Sierra College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Sierra College ADN and BSN in Rocklin. NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Sierra College offers an ADN-to-BSN cross-enrollment with California State University Sacramento, letting selected ADN students pursue BSN coursework concurrently. That makes Sierra a strong option if you want an affordable ADN in the Sacramento/Placer region with a clear path to a bachelor’s.
Overview & Why Students Choose Sierra College
Sierra College is a public community college in Rocklin, California, serving Placer and Nevada counties in the greater Sacramento region. Its nursing programs sit within the Allied Health interest area and offer an affordable path to RN licensure through an Associate Degree in Nursing and an LVN-to-RN upward mobility track.
If you want a low-cost, local option to become an RN and are open to starting with an ADN—with the option to pursue a BSN concurrently through the partnership with Sacramento State—Sierra College is worth a close look.
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 Sierra College was 100% (2024/2025, 33 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose Sierra College
💰 Affordable ADN
Community college tuition and fees are typically lower than four-year programs. California residents may qualify for the California College Promise Grant (Two Years Free) and other aid.
🔗 ADN-to-BSN with Sac State
Selected ADN students can pursue BSN coursework concurrently through cross-enrollment with California State University Sacramento, streamlining the path to a bachelor’s.
🩺 LVN-to-RN Pathway
Licensed vocational nurses can complete the one- or one-and-a-half-year upward mobility program to become registered nurses.
📍 Sacramento/Placer Region
Rocklin is in a growing healthcare corridor with hospitals and clinical sites in the greater Sacramento area and Placer County.
🎒 Allied Health Hub
Nursing sits alongside CNA, medical assisting, paramedic, phlebotomy, and surgical technology programs, supporting a broad healthcare curriculum.
Nursing Programs Offered
Sierra College offers nursing education at the associate level. It does not offer BSN, MSN, or DNP directly; the bachelor’s pathway is through the ADN-to-BSN cross-enrollment with Sacramento State.
Registered Nursing (ADN)
Two-year, full-time program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Leads to an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts/Science degree and eligibility for RN licensure in California.
LVN to RN Upward Mobility
One- or one-and-a-half-year, full-time program for currently licensed vocational nurses who want to become registered nurses. Designed for working LVNs.
ADN to BSN Cross-Enrollment (Sac State)
In collaboration with California State University Sacramento, selected ADN students can pursue BSN coursework concurrently during the ADN program. Confirm eligibility and application steps with both institutions.
Sierra College also offers Precertification Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assisting, Paramedic, Phlebotomy, Surgical Technology, and Registered Behavioral Technician programs. See the Allied Health interest area for full listings.
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 Sierra College was 100% (2024/2025 annual period, 33 test takers). The program is BRN-approved; graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 100% (2024/2025) |
| Job Placement / Outcomes | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source | California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates |
NCLEX outcomes can change by cohort. Before relying on any single figure, confirm the latest pass rates with Sierra College’s nursing department and the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) reports.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Sierra College may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. Exact requirements vary by visa status, country of education, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Sierra College and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Sierra College requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam for the nursing 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: Whether the ADN program is approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Before you rely on any single blog, video, or forum post, verify everything with Sierra College’s admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Community college nursing programs in California are often impacted and competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Sierra College’s nursing/Allied Health programs typically have a separate application or selection process; confirm current steps on the college website.
- Prerequisite courses and minimum GPA (not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs)
- Whether TEAS or another entrance exam is required and minimum scores
- Application and document deadlines for the ADN and LVN-to-RN programs
- Selection criteria (e.g., GPA, test scores, prerequisite grades, points system)
Application timeline
Application open and deadline dates were not available in the provided inputs/sources. Check the official Sierra College Allied Health and nursing program pages for the current cycle.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Complete prerequisites with strong grades and confirm whether the program uses a point system or ranking. If you are an LVN, the upward mobility program may have different requirements than the generic ADN track. Contact the nursing or Allied Health department early to get the current application packet and deadline.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Focus on completing required general education and science prerequisites with the best grades possible. Confirm the exact course list with Sierra College. Healthcare volunteer or CNA experience can strengthen your application where applicable.
🩺 LVN seeking RN
The LVN-to-RN upward mobility program is designed for you. Verify current license status requirements and any bridge or transition courses. Apply by the program’s published deadline.
