Nursing

Our Nursing Associate of Science (AS) degree typically takes two years, plus a year to complete prerequisites. Enroll at El Camino as a pre-nursing student, then apply to the program.

Nursing education at El Camino will challenge you to be your best. We’ll be here to help.

Choose a Degree Designed for Nursing Practice or Transfer

Most El Camino nursing students want to start their careers as soon as possible. Others aim to continue their education at a four-year college or university. We offer options perfect for either goal.

Nursing Associate of Science (AS) Degree

Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, this degree prepares you to take the nursing licensure exam and begin practice as a registered nurse. It’s the best option if you want to study nursing at El Camino then start taking care of patients right away.

• Discover nursing concepts, build fundamental skills, and practice them in real-world settings with emphasis on critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
• Prepare to treat everything from simple health problems to complex diseases in patients of every age.
• Take nursing courses in fields like pharmacology, obstetrics, pediatrics, and medical-surgical techniques, plus psychology, sociology, communication, and more.
• Develop the collaborative spirit, compassion, and curiosity essential to a nursing career.
• Special options for students with military or health care experience—including licensed vocational/practical nurses and psychiatric technicians—or students transferring from other nursing programs

Pre-Nursing Associate of Science (AS) Degree

This degree prepares you for transfer to an undergraduate nursing program at another college or university. It’s an option if you want to complete nursing prerequisites, transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree, and then start work.

• Build a foundation in biological, physical, and social sciences, plus communication skills.
• Meet most common transfer requirements.
• Customize courses to meet additional requirements for specific college/university programs.
• Start your journey toward a bachelor’s degree, nursing practice, and even graduate study.

Pursue an Entry-Level Nursing Job or Further Education

As an El Camino nursing graduate, you’ll be ready to start work as a registered nurse (RN) immediately or to pursue a bachelor’s degree at another school. We’ll help you build the scientific knowledge and hands-on skills for any career you choose.

• Work in clinics, hospitals, or other settings in specialties ranging from pediatrics to intensive care to oncology and beyond.
• Learn to lead, teach, advise, and advocate—critical skills for professional advancement.
• Graduate knowing that despite shifts in the job market, an aging population means ongoing demand for nursing professionals.
• Take your education further to become a clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or nurse educator.
• Median salaries for licensed graduates of nursing programs range from $99,000 for RNs to $127,000 for nurse practitioners to $200,000 for nurse anesthetists.

Build Your Nursing Network Beyond the Classroom

As an El Camino nursing student, you become part of a professional community. The perspectives and connections you develop here will prove valuable throughout your nursing career.

• Apply for membership with the National Student Nurses’ Association/California Nurse Student Association—they offer mentoring, outreach, and leadership opportunities and are great resume builders.
• Seek certification as a nursing assistant after just one semester in the program.