Los Angeles County USC College of Nursing: ADN Review (2026)
Los Angeles County USC College of Nursing in Los Angeles offers ADN. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
The Los Angeles County USC College of Nursing (School of Nursing within the LA County College of Nursing and Allied Health) offers an affordable pathway to RN licensure with clinical experiences at major LA County hospitals—Los Angeles General Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA, and Harbor-UCLA—giving students exposure to diverse, high-acuity populations. LA County residency is required.
Overview & Why Students Choose LAC+USC
Located in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County USC College of Nursing (School of Nursing within the LA County Department of Health Services College of Nursing and Allied Health) offers an Associate of Science in Nursing with clinical experiences at some of the busiest public hospitals in the nation—Los Angeles General Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA, and Harbor-UCLA.
If you are an LA County resident seeking an affordable, public pathway to RN licensure with hands-on training in trauma, emergency, and diverse community health settings, the LAC+USC School of Nursing deserves a close look. The program is California BRN-approved and the college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
Admission requires proof of Los Angeles County residency. NCLEX pass rate data is reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing; confirm the latest rates with the school and the BRN.
Five reasons students choose LAC+USC
🏥 Major County Hospital Clinicals
Clinical experiences at Los Angeles General Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA, Harbor-UCLA, and Comprehensive Health Centers—exposure to high-acuity and diverse populations.
💵 Public, Affordable Pathway
LA County-owned college; tuition and fees are set by the County. Contact the school for current cost of attendance.
🩺 LVN Advancement Options
LVN-to-RN Option I and LVN Option II (30-unit non-graduate) for licensed vocational nurses seeking RN licensure.
✅ California BRN Approved
Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN and RN licensure in California. Program approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
🌆 Los Angeles Healthcare Hub
LA County is one of the largest public health systems in the U.S.; strong demand for RNs and varied career opportunities after graduation.
Nursing Programs Offered
The LAC+USC School of Nursing offers an Associate of Science degree in Nursing. Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN. The school offers three pathways: Basic Registered Nursing, LVN-to-RN Option I, and LVN Option II (30-unit non-graduate).
Basic Registered Nursing (ADN)
Traditional ADN pathway. Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, English, psychology, sociology, humanities, U.S. history or political science, speech, and PE. Science courses must be completed within 7 years prior to admission (except LVN Option II). Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
LVN to RN Option I
For licensed vocational nurses seeking RN licensure. Same prerequisites as Basic RN; advanced placement into the nursing sequence. Graduates receive the Associate of Science in Nursing and are eligible for NCLEX-RN.
LVN to RN Option II (30-Unit)
30-unit option for LVNs; non-graduate option. TEAS results are used for advisement only. Eligibility for NCLEX-RN and licensure is determined by the California BRN; confirm requirements with the BRN and the school.
The College of Nursing and Allied Health is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The nursing program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Confirm current status at the school and BRN.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate data for the Los Angeles County USC College of Nursing (School of Nursing) is reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing. A specific rate for the most recent cohort was not provided in the inputs/sources used for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source | California BRN Pass Rates; LAC+USC School of Nursing |
For context on how this program’s pass rate compares to state and national averages, and for the most current NCLEX statistics, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report. Confirm the latest NCLEX outcomes with the school and the BRN before relying on any single figure.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
The LAC+USC School of Nursing may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. The exact steps, documents, and test scores depend on your situation (student visa vs. RN licensure, country of education). Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with the College of Nursing and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether the school requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam and minimum scores for the ADN program, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how the school wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document requirements with the California BRN.
- Residency: The program requires LA County residency for admission; verify how that applies to international or out-of-state applicants with the school.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs (if any) are approved for F-1 or other visa types and how clinical placements fit your status.
Policies change frequently. Verify everything with the College of Nursing and Allied Health and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the LAC+USC School of Nursing is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Final acceptance is contingent upon clearances (criminal background, health) and a current BLS card for Healthcare Providers (AHA).
- Los Angeles County residency (proof required: e.g. property tax, W2, bank statement, utility bill, lease)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in required college science courses
- Minimum 2.5 overall GPA in college academic courses from a U.S. accredited institution
- Grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses
- ATI TEAS total score of 64.7% or above (TEAS may be repeated once)
- U.S. high school graduate or equivalent
- Current BLS for Healthcare Providers (AHA); criminal background and health clearances; satisfactory health validation
Prerequisites (required for Basic RN and LVN options)
| Course | Notes |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy with Lab | Science courses within 7 years (LVN Option II: no recency) |
| Human Physiology with Lab | — |
| Microbiology with Lab | — |
| College English Composition | — |
| Life Span Psychology | — |
| Sociology, Humanities | — |
| U.S. Political Science or U.S. History | — |
| Speech 101 (Public Speaking) | — |
| Physical Education / Kinesiology | 1 unit |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Science GPA (min) | 3.0 |
| Overall GPA (min) | 2.5 |
| TEAS Required | Yes (64.7%+; may repeat once) |
| Residency | LA County required |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Establish LA County residency and document it per the school’s list. Complete all prerequisites with strong grades, especially in the sciences. Prepare for the TEAS so you can meet or exceed the 64.7% minimum. Submit proof of residency to collegeofnursing@dhs.lacounty.gov as instructed. Check the school website for application periods and deadlines.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / traditional applicant
Complete prerequisites at a community college or four-year school with a 3.0+ science GPA and 2.5+ overall. Ensure you meet LA County residency. Take the TEAS and aim above the minimum.
🔄 LVN seeking RN
Option I leads to the AS in Nursing; Option II is the 30-unit non-graduate path. Confirm with the California BRN which option fits your licensure goals. TEAS is for advisement only for Option II.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees for the Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health are set by LA County. A specific tuition breakdown was not provided in the inputs/sources used for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (In-State / Out-of-State) | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Fees, Books, Housing | Not publicly disclosed |
For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official College of Nursing and Allied Health website or contact collegeofnursing@dhs.lacounty.gov.
Federal and state financial aid may be available to eligible students. Inquire with the school about FAFSA, grants, and the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For NCLEX and job placement data, see the California BRN pass rates and the school’s outcomes or career services information at dhs.lacounty.gov/college-of-nursing-and-allied-health.
Is LAC+USC the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, residency, and career goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at the LAC+USC School of Nursing and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Are LA County residents seeking an affordable public ADN pathway
- Want clinical experience at major county hospitals (LA General, Olive View, Harbor-UCLA)
- Are LVNs seeking RN licensure via Option I or Option II
- Prefer a California BRN–approved program with strong hospital partnerships
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Do not meet LA County residency requirements
- Are looking for a BSN, MSN, or DNP (program offers ADN only)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Prefer a private or four-year university setting
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Los Angeles County operates one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Nursing students at the LAC+USC School of Nursing complete clinical experiences at LA County Health Services hospitals and comprehensive health centers.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles General Medical Center | Major public hospital (formerly LAC+USC). Trauma, emergency, and comprehensive services. |
| Olive View-UCLA Medical Center | LA County hospital in Sylmar. Acute and outpatient care. |
| Harbor-UCLA Medical Center | LA County hospital in Torrance. Teaching hospital with diverse clinical services. |
| Comprehensive Health Centers and Clinics | County-run clinics and health centers across the region. |
Exposure to LA County’s safety-net system gives students experience with diverse, high-acuity populations and prepares them for careers in public health, emergency care, and community settings. California’s demand for RNs remains strong.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health is located at 1237 North Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90033, on the campus of Los Angeles General Medical Center. The School of Nursing is led by Dean and Program Director Mildred Gonzales, PhD, RN.
Clinical nursing experiences are conducted at Health Services hospitals (Los Angeles General Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA, Harbor-UCLA Medical Centers) and at Comprehensive Health Centers and Clinics. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse inpatient and community settings.
For details on simulation labs, student organizations, and campus resources, contact the School of Nursing or visit the college website.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Address
- 1237 North Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90033, US
- Telephone
- Not publicly disclosed; see website
- Contact email
- collegeofnursing@dhs.lacounty.gov
- Website
- dhs.lacounty.gov/college-of-nursing-and-allied-health
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official LAC+USC School of Nursing website and download or review program and admission materials.
- Review the prerequisite course list and compare it to your transcripts; ensure science courses are within 7 years if applying to Basic RN or LVN Option I.
- If required, register for the ATI TEAS and aim for 64.7% or above (confirm current requirement on the school’s admissions page).
- Gather proof of LA County residency (e.g. property tax, W2, utility bill, lease) and confirm submission process with the school.
- Reach out to current students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Obtain or renew BLS for Healthcare Providers (AHA) and plan for criminal background and health clearances.
- Check application periods and deadlines on the school website and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles County USC College of Nursing a good school for nursing?
The LAC+USC School of Nursing is part of LA County’s College of Nursing and Allied Health (ACCJC-accredited, California BRN-approved). It offers an Associate of Science in Nursing with clinical experiences at Los Angeles General Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA, and Harbor-UCLA. NCLEX pass rate data is reported by the California BRN; confirm current rates with the school and BRN.
What GPA do you need for LAC+USC nursing?
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in required college science courses and a minimum 2.5 overall GPA in college academic courses from a U.S. accredited institution. Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Does LAC+USC require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. A current ATI TEAS total score of 64.7% or above is required (TEAS may be repeated once to achieve the minimum). For LVN Option II, TEAS results are used for advisement only.
How competitive is admission to LAC+USC nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Admission is contingent on LA County residency, GPA, TEAS, prerequisite completion, BLS certification, and clearances. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does LAC+USC offer an accelerated BSN?
No. The school offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) with Basic RN, LVN-to-RN Option I, and LVN Option II (30-unit) pathways. There is no BSN or accelerated BSN; graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN.
What are the clinical placement sites for LAC+USC nursing students?
Clinical experiences are conducted at LA County Health Services hospitals: Los Angeles General Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and Comprehensive Health Centers and Clinics.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for LAC+USC?
NCLEX pass rate data for the LAC+USC School of Nursing is reported by the California Board of Registered Nursing. For the most current first-time pass rates, consult the official California BRN pass rates page and the school.
References
- LA County College of Nursing and Allied Health — School of Nursingdhs.lacounty.gov/college-of-nursing-and-allied-health
- Prospective Student Admission Requirementsdhs.lacounty.gov
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass rates and licensurern.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. Any data point marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on unavailability in the 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 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