College of the Siskiyous Announces Reopening of LVN to RN Step-Up Program

For Immediate Release: March 26, 2026

Public Relations Office
Dawnie Slabaugh
Phone: (530) 938-5373
Email: slabaugh@siskiyous.edu

Weed / COS – March 26, 2026 — The College of the Siskiyous Nursing Program is pleased to announce the reopening of its LVN to RN Step-Up Program for the upcoming academic year, with classes set to begin in July 2026.

This highly anticipated program provides a vital pathway for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) seeking to advance their careers and transition into the role of Registered Nurse (RN). Designed to build on clinical experience and foundational knowledge of LVNs, the program prepares graduates to deliver high-quality, compassionate care across a range of healthcare settings.

"The reopening of the LVN to RN Step-Up Program reflects our strong commitment to supporting career advancement for vocational nurses while addressing the growing demand for registered nurses in our region," said Dr. Hallie Coppi, Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing. "We are proud to provide an accessible, high-quality pathway that empowers LVNs to expand their scope of practice and continue serving our communities with excellence and compassion."

"The Board of Registered Nursing’s (BRN) approval to restart our LVN-RN Step-Up Program is a monumental win for College of the Siskiyous and a testament to the strength of our regional partnerships. This achievement would not have been possible without the continuous support and advocacy of our local healthcare leaders at Fairchild Medical Center and Dignity Health - Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta," said Dr. Char Perlas, Superintendent/President. "I want to personally recognize the tremendous work of Dean Hallie Coppi and our dedicated Nursing faculty and staff. Their relentless focus on curriculum revitalization and state compliance has restored a vital bridge to economic mobility for our local LVNs."

The program reflects the College’s broader mission to expand access to education, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and support the evolving needs of rural and regional communities.

The application period will open Monday, March 30, 2026, at 8:30 am and close Friday, April 10, 2026, at 4:00 pm. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early. Only complete applications will be considered, including documentation of all prerequisite coursework, general education requirements, and TEAS test results.

The College looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of dedicated nursing professionals as this important program relaunches in July 2026. For more information about program requirements and the application process, please visit the College of the Siskiyous Nursing Program webpage or contact the Nursing Department directly by calling (530) 841-5929 or email nursing@siskiyous.edu.