With an ever growing population, California continues to be one of the largest states in the US that has a constant need for nurses. Whether you are looking to get into travel nursing, or call the state of California home, the employment opportunities for nurses are plentiful.
An Associates Degree in Nursing or ADN, is the minimum degree required for those who want to become registered nurses (RNs.) It takes about two years to finish, and completing the degree renders the graduate eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
If you’re dreaming of becoming an RN in California, then here are 29 ADN programs worth applying to:
Aptos
Cabrillo College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program
Modality: In-person learning at the Aptos campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 70-75 units – $3,220 to $3,450 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $404 per unit for 70-75 units – $28,280 to $30,300 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Cabrillo’s four-semester, 70-75 unit ADN program follows a multi-criteria selection process. Successful students who have met the college’s criteria will be given seats during the fall and spring semesters. ADN students are also given the Global Citizen Certificate of Completion after graduation.
Canoga Park
California Career College
Program: Associate Degree in Nursing Program
Modality: In-person learning at the Canoga Park campus
Tuition: $70,732 plus other fees
Program Overview:
CCC’s 24-month ADN program follows a curriculum that requires students to attend classes at least three times a week. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a score of 75% or higher in the HESI. No prerequisites are required, and up to 10 credit units from other institutions can be transferred.
Costa Mesa
Pacific College
Program: Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN)
Modality: In-person learning at the Costa Mesa campus
Tuition: $99,597.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Pacific College’s ADN program is created to help students understand the impact of health on patients and the effect of the care nurses provide to clients. The program also utilizes a multi-system approach based on the competencies set forth by the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses.
Cypress
Cypress College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing Program
Modality: In-person learning at the Cypress campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 76 units – $3,496 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $377 per unit for 76 units – $28,652 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The two-year associate program, which is recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, provides students with the eligibility they need to take the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum features theoretical and clinical classes in medical-surgical, maternal-child, child-family, geriatric, and mental health nursing.
Fresno
Fresno City College
Program: Registered Nursing Associate Degree Program (ADN)
Modality: Hybrid (online plus in-person learning at the Fresno campus)
Tuition: $70,732 plus other fees
Program Overview:
As the second-largest ADN program in the US, FCC’s program grants students the education and skills they need to qualify for the NCLEX-RN and become RNs in the state of California or elsewhere. The four-semester program runs for 18 weeks each.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
Program: A.S. in Nursing (ADN/ASN) Program
Modality: In-person learning at the Fresno campus
Tuition: $97,810.00 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The 23-month, 80-credit-hour ADN program provides career-focused education and hands-on experience, so as to enable students to master the professional skills they need to succeed as RNs. Admission is rendered through a stringent point system.
Glendora
Citrus College
Program: Registered Nursing – Associate Degree Nursing Program
Modality: In-person learning at the Glendora campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 36 units – $1,656 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $399 per unit for 36 units – $14,364 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Citrus College’s generic ADN program readies students for the three roles they will take as RNs: care provider, care manager, and team member. Application requirements include a GPA of 2.5 or higher for prerequisite courses, a TEAS score of 62% or above, and proof of high school education or higher.
Lancaster
Antelope Valley College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN)
Modality: In-person learning at the Lancaster campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 74 units – $3,404 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $463 per unit for 74 units – $34,262 plus other fees
Program Overview:
AVC’s two-year ADN program requires the completion of prerequisite courses for at least two semesters prior to admission to the course. Application requirements for the California Board of Nursing-approved program include a high school diploma/GED, transcripts, and other relevant documentation.
High Desert Medical College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN/RN)
Modality: Hybrid-online with in-person theory and labs at the Lancaster campus
Tuition: $89,995 plus other fees
Program Overview:
HDMC offers a generic, 24-month/six-semester ADN option, which is open to students who have not yet completed their prerequisites. Upon finishing the required 85.5 curriculum units, the student will be awarded the degree and deemed eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
Long Beach
Long Beach City College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing Program
Modality: Blend of online and in-person learning at the Long Beach campus
In-state tuition: $1,550 plus other fees per year
Out-of-state tuition: $11,440 plus other fees per year
Program Overview:
LBCC’s 79.5-unit ADN program requires the completion of program prerequisites, followed by the fulfillment of mandatory courses in general education and core/nursing units. Courses are eligible for transfer should the student decide to pursue a BSN or MSN program.
Los Angeles
American Career College
Program: Associate Degree in Nursing Program
Modality: Blend of online and in-person learning at the LA or Ontario campus
Tuition: $74,760 plus other fees
Program Overview:
ACC’s full-time ADN program can be completed in as short as 20 months in any of its two campuses. The curriculum, which runs in eight 10-week quarters, is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed through general education and core nursing courses.
Los Angeles Southwest College
Program: Associate in Science in Nursing
Modality: In-person learning at the LA campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 38 units – $1,748 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $342 per unit for 38 units – $ 12,996 plus other fees
Program Overview:
LASC’s ADN program helps students develop the inquisitiveness, proper nursing judgment, and professional identity expected of RNs. Such is made possible by instructing students on using evidence-based information and the newest patient care technology, to name a few.
Smith Chason College
Program: Associate of Science Degree in Nursing
Modality: Hybrid learning model (online lectures, in-person skills, and simulation labs at the LA campus, and in-person clinicals at the assigned sites)
Tuition: $18,600 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Completable in 24 months, SCC’s ADN program requires potential students to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) before applying. Other requirements include proof of graduation, a letter of intent, physical exams, and an interview with the Nursing Director, to name a few.
Mission Viejo
Saddleback College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program
Modality: In-person learning at the Mission Viejo campus
In-state tuition: $1,426 plus other fees per two semesters
Out-of-state tuition: $13,726 plus other fees per two semesters
Program Overview:
Founded in 1971, Saddleback College’s ADN program provides students with the qualifications they need to be eligible for the NCLEX-RN. The 63-unit curriculum is designed to equip students with a strong foundation of nursing knowledge and skills through general education and core courses.
Modesto
Modesto Junior College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing
Modality: In-person learning at the Modesto campus
Tuition: $7,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
With semesters starting every fall and spring of each year, MJC’s ADN program provides students with mostly day classes coupled with day and/or night clinical experiences. The last semester also features a five-week preceptorship that immerses students in a full-time clinical setup.
Napa
Napa Valley College
Program: Associate Degree Program in Nursing (ADN)
Modality: In-person learning at the Napa or St. Helena campus
In-state tuition: $1,358 plus other fees per year
Out-of-state tuition: $11,758 plus other fees per year
Program Overview:
Approved by the California Board of Nursing, Napa Valley’s four-semester ADN program is designed to groom aspiring students into competent entry-level RNs. Requirements include an accomplished application form, a TEAS score of 62% or better, necessary vaccinations, and the completion of prerequisite courses.
Oakland
Merritt College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program
Modality: In-person learning at the Oakland campus
Tuition: $3,726-$3,772 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Merritt’s ADN degree is bestowed to students who satisfactorily complete the program requirements, which include prerequisites, general education units, and major courses. The community college also offers an advanced placement option for veterans with healthcare experience who want to pursue the ADN program.
Pasadena
Pasadena City College
Program: Registered Nursing Associate in Science degree program
Modality: In-person learning at the Pasadena campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 86-87 units – $3,956 to $4,002 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $378 per unit for 86-87 units – $32,508 to $32,886 plus other fees
Program Overview:
PCC’s generic four-semester ADN program prepares students by providing a strong foundation of nursing knowledge, concepts, and skills. Lecture classes are held 1-3 days a week, on top of clinical rotations that run for 8-12 hours a week.
Pittsburg
Los Medanos College
Program: Associate Degree Program in Nursing
Modality: In-person learning at the Pittsburg campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 47 units – $2,162 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $358 per unit for 47 units – $16,826 plus other fees
Program Overview:
LMC’s two-year ADN program focuses on teaching students the healthcare needs of patients in various clinical settings. On top of lectures and laboratory classes, students will need to complete their clinical rotations in various agencies along the Bay Area.
