Fullerton College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Fullerton College in Fullerton: ADN. Compare NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements in Fullerton.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Fullerton College’s Registered Nursing (ADN) program is California BRN-approved and offers low in-state tuition ($46/unit), a clear path to RN licensure, and a North Orange County location with CSU Fullerton in the same city for transfer or RN-to-BSN. Confirm current NCLEX outcomes with the college and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose Fullerton College
Fullerton College, in Fullerton, California, is part of the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD). Its Registered Nursing (ADN) program sits within the Health Sciences division and is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Students who complete the program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and enter practice as registered nurses.
If you are looking for an affordable ADN in North Orange County with access to CSU Fullerton and a large healthcare job market, Fullerton College is worth a close look. The program combines classroom instruction with clinical experience in hospitals and community agencies.
NCLEX-RN pass rate data for Fullerton College was not available in the sources reviewed for this guide. For current first-time pass rates and state comparisons, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rate report.
Five reasons students choose Fullerton College
💵 Low Cost
California community college tuition: $46 per unit in-state. Enrollment and health fees apply; non-resident tuition is higher. Financial aid and California College Promise Grant may reduce cost.
📍 North Orange County
Fullerton is in North Orange County with access to a large healthcare job market, CSU Fullerton nearby, and diverse clinical settings.
🩺 Clinical Experience
Clinical rotations in hospitals and other health care and community agencies. Specific sites are assigned by the program.
📜 BRN-Approved
California BRN-approved ADN program; graduates meet educational requirements to sit for the NCLEX-RN in California.
🎓 Transfer Path
Same city as California State University Fullerton; many ADN graduates pursue RN-to-BSN or transfer to CSUF or other four-year schools.
Nursing Programs Offered
Fullerton College offers one nursing program: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), also listed as Registered Nursing. The program is California BRN-approved and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and practice as registered nurses. Fullerton College does not offer a BSN, MSN, or DNP; students seeking a bachelor’s or advanced degree typically transfer to a four-year school or complete an RN-to-BSN or graduate program elsewhere.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) / Registered Nursing
Pre-licensure ADN with classroom and clinical instruction. Coursework includes fundamentals, medical-surgical, maternal/newborn, child/family, geriatric, and mental health nursing, pharmacology, and an RN practicum. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the California RN Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). Program is housed in the Health Sciences division. Health and immunization requirements must be met for clinical participation.
Degree and course details, including program learning outcomes, are in the NOCCCD/Fullerton College catalog. NCLEX pass rate data is published by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for Fullerton College’s ADN program was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. The California Board of Registered Nursing publishes annual pass rates by institution; readers should confirm the latest statistics there and with the college.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source for current data | California Board of Registered Nursing |
Before relying on any pass rate, confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with Fullerton College’s nursing department and the official California Board of Registered Nursing report.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Fullerton College and the California Board of Registered Nursing have specific requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses. The exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by visa status, country of education, and whether you are seeking admission to the ADN program or RN licensure in California. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Fullerton College and the California BRN—not as a substitute for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether the college or the nursing program requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, or another exam, and minimum scores for admission.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how the college wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: 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 ADN program is approved for F-1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Requirements change. Always cross‑check everything with Fullerton College’s Admissions and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Fullerton College’s Registered Nursing (ADN) program uses a separate application process. Admission is competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must apply to the college and complete the nursing program application when the period is open. Prerequisites and selection criteria are set by the program; information sessions may be required.
- Apply to Fullerton College and meet college admission requirements
- Complete required prerequisite courses (see catalog or nursing program information)
- Attend any required information sessions—confirm with the Health Sciences or nursing department
- Submit the nursing program application via the district portal (e.g. WebStar/NOCCCD) when the application period is open
- Meet health and immunization requirements for clinical participation
Application timeline
Application open and deadline dates for the nursing program are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Check the Health Sciences and nursing program pages and contact the division 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 |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Attend any required information sessions early; they explain prerequisites, the application process, and how candidates are ranked. Complete prerequisites with strong grades and confirm current requirements with the Health Sciences division or nursing coordinator. Submitting a complete, on-time application is essential.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time or transfer applicant
Complete general education and science prerequisites with the best grades possible. Use the catalog and nursing program materials to plan coursework. Attend workshops and reach out to counseling or the nursing department with questions.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
The ADN is a pre-licensure program; there is no accelerated BSN at Fullerton College. Plan for prerequisite and then nursing coursework. Highlight any healthcare or community experience in your application or workshop interactions.
🩺 LVN or out-of-state RN
Fullerton College offers an ADN for students seeking initial RN licensure. If you already hold an RN license and want a BSN or MSN, you will need to look at RN-to-BSN or graduate programs at other institutions.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Fullerton College is a California community college in the North Orange County Community College District. In-state students typically pay an enrollment fee of $46 per unit. Non-resident tuition is higher. Additional fees may include health fee, parking, and materials. Fees and cost of attendance are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed; the college may provide an estimated cost of attendance for planning.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Fee (In-State, typical CA CC) | $46 per unit |
| Non-Resident Tuition | Not publicly disclosed; see college website |
| Housing | Not publicly disclosed (no on-campus housing; commuter college) |
| Books & Supplies | Not publicly disclosed |
| Fee Waiver | California College Promise Grant (CCPG) may waive enrollment fees for eligible students |
For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official Fullerton College Business Office and Financial Aid pages.
Complete the FAFSA and check eligibility for the California College Promise Grant and other aid. Fullerton College Financial Aid can provide details. NURSE Corps and other nursing-specific scholarships may be available to qualifying students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2023/2024) | 100% (60 first-time testers) |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 98.46% (65 first-time testers) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For employer and placement details, see the college’s nursing program and career services pages at fullcoll.edu.
Is Fullerton College the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing program depends on your budget, location, and goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Fullerton College and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, BRN-approved ADN in Orange County
- Prefer a community college path to RN licensure with strong NCLEX outcomes
- Can attend in-person classes and clinicals in the North Orange County area
- Plan to work as an RN after graduation or transfer later to an RN-to-BSN program
- Are willing to complete workshops and follow the Health Science application process
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN, MSN, or DNP from the same institution
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Are looking for on-campus housing (Fullerton College is a commuter college)
- Prefer an accelerated BSN (ABSN) or direct-entry bachelor’s program
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Fullerton College is in North Orange County, California, within one of the largest and most diverse healthcare markets in the U.S. Orange County and the greater Los Angeles region have major hospital systems, medical groups, and community health agencies, creating strong demand for RNs and varied clinical placement opportunities.
Specific clinical placement sites for Fullerton College nursing students are not listed in the provided sources; the program states that students gain experience in hospitals and other health care and community agencies. Students benefit from being in a region with many employers and settings (acute care, outpatient, community health) for both clinical hours and post-graduation employment.
Orange County and Southern California have sustained demand for registered nurses. Completing an ADN at Fullerton College positions you to take the NCLEX-RN and seek employment in the region; many graduates also pursue RN-to-BSN completion at nearby universities.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Fullerton College’s Registered Nursing program is in the Health Sciences division. The campus is in Fullerton, California, part of the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD), with the Anaheim Campus and Cypress College in the same district.
Nursing students take coursework in fundamentals, medical-surgical, maternal/newborn, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health nursing, plus pharmacology and clinical practicum. Clinical experiences are completed at area hospitals and community agencies. All nursing students must meet health and immunization requirements for clinical participation.
The college offers student services, counseling, financial aid, and a range of academic and career programs. Parking is available (permit required on weekdays). There is no on-campus housing; students commute. For events and student life, see Student Life and the academics and catalog.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Fullerton, CA
- Address
- 321 E Chapman Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832, US
- Telephone
- (714) 992-7000
- Contact email
- info@fullcoll.edu
- Website
- www.fullcoll.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Fullerton College Health Sciences page and review nursing program and catalog information.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- Confirm on the program or Health Science page whether TEAS or other exams are required; if so, register and prepare accordingly.
- Draft a list of questions for the Health Sciences division or nursing department (main line (714) 992-7000; see fullcoll.edu for department contact).
- Reach out to current Fullerton College nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin preparing for the Health Science application (resume, transcripts, any required essays or forms).
- Check the nursing program or Health Sciences division for information sessions and application open and deadline dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fullerton College a good school for nursing?
Fullerton College offers a California BRN-approved Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in North Orange County. NCLEX pass rate data was not available in the sources reviewed; confirm current outcomes with the college and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
What GPA do you need for Fullerton College nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements for the ADN program are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should confirm current criteria with the Health Sciences division or nursing department and any required information sessions.
Does Fullerton College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement for Fullerton College’s nursing program is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Confirm current admission requirements with the Health Sciences division or nursing department.
How competitive is admission to Fullerton College nursing program?
The nursing program uses a separate application process. Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance; contact the program for current competitiveness and selection criteria.
Does Fullerton College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. Fullerton College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) only. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Students seeking a BSN typically transfer to a four-year institution such as CSU Fullerton or complete an RN-to-BSN program elsewhere.
What are the clinical placement sites for Fullerton College nursing students?
Specific clinical placement site names are not available in the provided inputs/sources. Contact the Fullerton College nursing or Health Sciences department for current clinical partners.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Fullerton College?
NCLEX-RN pass rate for Fullerton College was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. Confirm the latest statistics with the college and the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rate report.
References
- Fullerton College Health Sciences / Academicsfullcoll.edu/academics/health-sciences
- Fullerton College Admissionsfullcoll.edu/admissions
- NOCCCD/Fullerton College catalog — Degrees & certificatescatalog.nocccd.edu
- Fullerton College Business Office / Feesfullcoll.edu/student-services/business-office
- Fullerton College Financial Aidfullcoll.edu/student-services/financial-aid
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.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 the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy