Registered Nursing (AS)

Registered nursing education prepares the graduate to provide services to those who need healthcare. As needs are varied so are educational programs, which may proceed from the simpler to the more complex in accordance with the career ladder concept. The progression is as follows: nurse assistant (CNA), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), registered nurse (RN), and other nurses with a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, or Doctorate in Nursing and special certifications. The successful RN may begin employment in a wide variety of entry-level positions. The role of a new graduate is usually that of a staff nurse.

With additional education, a nurse may advance to a position of supervision, administrator, clinical specialist, educator, or researcher. Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) is a four-semester program after the prerequisite courses have been completed. In addition, students must complete all the Porterville College general education requirements for graduation. Upon successful completion of the ADN Program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.

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Before You Go

• Ever wondered what the acronyms of our programs mean (i.e. AA-T, AA, AS-T, etc.)?
• Curious about our Distance Education options?
• Learn more about the different degree and certificate types, including which programs can be done through Distance Education, by visiting our Certificates and Degrees Offered page.