San Diego City College Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
San Diego City College ADN in San Diego. NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
San Diego City College offers an ACEN-accredited, California BRN-approved ADN in San Diego at low in-state tuition. Same city as San Diego State University, National University, and Point Loma Nazarene—so ADN graduates have strong RN-to-BSN and graduate options nearby.
Overview & Why Students Choose San Diego City College
Located in San Diego, at the center of California’s San Diego region, San Diego City College offers an affordable, ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and RN licensure. As part of the San Diego Community College District, SDCC serves a diverse population and places students in the region’s hospitals and clinics for clinical experience.
What sets SDCC apart is its location: San Diego is home to San Diego State University, National University, and Point Loma Nazarene University—all offering BSN and graduate nursing programs—so ADN graduates have strong RN-to-BSN and MSN options in the same city.
A specific NCLEX-RN pass rate was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. For the latest outcomes and state comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing and SDCC’s nursing program page.
Five reasons students choose San Diego City College
✅ ACEN & BRN Approved
ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
📍 San Diego Location
San Diego is a major healthcare hub with strong demand for nurses and diverse clinical settings, including major hospital systems and community health.
🩺 Same City BSN Options
San Diego State University, National University, and Point Loma Nazarene offer BSN and graduate nursing—so ADN graduates have a convenient path to BSN and beyond without relocating.
💵 Low Cost
California community college tuition ($46 per unit in-state). Financial aid and Cal Grant eligible; confirm FAFSA school code on SDCC’s financial aid page.
🎓 LVN-to-RN Option
SDCC offers an LVN to RN (30-unit) option for licensed vocational nurses seeking the ADN and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Nursing Programs Offered
San Diego City College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program for registered nursing, plus an LVN-to-RN (30-unit) option. The program is ACEN-accredited and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for RN licensure in California.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Pre-licensure ADN for students seeking RN licensure. Combines prerequisite and general education with nursing coursework and clinical hours. Program length and exact unit count should be confirmed on the official SDCC Nursing program page.
LVN to RN (30-Unit Option)
For licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) seeking to complete the ADN and sit for the NCLEX-RN. Confirm current requirements and application process on the SDCC Nursing LVN-RN page.
SDCC does not offer a BSN, MSN, or DNP. Graduates who want a bachelor’s in nursing can pursue an RN-to-BSN at San Diego State University, National University, Point Loma Nazarene (same city), or other four-year schools.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
A specific NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for San Diego City College’s ADN program was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source | Confirm with SDCC Nursing and California BRN |
Before relying on any NCLEX or placement figure, confirm the latest statistics with San Diego City College and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
San Diego City College may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by 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 SDCC and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether SDCC requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam for admission to the nursing program, and minimum scores.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or a state-approved evaluator and how SDCC wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F-1 or other visas, financial documentation required, and how clinical placements align with your status.
Requirements change. Verify everything with San Diego City College’s admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
San Diego City College’s nursing program is selective. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The Nursing program has its own application process; check the program brochure and the Health-Related Sciences pathway for current steps and deadlines.
- Eligibility to attend San Diego City College (application, residency)
- Prerequisite and general education courses (GPA and course list not fully specified in provided inputs)
- TEAS or other entrance exam if required (confirm on official program page)
- Completed application by the program deadline
Application timeline
Application deadlines and entry terms are not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Check the SDCC Nursing program page and attend pre-nursing workshops. For general nursing information, contact the Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center or SDCC Counseling at (619) 388-3441.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Not publicly disclosed; confirm with program |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete prerequisites with strong grades and confirm current requirements (GPA, TEAS, deadlines) on the official SDCC nursing page. Attend information workshops and reach out to the Nursing department at (619) 388-3441 for the latest criteria.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Apply to San Diego City College and complete the required prerequisites for the ADN. Focus on strong grades in science and math. Healthcare volunteer or work experience can strengthen your application.
🔄 LVN or other advanced standing
SDCC’s nursing program offerings (e.g., advanced placement or LVN-to-RN) should be confirmed with the Nursing department. Contact (619) 388-3441 for current pathways.
🩺 Already an RN
SDCC offers ADN only. For a BSN, consider San Diego State University, National University, and Point Loma Nazarene University (same city) or another RN-to-BSN program.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
San Diego City College is a California community college with low per-unit fees. Below are key figures; for a full cost of attendance (fees, books, living costs), see the college’s official tuition and financial aid pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment fee (In-State, per unit) | $46 (set by the state) |
| Nonresident tuition (per unit) | Not publicly disclosed in provided inputs; see SDCC Tuition & Fees |
| Other fees (health, student center, parking) | See SDCC Tuition & Fees page |
| Fees & living costs (housing, books) | Not publicly disclosed in provided inputs; see SDCC Cost of Attendance |
| FAFSA school code | Confirm on SDCC Financial Aid page |
Fees and nonresident rates can change. For a current breakdown, visit the official SDCC Tuition & Fees and Financial Aid pages at sdcity.edu.
Complete the FAFSA and check Cal Grant and California Promise eligibility. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students. Contact SDCC Financial Aid for school code and current information.
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 NCLEX outcomes and employers hiring SDCC nursing graduates, see the school’s nursing program page and career services at sdcity.edu.
Is San Diego City College the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and location. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at SDCC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, ACEN-accredited ADN in the San Diego region
- Prefer a community college pathway to RN licensure
- Plan to work in San Diego or the region after graduation
- Want the option to pursue RN-to-BSN at San Diego State, National University, or Point Loma (same city) later
- Are comfortable completing prerequisites and competing for limited seats
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN or accelerated BSN (SDCC offers ADN only)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Are seeking MSN, DNP, or PhD options (SDCC does not offer graduate nursing)
- Prefer a four-year university setting from day one
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
San Diego is a major healthcare hub with multiple hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, and community facilities serving a diverse population. Strong demand for registered nurses and a variety of acute and community settings provide SDCC nursing students with relevant clinical placement opportunities. Confirm current partners with the SDCC Nursing department.
Strong regional demand for RNs and diverse clinical settings give SDCC nursing students access to relevant clinical experiences. California continues to have high demand for nurses; confirm current placement sites with the SDCC Nursing program at (619) 388-3441.
Student Experience & Campus Life
San Diego City College’s nursing program is part of the Math, Science & Nursing school. Nursing students use campus labs and simulation resources; clinical experiences take place at partner facilities in the San Diego region.
For pre-nursing workshops and program information, contact the Nursing department at (619) 388-3441 or citynursing@sdccd.edu, or visit the official SDCC Nursing program page.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- San Diego, CA
- Address
- 1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101, US
- Telephone
- (619) 388-3441 (Nursing)
- Contact email
- citynursing@sdccd.edu
- Website
- www.sdcity.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official SDCC Nursing website and download the program brochure if available.
- Review the prerequisite and application requirements and compare them to your transcripts.
- If the program requires the TEAS or another exam, confirm on the official page and register if needed.
- Draft a list of questions for the Nursing department or Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center; call (619) 388-3441 or email citynursing@sdccd.edu.
- Reach out to current SDCC nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences.
- Begin outlining your personal statement or application materials if required.
- Check the application deadline for your target entry term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego City College a good school for nursing?
SDCC’s ADN program is ACEN-accredited and California BRN-approved. It offers an affordable pathway to RN licensure in the San Diego region. San Diego is also home to San Diego State University, National University, and Point Loma Nazarene University’s BSN/MSN/DNP programs for those seeking to advance after the ADN.
What GPA do you need for San Diego City College nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Contact the Nursing program or Health-Related Sciences pathway at SDCC for current admission criteria and prerequisite GPA expectations.
Does San Diego City College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement is not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Confirm current admission requirements (including TEAS or other entrance exams) on the official SDCC Nursing program page or with the Nursing department at (619) 388-3441.
How competitive is admission to San Diego City College nursing program?
The program is selective; acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Check the program brochure and attend information workshops; contact the Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center or SDCC Counseling at (619) 388-3441.
Does San Diego City College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. San Diego City College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program only. There is no BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, or DNP. Graduates may pursue RN-to-BSN at San Diego State University, National University, Point Loma Nazarene, or other four-year schools.
What are the clinical placement sites for San Diego City College nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not fully listed in the provided inputs. Students complete rotations at healthcare facilities in the San Diego region. Confirm current sites with the SDCC Nursing department at (619) 388-3441.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for San Diego City College?
A specific NCLEX-RN pass rate was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. Confirm current data with San Diego City College and the California Board of Registered Nursing (rn.ca.gov).
References
- San Diego City College Nursing Programsdcity.edu/academics/schools-programs/math-sci-nurse/nursing/
- San Diego City College — main sitesdcity.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- ACEN — program accreditationacenursing.org
- All other data as provided in inputs. NCLEX and placement data: not publicly disclosed; verify with SDCC and California BRN.
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