Santa Monica College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Santa Monica College ADN in Santa Monica. NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
SMC has led the nation in transfers to UC campuses for 35 years. Nursing graduates earn an Associate in Science and are eligible for NCLEX-RN; the program is designed for transfer to most BSN programs, with pathways to UCLA, USC, CSU, and other four-year schools.
Overview & Why Students Choose Santa Monica College
Located in Santa Monica, California, with the nursing program housed at the Bundy Campus near the Westside of Los Angeles, Santa Monica College offers an affordable, ACEN-accredited path to RN licensure. SMC has led the nation in transfers to University of California campuses for 35 years—including UCLA and UC Berkeley—making it an ideal launchpad for students who plan to complete a BSN after their ADN.
The nursing program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduates receive an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Whether you are entering as a pre-nursing student or you are an LVN seeking to advance to RN, SMC’s Health Sciences Department offers a focused, transfer-oriented nursing education.
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Santa Monica College was 100% (2024/2025, 65 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose SMC nursing
📈 Transfer Powerhouse
#1 in transfers to UC, UCLA, USC, and LMU for 35 years. ADN graduates are prepared for seamless transfer to most BSN programs.
🏥 ACEN-Accredited ADN
Program approved by California BRN and accredited by ACEN. Graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN and prepared for BSN transfer.
🩺 LVN-to-ADN Career Ladder
Pathway for licensed vocational nurses with valid CA LVN license and one year of direct patient care to earn an AS and sit for NCLEX-RN.
💵 Affordable Community College
California community college tuition and fees; SMC Promise and financial aid available. Lower cost path to RN before transferring to a four-year BSN.
🌴 Bundy Campus
Nursing program housed at Bundy Campus with modern facilities and access to greater Los Angeles clinical and employment opportunities.
Nursing Programs Offered
Santa Monica College offers two nursing pathways: a traditional ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) for students seeking initial RN licensure, and an LVN-to-ADN Career Ladder for licensed vocational nurses. Both are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). SMC does not offer BSN, MSN, or DNP; graduates transfer to four-year institutions for the bachelor’s and beyond.
Nursing (Registered Nurse) — ADN
Associate in Science degree. Prepares students to meet California BRN standards. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and are encouraged to transfer to BSN programs. Program map and requirements are available on the SMC catalog and nursing program pages.
LVN to ADN
For applicants with a valid California LVN license and one year of direct patient care experience within the past two years. Leads to Associate in Science and NCLEX-RN eligibility. Requirements and application process are detailed on the SMC nursing LVN-to-ADN page.
SMC outlines multiple pathways to the BSN: direct transfer without completing the ADN, transfer while in the ADN program, post-ADN completion, and options for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Use assist.org and the SMC Transfer Center for articulation with UC and CSU schools.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Santa Monica College was 100% (2024/2025 annual period, 65 test takers). The program is approved by the California BRN and accredited by ACEN; graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN upon completion of the ADN.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 100% (2024/2025) |
| Source | California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates |
Before relying on any single statistic, confirm the latest NCLEX outcomes with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the Santa Monica College nursing program. Requirements and reporting practices can change.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Santa Monica College welcomes international and out-of-state students; the exact requirements for nursing applicants vary by visa status and prior education. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with SMC’s International Education Center and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether SMC nursing requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and minimum scores. Confirm with the nursing program and International Education.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or a state-approved evaluator and how SMC wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, 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, financial documentation required, and how clinical placements align with your status. SMC has an International Education office for support.
Requirements change frequently. Verify everything with SMC’s International Education team and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
SMC’s nursing program is competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must be in good academic standing at SMC and meet prerequisite and assessment requirements. The Health Sciences Department has specific admission criteria for the ADN and LVN-to-ADN pathways.
- Overall GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite science courses (Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology), each with C or better within the last 5 years
- Only one repetition allowed in science prerequisites
- College-level English composition (min. 3 units) with C or better
- Good academic standing at SMC
- Negative criminal background check and drug screening
- Passing score on a California Chancellor’s Office approved admissions assessment
- Valid Social Security Number or ITIN. Science prerequisites must include on-ground lab components (effective Fall 2022)
LVN-to-ADN: valid California LVN license and one year of direct patient care experience within the past two years.
Application timeline
Application deadlines and notification dates are not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources. Check the official SMC Nursing Admissions page for current dates.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum Science GPA | 2.5 (prerequisite sciences) |
| Assessment Required | California Chancellor’s Office approved (e.g. TEAS or equivalent) |
| Interview Required | Not publicly disclosed |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed (LVN-to-ADN requires 1 yr experience) |
Complete science prerequisites with the strongest grades possible; only one repetition is allowed. Confirm on the official SMC nursing page which assessment (e.g. TEAS) is currently required and prepare accordingly. Meet with a Health Sciences counselor to create an educational plan.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Complete Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Microbiology with labs and a C or better within five years. Build a strong GPA in these and English. Use the SMC Transfer Center and assist.org to plan for BSN transfer after your ADN.
🔄 LVN-to-ADN applicant
Ensure you have one year of direct patient care experience within the past two years and a valid California LVN license. Check the SMC LVN-to-ADN page for application steps and deadlines.
🩺 Second-degree seeker
SMC does not offer BSN or MSN. The ADN is an affordable path to RN licensure; after passing the NCLEX-RN you can transfer to an RN-to-BSN or accelerated BSN program elsewhere.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Santa Monica College is a California community college; tuition and fees are set by the state and are typically lower than four-year institutions. Exact tuition, fees, and cost of attendance for the nursing program were not provided in the inputs reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (In-State) | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources |
| Fees & Living Costs | Not publicly disclosed |
| Financial Aid | SMC offers financial aid and scholarships; SMC Promise Program available |
For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official SMC Financial Aid & Scholarships and the college’s cost of attendance page. Do not rely on estimates; verify with the institution.
Complete the FAFSA and explore the SMC Promise Program. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students; confirm with the program and SMC financial aid.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 100% (CA BRN 2024/2025) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For outcomes and career information, see the SMC nursing program and SMC Career Services. For NCLEX outcomes, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Is Santa Monica 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 SMC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable ADN path to RN licensure at a community college
- Plan to transfer to a BSN program (UC, CSU, or private) after the ADN
- Are LVNs seeking an LVN-to-ADN career ladder in the greater LA area
- Prefer a Westside LA / Santa Monica location (Bundy Campus)
- Value ACEN accreditation and California BRN approval
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN, MSN, or DNP directly from the same school (SMC offers ADN only)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN)
- Prefer a small-town or non-urban setting
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area form one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States. Major health systems and hospitals across the Westside and LA County provide a wide range of clinical placement and employment opportunities for nursing graduates.
| Context | Details |
|---|---|
| Greater LA healthcare | Multiple major health systems, academic medical centers, and community hospitals within commuting distance of Santa Monica and the Bundy Campus. |
| Clinical placements | Specific partner sites are not listed in the provided inputs/sources. Contact the SMC nursing program for current clinical partners. |
| Regional demand | California and the Los Angeles region have strong demand for registered nurses; ADN graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN and employment in the state. |
Proximity to a large healthcare market supports clinical rotations and post-graduation job opportunities. Confirm current clinical placement sites directly with the SMC Health Sciences Department.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The nursing program is housed at SMC’s Bundy Campus, a modern four-story building with free parking and general-education and health-sciences courses. The campus also hosts teacher training and continuing education. Student resources include the Health Sciences counseling and the Transfer Center for BSN transfer planning.
SMC offers tutoring, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing, career services, and a variety of student support resources. For simulation labs and clinical skills training, confirm current facilities with the nursing program. The main campus at 1900 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica and the Bundy Campus provide access to a large, diverse student body and the greater LA area.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Santa Monica, CA (main); Bundy Campus (nursing)
- Address
- 1900 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405, US
- Telephone
- (310) 434-4000
- Contact email
- See SMC Nursing and International Education for contact options
- Website
- www.smc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official SMC Nursing website and review program requirements and pathways.
- Review the prerequisite course list (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology with labs, English) and compare to your transcripts; ensure science courses are within the last 5 years.
- Confirm which admissions assessment (e.g. TEAS) is required and register if needed. Check the official nursing admissions page.
- Schedule an appointment with a Health Sciences counselor to create an educational plan.
- Reach out to current SMC nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and transfer outcomes.
- If applying to LVN-to-ADN, verify you have one year of direct patient care within the past two years and a valid CA LVN license.
- Check application deadlines on the SMC nursing admissions page and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Monica College a good school for nursing?
SMC’s nursing program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by ACEN. Graduates receive an Associate in Science and are eligible for NCLEX-RN. SMC leads the nation in transfers to UC campuses, making it a strong choice for students planning to complete a BSN after the ADN.
What GPA do you need for Santa Monica College nursing?
You need an overall GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite science courses (Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology), each with a grade of C or better within the last 5 years. Only one repetition is allowed in science prerequisites.
Does Santa Monica College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
SMC requires a passing score on a California Chancellor’s Office approved admissions assessment, which may include the TEAS or an equivalent. Confirm the current requirement on the official SMC nursing admissions page.
How competitive is admission to Santa Monica College nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Admission is competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Requirements include science GPA, assessment score, and good academic standing at SMC.
Does Santa Monica College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. SMC is a community college and offers an ADN and LVN-to-ADN program only. Graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN and can transfer to BSN programs; SMC has strong transfer pathways to UC and CSU schools.
What are the clinical placement sites for SMC nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources. The nursing program is at SMC’s Bundy Campus. Contact the Health Sciences Department or nursing program for current clinical partner information.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Santa Monica College?
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Santa Monica College was 100% (2024/2025, 65 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
References
- Santa Monica College Nursing Programsmc.edu (nursing)
- SMC Nursing Admissionssmc.edu (nursing admission)
- SMC LVN to ADNsmc.edu (LVN-to-ADN)
- SMC Financial Aid & Scholarshipssmc.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. Any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on unavailability in the 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 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy