Bakersfield College Nursing Programs in Bakersfield (2026)
ADN in Bakersfield at Bakersfield College. First-time NCLEX-RN was 95.5% (Pass Rate). 2026 admissions, nursing programs.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Bakersfield College offers an ACEN-accredited, California BRN-approved ADN with strong NCLEX and job-placement outcomes at low in-state tuition. The Advanced Placement option makes it a practical choice for LVNs, paramedics, and military healthcare personnel in the Central Valley.
Overview & Why Students Choose Bakersfield College
Located in Bakersfield, the heart of California’s Central Valley and a major healthcare hub for Kern County, Bakersfield College offers an affordable, ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and RN licensure. As part of the Kern Community College District, BC serves a diverse population and partners with local hospitals and clinics for clinical placements.
Whether you are a first-time college student aiming for an ADN or an LVN, paramedic, or military healthcare worker seeking advanced placement, BC’s Health Sciences pathway provides a clear route to RN licensure with strong reported outcomes.
BC’s most recently reported cohort achieved a 95.5% first-time pass rate and 97.9% job placement. For context on how this compares to state averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing.
Five reasons students choose Bakersfield College
📈 NCLEX & Job Outcomes
95.5% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and 97.9% job placement (2024-25). On-time completion 82%.
✅ ACEN & BRN Approved
ADN program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
🩺 Central Valley Clinicals
Clinical experiences in the Bakersfield and Kern County healthcare ecosystem; confirm current sites with the program.
💵 Low Cost
$46 per unit in-state. Financial aid and Cal Grant eligible; FAFSA school code 001118.
🔄 Advanced Placement Option
Pathway for LVNs, paramedics, and military healthcare personnel to complete the ADN and sit for NCLEX-RN.
Nursing Programs Offered
Bakersfield College offers two Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) pathways. Both lead to the ADN and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The program is ACEN-accredited and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Traditional Registered Nursing Program
Entry-level ADN for students without an RN or LVN license. Combines prerequisite and general education with nursing coursework and clinical hours. Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN and RN licensure in California.
Advanced Placement / Transfer
For Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), paramedics, military healthcare personnel, and qualified transfer students. Builds on prior education and experience to complete the ADN and sit for the NCLEX-RN.
BC does not offer a BSN. Graduates who want a bachelor’s in nursing can pursue an RN-to-BSN at California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) or other four-year schools.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Bakersfield College’s ADN program reported a 95.5% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024-25, as published on the program effectiveness page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024-25) | 95.5% |
| Job Placement (2024-25) | 97.9% |
| On-Time Completion (2024-25) | 82.0% |
| Attrition (2024-25) | 6.6% |
| Source | BC Registered Nursing Program Effectiveness |
NCLEX and placement data can change. Before relying on any single figure, confirm the latest statistics with Bakersfield College and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Bakersfield College may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by visa type and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with BC and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether BC requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam for admission to the nursing program, and minimum scores.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or a state-approved evaluator and how BC wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F-1 or other visas, financial documentation required, and how clinical placements align with your status.
Requirements change. Verify everything with Bakersfield College’s admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Bakersfield College’s nursing program is selective. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The Health Sciences pathway has its own application process; check the Registered Nursing program brochure and website for current steps and deadlines.
- Eligibility to attend Bakersfield College (application, residency)
- Prerequisite and general education courses (GPA and course list not fully specified in provided inputs)
- TEAS or other entrance exam if required (confirm on official program page)
- Completed application by the program deadline
Application timeline
Application deadlines and entry terms are not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Check the BC Registered Nursing program page and brochure for current dates.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Not publicly disclosed; confirm with program |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete prerequisites with strong grades and confirm current requirements (GPA, TEAS, deadlines) on the official BC nursing page. LVNs and others considering Advanced Placement should verify credit and placement criteria directly with the program.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Apply to Bakersfield College and complete the required prerequisites for the Traditional ADN. Focus on strong grades in science and math. Healthcare volunteer or work experience can strengthen your application.
🔄 LVN / paramedic / military healthcare
BC’s Advanced Placement ADN pathway is designed for you. Confirm eligibility, required coursework, and application deadlines with the Nursing program or Health Sciences division.
🩺 Already an RN
BC offers ADN only. For a BSN, consider California State University Bakersfield or another RN-to-BSN program.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Bakersfield College is a California community college with low per-unit fees. Below are key figures; for a full cost of attendance (fees, books, living costs), see the college’s official tuition and financial aid pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment fee (In-State, per unit) | $46 (set by the state) |
| Nonresident tuition (per unit, from Summer 2025) | $336 (waivers may apply; see BC) |
| Student Health Fee | $18 Fall/Spring, $15 Summer |
| Other fees | Student Center, parking, etc.; see BC Tuition & Fees page |
| Fees & living costs (housing, books) | Not publicly disclosed in provided inputs; see BC Cost of Attendance |
| FAFSA school code | 001118 |
Fees and nonresident rates can change. For a current breakdown, visit the official BC Tuition & Fees page and the Financial Aid page.
Complete the FAFSA (school code 001118) and check Cal Grant and California Promise eligibility. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students. Contact BC Financial Aid at (661) 395-4428 or bc_faid@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024-25) | 95.5% |
| Job Placement (2024-25) | 97.9% |
| On-Time Completion (2024-25) | 82.0% |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For specific employers hiring BC nursing graduates, see the program effectiveness page and the school’s career services or outcomes resources at bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Is Bakersfield College the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and location. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at BC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, ACEN-accredited ADN in the Central Valley
- Are LVNs, paramedics, or military healthcare personnel seeking Advanced Placement
- Prefer a community college pathway to RN licensure
- Plan to work in Bakersfield or Kern County after graduation
- Are comfortable completing prerequisites and competing for limited seats
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN or accelerated BSN (BC offers ADN only)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Are seeking MSN, DNP, or PhD options (BC does not offer graduate nursing)
- Prefer a four-year university setting
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Bakersfield and Kern County form a major healthcare region in California’s Central Valley. Major systems include Dignity Health (e.g., Mercy and Memorial hospitals), Adventist Health, and Kern Medical, along with clinics and community health organizations serving a large and diverse population.
Strong local demand for RNs and a variety of acute and community settings give BC nursing students access to relevant clinical experiences. Confirm current placement sites with the BC Nursing program.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Bakersfield College’s nursing program is part of the Health Sciences pathway. Nursing and allied health students use campus labs and simulation resources; clinical experiences take place at partner facilities in the Bakersfield and Kern County area.
BC has a Delano campus in addition to the main Panorama campus. Student life includes clubs, athletics, and support services. For details on simulation labs, student organizations, and nursing-specific activities, contact the Nursing program or Health Sciences division.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Bakersfield, CA (Panorama Campus); Delano Campus also available
- Address
- 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305, US
- Telephone
- (661) 395-4011 (main); Nursing: (661) 395-4934; Financial Aid: (661) 395-4428
- Contact email
- bc_faid@bakersfieldcollege.edu (Financial Aid); verify nursing contact on BC website
- Website
- www.bakersfieldcollege.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official BC Registered Nursing website and download the program brochure.
- Review the prerequisite and application requirements and compare them to your transcripts.
- If the program requires the TEAS or another exam, confirm on the official page and register if needed.
- Draft a list of questions for the Nursing program or Health Sciences advising.
- Reach out to current BC nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences.
- Begin outlining your personal statement or application materials if required.
- Check the application deadline for your target entry term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakersfield College a good school for nursing?
BC’s ADN program is ACEN-accredited and California BRN-approved, reported a 95.5% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024-25, and a 97.9% job placement rate. It offers an affordable pathway to RN licensure in the Central Valley.
What GPA do you need for Bakersfield College nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Contact the Health Sciences pathway or Nursing program for current admission criteria and prerequisite GPA expectations.
Does Bakersfield College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement is not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Confirm current admission requirements (including TEAS or other entrance exams) on the official BC Registered Nursing program page or with the Nursing office.
How competitive is admission to Bakersfield College nursing program?
The program is selective; acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Check the program brochure and application materials for selection criteria and deadlines.
Does Bakersfield College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. BC offers Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs only: Traditional RN and Advanced Placement for LVNs, paramedics, and military healthcare personnel. There is no BSN or accelerated BSN; graduates may pursue RN-to-BSN at CSUB or other four-year schools.
What are the clinical placement sites for Bakersfield College nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not fully listed in the provided inputs. Students complete rotations at healthcare facilities in the Bakersfield and Kern County region. Confirm current sites with the BC Nursing program or Health Sciences division.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Bakersfield College?
BC reported a 95.5% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024-25, per the program effectiveness page. For state comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- Bakersfield College Registered Nursing Program Effectiveness — NCLEX, job placement, completionbakersfieldcollege.edu
- Bakersfield College Registered Nursing Programbakersfieldcollege.edu
- Bakersfield College Tuition & Feesbakersfieldcollege.edu
- Bakersfield College Financial Aidbakersfieldcollege.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- ACEN — Bakersfield College program accreditationacenursing.org
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