Rio Hondo College Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
Rio Hondo College in Whittier: ADN. Compare NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements in Whittier.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Rio Hondo College’s ADN program is ACEN-accredited through Spring 2030 and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. With four entry pathways—including LVN to ADN and a 30 Unit Non-Graduate option—it is a cost-effective route to RN licensure in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Overview & Why Students Choose Rio Hondo College
Located in Whittier, California, in the Greater Los Angeles area, Rio Hondo College offers an affordable, ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and serves students seeking a cost-effective path to RN licensure.
Whether you are new to nursing (Generic ADN), already an LVN or psychiatric technician, or pursuing the 30 Unit Non-Graduate option, the Division of Health Science and Nursing provides multiple entry points to match your background.
Rio Hondo’s ADN program has secured accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), retroactive to September 2022 and valid through Spring 2030. For current NCLEX pass rates, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report.
Five reasons students choose Rio Hondo College
📜 ACEN & BRN Approved
ADN program is ACEN-accredited through 2030 and approved by the California BRN. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
🛤️ Multiple Entry Points
Generic ADN (5 semesters), LVN to ADN (3 semesters), Psychiatric Technician to ADN (4–5 semesters), and 30 Unit Non-Graduate option (3 semesters).
💵 Low Cost
California community college tuition: $46/unit in-state. Annual tuition & fees for residents approximately $1,388; many students qualify for Rio Promise or financial aid.
🎖️ Military & Veterans
Military personnel and veterans may be eligible for enrollment on a space-available basis; pathways for Corpsman and similar experience are outlined by the program.
📍 Greater LA Access
Whittier is within reach of Los Angeles-area hospitals and clinical sites, supporting strong demand for RNs in the region.
Nursing Programs Offered
Rio Hondo College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) only. The program prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX/RN state board examination and become Registered Nurses. All prerequisite science courses must be taken in person.
Generic ADN (Option #1)
For students just starting nursing with no prior nursing courses. Five semesters. Leads to AS in Nursing and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
LVN to ADN (Option #2)
For licensed Vocational Nurses or Practical Nurses seeking RN license and AS in Nursing. Three semesters.
Licensed Psychiatric Technician to ADN (Option #3)
Psych Techs may challenge ADN 151/151L and are not required to take Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (ADN 252/252L). Four or five semesters depending on challenge outcome.
30 Unit Option (Non-Graduate)
For LVNs wishing to obtain RN license as a non-graduate. Three semesters.
Rio Hondo College does not offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Graduates may pursue RN-to-BSN or advanced degrees at other institutions.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Rio Hondo College directs the public to the California Board of Registered Nursing for official NCLEX-RN pass rates and attrition data. A specific pass rate for the most recent cohort was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Pass Rates (official) | California BRN — Pass Rates |
| Attrition (official) | California BRN — Attrition |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest pass rates and benchmarks with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the school’s Division of Health Science and Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Rio Hondo College admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa type, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Rio Hondo and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Rio Hondo requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam for the ADN program, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- 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 pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, financial documentation required, and how clinical placements fit your immigration status. Contact Rio Hondo’s International Student resources.
Requirements change frequently. Verify everything with Rio Hondo’s admissions/International Office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Rio Hondo’s ADN program uses a separate application from general college admission. Admission is competitive and space is limited. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- All prerequisite science courses must be taken in person.
- Apply via the official ADN application (AccessRio login required). Application includes a save feature; uploaded documents are not saved, so have them ready before submitting.
- Fall 2026 application period: check the official ADN Application page for open and close dates.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete prerequisites with strong grades, especially in sciences. Confirm current requirements and deadlines on the Division of Health Science and Nursing and ADN application pages. Have documents ready before you start the application.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / Generic ADN applicant
Focus on completing prerequisite courses in person with the best grades possible. Confirm the exact list and any TEAS or other test requirements with the program.
🩺 LVN or Psychiatric Technician
You may qualify for advanced placement (LVN to ADN or Psych Tech to ADN). Ensure your license is current and that you meet recency and other program requirements.
🎖️ Military / veteran
Military personnel and veterans may be eligible for enrollment on a space-available basis. Have DD214 or supervisor letter and meet education/recency requirements per program guidelines.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Rio Hondo College is a California community college with low per-unit tuition. Below are key figures from the school’s Cost of Attendance; verify current amounts on the official website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (In-State, per unit) | $46 |
| Tuition (Non-Resident, per unit, in addition to $46) | $400 |
| Annual Tuition & Fees (CA Resident) | ~$1,388 |
| Annual Tuition & Fees (Non-Resident) | ~$9,884 |
| Annual Cost of Attendance (Resident, living at home) | ~$21,235 |
| Annual Cost of Attendance (Resident, away from home) | ~$27,949 |
| Source | Rio Hondo Cost of Attendance |
Additional fees (e.g. health, representation, college service, transit) may apply. For a current breakdown, see Fees and Refunds and the official Cost of Attendance page.
Rio Hondo offers financial aid and the Rio Promise program; some students qualify for free tuition for two years. Complete the FAFSA. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about employers hiring Rio Hondo nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services and the Division of Health Science and Nursing.
Is Rio Hondo the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and life circumstances. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Rio Hondo College and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, ACEN-accredited ADN at a California community college
- Are LVNs or psychiatric technicians seeking RN licensure via advanced placement
- Prefer in-person prerequisite sciences and a campus in the Greater LA area
- Are military or veterans eligible for space-available enrollment
- Plan to work as an RN and possibly pursue RN-to-BSN elsewhere later
⚠️ 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 an accelerated BSN (ABSN)
- Prefer a four-year university with graduate nursing options
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Whittier and the Greater Los Angeles area form one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States. Major hospital systems, community hospitals, and outpatient facilities across the region create strong demand for RNs and diverse clinical placement opportunities for nursing students.
California continues to face high demand for registered nurses. Rio Hondo ADN graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and work in hospitals, clinics, and community settings across the state. Specific clinical placement sites are not listed in the provided inputs; contact the Division of Health Science and Nursing for current partners.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Rio Hondo College’s Division of Health Science and Nursing is located in the Science Building, Room S207. The college offers a range of support programs, campus life activities, and resources; nursing students complete prerequisite sciences in person and participate in program-specific orientation and clinical experiences.
For details on simulation labs, student organizations, and campus life, visit the college’s Campus Life and Health Science & Nursing pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Whittier, CA
- Address
- 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601, US
- Division (Nursing)
- Science Building, S207
- Telephone
- (562) 908-3421
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Website
- www.riohondo.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Rio Hondo ADN program page and read the entry-point options (Generic, LVN to ADN, Psych Tech, 30 Unit).
- Review the prerequisite course list and confirm all science courses are taken in person. Compare to your transcripts.
- If the program requires the TEAS or another exam, confirm on the official ADN application page and register if needed.
- Draft a list of questions for the Division of Health Science and Nursing (562) 908-3421.
- Reach out to current Rio Hondo nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences.
- Gather documents required for the ADN application; have them ready before submitting (uploads are not saved between sessions).
- Check the application open and close dates for your target term on the ADN Application page and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rio Hondo College a good school for nursing?
Rio Hondo’s ADN program is ACEN-accredited through Spring 2030 and approved by the California BRN. It offers multiple entry points (Generic ADN, LVN to ADN, Psychiatric Technician to ADN, 30 Unit option) and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. It is a cost-effective option in the Greater LA area.
What GPA do you need for Rio Hondo College nursing?
Minimum GPA for the ADN program is not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Check the official ADN application and Division of Health Science and Nursing for current prerequisite and GPA requirements.
Does Rio Hondo College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement is not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Confirm current requirements on the official ADN Application page or with the Division of Health Science and Nursing.
How competitive is admission to Rio Hondo College’s nursing program?
Admission is competitive and space is limited; acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Verify current selection criteria and deadlines with the college.
Does Rio Hondo College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. Rio Hondo is a community college and offers only the ADN. It does not offer BSN, MSN, or DNP. Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN and become RNs; many later pursue RN-to-BSN at other institutions.
What are the clinical placement sites for Rio Hondo nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not available in the provided inputs/sources. Contact the Division of Health Science and Nursing at (562) 908-3421 for current clinical partner information.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Rio Hondo College?
Current NCLEX-RN pass rate is not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. The California Board of Registered Nursing publishes pass rates by program at rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml; confirm the latest data there.
References
- Rio Hondo College — Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)riohondo.edu/health-science-and-nursing/associate-degree-nursing-adn
- Rio Hondo College — Division of Health Science and Nursingriohondo.edu/academics/divisions/health-science-nursing
- Rio Hondo College — ADN Applicationriohondo.edu (ADN application)
- Rio Hondo College — Cost of Attendanceriohondo.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
- Rio Hondo College — Nursing Program Secures ACEN Accreditation Through 2030 (press release)riohondo.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursing — Pass rates and attritionrn.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 relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy