Riverside City College Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
ADN in Riverside at Riverside City College. NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Riverside City College offers an ACEN-accredited, California BRN-approved ADN in the Inland Empire at low in-state tuition. Same city as California Baptist University, so ADN graduates have a convenient RN-to-BSN option nearby.
Overview & Why Students Choose Riverside City College
Located in Riverside, at the center of California’s Inland Empire, Riverside 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 Riverside Community College District, RCC serves a diverse population and places students in the region’s hospitals and clinics for clinical experience.
What sets RCC apart is its location: Riverside is also home to California Baptist University’s BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, so ADN graduates who want to complete a bachelor’s or advance practice have a strong RN-to-BSN and graduate option 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 RCC’s nursing program page.
Five reasons students choose Riverside 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.
📍 Inland Empire Location
Riverside sits in one of Southern California’s largest and fastest-growing regions, with strong demand for nurses and diverse clinical settings.
🩺 Same City as CBU
California Baptist University in Riverside offers BSN, MSN, and DNP—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 RCC’s financial aid page.
🎓 Pre-Nursing Support
Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center and RCC Counseling ((951) 222-8440) support pre-nursing students and information workshops.
Nursing Programs Offered
Riverside City College offers one Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program for registered nursing. 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 RCC Nursing program page.
RCC does not offer a BSN, MSN, or DNP. Graduates who want a bachelor’s in nursing can pursue an RN-to-BSN at California Baptist University (same city) or other four-year schools.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
A specific NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for Riverside 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 RCC Nursing and California BRN |
Before relying on any NCLEX or placement figure, confirm the latest statistics with Riverside City College and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Riverside 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 RCC and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether RCC 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 RCC 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 Riverside City College’s admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Riverside 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 Riverside 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 RCC Nursing program page and attend pre-nursing workshops. For general nursing information, contact the Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center or RCC Counseling at (951) 222-8440.
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 RCC nursing page. Attend information workshops and reach out to the Nursing department at (951) 222-8407 for the latest criteria.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Apply to Riverside 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
RCC’s nursing program offerings (e.g., advanced placement or LVN-to-RN) should be confirmed with the Nursing department. Contact (951) 222-8407 for current pathways.
🩺 Already an RN
RCC offers ADN only. For a BSN, consider California Baptist University (same city) or another RN-to-BSN program.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Riverside 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 RCC Tuition & Fees |
| Other fees (health, student center, parking) | See RCC Tuition & Fees page |
| Fees & living costs (housing, books) | Not publicly disclosed in provided inputs; see RCC Cost of Attendance |
| FAFSA school code | Confirm on RCC Financial Aid page |
Fees and nonresident rates can change. For a current breakdown, visit the official RCC Tuition & Fees and Financial Aid pages at rcc.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 RCC 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 RCC nursing graduates, see the school’s nursing program page and career services at rcc.edu.
Is Riverside 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 RCC and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable, ACEN-accredited ADN in the Inland Empire
- Prefer a community college pathway to RN licensure
- Plan to work in Riverside or the Inland Empire after graduation
- Want the option to pursue RN-to-BSN at California Baptist (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 (RCC offers ADN only)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Are seeking MSN, DNP, or PhD options (RCC does not offer graduate nursing)
- Prefer a four-year university setting from day one
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Riverside and the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties) form one of Southern California’s largest and fastest-growing regions. Major hospital systems and community facilities serve a diverse population and create strong demand for registered nurses. Clinical placement sites are typically in the Riverside and greater Inland Empire area; confirm current partners with the RCC Nursing department.
Strong regional demand for RNs and a variety of acute and community settings give RCC nursing students access to relevant clinical experiences. California continues to have high demand for nurses; confirm current placement sites with the RCC Nursing program at (951) 222-8407.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Riverside City College’s nursing program is part of the Health-Related Sciences pathway. Nursing students use campus labs and simulation resources; clinical experiences take place at partner facilities in the Riverside and Inland Empire region.
The Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center and RCC Counseling ((951) 222-8440) offer pre-nursing workshops and general nursing information. For details on simulation labs, student organizations, and nursing-specific activities, contact the Nursing department at (951) 222-8407 or the official RCC Nursing program page.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Riverside, CA
- Address
- 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506-1299, US
- Telephone
- (951) 222-8407 (Nursing); (951) 222-8440 (Health-Related Sciences Engagement Center / RCC Counseling)
- Contact email
- Verify nursing and admissions contact on rcc.edu
- Website
- www.rcc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official RCC 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 (951) 222-8407 or (951) 222-8440.
- Reach out to current RCC 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 Riverside City College a good school for nursing?
RCC’s ADN program is ACEN-accredited and California BRN-approved. It offers an affordable pathway to RN licensure in the Inland Empire. Riverside is also home to California Baptist University’s BSN/MSN/DNP programs for those seeking to advance after the ADN.
What GPA do you need for Riverside City College nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Contact the Nursing program or Health-Related Sciences pathway at RCC for current admission criteria and prerequisite GPA expectations.
Does Riverside 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 RCC Nursing program page or with the Nursing department at (951) 222-8407.
How competitive is admission to Riverside 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 RCC Counseling at (951) 222-8440.
Does Riverside City College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. Riverside 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 California Baptist University or other four-year schools.
What are the clinical placement sites for Riverside City College nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not fully listed in the provided inputs. Students complete rotations at healthcare facilities in the Riverside and Inland Empire region. Confirm current sites with the RCC Nursing department at (951) 222-8407.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Riverside City College?
A specific NCLEX-RN pass rate was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. Confirm current data with Riverside City College and the California Board of Registered Nursing (rn.ca.gov).
References
- Riverside City College Nursing Programrcc.edu/programs/nursing.html
- Riverside City College — main sitercc.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 RCC 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