Pasadena City College: ADN Review (2026)
Pasadena City College ADN in Pasadena. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
PCC’s ADN is an affordable, ACEN-accredited path to RN licensure in the Inland Empire. Complete prerequisites, meet with a Health and Wellness Pathway Counselor, and apply during the official application windows—early applications are not accepted.
Overview & Why Students Choose Pasadena City College
Pasadena City College (PCC), in Pasadena, California, offers an Associate in Science degree in Registered Nursing (ADN) through its Health Sciences Division. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and is a candidate for initial accreditation by ACEN (candidacy expires March 18, 2026), preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and work as registered nurses.
Whether you are a first-time college student or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) seeking an RN, PCC’s Health Sciences Division provides a structured path: at affiliate healthcare facilities.
A specific NCLEX-RN pass rate was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. For current comparative data, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Five reasons students choose PCC for nursing
📊 Points-based selection
100-point system: prerequisite GPA, TEAS 7 (min 62), life circumstances, degrees, and relevant coursework (e.g. sociology, nutrition, statistics, psychology, speech, critical thinking).
🏥 Greater LA clinicals
Clinical rotations at affiliate sites. COVID-19 and influenza vaccination required for all clinical sites.
💰 Community college value
California community college tuition and fees make the ADN an affordable path to RN licensure in the LA area.
🔄 LVN-to-RN (Career Ladder)
LVNs can complete the ADN via the Career Ladder option; same application periods and selection criteria.
📋 Clear application windows
Applications only during April 1–15 (fall start) and August 1–15 (spring start). Late submissions are not accepted.
Nursing Programs Offered
Pasadena City College offers associate-level nursing education only. The program is California BRN-approved and an ACEN candidate for initial accreditation. PCC does not offer a BSN, MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — Generic
Four semesters after prerequisites. Completes with AS in Nursing and Certificate of Achievement in Registered Nursing; eligible for NCLEX-RN. Prerequisites: English, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology (min 2.5 GPA, C or better).
LVN to RN (Career Ladder)
Option for LVNs to complete the ADN. Same application periods (April 1–15 for fall, August 1–15 for spring) and selection criteria as the generic ADN.
PCC does not offer BSN, accelerated BSN (ABSN), MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing. For a bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing, consider a four-year university or other institution.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
PCC’s ADN program states that program pass rates are consistently above state and national averages. A specific first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate or cohort size was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | Not publicly disclosed (reported as above state and national averages) |
| Source | PCC ADN Program; confirm with California BRN |
Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest NCLEX statistics and benchmarks with Pasadena City College’s Health Sciences Division and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by visa status, prior 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 PCC and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether PCC or clinical partners require TOEFL, IELTS, or another exam for non-native English speakers, and minimum scores.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: PCC requires proof of high school diploma or equivalent (U.S. accredited or NACES-evaluated). All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved U.S. company found at naces.org. Confirm how and when to submit evaluations.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F-1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit your status.
Policies change frequently. Cross-check everything with PCC’s admissions/enrollment services and the California Board of Registered Nursing before you rely on any single source.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the ADN program is selective and uses a 100-point system. You must be admitted to PCC, complete prerequisites with 2.5 GPA and C or better, and submit an online application only during the application windows (April 1–15 for fall, August 1–15 for spring). Late applications are not accepted.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses
- Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Statistics (or college-level math 100+), Freshman Composition or Critical Thinking/Writing (22 units). LVN-ADN also requires Intro to Psychology or Human Development.
- Application and admission to Pasadena City College; completion of PCC’s enrollment process
- Meeting with a Health and Wellness Pathway Counselor; signed Nursing Transcript Evaluation Request
- Proof of high school diploma or equivalent (U.S. or NACES-evaluated); all official transcripts to Enrollment Services
- TEAS exam (version 7 accepted; highest score used)
- Submission of program application during the filing period (email or in-person as specified)
Application timeline
| Starting semester | Application period (online only) |
|---|---|
| Fall | April 1 – April 15 |
| Spring | August 1 – August 15 |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 cumulative; C or better in prereqs |
| TEAS required | Yes (TEAS 7 only; min 62) |
| Selection | 100-point system |
Attend the Nursing Information and Application Workshops (offered via Zoom). Get your transcript evaluation in by the deadline—evaluations are valid one year. Only one submission per student, per program, per application period is accepted. Contact pcchealthsciences@pasadena.edu or (626) 585-3378 with questions.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time or transfer applicant
Enroll at PCC, complete prerequisites with a 2.5+ GPA and C or better in each. Meet with a Health and Wellness Pathway Counselor early to plan the transcript evaluation and application timeline.
🔄 LVN seeking RN
Submit a copy (front and back) of your current, active California LVN license with the Nursing Transcript Evaluation Request. Complete the additional psychology prerequisite and apply during the same windows as the generic ADN.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Pasadena City College is a California community college. Per-credit tuition and mandatory fees for in-state vs out-of-state were not provided in the sources reviewed. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official PCC website or the college’s financial aid and student business services pages.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (in-state / out-of-state) | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Estimated program costs (books, uniforms, supplies, immunizations, background checks) | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Fees, housing, meals | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
Upon acceptance (not application), ADN students must provide proof of specific immunizations to enter clinical facilities. Do not estimate tuition or fees—confirm all figures and requirements on the school’s official cost and financial aid pages.
Complete the FAFSA and any PCC-specific aid applications. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state or federal aid may be available to qualifying nursing students. Contact PCC Financial Aid for current options.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Graduates of the ADN program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and, upon passing, work as registered nurses in California and elsewhere. A specific NCLEX pass rate or job placement percentage was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job placement rate | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For placement and employer data, see the school’s outcomes or career services pages, or contact the Health Sciences Division.
Is Pasadena City College the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, career goals, and timeline. Here’s a concise look at who tends to fit PCC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, ACEN-accredited ADN path to RN licensure
- Can complete prerequisites and meet application and evaluation deadlines
- Prefer a structured process with counselor support and workshops
- Are LVNs seeking an associate-degree RN option in the Inland Empire
- Plan to work in California or transfer to an RN-to-BSN program later
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need a BSN, MSN, DNP, or accelerated BSN—PCC does not offer these
- Want a fully online pre-licensure program
- Cannot attend clinicals or workshops in the region (or via Zoom where offered)
- Are looking for a single, rolling application deadline
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The Greater Los Angeles area (Pasadena and region) has a large and growing population and healthcare demand. Major hospital systems and community facilities in the region provide clinical placement opportunities for PCC nursing students. Specific clinical partners were not listed in the sources reviewed; contact the Health Sciences Division for current placement sites.
California continues to experience strong demand for RNs. An ADN from PCC can lead to employment in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and other settings, and graduates may later pursue an RN-to-BSN or advanced degree elsewhere.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The ADN program is in the Health Sciences Division on PCC’s Foothill Campus (Bungalow B-6, 3035 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107). Applications are submitted online only during the application windows (April 1–15 for fall, August 1–15 for spring).
The college serves a diverse student body and provides counseling, enrollment, and support services. Contact the Health Sciences Division at (626) 585-3378 or pcchealthsciences@pasadena.edu for program questions and current hours.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Foothill Campus (Health Sciences, Bungalow B-6)
- Address
- 3035 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91107; main campus 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
- Telephone
- (626) 585-3378 (Health Sciences)
- Contact email
- pcchealthsciences@pasadena.edu
- Website
- www.pasadena.edu/academics/divisions/health-sciences/nursing-programs/rn
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official PCC ADN program page and read the application and admission information.
- Review the prerequisite list (English, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology — min 2.5 GPA, C or better) and compare to your transcripts.
- Register for the TEAS 7 exam and aim for at least 62 (Adjusted Individual Total). Request ATI send results to PCC and prepare a PDF of your TEAS transcript for the application.
- Gather all official transcripts (all colleges attended) and convert to PDF for upload. Foreign transcripts require IERF or ACEI evaluation.
- Note the application window: April 1–15 for fall start, August 1–15 for spring start. Applications are online only; late submissions are not accepted.
- Complete the online Registered Nursing application during the open period and upload all required PDFs.
- Upon acceptance, plan for health clearance, immunizations (COVID-19 and flu required for clinicals), background check, and drug screen. Contact pcchealthsciences@pasadena.edu with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasadena City College a good school for nursing?
PCC’s ADN program is California BRN-approved and an ACEN candidate for initial accreditation. Selection uses a 100-point system and requires TEAS 7 (min 62). For the latest NCLEX data, confirm with the California Board of Registered Nursing.
What GPA do you need for Pasadena City College nursing?
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses are required.
Does Pasadena City College require the TEAS exam?
Yes. Only TEAS 7 is accepted. A minimum Adjusted Individual Total score of 62 is required to apply. Applicants who meet other criteria but not the TEAS minimum may be offered a remediation plan and can reapply after retaking the exam.
How competitive is admission to Pasadena City College nursing program?
Selection is based on a 100-point system (GPA, TEAS score, life circumstances, degrees, relevant coursework). The acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.
Does Pasadena City College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. PCC offers an ADN (generic) and LVN-to-RN (Career Ladder) only. It does not offer BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, or PhD in Nursing.
What are the clinical placement sites for Pasadena City College nursing students?
Clinical placement sites were not listed in the provided sources. Contact the Health Sciences Division at pcchealthsciences@pasadena.edu or (626) 585-3378 for current clinical affiliate sites.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Pasadena City College?
A specific NCLEX pass rate was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Confirm current data with the California Board of Registered Nursing (rn.ca.gov).
References
- PCC Associate Degree Nursing Programpasadena.edu/academics/divisions/health-sciences/nursing-programs/rn
- PCC ADN Admission Informationpasadena.edu/academics/divisions/health-sciences/nursing-programs/rn/admissions
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX and licensurern.ca.gov
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)acenursing.org
- All other data as provided in our inputs. Any data point marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on the unavailability of this information in the official 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 relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy