American River College Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
American River College in Sacramento: ADN. First-time NCLEX-RN was 94.44% (Pass Rate (24-25). Admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
American River College’s ADN program is impacted: more applicants than seats. Selection is point-based; applicants with 70+ points enter the pool. Strong science GPAs and TEAS scores matter. Sacramento’s healthcare market offers strong clinical placement and job opportunities for new RNs.
Overview & Why Students Choose American River College
Located in Sacramento, the capital of California and a major healthcare hub, American River College offers an affordable Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that prepares graduates for RN licensure and the NCLEX-RN. As part of the Los Rios Community College District, ARC gives nursing students access to a large metropolitan job market and diverse clinical settings.
If you are looking for a low-cost, BRN-approved path to becoming a registered nurse and want to complete clinical hours in Sacramento-area hospitals and agencies, American River College’s nursing program deserves a close look.
ARC’s 2024-2025 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 94.44% (72 test takers); the prior year was 100% (86 test takers). For comparison to state averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rate report.
Five reasons students choose American River College
📈 NCLEX performance
94.44% first-time pass rate (2024-25) and 100% (2023-24). Data reported by the California BRN.
💰 Affordable ADN path
California community college tuition (~$46/unit in-state) plus program startup costs (~$7,000 for uniforms, fees, equipment). Much lower cost than many BSN programs.
🏥 Sacramento clinicals
Clinical experiences at Sacramento-area healthcare facilities, with morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend options to fit varied schedules.
📅 Flexible application cycles
Two application periods per year (February for fall start, September for spring start). Four-semester, two-year program once admitted.
🎓 Clear path to RN
ADN graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and can later pursue RN-to-BSN at Sacramento State, UC Davis, or other four-year schools.
Nursing Programs Offered
American River College offers a single nursing program: the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Two-year, four-semester program combining general education and nursing courses with laboratory and clinical experience at Sacramento-area health agencies. Clinicals are offered in morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts. Graduates earn an ADN and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. No BSN, MSN, or DNP is offered at ARC; students seeking a bachelor’s or advanced degree typically transfer after licensure.
The ADN program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. For current programmatic accreditation status (e.g., ACEN), contact the ARC Nursing Department or visit the program website.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
American River College’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates, as reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing, are strong. The most recent reported year (2024-2025) was 94.44% (72 first-time test takers). The prior year (2023-2024) was 100% (86 first-time test takers).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024-2025) | 94.44% (72 test takers) |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2023-2024) | 100% (86 test takers) |
| Job Placement (6 months) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | California BRN NCLEX Pass Rates |
NCLEX pass rates can change by cohort. For the latest figures and state comparisons, confirm with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the ARC Nursing Department before relying on any single statistic.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
American River College and other California community colleges may admit international students, and the California Board of Registered Nursing licenses internationally educated nurses. Exact requirements vary by visa status, prior education, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with ARC and the California BRN—not as a substitute for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether ARC or Los Rios requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, or another exam, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how ARC wants reports submitted.
- California BRN requirements: For internationally educated nurses seeking RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document/translation requirements with the California Board of Registered Nursing.
- Immigration & visa: Whether the ADN program is approved for F-1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Requirements change. Always verify with ARC’s admissions or international office and the California BRN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
American River College’s nursing program is impacted: there are more applicants than available seats. Selection is point-based; applicants with 70 or more points on the prescreening criteria are placed in the selection pool. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance; those not selected may reapply in the next cycle.
- TEAS Version 7: Minimum composite score of 62% required. Score printout submitted with application.
- Science GPA: Minimum 3.0 in Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology (prerequisites).
- Non-science GPA: Minimum 2.5 in English, Nutrition, and Psychology (or equivalent).
- Grade of C or better in each nursing course for progression.
- Application submitted online via the ARC Nursing Application portal during the open period.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Application Period | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall start | February | See ARC nursing application page |
| Spring start | September | See ARC nursing application page |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed (impacted program) |
| Minimum Science GPA | 3.0 (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology) |
| Minimum Non-Science GPA | 2.5 |
| TEAS Required | Yes (Version 7, min 62% composite) |
| Points for Selection Pool | 70+ |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Maximize your points by aiming for strong grades in science prerequisites and a TEAS composite above the minimum. Complete prerequisites at ARC or a Los Rios college when possible. Apply during the correct window (February for fall, September for spring) and submit all required documents; incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Complete Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English, Nutrition, and Psychology with the required GPAs. Take the TEAS early so you can retake if needed. Check the ARC nursing application instructions for the exact prescreening criteria and point breakdown.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
ARC offers only an ADN, so you will complete the same prerequisites and point-based selection. Your prior degree may help with general education; focus on meeting the science and TEAS requirements and building points for the selection pool.
🩺 Already an LVN or seeking RN
If you are an LVN, check whether ARC has an LVN-to-RN option or if you apply to the standard ADN. For RN-to-BSN, ARC does not offer a BSN; consider Sacramento State, UC Davis, or other California schools after you earn your ADN and pass the NCLEX-RN.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
American River College, as a California community college, charges per-unit tuition. In-state tuition is low compared to four-year schools; out-of-state and nonresident rates are higher. Program startup costs (uniforms, lab fees, malpractice insurance, equipment, transportation to clinicals) are in addition to tuition.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition (per unit) | ~$46 (California community college rate; confirm on Los Rios/ARC site) |
| Out-of-State / Nonresident | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources; see ARC/Los Rios tuition page |
| Program Startup Costs (est.) | ~$7,000 (uniforms, lab fees, malpractice insurance, equipment, transportation) |
| NCLEX-RN Exam Fee | ~$575 (paid to BRN/PSI; not included in program cost) |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources |
Tuition and fees change annually. For current per-unit rates, residency rules, and financial aid, visit the official ARC Paying for College and Nursing pages.
Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal grants and loans. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students. Check ARC’s financial aid office and the program’s application materials for school-specific scholarships.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024-25) | 94.44% (72 test takers) |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2023-24) | 100% (86 test takers) |
| Job Placement (6 months) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
Sacramento has strong demand for RNs in hospitals, clinics, and community health. For job placement data or employer lists, see the ARC Nursing Department or career services at arc.losrios.edu/nursing.
Is American River College the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing program depends on your budget, timeline, and career goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive in ARC’s ADN program and who might consider another option.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, BRN-approved path to RN licensure
- Are okay with a point-based, impacted admission process (70+ points)
- Prefer or can accommodate Sacramento-area clinical placements
- Plan to work as an RN after the ADN and may pursue RN-to-BSN later
- Can meet the science GPA (3.0) and TEAS (62% composite) minimums
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN, MSN, or DNP directly from the same school (ARC offers ADN only)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Prefer a non-impacted or less competitive admission process
- Must have clinicals in a specific city outside the Sacramento region
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Sacramento is California’s capital and a major healthcare hub. The region includes large health systems, UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, Dignity Health, and Kaiser Permanente, as well as community hospitals and clinics. Demand for RNs in the Sacramento area and across California remains strong.
ARC nursing students complete clinical experiences at Sacramento-area healthcare facilities. This exposure to a large, diverse market supports both learning and post-graduation job opportunities. For a current list of clinical placement sites, contact the ARC Nursing Department.
Student Experience & Campus Life
American River College is part of the Los Rios Community College District, with a main campus at 4700 College Oak Drive in Sacramento. Nursing and allied health programs use campus labs and simulation resources as well as off-campus clinical sites. Clinical experiences are scheduled in morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts to accommodate different schedules.
Student-to-faculty ratio and nursing club or honor society information are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed; contact the Nursing Department for current student life and support resources.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Sacramento, CA
- Address
- 4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841, US
- Telephone
- (916) 484-8011
- Contact email
- See ARC Nursing for department contact
- Website
- arc.losrios.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official ARC Nursing website and download the application instructions and prescreening criteria.
- Review the prerequisite list (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English, Nutrition, Psychology) and compare to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS (Version 7) and aim for at least 62% composite; confirm on the official nursing application page.
- Draft a list of questions for the ARC Nursing Department or admissions.
- Reach out to current ARC nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin gathering documents and calculating your prescreening points so you are ready when the application window opens (February for fall, September for spring).
- Check the application deadline for your target entry term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American River College a good school for nursing?
American River College offers a California BRN-approved ADN program with strong recent NCLEX-RN pass rates (94.44% first-time in 2024-2025, 100% in 2023-2024). The program is impacted and uses a point-based selection process. It is a solid choice for an affordable path to RN licensure in the Sacramento area.
What GPA do you need for American River College nursing?
Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in science prerequisites (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology) and 2.5 GPA in non-science courses (English, Nutrition, Psychology). A grade of C or better is required in each nursing course for progression.
Does American River College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. ARC’s ADN program requires TEAS Version 7 with a minimum composite score of 62% to qualify. Scores must be submitted with the application.
How competitive is admission to American River College nursing program?
The program is impacted with more applicants than seats. Applicants with 70 or more points on the prescreening criteria are placed in the selection pool. The acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does American River College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. American River College offers only an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). The ADN is a two-year, four-semester program. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and can later pursue RN-to-BSN programs at four-year schools.
What are the clinical placement sites for American River College nursing students?
Clinical experiences are at Sacramento-area healthcare facilities, with morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend options. For a current list of sites, contact the ARC Nursing Department.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for American River College?
For 2024-2025, ARC’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 94.44% (72 test takers). For 2023-2024 it was 100% (86 test takers). Data is reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- American River College Nursing and Allied Healtharc.losrios.edu/nursing
- ARC Nursing Application Instructions and Prescreening Criteriaarc.losrios.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- ARC Paying for College / Financial Aidarc.losrios.edu/paying-for-college
- All other data as provided in inputs. Tuition and fees: verify on ARC/Los Rios official site.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy