What courses are considered for the thirty-unit option

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Typical Courses in the 30-Unit Option

• Nursing Fundamentals. 4-5 units
• Medical-Surgical Nursing. 5-6 units
• Maternal-Child Nursing (Obstetrics and Pediatrics). 4-5 units
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. 3-4 units
• Pharmacology for Nurses. 3-4 units
• Nursing Leadership and Management. 3-4 units
• Advanced Clinical Skills (sometimes included). 4-5 units

How Units are Calculated

Units (and credits) refer to the amount of academic work you complete in a course.

One unit or one credit usually represents one hour of lecture per week over a semester.

For clinical courses, 1 unit/credit usually corresponds to 3 hours of clinical practice per week.

For example, a 5-unit medical-surgical nursing course might consist of:

• 3 hours of lecture per week for a total of 45 hours over the semester.
• 6-10 hours per week of clinical practice, depending on the course design, adding up to 90-150 clinical hours in the semester.

Eligibility and Limitations

The 30-unit Option is typically available to LPNs, LVNs, or individuals with foreign nursing education who wish to qualify for the RN license without completing a full ADN or BSN program.

While this Option allows you to become an RN, it does not result in a degree. Some employers may prefer or require a full nursing degree (ADN or BSN). Reciprocity with other states is not recognized.

You may not be eligible to transfer to a university to further your education. 

How to Apply

Contact Your State Board of Nursing:. States like California offer the 30-unit Option, but eligibility and specifics may vary. Contact your state's Board of Nursing to confirm the exact requirements.

Complete Required Courses: If approved, you'll need to complete the necessary courses (typically clinical and theoretical nursing classes) to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth