Programs
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Interested in becoming a Registered Nurse? Complete the interest form, and our team will help you learn more about the ADN/RN application process, prerequisites, program options, and upcoming start dates.
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Associate Degree Nursing program is offered in a hybrid format combines nursing theory, hands-on skills labs, General Education coursework and extensive clinical experience to prepare students for entry-level Registered Nurse practice.
Program Length
- 96 weeks full-time
- 6 semesters
Program Details
- 1,088 classroom/skills lab hours
- 1,080 clinical hours
- 2,168 total clock hours
- 5 semester credits
High Desert Medical College’s Associate Degree Nursing program is only available at the Lancaster campus. Students’ complete hybrid classroom instruction along with hands-on training at their selected HDMC campus.
See Which Campus Is Closest to You
The ADN/RN curriculum combines nursing theory and clinical education with science and General Education coursework to prepare students to care for patients across different stages of life and healthcare environments.
Coursework includes:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology
- Foundations of Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Care of Children
- Women’s Health, Obstetrics & Neonatal Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Gerontological Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Leadership & Professional Nursing Practice
- Nursing Skills Labs
- Clinical Education
General Education coursework includes subjects such as English Composition, Public Speaking, Psychology, Sociology, Nutrition, College Algebra and Statistics.
HDMC offers three pathways within the Associate Degree Nursing program.
OPTION 1: GENERIC ADN
The Generic option is a six-semester program for applicants who have not already completed the required prerequisite coursework. Students who successfully complete the program earn an Associate Degree in Nursing and become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
OPTION 2: LVN TO RN
The LVN-to-RN option is a three-semester pathway for applicants who hold a valid California Vocational Nurse license and have completed the required science and General Education coursework.
Advanced Placement applicants must meet additional requirements, including qualifying LVN work experience, required coursework and applicable challenge examinations.
OPTION 3: 30-UNIT OPTION
The 30-Unit Option is a three-semester, non-graduate pathway for eligible applicants who hold a valid California Vocational Nurse license and want to meet California requirements to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
Students who choose this pathway do not earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. Licensure through the 30-Unit Option may also limit eligibility for RN licensure in other states and may affect future educational opportunities.
Because ADN admissions requirements vary by pathway, prospective students are encouraged to attend a Nursing Information Session to review prerequisites, assessment requirements, and the application and selection process.
For the most current Associate Degree Nursing tuition and fee information, refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you understand available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
High Desert Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) and approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
The Legacy Education, High Desert Medical College Associate Degree in Nursing Program (system) currently holds pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
Holding pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation by NLN CNEA will be received.
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s ADN/RN program combines nursing theory with skills labs and clinical education to help you develop the knowledge, judgment and patient care skills used by Registered Nurses.
Is a Career as a Registered Nurse Right for You?
Take the HDMC Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz.
This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and will give you a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Support beyond the classroom
HDMC supports students beyond the classroom with career-focused guidance, professional development resources, and personalized support designed to help graduates feel confident entering the healthcare field.
Resume &
Interview Support
Career
Preparation
Professional
Development
Student
Support Resources
What you walk away with
Earn your degree and prepare for RN licensure.
Associate Degree in
Nursing
Generic and LVN-to-RN graduates earn an Associate Degree in Nursing after successfully completing all applicable program requirements.
NCLEX-RN
Preparation
Build the nursing knowledge and clinical skills needed to become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Clinical
Experience
Complete extensive clinical education with the full Generic program, including 1,080 clinical hours in professional healthcare environments.
Where you could work
Registered Nurses work across a wide range of healthcare settings. Picture yourself working in:
Hospitals
Provide direct inpatient nursing care
Medical Clinics
Support outpatient patient care
Nursing Facilities
Care for long-term patients
Home Healthcare
Provide care in homes
Community Health Centers
Support community-based patient care
Schools
Support student health needs
Potential Careers
After completing the program requirements and obtaining RN licensure, graduates may pursue entry-level Registered Nurse opportunities like:
Staff Registered Nurse
Charge Nurse
Emergency Department RN
Operating Room RN
Oncology RN
Psychiatric RN
School Nurse
Staff Nurse
Potential Careers
After completing the program requirements and obtaining RN licensure, graduates may pursue entry-level Registered Nurse opportunities like:
Staff Registered Nurse
Charge Nurse
Emergency Department RN
Operating Room RN
Oncology RN
Psychiatric RN
School Nurse
Staff Nurse
Questions?
Here are a few things everyone asks. If you don’t see your question, reach out to see whether our ADN/RN program is right for you.
Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care, assess patients, administer medications, monitor health conditions, educate patients and families and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities vary depending on the healthcare setting and patient population.
The Generic ADN option is 96 weeks full-time and six semesters. It includes 2,168 total clock hours and 85.5 semester credits, including 1,080 clinical hours.
HDMC also offers three-semester LVN-to-RN and 30-Unit pathways for applicants who meet the applicable eligibility and prerequisite requirements.
The program is offered in a hybrid format. Students complete a combination of coursework, hands-on nursing skills labs and in-person clinical education. Because nursing education requires extensive hands-on and clinical training, the program cannot be completed entirely online.
The next ADN/RN program starts in January 2027 at the Lancaster campus. Prospective students are encouraged to begin the application process early because of the program’s admissions and selection requirements.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you review available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
Additional Resources
to help you build confidence before entering the workforce
