2-Year Nursing Programs in California
Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by NAMS Editor
Becoming a registered nurse is a noble career that allows you to help people in their time of need. If you’re interested in entering the nursing field but don’t have the time or resources for a traditional 4-year bachelor’s degree, then a 2-year associate’s degree program may be the perfect option for you.
California is home to many excellent community colleges that offer high-quality Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. In this blog post, we will explore the top 2-year nursing programs in California that do not require the TEAS admissions test. We’ll provide an overview of each school’s academic offerings, prerequisite requirements, application process, and career outcomes. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of your options to become a registered nurse in just two years through an ADN program in the Golden State.
Chaffey College ADN Program
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, Chaffey College is one of the largest community colleges in California. Their ADN program accepts 60-70 students each year into the full-time cohort. Students complete their general education credits and prerequisite nursing classes in the first year before advancing to the clinical portion in year two.
The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduates are prepared to work in acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Chaffey College boasts a high NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate above 90%.
Prerequisites include a C or better in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, composition, and child development. The application period is winter/spring for the following fall admission. Students are evaluated based on their prerequisite GPA and completion of general education credits. No additional entrance exams are required.
El Camino College ADN Program
Located in Torrance, El Camino College has consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in Southern California. Their ADN program accepts 40 new students each fall into a lockstep curriculum completed in two years.
The program is approved by the BRN and accredited by ACEN. All didactic courses and clinical rotations are taught on campus in state-of-the-art simulation labs and affiliated hospitals. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to become licensed RNs.
Prerequisites include a B or better in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, child growth and development, nutrition, and psychology. The application period is October-December for the following fall. Student selection is based on prerequisite GPA and completion of general education courses. No entrance exams are necessary for admission consideration.
Cerritos College ADN Program
Located in Norwalk, Cerritos College has offered an ADN program for over 50 years. They accept 60 students each year into a cohort model completed entirely at their main campus.
The program is fully approved by the BRN and has maintained full 10-year ACEN accreditation status. Students benefit from hands-on clinical experience in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community clinics throughout their studies. Graduates consistently exceed the national NCLEX-RN pass rate average.
Prerequisite courses include English, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and sociology with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applications are due each October for the following fall start. Selection is based on grades, references, and a points system – no entrance exams are required. This program is convenient for those living in Southeast LA County.
Los Angeles Southwest College ADN Program
Located in Los Angeles, LA Southwest College offers an ADN program each year to 60-70 students accepted into a full-time cohort. All general education and nursing major courses are taught on campus during the day or evening.
The curriculum follows state guidelines and is approved by the BRN. Clinical experiences take place in partner hospitals across LA County. Graduates achieve above-average first-time pass rates on the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
Prerequisites must be completed with a C or better and include general biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and college-level English or ESL. Applications are accepted each January-March for the next fall admission. Selection is primarily based on prerequisite completion – no entrance exams are part of the process.
Allan Hancock College ADN Program
Located near Santa Maria, Allan Hancock College accepts 40 students each year into their two-year ADN program. Students complete prerequisites and general education classes on campus before advancing to full-time clinical nursing coursework.
The curriculum meets all state BRN requirements and is accredited by ACEN. Clinical sites are within partner hospitals and facilities across Northern Santa Barbara County. Graduates have maintained an NCLEX-RN pass rate well above the national average.
Required prerequisites with a B grade or better include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, English composition, and college algebra. Applications are due each February for the subsequent fall start. Selection factors include prerequisites completed and points for work or life experience – no additional exams are part of the process.
Saddleback College ADN Program
Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College offers one of Southern California’s largest ADN programs. They accept 80 students each year into a locked curriculum completed in four consecutive semesters, including summers.
The program is fully approved and accredited, following statewide nursing education standards. Students benefit from hands-on clinical practice and simulation labs on campus. Graduates achieve superior NCLEX-RN pass rates and many secure employment in local hospitals upon licensure.
Prerequisites must be finished with a B or higher and include English, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, sociology or economics. Applications are due each October-December for the subsequent fall start. Selection is based solely on prerequisites and general education courses completed.
Monterey Peninsula College ADN Program
Located near Monterey, MPC accepts 60 students each year into their two-year ADN program. All nursing theory and clinical courses are taught on campus during daytime hours over four consecutive semesters.
The curriculum meets BRN regulations and maintains full approval and accreditation status. Students participate in simulation activities and complete clinical rotations in partner medical centers across Monterey County. Graduates consistently exceed the national NCLEX-RN passing average.
Prerequisites encompass English, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology – each with a minimum C grade. Applications are due January-March for fall entry the following year. Selection weighs prerequisites completed, references, and a questionnaire. No entrance exams are required.
Palomar College ADN Program
Located in San Marcos, Palomar College accepts 50-60 students each year into their full-time ADN curriculum. All general education and nursing major coursework is completed on campus during daytime or evening hours over four consecutive semesters.
The program holds full approval from the BRN and accreditation from ACEN. Students gain practical experience through clinical rotations arranged in local hospitals and clinics. Graduates routinely exceed the national NCLEX-RN pass average upon first attempt.
Required prerequisites with a B grade or better include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, English, and critical thinking. Applications are accepted each January-March cycle for fall entry the subsequent academic year. Selection is based on prerequisites and general education courses completed only.
Moorpark College ADN Program
Located near Thousand Oaks, Moorpark College accepts 40 students per year into their locked full-time ADN curriculum. All coursework is taught on campus over four consecutive semesters.
The program follows statewide nursing guidelines and maintains full approval and accreditation. Students benefit from simulation labs on campus and clinical rotations placed in Ventura County hospitals. Graduates have a strong track record of NCLEX-RN success rates above state and national averages.
Prerequisites encompass English, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology – each with a C grade minimum. Applications are accepted each October-December cycle. Selection weighs only prerequisites and general education courses completed toward admission.
Riverside City College ADN Program
Located east of Los Angeles, Riverside City College admits 65-70 students annually into its full-time ADN program. All general education and nursing major courses are offered during daytime hours over four semesters on one of RCC’s campuses.
The curriculum meets California BRN standards and holds full approval and ACEN accreditation. Students gain clinical experience in Riverside-area hospitals and clinics. Graduates consistently surpass first-time NCLEX-RN pass averages at state and national levels each year.
Required prerequisites with a C grade minimum encompass anatomy, physiology, microbiology, English composition, and psychology. Applications are due each January-March cycle. Admission selection is based solely on prerequisite completion and general education courses.
Making Your Choice
As you can see, California community colleges provide numerous high-quality options to become a registered nurse through an ADN program within just two years of full-time study. While prerequisites, schedules and locations may differ slightly between schools – each one prepares graduates well to practice nursing and pass their RN licensing exam.
When choosing the right program, consider factors like location, start dates, cost, program reputation and pass rates. Also assess which prerequisites you’ve already completed or can finish most easily based on your current skill set and academic history.
