Atascadero State Hospital is a maximum security forensic facility. Therefore, emphasis is placed on teaching students to maintain personal safety, relationship security and therapeutic boundaries.

Annually, in addition to routine clinical experience, select students are chosen to complete a post-clinical preceptorship program at Atascadero State Hospital. This is a fully supervised forty hour assignment that affords students an opportunity to function more independently while meeting more advanced clinical goals and objectives prior to graduation.

Atascadero State Hospital also provides a half day orientation and tour program to LVN students and faculty from Hancock College, Santa Maria, Hartnell College, Salinas and BSN students and faculty from Cal State, Fresno.

To schedule a tour or request additional information, please contact Joe Tipton RN, Health Services Specialist (Recruitment Coordinator) at (805) 468-3668, or e-mail at: JTIPTON@ash.dmh.ca.gov or at fax (805) 468-2159