Non-Degree 30-Unit Option for LVNs
Associate in Science Degree Nursing · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Any LVN licensed in the state of California is eligible to apply for the non-degree 30-Unit Option LVN-RN program, for which MiraCosta College acts as a facilitator. Prescribed by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), this option allows students with a current California LVN license to meet the minimum requirements to sit for the Registered Nursing licensure exam by completing a maximum of 30 units.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite course requirements: | ||
| BIO 220 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 230 | Introduction to Microbiology | 5 |
| Nursing course requirements: | ||
| NURS 280 | Transition from LVN to RN | 2.5 |
| NURS 281 | Medical Surgical Nursing III | 7 |
| NURS 282 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 3.5 |
| NURS 283 | Medical Surgical Nursing IV | 7 |
| NURS 284 | Contemporary Nursing Practice and Leadership * | |
| Total Units | 29 | |
*. NURS 284 is optional.
The 30-Unit Option has both advantages and disadvantages. The primary advantage is that students take fewer courses to become licensed and do not repeat any content included in their vocational nursing program (such as pediatrics and maternity). Disadvantages include the following:
Students who complete this option are not awarded a degree or certificate from MiraCosta College and are not entitled to wear the Nursing Program pin.
Students who complete this option, subsequently become California RNs, and then wish to become licensed in another state will likely find they do not meet RN licensure requirements outside of California.
Applicants who desire the 30-Unit Option complete the same application form required for LVN-ADN Step-Up students and indicate this choice on the application form where appropriate. Students may apply upon completion of the program prerequisite courses. Applications are available on the Nursing webpage.