🎓 Interested in BSN later
If you want a BSN, ask about the ADN-to-BSN cross-enrollment with Sacramento State early. Plan prerequisite and application steps for both Sierra and Sac State so you can enroll when eligible.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Community college tuition in California is typically lower than four-year institutions. Sierra College participates in the California College Promise Grant (Two Years Free) for eligible students and offers scholarships; specific tuition and fees for the nursing program were not available in the provided inputs/sources.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (In-State) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Fees (Nursing / Clinical) | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Housing | Sierra College has on-campus student housing; verify current rates on the college website |
| Financial Aid | FAFSA and California Dream Act; Promise Grant and scholarships available |
For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official Sierra College website and the financial aid or student services pages.
Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. Sierra College offers more than $230,000 in scholarships. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may also be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 100% (CA BRN 2024/2025) |
| Job Placement | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For outcomes and placement information, see the Sierra College nursing or Allied Health program page and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Is Sierra 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 Sierra College and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable ADN in the Sacramento/Placer region
- Are LVNs ready to complete an RN program in one to 1.5 years
- Plan to pursue a BSN and are interested in the Sac State cross-enrollment option
- Prefer a community college setting with allied health and transfer pathways
- Are California residents or can attend in-person in Rocklin
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a BSN, MSN, or DNP directly from the same school (Sierra offers ADN only; BSN is via Sac State)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN)
- Prefer a four-year university with graduate nursing options on one campus
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Rocklin and Placer County are part of the greater Sacramento region, one of California’s major healthcare corridors. The area includes multiple hospital systems, community health centers, and outpatient facilities that support clinical placements and employment for new RNs.
Specific clinical placement sites for Sierra College nursing students were not available in the provided inputs/sources. The Sacramento region has strong demand for nurses; confirm current affiliate sites with the Sierra College nursing department.
Proximity to Sacramento and Placer County gives students access to a large and varied healthcare job market. California’s RN demand remains high; an ADN from Sierra College can lead to licensure and employment, with the option to advance to a BSN through Sac State or another RN-to-BSN program.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Sierra College has four locations, with the main campus in Rocklin. The college offers student housing on the Rocklin campus, clubs and activities, academic support, and access to a natural history museum and arts programming. Nursing and allied health students benefit from the broader Allied Health interest area and proximity to Sacramento-area clinical sites.
Details on simulation labs, student nursing organizations, and campus life specific to the nursing program were not available in the provided inputs/sources. For the latest on facilities and student life, visit sierracollege.edu and the campus life and Allied Health pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Rocklin, CA (main campus); other locations in the district
- Address
- 5000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677, US
- Telephone
- (916) 624-3333
- Contact email
- See website for admissions and program contact
- Website
- www.sierracollege.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Sierra College Allied Health page and download or review the nursing program information.
- Review the prerequisite and application requirements for the ADN or LVN-to-RN program and compare them to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS or other exam; confirm current requirements on the program or admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for the Sierra College admissions or nursing/Allied Health department.
- Reach out to current or former Sierra College nursing students on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- If you plan to pursue the ADN-to-BSN pathway, review Sacramento State’s cross-enrollment requirements and deadlines.
- Check application and document deadlines for your target entry term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sierra College a good school for nursing?
Sierra College offers an accredited ADN program and LVN-to-RN pathway in the greater Sacramento/Placer region. As a community college, it provides an affordable path to RN licensure. Confirm current NCLEX outcomes and accreditation with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
What GPA do you need for Sierra College nursing?
Minimum GPA and prerequisite requirements are not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs. Check the official Sierra College Allied Health and nursing application materials for current requirements.
Does Sierra College require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS or other test requirements are not available in the provided inputs/sources. Confirm current admission requirements on the Sierra College nursing or Allied Health program page.
How competitive is admission to Sierra College’s nursing program?
Acceptance rate for the nursing program is not publicly disclosed. Community college ADN programs in California are often competitive; verify selection criteria and deadlines with the college.
Does Sierra College offer an accelerated BSN?
No. Sierra College does not offer an accelerated BSN. It offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and an LVN-to-RN Upward Mobility program. Selected ADN students may pursue concurrent BSN coursework through the ADN-to-BSN cross-enrollment partnership with California State University Sacramento.
What are the clinical placement sites for Sierra College nursing students?
Specific clinical placement sites were not available in the provided inputs/sources. The greater Sacramento and Placer County area has multiple hospitals and healthcare systems; confirm current sites with the Sierra College nursing department.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Sierra 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 Sierra College was 100% (2024/2025, 33 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
References
- Sierra College — Allied Health / Nursingsierracollege.edu/academics/interest-areas/allied-health
- Sierra College — Homesierracollege.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX and program outcomesrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. Items marked “Not publicly disclosed” reflect unavailability in 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