College of the Canyons Nursing Programs in Santa Clarita (2026)
College of the Canyons reported 89.77% first-time NCLEX-RN (2024/25). ADN and BSN in Santa Clarita. 2026 admissions, nursing programs.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
College of the Canyons stands out for concurrent BSN pathways: you can enroll with partner universities (CSU Northridge, CSU LA, CSU Dominguez Hills, National University, and others) and work toward a BSN while completing the ADN, then finish the BSN in as little as one year after passing the NCLEX.
Overview & Why Students Choose College of the Canyons
Located in Santa Clarita, in northern Los Angeles County, College of the Canyons (COC) offers an affordable, California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)–approved Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). The two-year program prepares entry-level registered nurses and supports students who want to start a BSN through concurrent enrollment with partner universities.
Whether you are a first-time college student, an LVN seeking an RN, or a transfer student, COC’s Nursing Department provides a clear path to NCLEX-RN eligibility and strong clinical and simulation experiences in the greater LA healthcare landscape.
For the 2024/2025 reporting period, COC had an 89.77% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (88 first-time testers). For context on how this compares to state and national averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose College of the Canyons
📈 NCLEX & BRN Approval
California BRN–approved program with NCLEX outcomes reported annually. Recent years have seen strong first-time pass rates; confirm current data on the BRN website.
🔄 Concurrent BSN Pathways
Work toward a BSN while in the ADN program via partnerships with CSU Northridge, CSU LA, CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU Channel Islands, National University, Ohio University, and Grand Canyon University.
🩺 Simulation & Clinicals
Interactive simulated labs and clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings in the Santa Clarita and greater Los Angeles region.
💵 Low Cost, High Value
California community college tuition keeps in-state costs low. Estimated total program cost for the RN program is in the range of roughly $6,000 including fees, books, and supplies; confirm on the official COC cost page.
🎖️ Veteran & Diversity Support
Veteran admission policy for advanced placement; diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment; and Alpha Delta Nu honor society and NSNA participation.
Nursing Programs Offered
College of the Canyons offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and related pathways. The ADN is approved by the California BRN and accredited by the NLN CNEA.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Two-year program designed to prepare entry-level registered nurses. Includes lecture, simulation, and clinical rotations. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Multiple pathways: generic ADN, LVN-RN career ladder, and transfer/challenge options as offered.
LVN to RN (Career Ladder)
Pathway for licensed vocational nurses to complete the ADN and become eligible for RN licensure. The college determines when this option is offered; confirm with the Nursing Department.
Concurrent BSN Enrollment
COC coordinates with several universities so you can work toward a BSN while in the ADN program. Partners include CSU Northridge, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU Channel Islands, National University, Ohio University, and Grand Canyon University. After passing NCLEX, BSN completion can take as little as one year.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNA programs are offered at COC; details and eligibility are available through the college’s health professions or nursing department.
The College of the Canyons ADN program holds continuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) and is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
College of the Canyons’ first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the 2024/2025 reporting period (July 1–June 30) was 89.77%, with 88 first-time CA-educated exam testers, as reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 89.77% (88 first-time testers) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | California BRN Pass Rates |
NCLEX pass rates are updated annually by the California BRN. For the most current figures and state comparisons, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page before relying on any single statistic.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
College of the Canyons may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; however, the exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, 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 College of the Canyons and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether COC requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam for non-native English speakers, and minimum scores for the nursing program.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how COC wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements align with your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change. Verify everything with College of the Canyons’s Admissions/International Office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the College of the Canyons RN program is highly competitive due to the high number of applications. The program encourages applicants to apply to multiple nursing programs. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- Prerequisites: English Composition, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Communication, Psychology (minimum 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses)
- TEAS score (first attempt) submitted by deadline
- Competitive selection based on GPA, TEAS, and other criteria; see the program’s selection criteria and information sessions
Recent admission statistics (snapshot)
| Cohort | Avg Overall GPA | Avg Core Bio GPA | Avg TEAS (1st attempt) | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2022 | 3.75 | 3.87 | 87.5 | 50 |
| Fall 2021 | 3.66 | 3.88 | 85.6 | 40 |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed (highly competitive) |
| Typical GPA Range (admitted) | ~3.66–3.75 overall; ~3.87–3.88 core biology (recent cohorts) |
| TEAS Required | Yes |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Attend an RN information session and review the application checklist and timeline. Strong grades in science prerequisites and a solid first-attempt TEAS score improve your chances. Apply to several ADN programs to increase your options.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Complete prerequisites with the best grades possible (minimum 2.5 GPA; recent admits had averages well above that). Prepare for the TEAS and plan to apply during the program’s application windows (e.g., winter or summer cycle—confirm dates on the COC nursing admissions page).
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
COC offers an ADN, not an accelerated BSN. Use your prior degree to show strong academic ability; focus on excelling in science prerequisites and the TEAS. Consider concurrent BSN enrollment with a partner university if you want to progress to a BSN while in the ADN.
