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Associate of Science Degree
Vocational Nursing

The Vocational Nursing Program is offered as an Associate of Science Degree or as a Certificate of Achievement.  Students opting for the Associate of Science Degree should have all the General Education requirements completed prior to entering the Vocational Nursing Program.  The Vocational Nursing Program is a two-and-a-half semester program following completion of prerequisite courses. It is designed to prepare students for employment as staff nurses, giving care to patients in a variety of settings such as extended care facilities, home health care, surgical centers, and medical offices. The program is approved by the California State Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.  Students who complete the curriculum and achieve the certificate of achievement are qualified to take the examination leading to licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. A 2.5 or better grade point average in all college work attempted is required for completion of the program and qualification to take the examination leading to licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2025-2026 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: PSYC C1000 / PSYC C1000H (RHC GE 6)M3.0
PSYC C1000 - Introduction to Psychology (formerly PSY 101) (3.0 units)

(Formerly PSY 001A, PSY 101)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC C1000, PSYC C1000H)

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations.

PSYC C1000H - Introduction to Psychology - Honors (formerly PSY 101H) (3.0 units)

Formerly: PSY 101H
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H)

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations. This is an honors course..

Select one: STAT C1000 / STAT C1000H / PSY 190 (RHC GE 2)GE4.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 062, MATH 070, MATH 073, STAT C1000/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

STAT C1000 - Introduction to Statistics (formerly MATH 130) (4.0 units)

(Formerly MATH 012, MATH 130)

Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. ENGL C1000, READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: STAT C1000, STAT C1000H)

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines.

STAT C1000H - Introduction to Statistics - Honors (formerly MATH 130H) (4.0 units)

Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. READ 101, ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: STAT C1000, STAT C1000H)

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This is an honors course. This course is recommended for students intending on participating in the Honors Transfer Program.

PSY 190 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 and the ability to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*The UC will grant credit for only one of the following courses: STAT C1000 or STAT C1000H or PSY 190)

This course provides an overview of the types of statistics that are important in the behavioral sciences. It is designed to teach students majoring in psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology how to present and interpret experimental data. The course focuses on hypothesis testing and the statistics used to analyze assumptions, with topics including basic probability, measures of central tendency, measures of variance, sampling, and inferential statistics.

RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
POLS C1000, C1000H;
HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170

Select one: COMM C1000 / COMM C1000H (RHC GE 8)GE3.0
COMM C1000 - Introduction to Public Speaking (formerly SPCH 101) (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 001A, SPCH 101)

Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM C1000, COMM C1000H)

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and recommended for students interested in the Forensics: Speech and Debate team, and/or Pathway to Law.

COMM C1000H - Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (formerly SPCH 101H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 101H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM C1000, COMM C1000H)

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This is an honors course. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and recommended for students interested in the Honors Transfer Program, Forensics: Speech and Debate team, and/or Pathway to Law.

Total Semester Units:13.0 
2nd Semester
BIOL 125 - Human AnatomyM4.0
BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy (4.0 units)

(Formerly BIOL 025)

Advisory:BIOL 101, BIOL 105
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is primarily a systems approach to mastering the anatomical structures of the human body. The study of each body system includes structural specializations and functions at a microscopic and macroscopic level, emphasizing the interdependence of form and function. Additional topics include methods of anatomical study, human genetics, and embryonic development. This course is intended for pre-health students specifically preparing to enter careers in the health sciences.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (RHC GE 1)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ART 101, 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117, 120, 130, 135, 140;
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H;
GDSN 110:
MUS 101, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136;
MUST 151, 152;
PHTO 110, 130;
THTR 101, 105, 105H, 110, 150

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:11.5 
3rd Semester
Select one: CHEM 110 / BIOL 101 GE4.0†
CHEM 110 - Chemistry for Allied Health Majors (5.0 units)

(Formerly CHEM 010)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra or pre-statistics course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU
(* Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: CHEM 110, CHEM 120)

This introductory course takes up the fundamental concepts of general, organic, and biological chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between chemistry and the health/medical sciences, so the course is especially appropriate for students who intend to pursue a career in nursing and other health-related professions, including kinesiology and psychology. Weekly laboratory activities require students to empirically verify concepts presented in lectures. No previous background in chemistry is required or expected of students enrolling in this course.

BIOL 101 - General Biology (4.0 units)

(Formerly BIOL 010A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit), CSU
(*No credit will be given for BIOL 101 if taken after BIOL 200)

This course is a General Education course open to all students, and is designed to provide an introduction to concepts and principles of modern biology. Topics covered include cell structure and function, energy relationships, genetic control mechanisms, concepts of evolution, biological diversity, and ecosystem function. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes the application of the scientific method as a tool to understanding living systems.

RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units. 

Select one:
ANTH 104;
ASL 101, 124, 201, 202;
CHIN 101, 102;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
EGSS 130;
ENGL 126, 131;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145;
JAPN 101, 102;
KIN 199
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H,140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A, 146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H;
MSCM 128;
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140;
POLS 128, 128H, 150;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202;
SPCH 130, 132

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

RHC GE 9 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101;
EGSS 110

Total Semester Units:11.0† 
4th Semester
VN 061 - Basic Fundamentals of NursingM3.5
VN 061 - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing (3.5 units)

(Formerly VN 101)

Prerequisite:BIOL 125, PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H
Corequisite:
VN 061L

This course is designed for the entry level vocational nursing student with a focus on the nursing process and its application in medical/surgical settings. The role of the Licensed Vocational Nurse in providing care for patients in a variety of situations is discussed. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program and is required for Vocational Nursing licensure.

VN 061L - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing LaboratoryM5.0
VN 061L - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing Laboratory (5.0 units)

(Formerly VN 101L)

Prerequisite:BIOL 125, PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H
Corequisite:
VN 061

This course is designed to provide the entry level vocational nursing student with the opportunity to learn basic nursing skills in the Health Science Skills laboratory and the clinical setting within the context of the nursing process. The student will apply the role of the Licensed Vocational Nurse in the clinical medical surgical setting. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for Vocational Nursing licensure. Offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Total Semester Units:8.5 
5th Semester
VN 073 - Basic PharmacologyM2.0
VN 073 - Basic Pharmacology (2.0 units)

(Formerly VN 103)

Prerequisite: VN 061 and VN 061L
Advisory: HS 045

This is an introductory course of basic techniques and computations used in the administration of medications. Completion of the course prepares the student to safely administer medications to patients under the supervision of the nursing instructor. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for the Vocational Nursing Licensure.

VN 078 - Vocational Nursing IM9.0
VN 078 - Vocational Nursing I (9.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061, VN 061L
Corequisite:
VN 078L

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson's psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the foundational knowledge necessary to care for the aging patient and patients with disorders/diseases of certain body systems. These include the integumentary, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiac, and respiratory systems.

VN 078L - Vocational Nursing I LabM7.0
VN 078L - Vocational Nursing I Lab (7.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061, VN 061L
Corequisite:
VN 078

This course provides the student with the opportunity to use the nursing process with increasing independence in providing care for elderly patients in the clinical setting. The student increases competency in data collection and nursing skills. Special emphasis is placed on the care of the patient with problems of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, GI, GU, cardiac, and respiratory systems. This course is offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Total Semester Units:18.0 
6th Semester
VN 083 - Applied PharmacologyM2.0
VN 083 - Applied Pharmacology (2.0 units)

(Formerly VN 014)

Prerequisite: VN 073

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson’s psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the advanced knowledge necessary to safely administer medications to patients and accurately assess the patient response to medication therapy under the supervision of the nursing instructor. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program.

VN 088 - Vocational Nursing IIM7.0
VN 088 - Vocational Nursing II (7.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 078, VN 078L
Corequisite:
VN 088L

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson's psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the foundational knowledge necessary to care for patients across the lifespan and patients with disorders/diseases of certain body systems. This course covers the maternal/newborn and pediatric patient as well as patients with mental health disorders. It also covers diseases/disorders of the renal and neurological system and explores the care of the oncology patient and end of life care as well as the aspects of leadership as it relates to the scope of the Licensed Vocational Nurse.

VN 088L - Vocational Nursing II LabM6.0
VN 088L - Vocational Nursing II Lab (6.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 078, VN 078L
Corequisite:
VN 088

In this course, the student utilizes the nursing process with increasing independence and accountability in providing care for patients in the clinical setting. As a portion of the clinical experience, the student will have the opportunity to care for patient populations in the specialties of Maternal Newborn and Pediatric Nursing. Special emphasis is placed on the care of medical/surgical patients with complex problems, renal failure, neurological system disorders, and oncological problems. The student will have the opportunity to further develop the necessary communication skills needed to provide care for patients with mental health problems. This course provides the student with the opportunity to apply learned leadership skills within the Vocational Nurse scope of practice. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program and is required for Vocational Nurse licensure. 

Total Semester Units:15.0 
Total Units for Vocational Nursing AS program 77.0† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: PSYC C1000H / PSYC C1000 (Cal-GETC 4)M3.0
PSYC C1000H - Introduction to Psychology - Honors (formerly PSY 101H) (3.0 units)

Formerly: PSY 101H
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H)

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations. This is an honors course..

PSYC C1000 - Introduction to Psychology (formerly PSY 101) (3.0 units)

(Formerly PSY 001A, PSY 101)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: PSYC C1000, PSYC C1000H)

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations.

Select one: STAT C1000 / STAT C1000H (Cal-GETC 2)GE4.0
STAT C1000 - Introduction to Statistics (formerly MATH 130) (4.0 units)

(Formerly MATH 012, MATH 130)

Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. ENGL C1000, READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: STAT C1000, STAT C1000H)

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines.

STAT C1000H - Introduction to Statistics - Honors (formerly MATH 130H) (4.0 units)

Advisory:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra. READ 101, ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: STAT C1000, STAT C1000H)

This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This is an honors course. This course is recommended for students intending on participating in the Honors Transfer Program.

BIOL 101 - General Biology (Cal-GETC 5B/5C)GE4.0
BIOL 101 - General Biology (4.0 units)

(Formerly BIOL 010A)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit), CSU
(*No credit will be given for BIOL 101 if taken after BIOL 200)

This course is a General Education course open to all students, and is designed to provide an introduction to concepts and principles of modern biology. Topics covered include cell structure and function, energy relationships, genetic control mechanisms, concepts of evolution, biological diversity, and ecosystem function. The laboratory component of the course emphasizes the application of the scientific method as a tool to understanding living systems.

Total Semester Units:11.0 
2nd Semester
BIOL 125 - Human AnatomyM4.0
BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy (4.0 units)

(Formerly BIOL 025)

Advisory:BIOL 101, BIOL 105
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is primarily a systems approach to mastering the anatomical structures of the human body. The study of each body system includes structural specializations and functions at a microscopic and macroscopic level, emphasizing the interdependence of form and function. Additional topics include methods of anatomical study, human genetics, and embryonic development. This course is intended for pre-health students specifically preparing to enter careers in the health sciences.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (Cal-GETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

Cal-GETC 3a - ArtsGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ARTS: ART 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

CHEM 110 - Chemistry for Allied Health Majors (Cal-GETC 5A)GE5.0
CHEM 110 - Chemistry for Allied Health Majors (5.0 units)

(Formerly CHEM 010)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra or pre-statistics course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU
(* Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: CHEM 110, CHEM 120)

This introductory course takes up the fundamental concepts of general, organic, and biological chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between chemistry and the health/medical sciences, so the course is especially appropriate for students who intend to pursue a career in nursing and other health-related professions, including kinesiology and psychology. Weekly laboratory activities require students to empirically verify concepts presented in lectures. No previous background in chemistry is required or expected of students enrolling in this course.

Total Semester Units:15.5† 
Summer 1
US HISTORY (Cal-GETC 3B)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

Total Semester Units:3.0 
3rd Semester
Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL C1001, 1001H
PHIL 110, 110H

Select one: POLS C1000 / POLS C1000H (Cal-GETC 4)GE3.0
POLS C1000 - American Government and Politics (formerly POLS 110) (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLS 110, 002)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This course is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, political issues, and public policy using political science theory and methodology.

POLS C1000H - American Government and Politics - Honors (formerly POLS 110H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly POLYS 110H, POLS 110H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS C1000 or POLS C1000H)

This is an introduction to government and politics in the United States and California. Students examine the constitutions, structure, and operation of governing institutions, civil liberties and civil rights, political behaviors, and public policy using political science theory and methodology. This is an honors course.

Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

Select one: COMM C1000 / COMM C1000H (Cal-GETC 1C)GE3.0
COMM C1000 - Introduction to Public Speaking (formerly SPCH 101) (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 001A, SPCH 101)

Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM C1000, COMM C1000H)

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and recommended for students interested in the Forensics: Speech and Debate team, and/or Pathway to Law.

COMM C1000H - Introduction to Public Speaking - Honors (formerly SPCH 101H) (3.0 units)

(Formerly SPCH 101H)

Advisory: ENGL C1000
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM C1000, COMM C1000H)

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This is an honors course. This course is designed for Communication Studies majors and recommended for students interested in the Honors Transfer Program, Forensics: Speech and Debate team, and/or Pathway to Law.

