Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

QUESTIONS? Please give us a call at 951-526-1033 and we’re happy to assist. Here are answers to a few Frequently Asked Questions:

General Questions | Accreditation | Associate Degree Nursing | Bachelors of Science in Nursing

General Questions

I want to be an RN, where should I start?

Start by completing the prerequisite courses for our ADN program, then take the ATI TEAS entrance exam. The easiest next step is to join a free virtual info session or contact our admissions team at (951) 526-1033. We'll review your coursework and help you map out a plan.

What is the difference between for-profit private and non-profit schools?

Typically, non-profit schools reinvest revenue back into the school, while for-profit schools distribute revenue to owners or stakeholders. UNC is a private institution, and we are committed to investing in our students and our community.

Giving back to our students:

$5 from each item purchased at our student store is set aside for student scholarships
25% of sales from any items purchased at our vending machines will go to scholarships
We will match the tuition reimbursement for students employed by our affiliated clinical sites
We provide uniforms and stethoscopes to our students free of charge

Giving back to our community:

We will have several community outreaches, including a blood pressure clinic and flu shot clinic
We will have an annual food drive to help our local food pantries
We will host job fairs with our local contracted facilities to help them increase the number of working nurses in the area
We will participate in fundraisers such as The Walk to Remember benefiting Alzheimer’s disease research

What is the difference between a CNA, an LVN, and an RN?

Certified Nurses Aid/Assistants (CNA) have taken a certification course that allows them to assist in caring for a patient. A CNA can take vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, etc) and assist a patient with activities of daily living such as eating and bathing. A CNA cannot give medications, start IVs, or do an assessment of a patient.

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), also known as a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), are able to do everything a CNA can do. In addition, LVNs/LPNs can give medications and start IVs, with additional training, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Registered nurses (RN) can do everything that a CNA and LVN can do, but they can also assess patients, administer medications, insert nasogastric tubes and foley catheters, amongst other skills. If an RN continues their education, they can become an advanced practice nurse.

Do I have to be a CNA or LVN to become an RN?

You do not have to be a CNA or LVN prior to becoming a nurse. However, it is helpful to have experience in the healthcare field prior to starting a nursing program. This will allow you to determine if this field is the right fit for you and allow you to network with health professionals to determine your best career path.

Do you offer CNA or LVN programs?

We do not offer either program; however, our sister college, Trinity Health Academy (THA) proudly offers an affordable CNA program. As a courtesy, alumni of THA will receive an extra point when applying for our ADN program. After successful completion of the first semester at UNC, students may be eligible to take the CNA examination. Please refer to the California Department of Public Health for more information. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/CNA.aspx#Equivalency

Accreditation

Are you an approved school?

Yes. United Nursing College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). We received BRN approval in November 2023, and our first ADN cohort began in Spring 2024. UNC is also approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a voluntary review in which an independent accrediting agency evaluates whether a college meets established standards for educational quality. Schools typically must be open and enrolling students for a period of time before they can complete the accreditation process.

Accreditation is separate from program approval. In California, the Board of Registered Nursing approves nursing programs, and BRN approval is what allows graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

Is UNC accredited?

Not yet. UNC is currently unaccredited and is actively pursuing institutional accreditation. Our ADN program is BRN-approved, and UNC holds provisional approval from BPPE to offer degree programs.

For full details, see our Course Catalog.

What happens if I go to a college that is not accredited?

Graduates of UNC's BRN-approved ADN program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN in California. Once you pass and are licensed, you meet the minimum qualifications to work as a Registered Nurse.

There are a few things to know:

• Employment: Some employers, including some State of California positions, may not recognize a degree from an unaccredited institution. This is at the employer's discretion, so check with any employer you're considering.

• Financial aid: Students at an unaccredited institution are not eligible for federal financial aid. UNC offers payment plans and third-party financing instead. See our Financing Options page.

• Continuing your education: Accredited schools may not accept credits or degrees from an unaccredited institution. UNC graduates can continue on to UNC's RN to BSN program.

Will I be able to get a job as an RN before UNC is accredited?

Yes. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and are licensed by the California BRN, you meet the minimum qualifications to work as a Registered Nurse. Some employers set their own education requirements, so we recommend checking with the employers you're interested in.

Associate Degree Nursing

Do my science prerequisite courses have an expiration date?

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) must be completed within 7 years of enrollment.

5–6 years old: We highly encourage taking an A&P refresher before you start the program.
7 years or older: You must meet the science recency requirement in one of three ways:
1. Complete UNC's A&P Refresher course (APR 100), a 10-week online course
2. Complete an acceptable A&P refresher course at another approved institution
3. Retake an acceptable Anatomy and/or Physiology course at an approved institution

If you choose UNC's refresher, you may apply while you are enrolled in it as long as the other prerequisite courses are finished. The refresher does not earn academic credit.

Microbiology and general education prerequisites do not expire. Contact our admissions team with questions about your coursework.

What if I took prerequisite courses outside of the United States?

Coursework completed outside the U.S. must be evaluated course-by-course by a credential evaluation agency that is a member of NACES or AICE. Any documents not in English must include a certified English translation. Evaluations are at the applicant's expense, and UNC offers a discounted SpanTran application through our International Student Applicants page.

Please note that UNC does not enroll international students on a visa. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States and residents of California.

If I already have a Bachelor or Master’s degree in another discipline, do I need to complete the prerequisite courses?

Yes, these are required by the BRN in order to be eligible to take the NCLEX.

What is the difference between an Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADN) and a Bachelor’s Degree Registered Nurse (BSN)?

The state license that ADN and BSN graduates receive is the same, as well as the core nursing education. BSN students receive additional education on research, leadership, and community health. ADN graduates are able to enroll in ADN to BSN programs either concurrently or after graduation.

