San Diego City College
San Diego City College in San Diego is a public community college offering three nursing pathways: the traditional Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) for prelicensure RN preparation, an LVN to RN option that includes a required transition course before entering second-year nursing courses, and an LVN 30-unit option that meets minimum coursework to sit for NCLEX-RN as a non graduate. Admission is handled through California Community College multi criteria points rather than first come, first served, and the department notes that transfer students are not currently accepted due to limited clinical placements.
The Nursing Education Program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). For students comparing outcomes, the school’s average weighted NCLEX-RN pass rate is 99.6%, which is well above the 2024 California state average of 92.7% for RN programs.
Coursework follows a two year nursing curriculum coordinated with skills and clinical experiences, progressing from simpler concepts to more complex care. The published curriculum includes medical-surgical nursing across multiple terms, maternal-child health, mental health and gerontological nursing, pharmacology, and a leadership course, with core prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Across the program, the stated threads include communication and collaboration, critical thinking, diversity, informatics, patient advocacy, professionalism, research and evidence based practice, and safety, with clinical judgment built through the nursing process.
Nursing activities are based at the Career Technology Center, with program workshops held in room V-101 at 1081 16th Street, San Diego, CA 92101. The main college address is 1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101, placing the program near downtown and Balboa Park. Parking is available in a structure behind the building or across the street, and the college lists paid parking through ParkMobile or permit machines ($1 per hour or $5 per day).
Clinical courses are conducted in healthcare facilities and require immunizations, a background check, and urine drug screening, with placement contingent on meeting facility standards of conduct and clearance criteria.
San Diego City College offers a comprehensive Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and subsequent licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the ADN program at San Diego City College is competitive and involves several key requirements:
- Prerequisites: Applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C":
- Anatomy (with lab)
- Physiology (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- English Composition
- GPA Requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required in the prerequisite courses.
- Background and Health Checks: Accepted students must undergo a background check and a health examination, including immunizations, prior to beginning the program.
- Entrance Exam: Applicants must take the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam. A minimum score of 62% is required to be considered for admission.
Application Deadlines
The ADN program has specific application periods:
- Fall Admission: Applications are typically accepted from February 1 to February 28.
- Spring Admission: Applications are accepted from August 1 to August 31.
Program Mode and Structure
The ADN program at San Diego City College is delivered primarily in-person, requiring students to attend classes on campus. The program also includes clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities in the San Diego area, providing hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.
Clinical Rotations
Students complete their clinical rotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities, such as:
- UC San Diego Health
- Sharp HealthCare
- Scripps Health
These facilities are well-regarded within the community and offer a wide range of clinical experiences, from acute care to specialized nursing fields.
Location Convenience
San Diego City College is centrally located in downtown San Diego, making it accessible for students across the city and nearby areas. The campus is well-connected by public transportation, including trolley and bus services, which is convenient for students commuting from different parts of the region.
Transfer Options
San Diego City College has established transfer agreements with several universities, allowing graduates of the ADN program to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Some of the partner institutions include:
- San Diego State University (SDSU)
- California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)
These partnerships enable students to continue their education with relative ease, often with guaranteed admission into the BSN programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the LVN program is selective and requires the following:
- Prerequisite Courses: Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of "C":
- Human Anatomy (with lab)
- Human Physiology (with lab)
- Medical Terminology
- GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses.
- Background and Health Checks: Students must pass a background check and health screening, including required immunizations.
- Entrance Exam: An entrance exam is typically required, though specific details should be confirmed directly with the program.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Admission: Applications are typically accepted in the early months of the year. Specific dates may vary, so it is important to check the college's website for current deadlines.
Program Mode and Structure
The LVN program is delivered in-person, with classes held on the San Diego City College campus. The program includes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations.
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.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Accreditations
Nursing Programs Accreditations
- Nursing (ADNUR) - Associate degree programs Accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission)
Institutional Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Nearby Nursing Schools
