Q. When do you accept applications?
A. There are two application periods in the year.
- Application due on August 31 for Spring Admissions or February 28 for Fall Admissions.
- ATI TEAS results are due to the School of Nursing by 5pm PST on August 31 for Spring Admissions or February 28 for Fall Admissions.
- Applications are accepted by appointment only (see Steps to Apply/Nursing Application Process).
Q. What is the minimum required overall GPA to apply into the program?
A. The minimum required overall GPA is 2.5. The minimum required science GPA (anatomy, physiology and microbiology) is 2.5
Q. What are the required prerequisites?
A. List of Qualifying Requirements:
Science Requirements:
- Effective Fall 2005 and thereafter, the combined anatomy & physiology course no longer meets entrance requirements for the nursing program. If the combined course was completed prior to Fall 2005, it will be accepted for admission. All entering students will be required to have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.50 and an overall biological science GPA of 2.50 (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) with no more than one withdrawal, D or F in ANY of these three (3) courses. Must have taken course within the last 7 years of the application cycle (recency does not apply to LVN applicants applying only for Advanced Placement).
Teas Exam:
Students must attain the required “success score” (currently 62%) on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS version 7). Students may apply to the nursing program before TEAS testing is completed but must submit verification of having met the success score on the State designated assessment examination (currently the TEAS version 7) to the School of Nursing by the deadline below. Please be aware that students are allowed only two (2) attempts on the TEAS exam (ATI TEAS version 7) to reach the success score of 62%.
- Applicants to the Ventura College nursing program are required to submit ATI TEAS scores to Ventura College by 5pm PST on August 31 or February 28. ATI TEAS test results taken at Ventura College are available to the School of Nursing immediately after the testing.
- ATI TEAS test results taken at all other locations must be sent directly from ATI and received by Ventura College by 5pm PST on August 31 or February 28
The success score for the TEAS exam is subject to change based on the State Chancellor’s requirements. Results of testing at other sites are accepted when forwarded directly to Ventura College Nursing by the testing company. Tests completed at other sites are counted as testing attempts. Accommodations for testing may be available to students with disabilities. Applicants must notify the nursing program director and obtain EAC authorization prior to scheduling a TEAS exam if accommodations are required. (Please see additional information below for TEAS requirements.)
CNA Requirement:
- Applicants must have current certification as a nursing assistant (CNA) at the time the application is submitted. Certification is provided by the California Department of Public Health.
Additional Requirements can be found in the Ventura College Catalog link below:
2025-2026 Ventura College Catalog - Nursing, Associate In Science
Q. Can I take Anatomy and Physiology together, as a combined course?
A. No. Please contact the nursing counselors for further information.
Q. Do you have a wait list?
A. Yes, we have a wait list.
Q. How is the nursing class selected?
A. Each qualified applicant will be assigned a number by the use of random drawings. The class will be selected on the basis of available openings in the order determined by the student's ranking on the multi-screening criteria (75% of class) and the random numbers assigned to each applicant in each applicant pool (25% of the class). Each qualified applicant, when selected, must decide to enter the class, remove his or her name from the eligibility list, or request a deferment. Applicants may defer entry one time only. Those qualified applicants who are not selected due to limited openings may retain their names (in the order assigned by a random drawing) on a waiting list. The average wait-time for a student on the waiting list is approximately 3-4 years. Students who choose not to enter (second deferment) when selected after a deferment must reapply and receive a new random number assignment.
Multi-Criteria Screening:
- The School of Nursing will admit a minimum of 75% of students based on enhanced admission criteria.
- All students will be added to an existing wait list.
- The School of Nursing will screen and rank order all students on the wait list based on a multi-criteria screening.
- 75% of the entering class will be based on the students with the highest scores from the multi-criteria ranking. These students will be admitted FIRST to the nursing program.
- 25% of the entering class will be admitted based on their position on the wait list.
Enhanced criteria will include: GPA in science courses, repeats on science courses (anatomy, physiology and microbiology), academic degrees, diplomas, or relevant certificates held by an applicant; relevant work or volunteer experience, life experiences or special circumstances of the applicant, including but not necessarily limited to the following - disabilities, low family income, first generation of family to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee or veterans status, proficiency or advanced level course work in languages other than English and assessment / readiness test results (TEAS scores). In each of the science courses, the FIRST passing grade is the one used to calculate the science GPA, even if the course was repeated and a higher grade earned.
Please refer to the Application Process and Forms on this website and see one of the nursing counselors for further information.
Q. Is there a lottery?
A. No. Please refer to the Application Process and Forms on this website.
Q. When do the first semester nursing students start?
A. There is a first semester class of nursing students every Spring and Fall semester.
Q. How many students are accepted each semester?
A. The first semester class size can vary anywhere between 40 and 60 students.
Q. Is your program full time?
A. Yes. Lecture and clinical times vary. Lecture may be once or twice a week depending on the course. Clinical also consists of 2 days per week at an off site location.
Q. What is the cost of your program?
A. Approximate Projected Costs for Two year Program.
Q. Do you have an LVN to RN bridge program?
A. No. We have an advanced placement option for LVNs whereby they may enter the nursing program in the second semester. Please contact a nursing counselor for further information.
Q. Can I work while I am in the nursing program?
A. Faculty recommend that you work 20 hours per week or less while in the nursing program.
Q. Should I keep my CNA certification current?
A. It is highly recommended that a student keep their CNA certification current while in the nursing program. CNA certification must be current at the time of application.