How long is your ADN program?

UNC’s ADN program is four semesters long. These semesters are 16 weeks long and run during the fall and spring. Students will have a winter and summer break between semesters. This means that the ADN program is typically completed in two years.

If I am an LVN or Paramedic, can I enroll in your program?

Yes! LVNs and Paramedics can apply through our traditional 2-year ADN pathway or our Advanced Placement (AP) Pathway, which places qualified applicants directly into a later semester of the ADN program.

To apply for the AP Pathway, you will need:

A current, unencumbered LVN or Paramedic license
At least one year of full-time work experience as an LVN or Paramedic within the past 3 years
All prerequisite courses completed with at least a 2.5 GPA in science courses and 2.0 in general education courses
Official transcripts for all prerequisite coursework, submitted before the workshop series begins

Applicants are selected for the Mandatory Workshop Series based on application points. The 16-week series meets in person one day every other week and includes lectures, skills lab and exams. Your workshop results and ATI exams in OB and Pediatrics determine placement, usually into the 3rd semester. Completing the workshop series does not guarantee admission, and workshop fees are non-refundable once paid. AP applicants do not need to take the TEAS.

Learn more about the AP Pathway

I'm a Psychiatric Technician or military medic. Can I get credit?

The Advanced Placement Pathway is only for LVNs and Paramedics. Psychiatric Technicians and qualified military medical personnel (Army 68W, Navy HM, Air Force IMDT and BMTCP) may be considered for credit for NURS 100 (Fundamentals) only.

Credit is not automatic. It requires documentation of your training, proof of a current license or military training, and a competency validation. See Credit for Prior Learning for Military Medics or contact our admissions team.

Is there a waitlist for your ADN program?

No, we utilize a point system similar to other nursing programs. Contact our admissions team for the checklist to determine how many points you have.

Do I have to take an entrance exam like the TEAS?

Yes. Applicants to the ADN program must take the ATI TEAS and score 60% or higher. UNC is an ATI testing center, so you can register to test on campus. We also accept ATI TEAS scores from other testing sites.

Scores must be dated within 2 years of your application.
You may take the TEAS up to 3 times within one year of your first attempt, with at least 14 days between attempts. We use your highest score.
LVNs and Paramedics applying through the Advanced Placement Pathway do not need to take the entrance exam.

Can I use TEAS scores from another school or testing site?

Yes. We accept ATI TEAS scores taken at outside testing sites, as long as you scored 60% or higher and the exam was taken within 2 years of your application.

Why should I attend UNC’s ADN program?

UNC strives to provide exceptional nursing education at an affordable price. Our faculty are experienced nurses and educators who hold master's and doctoral degrees in nursing and education, including MSN, DNP, PhD and EdD degrees. Our ADN program uses a concept-based curriculum designed to build the critical thinking and clinical judgment you'll need on the NCLEX-RN and in practice. Our 15,000 sq. ft. Murrieta campus includes a high-fidelity simulation lab where you can practice clinical skills in a safe, realistic environment.

Can I be an RN if I have a criminal conviction?

While you may attend a nursing program with a prior criminal conviction, it is up to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to determine if you are allowed to take the NCLEX. Please see the BRN’s website for more information.
https://rn.ca.gov/applicant-enforcement.shtml

Should I get my BSN as well?

UNC ADN students can start working toward their BSN while still in the ADN program through our ADN Concurrent Enrollment (ACE) pathway. Once you successfully complete your first semester, you can take fully online BSN courses during intersessions and scheduled breaks in the ADN program. This lets you finish your BSN approximately eight months after completing your ADN.

You do not need a BSN to take the NCLEX-RN or work as an RN. See our RN to BSN program for details.

Bachelors of Science in Nursing

What is an RN to BSN program (ADN to BSN)?

An RN to BSN program allows a registered nurse (RN) who has an associate degree (ADN) to continue their education and receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN).

Do I have to be an RN to enroll?

There are two ways to enroll in UNC's RN to BSN program.

Registered Nurse pathway: You need a current, unrestricted California RN license, an associate degree in nursing (AA or AS), California residency, and official transcripts from all colleges attended.
ADN Concurrent Enrollment (ACE) pathway: This pathway is for current UNC ADN students only. You are eligible once you successfully complete your first semester of the ADN program with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Students enrolled in ADN programs at other schools are not eligible for concurrent enrollment. Contact our admissions team to confirm your eligibility.

Why should I enroll in an RN to BSN program?

Many facilities require RNs to have a BSN degree to hold certain positions, such as supervisory roles. Some facilities pay their BSN RNs a higher wage than an ADN RN. Hospitals that have received Magnet recognition are required to have a specific percentage of BSN RNs.

How long will your program take?

UNC's RN to BSN program is 60 weeks long. You'll complete 10 core nursing courses plus 2 upper-division general education courses, chosen from Critical Reasoning and Advanced Composition, Psychopathology, Biostatistics, and Exercise and Nutrition Physiology. Each course is 10 weeks long and is delivered fully online and asynchronously. The rest of the 180 quarter units required for the BSN are applied from your ADN coursework, prerequisites and RN licensure.

When can I start?

The RN to BSN program offers rolling admission with multiple start dates throughout the year. To get started, contact our admissions team.

Will I have to attend any live lectures?

No. This program is fully online and asynchronous, designed for the working nurse (or student!)

Why should I enroll in UNC's program?

In addition to being fully online, our courses are designed to engage learners in non-traditional, evidence-based learning. In fact, we limit the number of papers required in each course, focusing instead on more creative assignments that allow students to meet learning objectives. Additionally, our professors are available to meet with students as needed via web conferencing to provide assistance or guidance in courses.