Registered Nursing

Program Description

The Registered Nursing Program at Merced College prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) and is designed to prepare competent nurses for service in the community.  The Registered Nursing Program requires two academic years beyond the completion of the prerequisite courses and non-Nursing breadth requirements.  Graduates will earn the Associate of Science Degree upon completion of designated courses and competency requirements.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Merced College Registered Nursing Program is to prepare our students for careers as professional Registered Nurses by providing a continually-improving educational program which is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing and by instilling in our students a commitment to continued professional growth and lifelong learning.

Highlights

The Allied Health Center houses a complete Registered Nursing Skills Lab, large computer lab, conference rooms, study rooms and multiple large and small classrooms. The Registered Nursing Program has state of-the-art equipment and software that assist students with learning current procedures, including 3 high-fidelity manikins for Simulation.

Accreditation

The Registered Nursing Program is accredited by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

ACEN Candidacy                                                                                                                                                                                Effective October 21, 2025, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires in Spring 2028.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs?status=Candidate

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.