De Anza College Nursing: Programs & Requirements (2026)
De Anza College in Cupertino offers ADN. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
De Anza offers a California BRN–approved ADN with three application periods per year and options for LVNs and military health providers. The program typically uses a waiting list—check the Updates for Applicants page for current deadlines and HESI requirements.
Overview & Why Students Choose De Anza
De Anza College sits in Cupertino, in the heart of Silicon Valley, and offers one of the region’s affordable pathways to RN licensure. Its nursing department is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Whether you are completing prerequisites for the generic ADN, already an LVN seeking your RN, or a military health provider qualifying for advanced placement, De Anza’s nursing program provides structured options with three application periods per year and clear program guides.
De Anza publishes licensing pass rates on its career-training pass rates page. For the most current NCLEX-RN data and how it compares to state averages, consult that page and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Five reasons students choose De Anza
📍 Silicon Valley location
Cupertino places you near major Bay Area hospitals and healthcare employers, with strong regional demand for nurses.
💰 Affordable ADN pathway
Community college per-unit tuition keeps program cost lower than many four-year options while still leading to RN licensure.
🩺 LVN-to-RN & military options
Structured advanced placement for LVNs and for qualifying military health providers, with dedicated policies and accelerated waitlist consideration for veterans.
📋 Three application windows
Applications accepted Feb 15–Apr 15, Nov 15–Jan 15, and Sept 1–15, so you can plan around HESI and prerequisites.
📚 Clear program materials
Program Information and Getting Started guides, worksheets, and information meetings help you prepare and complete your application correctly.
Nursing Programs Offered
De Anza’s Nursing Department offers three programs of study, all leading to an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The college also allows advanced placement from other RN programs when space permits.
Registered Nursing (A.S. degree)
Traditional ADN track. Prerequisites and general education must be completed; then nursing coursework and clinicals. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. See the Program Information and Getting Started guides for prerequisite and degree requirements.
LVN Transition to Registered Nursing
For licensed vocational nurses seeking an A.S. in Registered Nursing. Same degree outcome as the generic RN program with advanced placement. Policy and requirements are documented on the nursing program’s LVN-to-RN page.
Advanced Placement for Military Health Providers
Special procedures for current and former military personnel who qualify, including admission as advanced placement students and accelerated placement on the waiting list. See the nursing program’s military veterans’ policies.
De Anza may accept advanced placement from other registered nursing programs when space permits. Detailed documentation of previous nursing education is required beyond normal RN program requirements. Prerequisites match the RN program except Nursing 50 is not required and the co-requisite sociology or cultural anthropology class is a prerequisite.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
De Anza College publishes licensing pass rates for its career-training programs, including nursing, on its official Licensing Pass Rates page. That page is the appropriate place to see the most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate and cohort size for the nursing program.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | See De Anza’s career-training pass rates page for current data |
| Source | De Anza College Licensing Pass Rates |
NCLEX outcomes can change by cohort. Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest pass rates with De Anza’s nursing department and the California Board of Registered Nursing. An official state average from the same report was not used in this guide; consult the Board for comparative data.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
De Anza enrolls international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores depend on your country, visa status, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with De Anza and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a substitute for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether De Anza or the nursing program requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, or another exam, 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 those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, any 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 immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Verify everything with De Anza’s admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
De Anza’s nursing program accepts applications during three periods each year and typically maintains a waiting list. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee immediate acceptance; when your application is accepted, you are placed at the end of the waiting list. Check the Updates for Applicants page for the latest deadlines and waitlist information.
- Download and complete the Nursing Program Application
- Take the HESI Admission Assessment Exam no later than the last day of the application period (taking it earlier so you can include results with your application is recommended)
- Review the Program Information and Getting Started guides for prerequisites and selection process
Application periods
| Application Window | Dates |
|---|---|
| Period 1 | Feb 15 – Apr 15 |
| Period 2 | Nov 15 – Jan 15 |
| Period 3 | Sept 1 – 15 |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed (waiting list typical) |
| Admission Exam | HESI Admission Assessment Exam (required) |
| TEAS Required | No (De Anza uses HESI) |
| Prerequisites | See Program Information and Getting Started guides |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete prerequisites and the HESI before or during the application window. Attend an Information Meeting and use the program’s worksheets when meeting with a counselor. If you are a veteran or military health provider, review the military policies for possible advanced placement and waitlist consideration.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Focus on completing prerequisites and general education with strong grades. Use the Getting Started worksheet and Program Information guide, and take the HESI by the deadline. Plan for a possible waitlist and have a backup plan (e.g., other ADN or BSN programs).
🩺 LVN seeking RN
Review the LVN-to-RN advanced placement policy and required documentation. Complete any additional prerequisites (e.g., sociology or cultural anthropology as required) and the HESI. Apply during one of the three application periods.
