The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
This program prepares students to meet the standards of the California Board of Registered Nursing. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing. This program is intended to prepare students for transfer into a bachelor of Nursing (BSN) program.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Lower division major preparation for transfer into Nursing.
Icon Key
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Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education
-
Appropriate for Intersession
-
Available Online
-
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
15 Units
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
Chemistry 10 is a survey of introductory chemistry topics with a laboratory component. It is intended as preparation for Chemistry major or those planning to go into a STEM major or as a way to fulfill the science general education requirement. It introduces the main concepts and principles of chemistry and serves as a prerequisite for the General Chemistry sequence (CHEM 11 and CHEM 12). Emphasis is placed on understanding basic chemical principles and their quantitative application in various settings. Experimental techniques, including the safe and competent handling of chemicals and laboratory equipment will also be part of the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 31 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This one-semester course is designed for students preparing for studies in nursing or related allied health professions. Topics include measurements, unit conversions, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions and equations, gases, solutions and acid/base chemistry. There will be a special emphasis on properties and reactions of organic and biologically relevant compounds. NOTE: This course is NOT equivalent to CHEM 10 and does NOT meet the prerequisite requirement for CHEM 11.
- Prerequisite: MATH 31 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 50 or
- 5A: Physical Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B1 - Physical Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course covers concepts and procedures of descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory and inferential statistics. Course content includes: summarizing data; computation and interpretation of descriptive statistics;; classical probability theory; probability distributions; binomial, normal, T, Chi-square and F distributions; making inferences; decisions and predictions. This course develops, analyzes, and interprets confidence intervals for population parameters, hypothesis testing for both one and two populations, correlation and regression, ANOVA, and test for independence. This course develops statistical thinking through the study of applications in variety of disciplines. The use of a statistical/graphing calculator and/or statistical analysis software is integrated into the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 18 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 50
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
16 Units
This course is an intensive study of the gross and microscopic structure of the human body including the four major types of tissue and their subgroups, and the following organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, nervous, and senses. Functions of the organ systems are included at the introductory level to prepare students for a course in Human Physiology. Laboratory assignments develop the skills of observation, investigation, identification, discovery and dissection. The use of actual specimens, including cat dissection and observation of a human cadaver, is emphasized to assure that students learn the relative structure, functions, textures and variations in tissues not incorporated in models. Supplemental materials such as models, photographs, charts, videotapes, and digitized images are also provided. This course is required for students preparing for many Allied Health professions including, but not limited to, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physical Education and Kinesiology Training, and Physician’s Assistant and is a prerequisite for Human Physiology 3.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This course introduces the study of society and human social interaction. Both macro and micro sociological theory are discussed, as well as methods of sociological inquiry, culture, socialization, deviance, social change and social stratification--particularly in the areas of social class, race and ethnicity, and gender. Students are highly encouraged to complete Sociology 1 prior to enrolling in other sociology courses.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This is a course in public speaking for students learning to prepare and deliver platform speeches. Assignments include speeches of description, exposition, and persuasion. Techniques for controlling tension, building self-confidence, and effective listening are emphasized.
- 1C: Oral Communication
- A1 - Oral Communication
This course is an introduction and general survey course in psychology. This course grounds the student in the epistemology of psychology as a scientific discipline, research methods, and critical analysis of research findings. Substantive psychological content includes the biological bases of behavior, perception, cognition and consciousness, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapeutic approaches, and applied psychology.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This course helps students to develop their critical thinking and writing skills beyond the level achieved in English 1. The course emphasizes the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in critical thinking and writing, using literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and literary criticism as subject matter.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
Semester 3
14 Units
From a psychological perspective, this course traces physical, emotional, social and intellectual development throughout the lifespan from conception through aging and dying. Special attention is paid to the interaction of biological, environmental, and psychological factors on development. The way familial, cultural and socioeconomic influences impact the individual will receive special emphasis. Theories and research regarding physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are used as a foundation to understand lifespan issues, developmental problems, and practical implications at each stage of development.
- Skills Advisory: PSYCH 1
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This rigorous course provides a basic understanding of physiological mechanisms with a focus on the human body. Basic concepts of cellular physiology, including: molecular control; mechanisms of gene expression; ligand-binding site interactions; energy and cellular metabolism; membrane transport; membrane and action potentials; and cellular communication, including signal transduction, will be integrated within the concept of homeostasis involving the following body systems: nervous, sensory, endocrine, muscle, skeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, renal, digestive, reproductive, and integumentary. The course content includes both general and clinical applications and is intended to prepare students for advanced courses in Allied Health and Medical professions including Nursing, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Physician's Assistant, Pharmacy, and Exercise Science/Kinesiology Training.
- Prerequisite: ANATMY 1 and
- Prerequisite: CHEM 19 or
- Prerequisite: CHEM 10 or
- Prerequisite: Eligibility for Chemistry 11
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
CSU GE Area C1 Course 3 units
This course reviews the mathematics used in medical calculation. It investigates the systems of measurements and methods of computing safe and accurate medication dosages.
CSU GE Area C2 Course 3 units
Semester 4
15-17 Units
This course involves study of several types of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria. Principles of microbiology, metabolism, genetics, immunology, and medical and nonmedical applications are considered. The laboratory includes aseptic transfer techniques, cultural characteristics, methods of microscopy, and analytical techniques for identifying microbial organisms. The course content is related to both general and clinical applications including recent molecular biological and serological techniques.
- Prerequisite: CHEM 10 or
- Prerequisite: CHEM 19 or
- Prerequisite: eligibility for Chemistry 11 and
- Prerequisite: PHYS 3 or
- Prerequisite: BIOL 3 or
- Prerequisite: BIOL 21
- Skills Advisory: eligibility for English 1
- 5B: Biological Science
- 5C: Physical or Biological Science LABORATORY
- B2 - Life Science
- B3 - Laboratory Sciences
- Area I: Natural Science
This as an introductory course in pharmacology designed to enable the student to recognize the various classes of drugs used in modern medicine. It includes a brief review of anatomy and physiology, how drugs exert their effects, the major indication for drug use, routes of administration, expected and adverse drug effects, precautions and contraindications. Emphasis is on prescription drugs, but over the counter medications are also included.
- Prerequisite: ANATMY 1 and
- Prerequisite: PHYS 3 and