Frequently Asked Questions

The Associate Degree Nursing Program

Questions About the Program:

Q. How many applications do you receive, and how many students are selected?

A. For the past two years, we have received 300-500 applications for the ADN program. We admit 30-40 students for the Fall semester and 20-30 students for the Spring semester.

Questions About Pre-Requisites:

Q. Do I need to take the CPR course before applying to the program?

A. Yes. The card must read “Health Care Provider.” It is offered through the American Heart Association. This is the course for basic life support required by the hospitals where students complete clinical training.

Q. I have one pre-requisite course left to take. Can I still apply to the program?

A. No. All pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to submitting an application. Courses “in progress” are not acceptable.

Q. Do I have to have my Communication Studies and Sociology/Anthropology courses completed before I apply?

A. Communication studies and Sociology/Anthropology are co-requisites to third semester of the nursing program. This means you may take these courses after you are admitted to the nursing program. Because of the rigorous coursework in the nursing program, most students find it helpful to complete these courses over the summer or during the semester you are applying and waiting to be accepted.

Q. I took my pre-requisites at another college. You are asking for course descriptions for those courses. How do I obtain the course descriptions?

A. Official college course descriptions may be obtained by photocopying the college catalog for the year the course was completed. Official college catalogs with course descriptions may also be available online through the institution’s website.

Q. I am confused about Math D being required in Fall 2009. Can you explain this?

A. We recommend you see an academic counselor for all graduation requirements.

Q. I see that the science courses and nutrition cannot be more than seven years old when I begin the program. One of my courses is older than seven years. Do I need to retake the course?

A. We recommend that you see an academic counselor regarding course repetition and/or course challenge process.

Q. I took my Anatomy and Physiology at a school where the courses were combined for two semesters. At Sierra they are offered separately. Am I still eligible to apply?

A. Yes. We accept equivalent course work. Two semesters of combined anatomy and physiology is equivalent to two semesters of separate course work.

Q. Some of my pre-requisites are upper division from a four-year university. Is this okay?

A. We recommend you review the college catalog regarding transfer credit and see an academic counselor for educational planning.

Submitting an Application:

Q. Is it okay if I turn my application in late? I have a really good reason.

A. No. All applications must be received by the due date/time. Postmarks are not acceptable.

Q. I was not accepted into the nursing program. Will my application materials be returned to me?

A. Once application materials are submitted, they become the property of the college and are not returned to the student. If you wish to reapply, you will need to submit a new application packet.

Q. I applied last semester and did not get admitted. Will I have a better chance when I apply this semester?

A. Beginning with the Fall application acceptance cycle, qualified applicants from the previous application cycles will comprise a portion of the upcoming class.

Q. My employer wants to write a letter of recommendation for me to get into the nursing program. Should I enclose that with my application?

A. Our method is random selection. Letters of recommendation are not considered. We request that you not enclose any in your application packet.

Q. I see that your mailing address is in Rocklin. I thought the nursing department was in Roseville.

A. We are located in Roseville on Sunrise Avenue. We are part of Sierra College, so our address is 5000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677. We receive our mail through the campus mailroom. Mail addressed to the Roseville address is not delivered to us.

Q. I have work experience in the health field. Will this increase my chances of being admitted?

A. Our method is random selection. Your experience will benefit you on a personal level, but is not considered when applying to the nursing program.

Q. I attended several colleges. Do you need all the transcripts or just those where I took pre-requisites? How do I get them to you?

A. You must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended in the completion of your pre-requisite courses.

The Selection Process:

Q. Can you tell me why I was not accepted into the nursing program?

A. Each applicant is notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance to the Nursing program. The status of their application packet at the time of submission is also reviewed.