Total Semester Units:12.0† 
4th Semester
VN 061 - Basic Fundamentals of NursingM3.5
VN 061 - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing (3.5 units)

(Formerly VN 101)

Prerequisite:BIOL 125, PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H
Corequisite:
VN 061L

This course is designed for the entry level vocational nursing student with a focus on the nursing process and its application in medical/surgical settings. The role of the Licensed Vocational Nurse in providing care for patients in a variety of situations is discussed. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program and is required for Vocational Nursing licensure.

VN 061L - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing LaboratoryM5.0
VN 061L - Basic Fundamentals of Nursing Laboratory (5.0 units)

(Formerly VN 101L)

Prerequisite:BIOL 125, PSYC C1000 or PSYC C1000H
Corequisite:
VN 061

This course is designed to provide the entry level vocational nursing student with the opportunity to learn basic nursing skills in the Health Science Skills laboratory and the clinical setting within the context of the nursing process. The student will apply the role of the Licensed Vocational Nurse in the clinical medical surgical setting. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for Vocational Nursing licensure. Offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Total Semester Units:8.5 
5th Semester
VN 073 - Basic PharmacologyM2.0
VN 073 - Basic Pharmacology (2.0 units)

(Formerly VN 103)

Prerequisite: VN 061 and VN 061L
Advisory: HS 045

This is an introductory course of basic techniques and computations used in the administration of medications. Completion of the course prepares the student to safely administer medications to patients under the supervision of the nursing instructor. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program and is required for the Vocational Nursing Licensure.

VN 078 - Vocational Nursing IM9.0
VN 078 - Vocational Nursing I (9.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061, VN 061L
Corequisite:
VN 078L

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson's psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the foundational knowledge necessary to care for the aging patient and patients with disorders/diseases of certain body systems. These include the integumentary, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiac, and respiratory systems.

VN 078L - Vocational Nursing I LabM7.0
VN 078L - Vocational Nursing I Lab (7.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 061, VN 061L
Corequisite:
VN 078

This course provides the student with the opportunity to use the nursing process with increasing independence in providing care for elderly patients in the clinical setting. The student increases competency in data collection and nursing skills. Special emphasis is placed on the care of the patient with problems of the musculoskeletal, endocrine, GI, GU, cardiac, and respiratory systems. This course is offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Total Semester Units:18.0 
6th Semester
VN 083 - Applied PharmacologyM2.0
VN 083 - Applied Pharmacology (2.0 units)

(Formerly VN 014)

Prerequisite: VN 073

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson’s psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the advanced knowledge necessary to safely administer medications to patients and accurately assess the patient response to medication therapy under the supervision of the nursing instructor. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program.

VN 088 - Vocational Nursing IIM7.0
VN 088 - Vocational Nursing II (7.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 078, VN 078L
Corequisite:
VN 088L

Using the medical model, the nursing process, and Erikson's psychosocial theory of human development, this course is designed to prepare the vocational nursing student with the foundational knowledge necessary to care for patients across the lifespan and patients with disorders/diseases of certain body systems. This course covers the maternal/newborn and pediatric patient as well as patients with mental health disorders. It also covers diseases/disorders of the renal and neurological system and explores the care of the oncology patient and end of life care as well as the aspects of leadership as it relates to the scope of the Licensed Vocational Nurse.

VN 088L - Vocational Nursing II LabM6.0
VN 088L - Vocational Nursing II Lab (6.0 units)

Prerequisite: VN 078, VN 078L
Corequisite:
VN 088

In this course, the student utilizes the nursing process with increasing independence and accountability in providing care for patients in the clinical setting. As a portion of the clinical experience, the student will have the opportunity to care for patient populations in the specialties of Maternal Newborn and Pediatric Nursing. Special emphasis is placed on the care of medical/surgical patients with complex problems, renal failure, neurological system disorders, and oncological problems. The student will have the opportunity to further develop the necessary communication skills needed to provide care for patients with mental health problems. This course provides the student with the opportunity to apply learned leadership skills within the Vocational Nurse scope of practice. This course is open to students enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program and is required for Vocational Nurse licensure. 

Total Semester Units:15.0 
Total Units for Vocational Nursing AS program (Transfer to Cal-GETC)83.0† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
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Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will incorporate the medical model utilizing all aspects of the nursing process with successful completion of all theory objectives and clinical objectives in all courses of the vocational nursing program.


2

Students will be prepared and have a successful pass rate on national vocational nursing exam.


3

Students will complete all general education (GE) requirements for AS degree in vocational nursing.


4

Students will integrate the simulated clinical experience to enhance clinical performance in all clinical areas.


5

Member of the Profession: The student will display a professionalism while delivering care with caring and advocacy, mindful of ethical and legal obligations as a nurse.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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