Two San Juan nursing students demonstrate checking a pulse and providing oxygen on a dummy

Nursing Degrees, ADN, BSN

Start the journey to becoming a registered nurse by choosing from San Juan College's two degree paths. Complete the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With the ADN, you can begin your career in two years. You can also select the four-year BSN, which we offer in partnership with The University of New Mexico.

At SJC, you'll get the support you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). In 2020 and 2021, 100% of our graduates passed the NCLEX-RN on their first try. Through our programs, you'll be a compassionate nurse who helps the people around you. 


Why Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?

Start your journey to becoming a registered nurse with an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing. You'll learn to provide care to help patients improve their health. You will work as part of a healthcare team that includes physicians and specialists.

To become a licensed registered nurse, you must first earn an ADN or BSN. These degrees will provide you with the knowledge and real-world training you need to be an effective healthcare provider.

ADN or BSN?

An Associate Degree in Nursing can be completed in two years and is a great way to begin your nursing career quickly. Because of its length, it is less expensive and time-consuming.

A Bachelor's Degree in Nursing takes four years to complete and provides additional training to propel your career. More employers look for nursing graduates with bachelor's degrees because of their further training. You'll be prepared for more responsibilities and command a higher salary.

The Future of Nursing

In recent years, the job scope of nurses has increased. While nurses continue to attend to patients, their duties have become broader. You'll advocate for patients, make medical decisions, and use new technology to provide treatments.

The changing role of nurses means you can interact with patients outside of a doctor's office or hospital. Visit patients in their homes or meet them online through telehealth appointments. With an ADN or BSN, you will be ready to provide the next generation of patient care. 

Why Earn an ADN or BSN at San Juan College?

Learn from SJC's expert faculty in our classrooms, simulation laboratory, and local clinical settings. You will work directly with patients in nursing homes, hospitals, home care agencies, and skilled nursing facilities.

Two Degree Paths

We offer two nursing paths that will launch your career. You can complete the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program in two years over five semesters. This program is offered completely at San Juan College and local clinics.

In partnership with the University of New Mexico, we also offer the Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN). You will take classes in the traditional semester format over eight semesters at SJC and UNM locations. With this path, you will graduate with both an associate and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Quality Preparation for the Licensing Exam

By completing the ADN or BSN program, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN). By passing the exam, you will become a licensed registered nurse.

Our excellent program will prepare you for this important test. In 2020 and 2021, 100% of our nursing students passed the exam on their first attempt.

Simulation and Clinical Experience

At SJC, you'll gain firsthand experience helping patients. Practice your skills in our lab and simulation space under the supervision of your instructors. You will also spend time working with patients during clinical sessions. You'll apply what you've learned in classes to provide care to all, from babies to the elderly. The hours you spend working with patients will prepare you for your career.

Affordable Option

Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the ADN is a great investment for you. You'll receive a rigorous, high-quality education that will prepare you for the rest of your academic and career journey. Please note that BSN students will pay UNM tuition rates.

ADN and BSN students may also qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships

What You'll Learn in Our Nursing Degree Programs

The ADN program prepares you to be a registered nurse. Our two-year curriculum will teach you essential nursing concepts in seminars, our simulation lab, and clinical settings. Learn how to work collaboratively with the healthcare team to perform patient assessments, treat illness and injury and follow up on patient care plans.

Upon completing the program, you will be able to take the National Council Licensing Examination for licensure as a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN ). Once you are licensed, you can work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, community clinics, and emergency clinics.

Admission Requirements and Application Process for the ADN Program

ADN Program Curriculum

The BSN program is offered in partnership with The University of New Mexico (UNM). It will give you comprehensive nursing knowledge on your path to becoming a registered nurse—all while staying on the San Juan College campus. After this four-year program, you will earn both an associate in nursing from SJC and a bachelor’s in nursing from UNM.

Learn and practice crucial nursing concepts in seminars, simulation labs, and clinical settings. You will learn to work with medical teams to perform patient assessments, treat illness and injury, and follow up on patient care plans. Compared to the ADN, you will take additional classes in simulation labs and in-person clinics that will provide you with more experience. You will also take more nursing electives to bolster your education.

After you complete the program, you will be able to take the National Council Licensing Examination for licensure as a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN). After you pass, you can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, community clinics, and emergency clinics. Your bachelor’s degree will also open doors to leadership positions and nursing specialties.

Admission Requirements and Application Process for the BSN Program

BSN Program Curriculum

Careers and Outcomes

As a graduate of San Juan College's nursing programs, you will be ready to work in healthcare settings as a registered nurse.

In 2020 and 2021, 100% of our ADN and BSN students passed the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, 100% of our students found a nursing job upon graduation.

Our graduates have gone on to work for:

  • San Juan Regional Medical Center
  • Mercy Medical Center
  • Indian Health Services
  • Northern Navajo Medical Center
  • Home health agencies
  • Long-term care agencies
  • Other medical practices

Graduate Spotlight

"I was able to study for and pass the NCLEX on the first try about a month and a half after I graduated from the program. I started training as a dialysis nurse with Davita the day after I took my exam."

Danika Chavez, '21

View Danika's Full Story

ACEN Accredited

The associate degree nursing program at San Juan College located in Farmington, New Mexico is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000
Email: info@acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program is continuing accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.

Our program has been accredited since 1988.

New Mexico Board of Nursing

SJC's associate degree nursing program also meets full approval of:

The New Mexico Board of Nursing
6301 Indian School NE, Suite 710
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
Fax: (505) 841-8347
Phone: (505) 841-8340
Website: https://www.bon.nm.gov/

Nursing Partnerships

We are dedicated to preparing a qualified, diverse, and professional nursing workforce in New Mexico. As a proud member of the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC), we partner with The University of New Mexico to provide you with a convenient pathway to earning a bachelor's degree in nursing. In this program, you can earn both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in nursing in just four years. 

Next Steps

Take the next step to your Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Apply to San Juan College, and be sure to submit a separate nursing program application if you are applying to either of the degree programs.

Apply Now

If you are already a student at San Juan College, we encourage you to talk to your advisor about our nursing programs.

Find Your Advisor

Contact

admissions@sanjuancollege.edu 
Phone: (505) 566-3320

West Classroom Complex,
Room 1911

M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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