you select students?
We accept applications and make selections twice a year. You may re-apply if you are not selected. Only overall and life sciences GPAs are considered when we make selections. We choose 50% of our students from those with a GPA of 3.5 to 4.0, 25% from those with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 and 25% from students with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0. We accept 40 students and 20 alternates each semester. Our typical number of eligible applicants is 1200 to 1400.
What is the cost of your program?
The cost of student fees including parking is approximately $3500.00 USD. Books for the entire program cost approximately $1000.00 USD. The main financial burden is related to being unable to work due to the time requirements of the program. You will need to be available for four days a week in addition to the study and skills practice time required.
I became a nurse in another country. For licensure in California, the BRN is requiring I take a class. Am I able to take it at your college?
We do admit students to the program to complete single course requirements, but only on if space is available. If you are interested in applying, please contact Dr. Maricela Arnaud, Nursing Program Director.
Is there financial assistance available to help defray the cost of the program?
Yes. Please visit the Financial Aid or Scholarship departments for more information.
Which courses can I take while waiting for admittance into the program?
We recommend Pharmacology, Nutrition (FN 20), Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, and Chemistry as courses to complete if you are waiting to enter the nursing program. You can also take courses required for admission into a BSN program. Refer to Plan B in the college catalog for those requirements.
Is there an opportunity to continue on to a BSN program?
Yes. We have collaborative partnerships with BSN programs at CSU Long Beach, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Fullerton, CSU Dominguez Hills, and Vanguard University as well as Grand Canyon, University of Phoenix and Ohio University. These partnerships allow qualified ADN students to transfer into the ADN-BSN program. In collaboration with the CSU campuses, we have developed educational roadmaps to guide you in achieving your BSN degree.
Is there a club I can join if I am interested in nursing?
Yes. Any LBCC student may join the Nursing Student Association (NSA). Please email LBCC-NSA for further information.