83 State-Approved LPN to ADN Programs in California (2026)

If you're working as a licensed vocational nurse in California and ready to take the next step toward becoming an RN, LVN-to-ADN bridge programs offer a pathway that builds on what you've already accomplished. This page brings together state-approved bridge options from across California so you can compare schools based on location, whether they're public or private, and how well their students perform. When the data is available, you'll see multi-year NCLEX-RN pass rate averages and California RN rankings for 2025. These numbers give you a clearer picture of which programs are delivering strong results, not just which ones are closest to you.

Bridge programs are specifically designed for nurses like you. They recognize the knowledge and skills you've already developed as an LVN and focus on the additional coursework and clinical experience needed to meet the requirements for an ADN-level RN program.

Let's walk through a few examples...

American River College in Sacramento has a really solid 95.7% NCLEX pass rate and ranks #4 in the state for 2025. If you're interested in their LVN-to-RN Career Mobility program for Summer 2026, applications are open from November 3, 2025 through January 30, 2026. The program includes a summer bridge course, and then you join the regular RN program at the third semester. Beyond the typical prerequisites, ARC requires an active California LVN license and at least 6 months of recent full-time equivalent LVN work experience. Budget-wise, expect around $2,500 in start-up costs, plus about $575 for the RN licensure exam fees.

Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria serves students on the Central Coast. They have a 92.8% NCLEX pass rate and rank #7 for 2025. Their RN application period runs from June 1 through July 31 each year. To be eligible for Hancock's LVN-to-RN program, you'll need a current, valid, unencumbered California LVN license. You'll also need to complete some specific biology prerequisites: BIOL 124 Anatomy, BIOL 125 Physiology, and BIOL 128 Microbiology, all with lab components.

If you're open to a private school option in Northern California, Carrington College has an LVN to ADN track at their Sacramento campus. As of August 23, 2025, the total program cost is $76,332. That's significantly higher than community college options, so it's worth weighing carefully. Admission requirements include a current unencumbered California LVN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA across 34 credits of general education prerequisites, and passing the ATI Fundamentals Examination.

Once you complete your bridge program, you'll move forward with California RN licensure. You'll apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing for licensure by examination, complete the fingerprinting requirements after submitting your application, and then take the NCLEX-RN.

This directory covers 83 schools offering LPN to ADN programs. Use the comparison data and NCLEX outcomes to narrow your choices based on where you live, what you can afford, and when you're ready to apply. You've already proven yourself as a VN. This next step is absolutely within your reach.

Where possible, we include NCLEX pass rates data for each campus. The average pass rates are calculated using the last 3 years of data. The average scores are then used in our annual RN/PN rankings. You can read more about it here. You can also view this year's rankings for California here.

Updated: March 12, 2026

San Diego City College also offers a Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Step-Up Program for LVNs who wish to advance their nursing careers by becoming RNs.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the LVN to RN Step-Up Program requires the following:

Current LVN License: Applicants must hold a current and active California LVN license.
Prerequisite Courses: The same prerequisite courses as the ADN program are required:
- Human Anatomy (with lab)
- Human Physiology (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- English Composition
GPA Requirements: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses is required.
Work Experience: While not always mandatory, applicants with recent work experience as an LVN in a healthcare setting are often given preference.
Background and Health Checks: Accepted students must complete a background check and health screening, including immunizations, before starting the program.
Entrance Exam: Applicants are required to take the ATI TEAS exam, with a minimum score of 62%.

Application Deadlines

The application periods are the same as for the ADN program:

Fall Admission: Applications accepted from February 1 to February 28.
Spring Admission: Applications accepted from August 1 to August 31.

Program Mode and Structure

The LVN to RN Step-Up Program is also an in-person program with courses held on campus. The program is typically shorter than the traditional ADN program since it builds on the foundational nursing knowledge and skills that LVNs have already acquired.