College of the Sequoias Nursing Programs in Visalia (2026)
College of the Sequoias in Visalia: ADN. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
College of the Sequoias offers three pathways to RN licensure—Traditional RN, Year Round RN (summer start), and LVN to RN Advanced Placement—with low in-state tuition and clinical experiences across the Central Valley. Over 90% of COS RN students plan to continue to a BSN; the program provides RN-to-BSN counseling and transfer planning.
Overview & Why Students Choose College of the Sequoias
In Visalia, at the center of California’s Central Valley, College of the Sequoias (COS) offers an affordable path to RN licensure through its Associate of Science in Registered Nursing program. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), with clinical experiences in medical, surgical, geriatrics, perinatal, pediatrics, and psychiatric/mental health settings.
Whether you are a first-time college student, an LVN ready to advance, or someone who wants a year-round option with a summer start, COS provides three enrollment pathways—Traditional RN, Year Round RN, and LVN to RN Advanced Placement—all leading to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN.
For the most current NCLEX-RN pass rate and how it compares to state averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing reports.
Five reasons students choose COS
💰 Low cost
California community college tuition: $46 per unit in-state. Full-time in-state tuition and fees around $1,394 per year, making COS one of the most affordable ADN options in the state.
🔄 Three entry options
Traditional RN, Year Round RN (summer start), and LVN to RN Advanced Placement so you can choose the schedule and pathway that fits your life.
🩺 Broad clinical curriculum
Experiences across medical, surgical, geriatrics, perinatal, pediatrics, and psychiatric/mental health in a variety of healthcare settings.
🎓 RN-to-BSN planning
Over 90% of COS RN students plan to continue to a BSN. A nursing counselor helps with BSN program exploration and educational plans for a smooth transfer.
📍 Central Valley location
Visalia sits in a region with strong demand for nurses. Clinical placements and job opportunities in the Central Valley benefit graduates who want to stay local.
Nursing Programs Offered
College of the Sequoias offers one degree—the Associate of Science in Registered Nursing (ADN)—with three enrollment options. The curriculum builds critical thinking, communication, physical assessment, and cultural competence and qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by ACEN.
Traditional RN Program
Four-semester program following the standard fall/spring sequence. Prerequisites and nursing coursework with clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Year Round RN Program
Summer start option for students who want a year-round schedule. Same ADN outcome with a different entry point. Details and application windows are on the COS Nursing/Allied Health Year Round RN page.
LVN to RN Advanced Placement
For licensed vocational nurses seeking an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing. Advanced placement reduces the time to completion. Requirements and application process are on the COS LVN to RN page.
COS does not offer a BSN on campus. The program provides RN-to-BSN program information and counseling so graduates can plan transfer to a four-year institution. Over 90% of COS RN students plan to continue to a BSN.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for College of the Sequoias is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement Rate | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Official source | California Board of Registered Nursing |
Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest NCLEX-RN statistics for College of the Sequoias with the California Board of Registered Nursing annual reports or the COS nursing program directly.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
College of the Sequoias may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. Exact steps, documents, and test scores depend on your visa status, country of education, and whether you are applying as a student or for RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with COS and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a substitute for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether COS or the nursing program requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and the minimum scores for admission.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how COS wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses seeking RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, any CGFNS or credential evaluation requirements, and document translation 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.
Requirements change frequently. cross‑check everything with AUM’s International Admissions team and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the COS nursing program is competitive and uses a multicriteria selection matrix. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The nursing program has a separate application process and specific deadlines for Fall and Spring entry.
- Prerequisite courses and GPA meeting the program’s multicriteria matrix
- TEAS score (confirm current requirement on the COS TEAS Testing page)
- Completed application during the open window (Fall: Nov 1–Feb 1; Spring: May 1–Jul 15)
- Review the official COS Nursing Application Process and Information Tutorial for full requirements
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Applications Open | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | November 1 | February 1 |
| Spring | May 1 | July 15 |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Yes |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete the Information Tutorial and review the Multicriteria Selection Matrix so you know how points are awarded. Submit your application as soon as you meet requirements within the window; deadlines are strict. Prepare thoroughly for the TEAS—it is part of the selection process.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / high school applicant
Complete COS admission and prerequisite courses with strong grades in science and math. Use the nursing counselor to plan your sequence and confirm TEAS and application deadlines for your target entry term.
🔄 LVN to RN
Review the LVN to RN Advanced Placement requirements and application process on the COS website. Ensure your LVN license is in good standing and that you meet any coursework or experience requirements.
🩺 Planning for BSN later
Over 90% of COS RN students plan to continue to a BSN. Talk to the nursing counselor early about RN-to-BSN programs and transfer agreements so you can plan prerequisites and timing.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
College of the Sequoias is a California community college with low per-unit tuition. Below are key cost figures; for the most current amounts and fees, use the official COS Fees and Expenses page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition per unit (In-State) | $46 |
| Tuition per unit (Out-of-State) | $319 |
| Full-Time Annual Tuition & Fees (In-State) | ~$1,394 |
| Full-Time Annual Tuition & Fees (Out-of-State) | ~$9,038 |
| Books & supplies (estimate) | ~$1,200 (program estimate; confirm with COS) |
Fees, health fees, and other charges may apply. Housing and living costs are not published here. For a current, detailed breakdown, visit the official COS Fees and Expenses page and the Net Price Calculator.
Complete the FAFSA and check COS Financial Aid for grants, loans, and scholarships. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state or federal programs may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement Rate | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For the most current NCLEX outcomes, see the California Board of Registered Nursing reports. For job placement and employer information, contact the COS nursing program or career services.
Is College of the Sequoias the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, career goals, and schedule. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at COS and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want one of the most affordable ADN options in California
- Prefer a community college with a clear path to RN and plans to pursue a BSN later
- Are in or near the Central Valley and want local clinicals and job options
- Are LVNs seeking an ADN via advanced placement
- Want a choice of entry timing (traditional, year-round, or LVN-to-RN)
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN or MSN from the same institution (COS offers ADN only; BSN is via transfer)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Prefer a four-year university environment with on-campus housing
- Are outside California and would pay out-of-state tuition
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Visalia and the Central Valley are home to hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities that serve a large and diverse population. Tulare County and the surrounding region have strong demand for registered nurses in acute care, primary care, and community settings.
The COS nursing curriculum includes clinical experiences in medical, surgical, geriatrics, perinatal, pediatrics, and psychiatric/mental health. Specific clinical partnership sites are not listed in the provided sources; the program can share current placement partners with admitted students.
Central Valley healthcare employers often hire from local ADN and BSN programs. Graduates who want to work in the region benefit from COS’s location and the program’s focus on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN and for transfer to BSN programs.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The COS Registered Nursing Program is located on the Visalia Campus, in the Hospital Rock Building, Room 101. Students complete a four-semester curriculum (or the equivalent via Year Round or LVN-to-RN options) with clinical hours in a variety of healthcare settings.
The program invites applicants to review the Information Tutorial for an in-depth look at the program, including multicriteria selection, TEAS testing, and application steps. Office hours are posted for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
COS has additional locations (Hanford Educational Center and Tulare College Center) for general coursework; nursing program operations and nursing-specific resources are centered on the Visalia campus.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Visalia, CA (Nursing: Hospital Rock Building, Rm 101)
- Address
- 915 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277
- Telephone
- (559) 730-3700 (main); Nursing: (559) 730-3732
- Contact email
- tinas@cos.edu (Tina See, Nursing Senior Secretary); jenaep@cos.edu (Jenae Prator, Admin to Director of Nursing)
- Website
- www.cos.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official COS Registered Nursing page and complete the Information Tutorial (PDF).
- Review the prerequisite and multicriteria requirements and compare them to your transcripts.
- Confirm TEAS requirement and register for the TEAS if needed; check the COS TEAS Testing page for deadlines.
- Draft questions for the COS nursing office (559-730-3732 or tinas@cos.edu).
- Reach out to current or former COS nursing students on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Note your target entry (Fall or Spring) and the application window (Fall: Nov 1–Feb 1; Spring: May 1–Jul 15).
- Submit your application during the open window and keep a copy of your confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of the Sequoias a good school for nursing?
College of the Sequoias offers a California BRN-approved, ACEN-accredited ADN program with three entry options (Traditional RN, Year Round RN, LVN to RN). The program prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN and provides an affordable pathway in the Central Valley, with RN-to-BSN counseling for students who plan to continue.
What GPA do you need for College of the Sequoias nursing?
GPA and other multicriteria selection requirements are set by the program. Contact the COS Nursing Program or review the Multicriteria Selection Matrix on the official COS nursing website for current minimums.
Does College of the Sequoias require the TEAS exam?
Yes. The COS Registered Nursing Program uses TEAS testing as part of the application process. Confirm current TEAS requirements and minimum scores on the official COS Nursing/Allied Health TEAS Testing page.
How competitive is admission to College of the Sequoias nursing program?
Admission is competitive and uses a multicriteria selection matrix. The program does not publicly disclose acceptance rates. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does College of the Sequoias offer an accelerated BSN?
No. COS offers an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing (ADN) only. The college provides RN-to-BSN program information and counseling so graduates can plan transfer to a four-year BSN program.
What are the clinical placement sites for College of the Sequoias nursing students?
Clinical experiences take place in a variety of healthcare settings including medical, surgical, geriatrics, perinatal, pediatrics, and psychiatric/mental health. Specific site names are not listed in the provided sources; contact the program for current clinical partners.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for College of the Sequoias?
The most current NCLEX-RN pass rate for College of the Sequoias is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. For official outcomes, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing annual reports or the COS nursing program directly.
References
- College of the Sequoias — Registered Nursingcos.edu (Registered Nursing)
- COS Nursing — Application Processcos.edu (Application)
- COS Nursing — Information Tutorial (PDF)cos.edu (PDF)
- COS Fees and Expensescos.edu (Fees)
- COS RN-to-BSN Program Infocos.edu (RN-BSN)
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX and licensurern.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in our inputs. Any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on the unavailability of this information in the official 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: The information on this page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with College of the Sequoias and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy