Los Angeles Harbor College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Los Angeles Harbor College in Wilmington: ADN. First-time NCLEX-RN was 100% (NCLEX (Fall 2024 cohort). Compare admissions requirements in Wilmington.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
LA Harbor College’s ADN program has been preparing RNs since 1963 and is ranked among the top ADN programs in California. With low in-state tuition ($46/unit), a strong simulation lab, and clinical experiences across the greater LA area, it is a high-value option for students seeking an affordable path to RN licensure in Southern California.
Overview & Why Students Choose LA Harbor College
Located in Wilmington, California, part of the greater Los Angeles area and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), Los Angeles Harbor College has been educating registered nurses since 1963. Its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program prepares a diverse student body for entry-level RN positions with a combination of classroom instruction, simulation, and clinical experiences in hospitals and community settings.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), so graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN licensure in California and beyond.
The Fall 2024 cohort achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. For the latest figures and state comparisons, consult the program’s Student Achievement Data and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Five reasons students choose LA Harbor College
📈 NCLEX & Job Outcomes
Recent cohorts show strong first-time NCLEX pass rates (e.g., 100% Fall 2024) and job placement around 90% or higher for responding graduates.
🏥 Simulation & Skills Labs
State-of-the-art Simulation Laboratory and Nursing Learning Laboratory for safe practice of clinical skills before and alongside hospital and community rotations.
🩺 Greater LA Clinicals
Clinical experiences in hospitals, home health agencies, and other community settings across the Los Angeles area, with diverse patient populations.
💵 Affordable In-State Tuition
LACCD enrollment fee $46/unit for California residents—one of the most affordable paths to RN licensure in Southern California.
📜 ACEN-Accredited, BRN-Approved
Program meets accreditation and state approval standards, so graduates are well positioned for NCLEX-RN and employment.
Nursing Programs Offered
Los Angeles Harbor College offers a single nursing pathway: the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), also referred to as Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The program is a four-semester sequence of concentrated study after completion of program prerequisites.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Four semesters of nursing coursework after prerequisites. Integrates classroom and small-group instruction with clinical experiences in hospitals, home health, and community settings, plus simulation and skills practice in the program’s Simulation Laboratory and Nursing Learning Laboratory. Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN positions. ACEN-accredited and California BRN-approved. Curriculum is built on the Roy Adaptation Model.
LA Harbor College does not offer a BSN, MSN, or DNP. Graduates who want a bachelor’s degree typically complete an RN-to-BSN program at a four-year institution.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
LA Harbor College publishes student achievement data for its ADN program. Recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are as follows (high-level snapshot; confirm current data with the program and the California BRN).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Fall 2024 cohort | 100% first-time pass (34/34) |
| Spring 2025 cohort | 90.63% first-time pass (29/32) |
| Source | LAHC Student Achievement Data (PDF) |
NCLEX outcomes can change by cohort. For the latest pass rates and state comparisons, confirm with the LAHC Nursing Program and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
LA Harbor College and other LACCD colleges enroll international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. Requirements vary by visa status, prior education, and whether you are applying as a student or seeking RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with the college and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a substitute for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether LAHC or LACCD requires TOEFL, IELTS, or another exam for admission to the ADN program, and minimum scores.
- 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: 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 align with your status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Verify all requirements with LAHC’s admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
LA Harbor College’s ADN program uses a multi-criteria process plus a random lottery component for a portion of seats. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must attend a mandatory nursing information session before applying. The program accepts ATI TEAS Version 7 only (effective July 2023).
- Minimum 2.5 science GPA and 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Prerequisite courses completed as specified by the program
- ATI TEAS (Version 7) score; minimum score and deadline apply—e.g., for Fall 2026, TEAS completed by Feb 12, 2026 if taken on your own
- 50% of applicants selected by multi-criteria, 50% by lottery to receive a voucher to take TEAS through the college (no cost to applicant)
- Only voucher-based TEAS takers are eligible for remediation if they do not pass on first attempt
Application timeline (example: Fall 2026)
| Entry Term | Application Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Jan 26 – Feb 12, 2026 | TEAS on own must be completed by Feb 12 to be considered with Spring 2026 application |
| Other terms | Varies | Check Prospective Students for current cycles |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 science, 2.5 cumulative (confirm current on program page) |
| TEAS Required | Yes (ATI TEAS Version 7 only) |
| Information Session | Mandatory before applying |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete prerequisites with the strongest grades possible and prepare thoroughly for the TEAS. Attend the mandatory information session early so you understand the multi-criteria and lottery process. If you take the TEAS on your own, meet the program’s deadline so your score is considered with your application. For Fall 2026, see the LAHC Nursing and Prospective Students pages for the latest details.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Complete all prerequisites with a 2.5+ science and cumulative GPA. Attend the mandatory nursing information session, then prepare for the ATI TEAS Version 7. Healthcare volunteer or work experience can strengthen your application where multi-criteria apply.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
LAHC offers an ADN only, not an accelerated BSN. Complete the same prerequisites and TEAS requirements. Your prior degree may help with general education; focus on meeting the nursing program’s science and GPA requirements and TEAS.
🩺 Already an RN
LA Harbor College does not offer RN-to-BSN or graduate nursing. If you are seeking a BSN or MSN, look at four-year institutions in California that offer RN-to-BSN or graduate programs.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Los Angeles Harbor College is part of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). Tuition is charged per unit. Below are key figures; for fees and total cost of attendance, see the college’s official cost pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment fee (California residents) | $46 per unit |
| Out-of-state / non-resident | $377 per unit (2025–2026) |
| International students | $377 per unit in addition to enrollment fee (2025–2026) |
| Other fees (examples) | Parking, student rep, ASO, health services—see LAHC Tuition and Fees |
| Housing | Not publicly disclosed (community college; many students commute) |
Fees, books, and living expenses are not estimated here. For a current breakdown of tuition and fees, visit the official LAHC Cost & Tuition and Tuition and Fees pages.
Complete the FAFSA and any California-specific aid applications. LACCD and LAHC offer financial aid and scholarship information through the college’s financial aid office. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students; confirm eligibility on the program’s official site.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass (recent) | Fall 2024: 100%; Spring 2025: 90.63% |
| Job Placement (2023–2024) | 90% of responding graduates |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For the latest outcome data and employer information, see the program’s Student Achievement Data (PDF) and the college’s career services.
Is LA Harbor College 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 LA Harbor and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, ACEN-accredited ADN path to RN licensure in Southern California
- Prefer a community college setting with low per-unit cost ($46/unit in-state)
- Are okay with a multi-criteria plus lottery admissions process and TEAS requirement
- Plan to work in the greater LA area or transfer to an RN-to-BSN later
- Value simulation and clinical experiences in diverse hospital and community settings
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN or accelerated BSN (ABSN) from the start
- Need MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing (LAHC offers ADN only)
- Prefer a four-year university with on-campus housing and a single application
- Cannot attend a mandatory in-person (or designated) information session
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Wilmington and the greater Los Angeles area form one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States. Major health systems, public hospitals, and community clinics provide a wide range of clinical placement opportunities for nursing students. Southern California continues to have strong demand for registered nurses in acute care, outpatient, and community settings.
LA Harbor College nursing students complete clinical experiences in hospitals, home health agencies, and other community settings across the LA region. This exposure to diverse populations and care environments prepares graduates for entry-level RN positions throughout California. Specific clinical site names are determined by the program; confirm current partners with the nursing department.
Student Experience & Campus Life
LA Harbor College’s nursing program uses a Simulation Laboratory and Nursing Learning Laboratory for skills practice and simulated clinical scenarios before and alongside rotations in hospitals and community settings. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with small-group discussions and clinical experiences, and is built on the Roy Adaptation Model.
As part of the Los Angeles Community College District, LAHC serves a diverse student body. Many students commute. For current student resources, clubs, and support services, visit the college’s student life and nursing program pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Wilmington, CA
- Address
- 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, CA 90744, US
- Telephone
- (310) 233-4368
- Contact email
- nursinginfo@lahc.edu
- Website
- www.lahc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official LAHC Nursing page and download any program brochure or handouts.
- Review the prerequisite course list on the Prospective Students page and compare it to your transcripts.
- Register for the ATI TEAS (Version 7) if required, and confirm the program’s deadline (e.g., Fall 2026: TEAS by Feb 12, 2026 if taken on your own).
- Sign up for and attend the mandatory nursing information session before applying.
- Draft a list of questions for the nursing department (nursinginfo@lahc.edu or 310-233-4368).
- Reach out to current LAHC nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Note the application window for your target term (e.g., Fall 2026: Jan 26–Feb 12, 2026) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Harbor College a good school for nursing?
LA Harbor College’s ADN program is ACEN-accredited and California BRN-approved, with strong recent NCLEX-RN pass rates (e.g., 100% for Fall 2024) and job placement around 90% or higher. The program has been educating RNs since 1963 and is ranked among top ADN programs in California.
What GPA do you need for LA Harbor College nursing?
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 science GPA and 2.5 cumulative GPA. Confirm current requirements on the program’s Prospective Students page.
Does LA Harbor College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. The program requires the ATI TEAS (Version 7). Half of applicants are selected by multi-criteria and half by lottery to receive a voucher to take the TEAS through the college. Confirm deadlines and minimum scores on the official nursing page.
How competitive is admission to LA Harbor College nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Admission uses a multi-criteria process and a random lottery component. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. A mandatory nursing information session is required before applying.
Does LA Harbor College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. LAHC offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) only—a four-semester program after prerequisites. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN. For a BSN, students typically complete an RN-to-BSN at another institution.
What are the clinical placement sites for LA Harbor College nursing students?
Students complete clinicals in hospitals, home health agencies, and community settings in the greater Los Angeles area, plus simulation and skills practice in the program’s Simulation Laboratory and Nursing Learning Laboratory. Specific site names are not listed here; confirm with the nursing department.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for LA Harbor College?
Recent data: Fall 2024 cohort 100% first-time pass (34/34); Spring 2025 cohort 90.63% (29/32). For the latest figures and state comparisons, see the program’s Student Achievement Data and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- LA Harbor College Nursing Programlahc.edu/academics/pathways/hhsps/nursing
- LAHC Nursing — Prospective Studentslahc.edu/…/prospective-students
- LAHC Student Achievement Data (revised 2.2026)lahc.edu (PDF)
- LAHC Cost & Tuition / Tuition and Feeslahc.edu/cost-tuition
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. NCLEX and outcome data from LAHC Student Achievement Data. Tuition from LAHC official site. Any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” was unavailable in 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