Los Angeles Pierce College: ADN & BSN Review (2026)
ADN and BSN in Woodland Hills at Los Angeles Pierce College. First-time NCLEX-RN was 96.77% (2024/25). 2026 admissions, nursing programs.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Los Angeles Pierce College bills itself as the most cost-effective path to becoming an RN in the region compared to private institutions, and it offers the only post-graduate RN “Transition into Practice” program in Los Angeles. Collaborative agreements with major universities help ADN graduates pursue a BSN.
Overview & Why Students Choose Los Angeles Pierce College
Located in Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Pierce College offers one of the most affordable paths to RN licensure in the greater Los Angeles area. The college emphasizes that its ADN program is the most cost-effective route to becoming a registered nurse compared to private institutions, with strong recent NCLEX outcomes and collaborative BSN pathways with four-year universities.
Whether you are a first-time college student, an LVN seeking an RN license, or a foreign-educated nurse exploring options, LAPC’s Department of Nursing offers an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, plus LVN-to-RN and other options.
LAPC reported 96.77% first-time pass rate for 2024/2025 and 100% for 2023/2024. For context on how this compares to state and national averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report.
Five reasons students choose Pierce College nursing
📈 NCLEX Performance
96.77% (2024/2025) and 100% (2023/2024) first-time pass rates as reported on the LAPC nursing department website.
💵 Most Cost-Effective Path
Estimated total program cost around $6,390 for the two-year ADN—far below most private nursing programs in the region.
🩺 Strong Clinical Hours
25–30 hours per week of concurrent clinical experience and classroom instruction at local hospitals and health agencies.
🎓 Transition into Practice
The only post-graduate RN “Transition into Practice” program in Los Angeles, plus ADN-BSN collaborative agreements with universities.
📅 Fall & Spring Admission
Students admitted for both Fall and Spring semesters; most applicants are accepted within one year of application.
Nursing Programs Offered
Los Angeles Pierce College’s Department of Nursing offers an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) program approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Completion qualifies graduates to apply for licensure by examination as an RN in California. The program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) as of January 2025.
ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)
Two-year program with concurrent clinical and classroom instruction (25–30 hours per week). Students are admitted for Fall and Spring. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility in California.
LVN to RN (30-Unit Option)
Pathway for licensed vocational nurses to become registered nurses. Eligibility and course requirements are set by the program; confirm current options with the nursing department.
Foreign Nurse Graduate
Options may be available for internationally educated nurses; policies and requirements are outlined in the college’s Foreign Nurse Graduate Policy. Verify with the department.
ADN-BSN Collaborative
Collaborative programs with major universities help ADN graduates pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Details and partner schools are on the LAPC nursing resources page.
RN Transition into Practice
The only post-graduate RN “Transition into Practice” program in Los Angeles, supporting new RNs as they enter practice.
Effective January 15, 2025, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN. Candidacy expires January 15, 2027. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Los Angeles Pierce College reports a 96.77% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024/2025 and 100% for 2023/2024, as stated on the LAPC nursing department website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 96.77% |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2023/2024) | 100% |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | LAPC Nursing Department |
An official state average benchmark from the same California Board of Registered Nursing report was not provided in the sources reviewed for this guide. For the most current comparative data, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Los Angeles Pierce College has a Foreign Nurse Graduate policy and may admit international or foreign-educated applicants, but the exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by visa status and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure in California. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with LAPC and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether LAPC or the nursing program requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and minimum scores for the ADN program.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how LAPC wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements directly with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status. Confirm with LAPC and the LACCD international office.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Before you rely on any single source, verify everything with LAPC’s nursing department and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the LAPC nursing program is by random lottery among qualified applicants. You must complete prerequisites and the TEAS before applying. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance; most students are accepted within one year of application according to the college.
- Prerequisites completed (with grades posted) before application: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, General Psychology, Life-Span Psychology, College Reading/Comp, Intermediate Algebra or higher (STAT recommended)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all college coursework
- Overall GPA of 2.5 for Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology with no grade less than C and no more than one repetition per course
- TEAS test completed
- Course equivalencies required if prerequisites were taken outside LACCD
Application timeline
Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring entry. Specific opening and deadline dates are not listed in the provided sources; check the official Application Procedure page.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed (lottery selection) |
| Minimum Cumulative GPA | 2.5 |
| Science Prerequisite GPA | 2.5 (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology; no grade < C) |
| TEAS Required | Yes |
| Recency Policy | None (courses do not expire) |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete all prerequisites with the strongest grades possible; science grades matter. Prepare thoroughly for the TEAS. If you took courses outside LACCD, get course equivalencies confirmed early. There is no recency requirement, so older coursework still counts.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Complete the required prerequisites at LAPC or another school (with equivalency approval if outside LACCD). Take the TEAS and submit your nursing application during the open period. Consider the ADN-BSN collaborative path if you plan to pursue a BSN later.
🔄 LVN to RN
LAPC offers an LVN-to-RN 30-unit option. Confirm current eligibility and course requirements with the nursing department.
🌍 Foreign-educated nurse
Review the college’s Foreign Nurse Graduate Policy and contact the nursing department and the California BRN for licensure and admission steps.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Los Angeles Pierce College promotes its ADN program as the most cost-effective path to becoming an RN in the region. Below are estimated costs from the college’s nursing program cost page (amounts may vary).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| LAPC Tuition (per semester) | $500 |
| First Semester (est.) | ~$4,190–$4,940 (tuition, books, uniforms, immunizations, background check, etc.) |
| Second Semester (est.) | ~$520–$1,270 |
| Third Semester (est.) | ~$620 |
| Fourth Semester (est.) | ~$1,490 (includes BRN application, NCLEX fee, graduation) |
| Estimated Total (2-year ADN) | ~$6,390 |
| Fees & Living Costs | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. See the college’s cost page and financial aid office. |
Amounts above are estimates and can change. For the current breakdown, visit the official LAPC Nursing Program Costs page and the college’s financial aid office.
Complete the FAFSA for federal aid. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state or local scholarships may be available; confirm with the college’s financial aid office.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 96.77% |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2023/2024) | 100% |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about job placement or employers hiring LAPC nursing graduates, see the college’s nursing department or career services.
Is Los Angeles Pierce College the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, and career goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at LAPC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want the most cost-effective ADN path to RN licensure in the Los Angeles area
- Prefer a community college setting with Fall and Spring admission
- Plan to complete prerequisites and are comfortable with lottery-based selection
- Are interested in the only post-graduate RN Transition into Practice program in LA
- May want to pursue a BSN later via collaborative university agreements
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN or MSN directly from a four-year institution
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Prefer a program that selects by GPA/ranking rather than lottery
- Are outside the LACCD area and cannot attend in-person clinicals in the region
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Woodland Hills and the greater San Fernando Valley are part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States. LAPC nursing students complete 25–30 hours per week of clinical experience at local hospitals and health agencies; the college does not publish a definitive list of partner sites in the provided sources.
Greater Los Angeles has major health systems including Kaiser Permanente, Providence, Dignity Health, Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, and Keck Medicine of USC, plus numerous community hospitals and clinics. California continues to face strong demand for registered nurses, and ADN graduates are eligible for RN licensure and employment across the state.
Clinical placements in the LA area give students exposure to diverse populations and settings. For the most current list of clinical sites, contact the LAPC nursing department.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The nursing department is located in the Center for the Sciences (Building 9000) at 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills. Students receive concurrent classroom and clinical instruction for approximately 25–30 hours per week.
LAPC is part of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). Campus life includes clubs, student services, and counseling. The college emphasizes that most students are accepted to the nursing program within one year of application.
For simulation labs, student organizations, or other resources, contact the nursing department or visit the college website.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Woodland Hills, CA
- Address
- 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91371 (Center for the Sciences, Bldg 9000)
- Telephone
- (818) 719-6477
- Contact email
- lapc-nursing@laccd.edu
- Website
- www.lapc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official LAPC Nursing website and review the program and application procedure.
- Review the prerequisite course list and compare it to your transcripts; arrange course equivalencies if you took classes outside LACCD.
- Register for the TEAS exam if you have not taken it; confirm on the official admissions page that TEAS is required for your target term.
- Draft a list of questions for the LAPC nursing department or counseling.
- Reach out to current LAPC nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Note any deadlines for Fall vs. Spring application periods on the Application Procedure page.
- Check the application open and deadline dates for your target semester and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles Pierce College a good school for nursing?
LAPC’s ADN program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and reported NCLEX-RN pass rates of 96.77% (2024/2025) and 100% (2023/2024). The program is one of the most cost-effective paths to RN licensure in the Los Angeles area.
What GPA do you need for Pierce College nursing?
You need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all college coursework and an overall GPA of 2.5 for Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology with no grade less than C and no more than one repetition per course.
Does Pierce College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. The TEAS test is required as part of the application to the nursing program. Prerequisites must be completed before applying.
How competitive is admission to Pierce College nursing program?
Selection is by random lottery among qualified applicants. Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Most students are accepted within one year of application according to the college.
Does Pierce College offer an accelerated BSN?
Pierce College offers an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program, not a BSN. The college has collaborative programs with major universities to help ADN graduates pursue a BSN.
What are the clinical placement sites for Pierce College nursing students?
Students receive 25–30 hours per week of clinical experience at local hospitals and health agencies in the Los Angeles area. Specific site names are not listed in the provided sources; confirm with the nursing department.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Pierce College?
LAPC reported 96.77% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024/2025 and 100% for 2023/2024, as stated on the college’s nursing department website. For state comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- LAPC Nursing Department — NCLEX pass rates and program informationlapc.edu/academics/departments/nursing-dept
- LAPC Nursing Program Costslapc.edu (nursing-program-cost)
- LAPC Application Requirementslapc.edu (application-requirements)
- LAPC Application Procedurelapc.edu (application-procedure)
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. NCLEX and tuition data from LAPC official sources. Any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on unavailability 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 the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy