Antelope Valley College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
ADN at Antelope Valley College in California. First-time NCLEX-RN was 97% (Pass Rate). Admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Antelope Valley College offers one of the most affordable paths to RN licensure in California, with a 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate that ranks among the state’s highest. The ADN program uses a multi-criteria screening process and requires the TEAS; LVN-RN bridge applicants have a separate application window.
Overview & Why Students Choose AVC
Antelope Valley College, in Lancaster, California, serves the high desert region north of Los Angeles with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that has earned a reputation for strong NCLEX-RN outcomes. If you want an affordable, public pathway to RN licensure with clinical experience in the Antelope Valley and nearby facilities, AVC deserves a close look.
The program is designed for students who complete prerequisites (including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics, and composition) and then progress through four semesters of nursing coursework—or three semesters for licensed vocational nurses in the LVN-to-RN bridge track. The program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
AVC’s RN graduates have achieved some of the state’s highest pass rates. The California state average in the same Board of Registered Nursing reporting period was 85%. For the most current comparative data, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report.
Five reasons students choose AVC
📈 NCLEX performance
97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, well above the California state average of 85%.
💵 Low cost
California community college enrollment fee of $46 per unit makes the ADN one of the most affordable routes to RN licensure in the state.
🩺 ADN & LVN-RN bridge
Traditional ADN (4 semesters) and LVN-to-RN bridge (3 semesters) options; both prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN.
📋 Multi-criteria selection
Points for work experience, volunteer hours, language proficiency, and personal experience when proper verification forms are submitted.
📍 Antelope Valley access
Convenient for residents of Lancaster, Palmdale, and the high desert who want local clinical placements and minimal commute.
Nursing Programs Offered
Antelope Valley College offers two entry paths to the Associate Degree in Nursing: the generic (pre-licensure) ADN and the LVN-to-RN bridge. Both lead to eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure through the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Pre-licensure program: at least two semesters of prerequisites (BIOL 201, 202, 204, MATH 115, ENGL 101 and GPA requirements), then four semesters of nursing coursework (74 units total). Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN practice as defined by the state nursing practice act.
LVN to RN
For licensed vocational nurses. Three semesters of nursing coursework after admission, in addition to completed prerequisites. Separate application window (e.g. Summer 2026: Jan 1–Feb 15).
Effective June 20, 2025, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Candidacy expires June 20, 2027. Confirm current status at acenursing.org and with the college.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
AVC has reported a 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its RN graduates, among the highest in California. The state average in the same Board of Registered Nursing report was 85%.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 97% |
| California State Average (same report) | 85% |
| Source | AVC; California BRN |
NCLEX pass rates can change by cohort. Before relying on any single statistic, confirm the latest NCLEX outcomes with Antelope Valley College and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
AVC admits international students and California licenses internationally educated nurses, but the exact steps, documents, and test scores depend on your situation. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with AVC and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether AVC requires TOEFL, IELTS, or another exam and minimum scores for the nursing program.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: If you attended high school or college outside the United States and want to use those courses for credit, AVC requires evaluation by a NACES-approved agency. Transcripts must be sent from the institution (not from you) during the application window.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses seeking RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration and visas: Which programs are approved for F-1 or other status, financial documentation, and how clinical placements fit your visa.
Policies change frequently. Verify everything with AVC’s Health and Safety Sciences division and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the AVC nursing program is competitive and uses a multi-criteria screening process. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applications are accepted only during published windows; documents received outside that period are not considered.
- Prerequisites: BIOL 201 (Anatomy), BIOL 202 (Physiology), BIOL 204 (Microbiology), MATH 115 or STAT C1000 (Statistics), ENGL 101 (Academic Composition)—at AVC or equivalent elsewhere.
- Minimum GPA 2.5 for all college courses; 2.5 for BIOL 201/202/204 and for MATH 115 and ENGL 101.
- No more than one repeated science course among the three required sciences.
- TEAS required with minimum 62%. You can apply before taking TEAS but will not be offered admission until it is completed. Two attempts allowed; unsuccessful on both results in disqualification.
- Completed educational plan from an AVC counselor (all prerequisites completed; no in-progress or pending approval).
- High school graduation or GED (or degree posted on official college transcript).
Application timeline (example cycles)
| Entry | Application window |
|---|---|
| Fall (generic ADN) | e.g. March 9–31 (confirm each year) |
| Spring (generic ADN) | e.g. September 9–30 (confirm each year) |
| Summer (LVN-RN bridge) | e.g. January 1–February 15 (confirm each year) |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 (all college; science/math/English) |
| TEAS | Required; minimum 62%; two attempts |
| Clinical experience preferred | Points may be awarded for work/volunteer experience when forms are submitted |
Submit only one application per cycle. Have your educational plan and all transcripts (including AVC) ready; only official electronic transcripts from institutions are accepted during the application window. If you want points for experience or language, download and complete the correct verification forms and upload them with your application. Schedule counseling well before the deadline—counseling may not schedule transcript evaluation within two weeks of the deadline.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Complete prerequisites with strong grades; no more than one repeat in the three sciences. Take the TEAS seriously—62% minimum is required and higher scores may help in multi-criteria ranking. Get your AVC counselor educational plan early.
🔄 LVN seeking RN
Use the LVN-RN bridge application window (e.g. Summer entry). Ensure prerequisites and TEAS are complete and that your LVN license and experience are documented as required.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Antelope Valley College is a California community college. In-state students pay the state enrollment fee of $46 per unit. The ADN program is 74 units, so tuition for the nursing curriculum alone is approximately $3,404 for residents. Prerequisite units are additional. Nonresident and international students pay higher per-unit fees (e.g. $372 per unit plus enrollment and capital outlay); confirm current rates on the college website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment fee (in-state) | $46 per unit |
| ADN program units | 74 |
| Estimated tuition (nursing units, in-state) | ~$3,404 |
| Nonresident / international | Higher per-unit fee; see Student Expenses and Fees |
| Fees, books, housing | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. See AVC Cost of Attendance / financial aid pages. |
Rates are subject to change. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official AVC Student Expenses and Fees page and the financial aid office.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
AVC reports a 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its RN graduates, among the highest in the state. Job placement rate and specific alumni employers are not available in the provided inputs/sources. For outcomes and employment information, see the school’s nursing or career services pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 97% |
| Job placement rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
Is AVC the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, and goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at AVC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want one of the most affordable ADN pathways in California
- Live in or near the Antelope Valley and prefer local clinical placements
- Are comfortable with multi-criteria admission (TEAS, GPA, experience points)
- Have completed or can complete prerequisites with a 2.5+ GPA
- Are LVNs seeking an RN in three semesters via the bridge
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN or MSN from the same institution (AVC offers ADN only)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Cannot meet the TEAS 62% minimum or have already used two attempts
- Prefer a program that does not require an in-person counselor educational plan
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The Antelope Valley (Lancaster, Palmdale, and surrounding communities) is part of Los Angeles County and has a growing need for healthcare workers. AVC nursing students complete clinical rotations at facilities that have affiliation agreements with the college’s Health programs—hospitals and medical offices in the region. California continues to face strong demand for RNs statewide, which supports job prospects for ADN graduates who go on to pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain licensure.
Local clinical placements mean you train in the same region where many graduates seek employment. For a current list of clinical sites, contact the Health and Safety Sciences division at AVC.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Antelope Valley College is located in Lancaster, California. Nursing and health sciences programs are supported through the Health and Safety Sciences division (Uhazy Hall). Students must meet health, immunization, background, and other requirements set by clinical affiliation agreements before starting clinical rotations. The college provides counseling, financial aid, and student services; nursing applicants must obtain an educational plan from an AVC counselor as part of the application process. For details on simulation labs, student organizations, and campus life, visit the college website or contact the nursing program.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Lancaster, CA
- Address
- 3041 West Avenue K, Lancaster, CA 93536, US
- Telephone
- (661) 722-6300
- Contact email
- healthsciences@avc.edu
- Website
- www.avc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official AVC Registered Nursing page and read the current application and requirement details.
- Review the prerequisite list (BIOL 201, 202, 204, MATH 115, ENGL 101) and compare to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS and aim for at least 62%. Confirm on the official admissions page that TEAS is required and note the two-attempt policy.
- Draft questions for an AVC counselor and schedule an appointment to get your educational plan (do this well before the application deadline).
- Reach out to current or former AVC nursing students on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- If you plan to claim points for experience or language, download the verification forms and gather documentation.
- Note the application window for your target entry (Fall, Spring, or LVN-RN Summer) and set reminders; submit only one application and keep the confirmation email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Antelope Valley College a good school for nursing?
AVC’s ADN program has reported some of the state’s highest NCLEX-RN pass rates (97% first-time) and is an ACEN candidate. It offers an affordable public pathway to RN licensure in the Antelope Valley.
What GPA do you need for Antelope Valley College nursing?
Minimum 2.5 for all college courses, for BIOL 201/202/204 and MATH/ENGL, with no more than one repeated science course. An educational plan from an AVC counselor is required to apply.
Does Antelope Valley College require the TEAS exam?
Yes. TEAS is required with a minimum score of 62%. You can apply without TEAS but will not be offered admission until it is completed. Two attempts are allowed; unsuccessful on both results in disqualification.
How competitive is admission to Antelope Valley College nursing program?
Admission is competitive and uses a multi-criteria screening process. Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Points may be awarded for work experience, volunteer hours, language proficiency, and other factors when the correct forms are submitted.
Does Antelope Valley College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. AVC offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) only—four semesters after admission (plus prerequisites), or three semesters for LVN-RN bridge. RN-to-BSN options are available at other institutions.
What are the clinical placement sites for AVC nursing students?
Clinical placements are at facilities that have affiliation agreements with AVC Health programs. Specific site lists are not published; confirm with the Health and Safety Sciences division.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Antelope Valley College?
AVC has reported a 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for RN graduates, among the highest in the state, with California’s state average at 85% in the same Board of Registered Nursing reporting period.
References
- AVC Registered Nursing programavc.edu/program/registered-nursing
- AVC — RN and LVN grads pass ratesavc.edu/news
- AVC Student Expenses and Feesavc.edu/admissions-records/student-expenses-and-fees
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- Data and tuition as provided or from AVC official site. NCLEX data from AVC and California BRN. Any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” was unavailable in sources reviewed for this guide.
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: This information is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy