Option-C Applicant

OPTION C:  LVN - RN Degree (Advanced Placement Student). Completes the Associates Degree. Can transfer to a Bachelors program.  RN License will be good in CA, as well as in other states in the US. 

Option C Applicants:

  • Complete Pre-Requisite Coursework with gpa of 2.5 or higher (See information packet)
  • Complete the Admission ATI TEAS  EXAM with 62% or higher
  • Will submit proof of Active LVN license in California and one year recent experience in clinical practice (acute or skilled nursing care)

This AA degree requires the completion of General Education coursework including the following courses: 
 PSYC 251, Developmental Psychology (3units) 
 SOC 101 Introductory Sociology Principles (3units) 
 Oral Communication (3 units) 
 Art or Humanities (3 units) 
 American Institutions (3 units) 
 Ethnic Studies (3 units)

 

OPTION D:  LVN - RN License only (NON-DEGREE option).  This applicant will only be completing the Nursing Units required for licensure.   

Option D applicant does not:

  • meet the same pre-requisite clearances,
  • complete the TEAS Exam,
  • have the general education units to complete an Associates Degree in Nursing,
  • gain a RN license that can be used outside of California,
  • have the same options at BSN enrollment (due to no degree)

Please Note:  One you admit into the program as an Option D, there is no option to change this while in the program or upon completing the program.   Once you take your NCLEX for licensure, this licensure is ONLY for the state of CA and cannot be transferred to another state.  

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All career technical education (CTE) opportunities will be offered regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.   Compliance is the responsibility of:

Director, Diversity, Compliance, Title IX Coordinator/Section 504/Title II Coordinator
Human Resources, Suite MP 100       Phone: (562) 860-2451, ext. 2280           Email: dctix@cerritos.edu

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Option C and Option D Applications:

  • Will be accepted during the January - February application cycle each year.
  • ALL components of the application must be complete or the application is disqualified.
  • Do not submit incomplete applications.  Be sure that you are completing the current version of the application as well. 
  • Are screened for eligibility .  If an applicant does not meet requirements, they will receive a letter stating that their application has been rejected.   Once determined eligible, applicant will remain on a waitlist for admission.  This may take upwards to 4 semesters. 
  • Space may become available if/when a regular RN student leaves the program, creating an open spot in the cohort.  "Open spaces" are variable from semester to semester and never guaranteed.  

 

TEAS Testing at Cerritos College will begin February 2026:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH:  3P-8P (40 max)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH: 3P-8P  (40 max)
See  TEAS Information for RSVP information

 

*Please note that LVNs can apply for Option A admission and complete the whole program.  This may be a more accelerated option to gain admission. You will not receive any credit for prior LVN education and practice and will take the entire 4 semesters, as a generic student.  (see Option A Information)

** Please note that LVNs can opt to enter the nursing program at the 2nd semester, rather than the third semester, completing 9 more units.   This is a great option for LVNs who want the opportunity to lay a solid foundation in Medical Surgical clinical skills, to increase student success.  This may allow the LVN-RN bridge student to gain entry into the program more quickly, as well.  If you would like to opt for a 2nd semester admission, rather then the 3rd semester, please mark this on your application. 

SPRING 2026 APPLICATION CYCLE OPENS  JANUARY 26th, 2026 at 8am and closes FEBRUARY 27th, 2026 at 4pm.    

 

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: 

 

Frequently Asked Questions for LVNs: 

1) If I have prior patient care experience as a LVN, however I have not practiced as a nurse recently, can I still qualify to apply for the LVN-RN bridge program? 

Answer:  No.   Option C does require that you have practiced in the last year as a LVN.  This is to ensure that your clinical practice is current and relevant and will allow for a smooth and successful transition into the second year of the program.   If you practice is not current, you have a couple of options.  #1: Return to practice as a LVN through gaining employment.  Complete at least one year of practice and then apply.  #2:  Apply under Option A and complete the 4 semesters of the program.  

2) Can I continue to work full time while I am going to school for my RN degree?

Answer:  Although the program cannot dictate the number of hours you are allowed to work each week, we can highly encourage and suggest that you make some modifications to your work schedule to commit yourself to the RN program at the level necessary to be successful.  This program is full-time and does not offer a PT option.  Most students find that working "too much" becomes a factor for enduring a failing grade.  The program encourages students not to work over 24 hours/per week (at the most). 

3) If I am willing to complete the entire program, can I also apply under Option A? 

Answer:  Yes, absolutely.   We have many LVNs who submit an Option A application and gain admission.  They enter and complete the program just as a generic student.   Many find it very fulfilling to receive all of the extra curriculum and clinical training.  Many LVNs complete the program via Option A. It often can be a more rapid route, rather than waiting on the Option C waitlist. 

4)  How many LVNs are admitted each semester? 

Answer: This varies. There is no set number guaranteed. Admissions are based on availability.   Some semesters there may be NO spots open if the program has high success numbers with generic students leaving the first year and entering into second year.  Some semester, there may be 2-3 admitted.