Rancho Cucamonga
Chaffey College
Program: Associate Degree in Nursing
Modality: In-person learning at the Rancho Cucamonga campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 60 units – $2,760 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $460 per unit for 60 units – $27,600 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Founded in 1957, Chaffey College’s program is one of the first five original ADN courses established in California. Since then, the institution has produced about 2,000 graduates. Currently, the program focuses on key concepts such as patient-centered care, teamwork, safety, informatics, and evidence-based practice.
Redding
Shasta College
Program: Associate in Science Degree Nursing (ADN) program
Modality: In-person learning at the Redding campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 48 units – $2,208 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $365 per unit for 48 units – $17,520 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Shasta College’s ADN program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to graduate, and eventually, take (and pass) the NCLEX-RN exam. Application occurs every summer, and only 60 hopefuls will be accepted for the spring and fall semesters.
San Diego
San Diego City College
Program: Associate Of Science Degree In Nursing
Modality: In-person learning at the San Diego campus
In-state tuition: $1,104 plus other fees per year
Out-of-state tuition: $9,048 plus other fees per year
Program Overview:
Ranked as one of the best in the country, SDCC’s generic, two-year ADN program admits students based on a multicriteria point system. Students are required to send their application packets, which should include a valid ID, unofficial transcripts, TEAS exams, and other documentation as necessary, via the online portal.
San Jacinto
Mt. San Jacinto College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing Program
Modality: In-person learning at the San Jacinto campus
Tuition: $5,000 to $7,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
MSJC’s ADN program follows a curriculum where learning occurs through an engaged yet dynamic process. This allows the students to function well as entry-level nurses who are able to collaborate with various team members.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica College
Program: AS Degree in Registered Nursing
Modality: In-person learning at the Santa Monica campus
Tuition: $3,000 to $4,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
SMC’s two-year, 70-unit ADN program is comprised of prerequisite units, general education courses, and core/required courses. These run from four to eight weeks each. On top of the usual requirements, applicants must pass the admissions test to qualify for the program.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Junior College
Program: Associate Degree In Nursing
Modality: In-person learning at the Santa Rosa campus
In-state tuition: $1,748 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $15,732 plus other fees
Program Overview:
SJRC’s full-time ADN program admits approximately 60 students for the fall and spring semesters. Classes are held 4-5 times a week, starting at about 7:30 am until 6 pm. Clinical rotations, meanwhile, may start as early as 6 am and end as late as 10:30 pm.
Stockton
San Joaquin Delta College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing Program
Modality: In-person learning at the Stockton campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 75.5 units – $3,473 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $427 per unit for 75.5 units – $32,238.50 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The 75.5-unit ADN program follows a general education and science-heavy curriculum that prepares students to become competent entry-level RNs. The organizing framework is based on the Client Needs Framework set forth by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which teaches students to put their patients as the focus of care.
Ventura
Ventura College
Program: Associate Degree in Nursing
Modality: In-person learning at the Ventura campus
In-state tuition: $46 per unit for 83-85 units – $3,818 to $3,910 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $398 per unit for 83-85 units – $33,034 to $33,830 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Offered through the School of Nursing and Allied Health, the two-year/four-semester ADN program covers a total of 83-85 units. Students must accomplish a total of 64 required major courses, as well as several other prerequisite classes in Math or Chemistry in order to graduate.
Visalia
San Joaquin Valley College
Program: Registered Nursing Associate of Science degree
Modality: In-person learning at the Visalia, Ontario, and Rancho Mirage campuses
Tuition: $71,768 plus other fees
Program Overview:
SJVC’s ADN program, which runs for 20 months, is created to provide students with a good foundation of nursing knowledge plus must-have real-world skills. The school follows a highly selective process, and, as such, only the most qualified applicants will be given the available seats for the semester.
Whittier
Rio Hondo Community College
Program: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) – Generic
Modality: In-person learning at the Whittier campus
In-state tuition: $1,388 plus other fees per year
Out-of-state tuition: $9,884 plus other fees per year
Program Overview:
Rio Hondo’s generic ADN program is a two-year course that requires applicants to have a GPA of at least 2.5 for science courses, a grade of ‘C’ or better in English, the completion of a Math requirement, and proof of High School education or equivalent.