🎖️ Military health provider
De Anza has specific procedures for current and former military personnel, including advanced placement and accelerated placement on the waiting list. Download the military veterans’ policies from the nursing program page and confirm your eligibility with the department.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
De Anza is a California community college with low per-unit tuition for in-district students. Tuition and fees depend on residency (in-district, in-state, out-of-state). For current per-unit and enrollment fees, see the college’s official cost and financial aid pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition / fees | See De Anza Registration & Fees for current per-unit and enrollment fees |
| Financial aid | FAFSA and California Dream Act; see De Anza Financial Aid |
| Fees, housing, books | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources. Check the college website for cost of attendance. |
Tuition and fees change annually. For the most current breakdown, visit De Anza Registration & Fees and the Financial Aid page.
De Anza has adopted special procedures for current and former military personnel in the nursing program, including advanced placement and accelerated waitlist consideration. Complete the FAFSA; the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may also be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | See De Anza Licensing Pass Rates |
| Job Placement | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For outcomes and career information, see the nursing department and De Anza Nursing and the college’s career services.
Is De Anza 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 De Anza and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable ADN pathway in the Bay Area / Silicon Valley
- Are LVNs seeking an RN or military health providers qualifying for advanced placement
- Can plan around three application periods and a possible waiting list
- Prefer community college cost and are open to completing a BSN later elsewhere
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN or MSN from the same institution (De Anza offers ADN only)
- Need guaranteed immediate admission (program typically has a waitlist)
- Prefer TEAS over HESI (De Anza requires HESI)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Cupertino and the greater San Francisco Bay Area form one of the nation’s leading healthcare and technology regions. Major hospital systems, medical centers, and community health organizations provide strong demand for RNs and diverse clinical placement opportunities.
Silicon Valley and the Bay Area have a high concentration of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and research institutions. Nursing students can gain experience across acute care, community health, and specialty settings. California’s demand for registered nurses remains strong; confirm specific clinical partners with the De Anza nursing department.
Student Experience & Campus Life
De Anza College is on a 112-acre campus in Cupertino, in the heart of Silicon Valley and about 45 miles south of San Francisco. The nursing department provides Program Information and Getting Started guides, information meetings, and worksheets to support applicants and students.
Simulation and clinical facilities are not described in detail in the provided inputs/sources; contact the nursing department for current lab and clinical placement information. The college offers a range of student services, clubs, and support programs.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Cupertino, CA
- Address
- 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014, US
- Telephone
- (408) 864-5300
- Contact email
- marinasrana@deanza.edu (Nursing program contact)
- Website
- www.deanza.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official De Anza Nursing website and download the Program Information and Getting Started guides.
- Review the prerequisite and degree requirements and compare them to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the HESI Admission Assessment Exam and take it by the last day of your chosen application period.
- Draft a list of questions for the nursing department or an information meeting.
- Reach out to current De Anza nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Download and complete the Nursing Program Application when the next application window opens.
- Check the Updates for Applicants page for the next application period (Feb 15–Apr 15, Nov 15–Jan 15, or Sept 1–15) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is De Anza College a good school for nursing?
De Anza’s nursing program is California BRN-approved and has reported strong NCLEX-RN outcomes. The college offers an ADN, LVN-to-RN transition, and military advanced placement, with clinical experiences in the Silicon Valley and Bay Area.
What GPA do you need for De Anza’s nursing program?
Specific minimum GPA is set out in the Program Information and Getting Started guides. Applicants must complete prerequisites and the HESI Admission Assessment Exam. Check the official nursing program page for current requirements.
Does De Anza require the TEAS exam for nursing?
De Anza’s nursing program requires the HESI Admission Assessment Exam, not the TEAS. The HESI must be taken no later than the last day of the application period. Confirm current exam requirements on the nursing program website.
How competitive is admission to De Anza’s nursing program?
The program typically maintains a waiting list. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee immediate acceptance; accepted applicants are placed at the end of the waiting list. Check the Updates for Applicants page for the latest on application periods and waitlist status.
Does De Anza offer an accelerated BSN?
De Anza is a community college and offers an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing (ADN), not a BSN. The college does offer LVN-to-RN and Advanced Placement for Military Health Providers. Graduates can pursue RN-to-BSN completion at a four-year school.
What are the clinical placement sites for De Anza nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources. Contact the Nursing Department or see the program’s student resources for information on clinical partners in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for De Anza?
De Anza publishes licensing pass rates on its career-training page. For the most current NCLEX-RN pass rate and cohort size, consult the college’s official pass rates page and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- De Anza College Nursing Program — Overview for Applicantsdeanza.edu/nursing/programs.html
- De Anza College Licensing Pass Ratesdeanza.edu/career-training/pass-rates.html
- De Anza Registration & Feesdeanza.edu/registration/fees.html
- De Anza Financial Aiddeanza.edu/financialaid
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- 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