🩺 LVN to RN
Check whether the LVN-RN (career ladder) option is currently offered and what credit or advanced placement you may receive. Veterans may qualify for advanced placement under the program’s Veteran Admission Policy.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
College of the Canyons is a California community college, so in-state tuition is low. Estimated annual tuition for full-time in-state students is in the range of about $1,166; out-of-state is higher (e.g., around $10,958 per year in published estimates). The total estimated cost for the RN program (tuition, fees, books, kit, uniforms, Kaplan, background/drug screen, NCLEX) is approximately $6,000; confirm current figures on the official COC cost page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-State Tuition (Estimated Annual) | ~$1,166 |
| Out-of-State Tuition (Estimated Annual) | ~$10,958 |
| Estimated Total RN Program Cost | ~$6,000 (includes books, kit, fees, NCLEX, etc.) |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed; see COC Cost of Attendance and nursing cost documents |
Tuition and fees change annually. For current tuition, fees, and the official estimated cost of the nursing program, visit the college’s Estimated Costs for Nursing Programs and the COC financial aid and tuition pages.
Complete the FAFSA for federal and state aid. COC has a Veteran Admission Policy for nursing applicants who qualify for advanced placement. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 89.77% (88 first-time testers) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For context on how this rate compares to state and national averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page. For job placement or alumni employer information, see the school’s outcomes or career services pages at canyons.edu/academics/nursing.
Is College of the Canyons the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, career goals, and whether you want an ADN or BSN first. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at COC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, BRN-approved ADN in the Santa Clarita / northern LA area
- Are willing to compete for limited seats and prepare strongly for the TEAS
- Want to start a BSN via concurrent enrollment while completing the ADN
- Prefer a two-year community college path to RN licensure
- Are LVNs or veterans interested in RN advancement (when pathways are offered)
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want an on-campus BSN or MSN from the same school
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Prefer a less competitive admission process
- Must attend a program outside the greater LA / Santa Clarita region
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Santa Clarita is in northern Los Angeles County, with easy access to the greater LA healthcare market. The region includes multiple hospital systems, community health centers, and specialty facilities, providing strong demand for RNs and diverse clinical placement opportunities.
Students gain clinical experience in a variety of settings in and around Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles area. California has strong demand for registered nurses; confirm current placement sites and employment trends with the Nursing Department and the California BRN.
Student Experience & Campus Life
College of the Canyons’ Nursing Department is on the Valencia Campus (Santa Clarita). Students use interactive simulated labs and complete clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion and offers tutoring in the nursing lab; Alpha Delta Nu honor society members may provide peer tutoring.
Nursing student clubs include the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), honor society, and COC American Red Cross Club. Program outcomes, handbooks, and accreditation information are available on the nursing program website.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Santa Clarita, CA (Valencia Campus)
- Address
- 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, US
- Telephone
- (661) 362-3557 (Health Professions Office)
- Contact email
- Nursing@canyons.edu
- Website
- www.canyons.edu/academics/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official COC Nursing website and download the program brochure and student handbook.
- Review the degree requirements and prerequisite list and compare to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS exam and confirm current requirements on the official RN admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for the Nursing Department or Health Professions Office.
- Reach out to current COC nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Prepare for a competitive application: strengthen GPA and TEAS score; attend an information session.
- Check the application timeline for winter and summer cycles and set reminders for deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Canyons a good school for nursing?
College of the Canyons offers an NLN CNEA-accredited, California BRN-approved ADN program with strong NCLEX outcomes and concurrent BSN pathways with CSU and other universities. Admission is highly competitive.
What GPA do you need for College of the Canyons nursing?
Recent admitted cohorts had average overall college GPAs of about 3.66–3.75 and core biology GPAs of about 3.87–3.88. Prerequisites require a minimum 2.5 GPA in designated courses. Meeting minimums does not guarantee acceptance.
Does College of the Canyons require the TEAS exam?
Yes. The TEAS is required for RN program admission. Recent cohorts had average first-attempt TEAS scores in the mid-80s to high-80s range.
How competitive is admission to College of the Canyons nursing program?
Admission is highly competitive due to the high number of applications. The program encourages applicants to apply to multiple nursing programs. Recent cohorts had about 40–50 students selected per cycle.
Does College of the Canyons offer an accelerated BSN?
COC offers an ADN program, not a BSN. Students can pursue concurrent enrollment with partner universities (e.g., CSU Northridge, CSU LA, National University) to work toward a BSN while completing the ADN; BSN completion can take as little as one year after passing NCLEX.
What are the clinical placement sites for College of the Canyons nursing students?
Students complete clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings in the Santa Clarita and greater Los Angeles region. Confirm current sites with the Nursing Department.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for College of the Canyons?
For the 2024/2025 reporting period, College of the Canyons had an 89.77% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (88 first-time testers), as reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- College of the Canyons Nursing Departmentcanyons.edu/academics/nursing
- COC RN Program — Admissions and information sessionscanyons.edu/academics/nursing/admissions/rn
- COC Nursing Program Outcomes (retention, attrition, BRN data)canyons.edu/academics/nursing/information
- Estimated Costs for Nursing Programs (COC)canyons.edu (PDF)
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- California BRN — Education (attrition data)rn.ca.gov/education/attrition.shtml
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 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy