Program Overview
The College of San Mateo Nursing Program prepares students for careers in nursing through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice. The program emphasizes fundamental nursing concepts, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX and pursue careers in various healthcare settings. The program features a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and a focus on interprofessional education and technology integration.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The College of San Mateo Nursing Program prepares students for careers in nursing through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice. The program begins with an emphasis on fundamental nursing concepts and progresses to more advanced topics such as leadership and management. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) and pursue careers in various healthcare settings.
Objectives:
- Prepare graduates to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive care to clients in diverse settings.
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to apply the nursing process effectively.
- Develop graduates' critical thinking, independent judgment, and communication skills.
- Prepare graduates for further education and career advancement in nursing.
Program Description:
The Nursing Program at CSM offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The program also emphasizes professional development, leadership skills, and ethical decision-making.
Outline:
Program Content:
The Nursing Program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Fundamentals of Nursing: Introduction to nursing, concepts of homeostasis, nursing skills lab, and open labs.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: Medical/surgical nursing, advanced medical/surgical nursing, and nursing skills lab.
- Specialty Nursing: Pediatric nursing, perinatal and reproductive health nursing, and mental health nursing.
- Leadership and Management: Leadership/management in nursing.
- General Education: Composition and reading, general psychology, developmental psychology, sociology/cultural anthropology, public speaking/interpersonal communication/small group communication/intercultural communication, elementary probability and statistics, and general chemistry/health science chemistry I.
Program Structure:
The Nursing Program is a two-year program, typically completed in four semesters. Students take a combination of theoretical and clinical courses each semester. Clinical practice begins in the first semester and continues throughout the program.
Course Schedule:
The Nursing Program course schedule is available on the CSM website. The schedule includes information on course titles, meeting times, and instructors.
Individual Modules:
Each course in the Nursing Program is divided into modules that cover specific topics. Module descriptions are available in the course syllabuses.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams: Written and practical exams are used to assess students' understanding of course material.
- Clinical Performance: Students are evaluated on their clinical skills and performance in clinical settings.
- Assignments: Students complete assignments such as essays, case studies, and presentations to demonstrate their learning.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and activities is also considered in the assessment process.
Assessment Criteria:
Specific criteria are used to assess each assignment and activity. These criteria are typically based on the learning objectives of the course and the program.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The Nursing Program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lecture: Lectures are used to introduce key concepts and provide an overview of course material.
- Discussion: Class discussions allow students to explore concepts in more depth and share their perspectives.
- Simulation: Simulation exercises provide students with opportunities to practice skills in a safe and controlled environment.
- Clinical Experience: Clinical experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced nurses.
Faculty:
The Nursing Program faculty are experienced nurses with expertise in their respective fields. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers in nursing.
Unique Approaches:
The Nursing Program implements several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Focus on Critical Thinking: The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, which are essential for effective nursing practice.
- Interprofessional Education: Students have opportunities to interact with students from other healthcare disciplines, such as medicine and pharmacy.
- Technology Integration: The program uses technology to enhance learning, such as online simulations and electronic health records.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Nursing Program are eligible to take the NCLEX and pursue careers in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing homes
- Public health agencies
- Private practices
- Schools
- Research institutions
Career Outcomes:
The Nursing Program has a high job placement rate. Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in nursing and have strong career prospects.
Other:
Admission Requirements:
Students interested in the Nursing Program must meet specific admission requirements, including:
- Completion of prerequisite coursework
- Minimum GPA
- Passing a background check and drug test
- Submission of an application and supporting materials
Additional Information:
The Nursing Program website provides additional information about the program, including:
- Admissions information
- Clinical placement information
- Financial aid information
- Student resources
- FAQs
College of San Mateo
Overview:
College of San Mateo (CSM) is a community college located in San Mateo, California. It is known for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to student success. CSM is consistently ranked as a top community college.
Services Offered:
CSM offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Students can receive personalized guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Financial Aid:
Financial assistance is available to help students pay for tuition, fees, and other expenses.Student Support Services:
CSM provides a variety of support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and disability services.Basic Needs Assistance:
Resources are available to help students with food, housing, and financial coaching.Library:
The CSM library offers a wide collection of books, journals, and other resources.Athletics:
CSM has a strong athletic program with a variety of sports teams.Student Life:
CSM offers a variety of student clubs and organizations, as well as social events and activities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
CSM provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, attend social events, and engage in extracurricular activities. The campus offers a variety of amenities, including a library, athletic center, and student center.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High-Quality Academic Programs:
CSM offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs.Affordable Education:
CSM is a relatively affordable option for higher education.Supportive Campus Environment:
CSM provides a supportive and welcoming campus environment for students.Strong Faculty:
CSM has a dedicated and experienced faculty who are committed to student success.Convenient Location:
CSM is located in a convenient location with easy access to public transportation.Academic Programs:
CSM offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Philosophy, Art, Music, TheatreBusiness and Technology:
Business Administration, Accounting, Computer Science, Information TechnologyHealth Sciences:
Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical AssistingSocial Sciences:
Psychology, Sociology, Political ScienceSTEM:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, MathematicsEntry Requirements:
For All Students:
- Completion of the high school or equivalent.
- General Education coursework required for the Associate degree.
- Pre-admissions Major requirements:
- 36–38 units
- BIOL 240 (General Microbiology)
- BIOL 250 (Human Anatomy)
- BIOL 260 (Human Physiology)
- ENGL 100 or ENGL 105 (Composition)
- PSYC 100 (General Psychology)
- PSYC 200 (Developmental Psychology)
- SOCI 100 or ANTH 110 (Sociology or Cultural Anthropology)
- COMM 110, 130, 140, or 150 (Communication)
- MATH 200 (Elementary Probability and Statistics)
- CHEM 210 or CHEM 410 (Chemistry)
- Other Major requirements once accepted into the program:
- 41.5 units
- NURS 211 (Introduction to Nursing)
- NURS 212 (Concepts of Homeostasis in Nursing)
- NURS 221 (Pediatric Nursing)
- NURS 222 (Perinatal and Reproductive Health Nursing)
- NURS 225 (Nursing Skills Lab II)
- NURS 231 (Mental Health Nursing)
- NURS 232 (Medical/Surgical Nursing)
- NURS 235 (Nursing Skills Lab III)
- NURS 241 (Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing)
- NURS 242 (Leadership/Management in Nursing)
- NURS 245 (Nursing Skills Lab IV)
- NURS 816 (Open Lab for Nursing 211/212)
- NURS 817 (Open Lab for Nursing 221/222)
- NURS 818 (Open Lab for Nursing 231/232)
- NURS 819 (Open Lab for Nursing 241/242)
For Students with a Bachelor's Degree:
- Students who have completed a bachelor's degree at a college or university in the United States that is accredited by an agency approved by the SMCCCD do not need to complete CSM prescribed general education courses.
For LVN Upgrade Participants:
- Attend an in-person information session on one of the dates noted on the nursing department website.
