Fresno City College Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
ADN in Fresno at Fresno City College. First-time NCLEX-RN was 74.26% (2022/23). Admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Fresno City College runs the largest community college ADN program in California and the second largest in the USA. The Future Nurses Program can give eligible students priority admission, and military health care personnel may qualify for advanced placement into the second semester. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and is an ACEN candidate.
Overview & Why Students Choose Fresno City College
Fresno City College sits in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, a major agricultural and healthcare region. The college’s Registered Nursing program is the largest community college ADN program in California and the second largest in the nation, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training at local hospitals and healthcare facilities.
If you are aiming for an affordable path to RN licensure, an LVN looking to bridge to RN, or a military health care worker seeking advanced placement, FCC’s ADN and LVN-to-RN pathways offer a California Board of Registered Nursing–approved route to the NCLEX-RN. The program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The program’s 2022/2023 NCLEX pass rate was 74.26%. For the most current rates and state comparisons, confirm with the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose Fresno City College
📐 Scale & Reputation
Largest community college ADN program in California and second largest in the USA, with a long-standing BRN-approved program and ACEN candidacy.
🎯 Future Nurses Program
Eligible students can receive priority admission into the nursing program through the Future Nurses Program.
🩺 LVN-to-RN & Military Pathways
Dedicated LVN-to-RN application process; military health care personnel may qualify for advanced placement into the second semester.
💵 Low Cost
California community college tuition keeps annual costs low for in-state residents—roughly $1,378 per year for tuition and fees in recent years.
🏥 Central Valley Clinicals
Clinical experiences at local hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Fresno area, with access to a diverse patient population.
Nursing Programs Offered
Fresno City College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and an LVN-to-RN pathway. Both lead to an Associate of Science degree and eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN and work in structured healthcare settings. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Designed to educate students at the basic technical level of nursing practice. Combines classroom and hands-on clinical training. Four semesters of nursing coursework (9+ credits per semester); students complete general education as needed. Graduates earn an Associate of Science and are eligible for the NCLEX-RN. The program advises limiting work to no more than 16 hours per week during the program.
LVN to RN
Pathway for licensed vocational nurses to earn an Associate of Science in Nursing and become eligible for the NCLEX-RN. The college has a separate LVN-RN application process; see the program’s LVN Program Application Process page for steps and requirements.
Individuals who have held Military Health Care Occupations may achieve advanced placement into the second semester of the Registered Nursing Program with qualifying documentation and upon successful completion of the challenge exam, dosage calculation exam, and skills competency evaluation. See the college’s Challenge/Advanced Placement for Military Personnel policy for details.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Fresno City College reports a 2022/2023 NCLEX pass rate of 74.26% for its Associate Degree Nursing program, as stated on the college’s nursing accreditation page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 74.26% (2022/2023) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | Fresno City College Nursing; California BRN Pass Rates |
NCLEX outcomes can change by cohort. This guide does not compare the rate above to a state average because an official benchmark from the same California BRN report was not used here. For the latest pass rates and comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing and the school directly.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Fresno City College may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. Exact requirements vary by visa type, citizenship, and whether you are seeking admission to the college or RN licensure in California. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Fresno City College and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a substitute for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether FCC or the nursing program requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and minimum scores. Confirm with the college’s admissions or international office.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how FCC wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses seeking RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document/translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Whether the program is approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements align with your immigration status.
Requirements change. Always verify with Fresno City College’s admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Fresno City College’s nursing program has a separate application from general college admission. Applicants must complete the college application and then the RN Program Application Process (or LVN-RN process for LVN-to-RN). Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance; seats are limited.
- College application to Fresno City College (Apply Now on the college site)
- Completion of prerequisite courses per the nursing program (see RN Program Application Process and student handbook)
- TEAS exam; the college provides RN TEAS information and study resources
- Submission by the program’s published deadlines
- For LVN-to-RN: follow the LVN Program Application Process
Application timeline
Application open and deadline dates are not specified in the sources reviewed for this guide. Check the official RN Program Application Process and LVN Program Application Process pages for current terms and deadlines.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Yes |
| Interview Required | Not publicly disclosed |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete all prerequisites with strong grades, prepare for the TEAS using the college’s resources, and apply as early as possible. If you qualify, look into the Future Nurses Program for priority admission. LVNs and military health care personnel should review the dedicated LVN-RN and military advanced-placement pages.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Apply to the college first, then complete prerequisites and the nursing application. Use the Healthcare & Wellness Counseling appointment for planning. Consider the Future Nurses Program if you meet the criteria.
🩺 LVN seeking RN
Follow the LVN Program Application Process. Your LVN experience is an asset; ensure you meet all academic and application requirements and deadlines.
🎖️ Military health care background
Review the Challenge/Advanced Placement for Military Personnel policy. With qualifying documentation, you may be able to enter the second semester after passing the challenge exam, dosage calculation exam, and skills competency evaluation.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Fresno City College is a California community college; in-state tuition and fees are low compared to four-year schools. Below are figures from recent published data. Confirm current amounts on the college’s cost and financial aid pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (In-State, Annual, approx.) | ~$1,378 (2024–2025) |
| Out-of-State Tuition | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Fees, Books, Supplies | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Housing / Living Expenses | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Total Cost of Attendance (off-campus estimate, one source) | ~$28,846 (incl. books, supplies, living; confirm on college site) |
Fees, books, supplies, and living costs were not fully provided in the sources reviewed. For a current, detailed cost of attendance, visit the official Fresno City College website and financial aid office.
Complete the FAFSA and check the college’s financial aid page for grants, scholarships, and nursing-specific aid (e.g., NURSE Corps Scholarship Program). Contact Financial Aid at (559) 442-8245.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 74.26% (2022/2023) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
ADN graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and work as RNs in structured healthcare settings. Many later pursue an RN-to-BSN at a four-year school (e.g., California State University Fresno). For job placement and employer information, see the college’s career services or nursing program page.
Is Fresno City College the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing program 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 FCC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable ADN path to RN licensure in California
- Prefer a large, established community college program with BRN approval and ACEN candidacy
- Are LVNs seeking an LVN-to-RN bridge in the Central Valley
- Qualify for the Future Nurses Program or military advanced placement
- Plan to work in the Fresno area or Central Valley and may later pursue RN-to-BSN
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN or accelerated BSN (ABSN) directly; FCC offers ADN only
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Prefer a small cohort or a four-year university environment
- Are outside California and need out-of-state tuition and placement details confirmed
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Fresno is the largest city in the San Joaquin Valley and a regional healthcare hub. Major systems include Community Health System (e.g., Community Regional Medical Center), Saint Agnes Medical Center, and VA Central California Health Care System, among others. The Central Valley has strong demand for nurses and diverse clinical settings.
FCC nursing students train at local hospitals and healthcare facilities, gaining experience in a region with significant need for RNs. Clinical placement sites are arranged by the program; confirm current partners with the nursing department or student handbook.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Fresno City College’s Registered Nursing program is part of the APA (Allied Health) Division. Instruction combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical training. The college provides an RN Student Handbook with program expectations, policies, and procedures, and offers RN TEAS preparation and study resources.
Students can use Healthcare & Wellness Counseling for academic planning. The Future Nurses Program offers an opportunity for priority admission into the nursing program. The curriculum is intensive; the program advises students not to work more than 16 hours per week during the program.
FCC is part of the State Center Community College District and has additional locations (e.g., West Fresno Center, First Responders Campus). Main campus is at 1101 E University Ave, Fresno.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Fresno, CA
- Address
- 1101 E University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741, US
- Telephone
- (559) 442-8200
- Contact email
- See FCC Contact and Phone Numbers for department contacts
- Website
- www.fresnocitycollege.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official FCC Nursing website and read the RN Student Handbook.
- Review the prerequisite course list and RN Program Application Process and compare to your transcripts.
- Confirm TEAS requirement and register for the TEAS; use the college’s RN TEAS Information page for preparation.
- Draft questions for counseling: New Student Services (559.442.8225) or Healthcare & Wellness Counseling (559.442.8226).
- If you are an LVN or military health care worker, read the LVN-RN and Military Advanced Placement pages.
- Check whether you qualify for the Future Nurses Program and note application deadlines.
- Apply to the college if you have not already, then complete the nursing program application by the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresno City College a good school for nursing?
Fresno City College has the largest community college ADN program in California and the second largest in the USA. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and is an ACEN candidate. The 2022/2023 NCLEX pass rate was 74.26%. The college offers a Future Nurses Program for priority admission and supports military personnel with advanced placement options.
What GPA do you need for Fresno City College nursing?
Fresno City College does not publish a minimum GPA in the sources reviewed for this guide. Prerequisite and selection criteria are in the RN Program Application Process and student handbook. Contact the college or review the official nursing application page for current requirements.
Does Fresno City College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. The Registered Nursing program requires the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). The college provides RN TEAS information and study resources on its nursing program website.
How competitive is admission to Fresno City College nursing program?
The acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. The ADN program is selective due to limited seats. The Future Nurses Program offers priority admission for eligible students. Complete prerequisites, meet TEAS and other requirements, and apply by the published deadlines.
Does Fresno City College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. Fresno City College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and an LVN-to-RN pathway. It does not offer a BSN or accelerated BSN. Graduates earn an Associate of Science and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN; many later pursue RN-to-BSN at four-year schools such as California State University Fresno.
What are the clinical placement sites for Fresno City College nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not fully listed in the sources reviewed for this guide. The program combines classroom and hands-on clinical training at local hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Fresno area. Confirm current sites with the nursing department or student handbook.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Fresno City College?
The 2022/2023 NCLEX pass rate for Fresno City College’s ADN program was 74.26%, as reported on the college’s nursing accreditation page. For the latest rates and state comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page.
References
- Fresno City College — Nursing (Registered Nursing), accreditation and NCLEX 2022/2023 pass ratefresnocitycollege.edu (Nursing)
- Fresno City College — RN Program Application Processfresnocitycollege.edu (RN Apply)
- Fresno City College — RN Student Handbookfresnocitycollege.edu (Handbook)
- Fresno City College — Contact and Mapsfresnocitycollege.edu (Contact)
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov (pass rates)
- Tuition data: external source (2024–2025); confirm on college websitefresnocitycollege.edu
- All other data as provided in our inputs. Items marked “Not publicly disclosed” reflect unavailability in the sources reviewed.
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