Nursing, BS
Take the next step toward your degree in Nursing.
Our innovative, student-centered approach blends holistic education with advanced clinical placements, cutting-edge technology, and leadership and advocacy training. Rooted in compassion and equity, our mission is to prepare adaptable, professional nurses who deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to diverse populations. At Saint Mary’s, you'll grow as both a healthcare provider and a leader, ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of nursing.
The Nursing program at Saint Mary’s College is designed to support and shape the next generation of nurses through multiple pathways. Whether you're a first-year student coming straight from high school, a community college transfer, or a working licensed vocational nurse (LVN) seeking advancement, Saint Mary’s offers a clear and supportive path forward for every aspiring nurse.
Why Saint Mary’s Nursing Program?
Learning Opportunities and Connections Across California
Gain hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers across the state. From major cities to the close-knit care of rural communities, you’ll work with diverse patient populations, sharpen your clinical skills, and build a professional network that spans California. Every rotation is a new opportunity to grow—and to discover where your nursing career can take you.
State-of-the-Art Facilities for Hands on Learning
Step into our modern simulation labs designed to mirror real hospital environments. From advanced patient simulators to the latest medical technology, you’ll practice procedures, refine your critical thinking, and build confidence before stepping into clinical rotations. Our facilities are designed to prepare you for the pace, precision, and teamwork of today’s healthcare settings—so you’re ready from day one on the job.
Bold Futures, Strong Community
Step into our modern simulation labs designed to mirror real hospital environments. From advanced patient simulators to the latest medical technology, you’ll practice procedures, refine your critical thinking, and build confidence before stepping into clinical rotations. Our facilities are designed to prepare you for the pace, precision, and teamwork of today’s healthcare settings—so you’re ready from day one on the job.
Nursing Curriculum
First-year students interested in Nursing are admitted to Saint Mary’s College to follow the Pre-Nursing Curriculum, including the Saint Mary’s Core Curriculum. Students who meet the Nursing program admissions criteria will transition into full-time nursing classes and clinical work in their third and fourth years, inclusive of one summer term. Upon completion of the BSN degree, Saint Mary’s students will be well-prepared for the NCLEX exam to become registered nurses.
Saint Mary’s College offers the 30-Unit Option for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in good standing with the California Board of Registered Nurses (BRN).
This is a non-degree pathway designed for California licensed vocational nurses who wish to become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California. This option does not lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) but allows LVNs to gain RN licensure through a streamlined curriculum.
Key Considerations:
- This pathway does not confer a degree upon completion.
- Licensure obtained through this pathway is specific to California and may not be recognized in other states.
- Admission is limited and competitive based on space availability in the nursing program.
Please see SMC 30 Unit Option Policy and Procedure In Compliance with CCR 1429 for further directions on how to pursue this option.
You may also contact the director of nursing for more information and support in navigating the process.
| Required Content | Course Number | Course Title | Theory Units | Clinical Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Medical Surgical | NURS 310/310L | Population Driven Health: Adult Care Management & Clinical | 3 | 3 |
| Advanced Medical Surgical | NURS 320/320L | Population Driven Health: Advance Adult Care Management & Clinical | 3 | 2 |
| Psych/Mental Health | NURS 311/NURS 311(LVN Option) | Population Driven Health Mental Wellness and Health & Clinical | 3 | 1 |
| Geriatrics | NURS 322 | Population Driven Health Caring for the Aging Population | 2 | 0 |
| Geriatrics | NURS 320L | Population Driven Health: Advance Adult Care Management & Clinical | 0 | 1 |
| Management/Leadership | NURS 401 & 401L | Professional Role Driven Leadership Capstone & Clinical | 2 | 2 |
| Section Total | 13 | 9 | ||
| Basic Sciences | Theory | Lab | ||
| BIOL 250/250L | Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 | 3 | 1 | |
| BIOL 250/250L | Introductory Microbiology | 3 | 1 | |
| Section Total | 6 | 2 | ||
| Total Units | 12 | 4 |
Your Pathway to Nursing
What can you do with a degree in Nursing?
A degree in Nursing opens the door to a wide range of rewarding and impactful career paths.
Registered Nurse (RN): Provide care in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Emergency/Trauma Nurse: Work in fast-paced ER and urgent care environments.
Pediatric, Geriatric, or Obstetric Nurse: Specialize in caring for specific populations.
Critical Care/ICU Nurse: Care for patients with life-threatening conditions.
Research Nurse: Contribute to clinical studies and evidence-based practice.
Certified Nurse Midwife: Provide maternal and newborn care.
Travel Nurse: Provide care in different locations while gaining diverse experience.
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Lead in areas such as oncology, cardiology, or mental health.
Policy/Advocacy Nurse: Influence healthcare legislation and access.
Career Guidance
The Career Center offers a variety of services and resources for all students and alumni in their job/internship search, resume/CV review, strategies on enhancing their LinkedIn profile, crafting a cover letter, and so much more. All students are encouraged to attend signature annual on-campus events like the Fall Career Fair, Pre-Health Fair, and Spring Hiring Fair for jobs, internships, and networking opportunities. BSN students will work closely with the School of Science Career Counselor on career readiness in the healthcare industry, mock interview practice, specific industry-related resumes and cover letters. Students can meet with a Career Counselor either by making an appointment on Handshake or walk-in during operating hours during the year.
Challenge/Advanced Placement for Military and Trained Health Professionals
The Nursing program offers an advanced placement opportunity for individuals with prior military healthcare training and experience. Eligible candidates, such as Basic Medical Technician Corpsman, Army Healthcare Specialists, and Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technicians, may qualify for entry into the second semester of the program by successfully completing challenge exams for first-semester courses.
Please see Challenge/Advanced Placement for Military and Trained Healthcare Professionals Policy for further directions on how to pursue this option. You may also contact the director of nursingfor more information and support in navigating the process.