Dallas College — Cedar Valley Campus Nursing: CNA Training & Dallas College RN Pathways (2026)
Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus sits on 300 acres in Lancaster and is a strong hub for career-and-technical programs. For nursing, the crucial detail is campus scope: the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) degree is not offered at Cedar Valley under the current Dallas College catalog—it is offered at Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, and North Lake. This guide highlights Certified Nurse Aide training you can pursue through Dallas College continuing education at Cedar Valley, plus accurate cost and NCLEX context for Dallas College’s ADN program on other campuses.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Treat Cedar Valley as your Lancaster-area Dallas College home for quick-start healthcare training (for example, nurse aide CE sections) and general education prerequisites—but plan your RN clinical nursing degree applications around Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, or North Lake, because the Associate Degree Nursing major is not a Cedar Valley catalog location.
Overview & Why Students Choose Cedar Valley College
Cedar Valley College is one of seven campuses of Dallas College and serves southern Dallas County and northern Ellis County from a 300-acre Lancaster site. Students often pick Cedar Valley for strong career and technical education—for example veterinary technology, law enforcement, and logistics—and for wraparound supports like food pantry access and student athletics (“Suns”). If your goal is RN licensure through Dallas College’s Associate Degree Nursing program, you should map prerequisites early and target the four nursing host campuses named in the catalog, not assume Cedar Valley runs the ADN clinical sequence.
For nursing career starters, Dallas College continuing education schedules nurse aide (NURA) offerings that can include Cedar Valley/Redbird Center sections, creating a board-tested CNA pathway close to home while you prepare for competitive RN program admission elsewhere in the district.
There is no separate “Cedar Valley ADN” NCLEX cohort in Dallas College’s published outcomes because the A.A.S. nursing major is not offered at Cedar Valley. First-time NCLEX-RN percentages in Dallas College’s public ACEN outcomes table describe Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, and district aggregates—not a Lancaster-only line item. Confirm the newest cohort data on Dallas College’s nursing outcomes page and through the Texas Board of Nursing Education Dashboard.
Reasons students build nursing careers through Cedar Valley & Dallas College
Transparent district pathways
Dallas College documents which campuses host the ADN major; understanding that list helps you choose prerequisites and commuting plans without discovering a mismatch at application time.
Local CNA launch point
Continuing education nurse aide courses can often be taken near Lancaster, letting you gain patient-care skills and income potential while stacking credits toward a future RN application.
Published tuition snapshots
Dallas College lists program-hour tuition examples for nurse aide and ADN pathways for Dallas County residents, which helps benchmark cost before you dig into fees and materials fine print.
DFW clinical demand
Dallas College cites strong regional hiring for RNs from Lightcast labor data, underscoring why many students invest in the district’s competitive nursing majors despite multi-campus logistics.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program listings below reflect what Dallas College publishes for Cedar Valley versus sibling campuses. Always confirm start sites by semester because Dallas College notes that not every credential admits at every campus each term.
Entry / workforce pathway (available through Dallas College continuing education)
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Dallas College’s catalog lists a Continuing Education Skills Award (CESA.EF.NURSE.AIDE) with 100 contact hours (NURA 1001 + NURA 1060). The nursing overview ties about $1,500 in Dallas County resident tuition to the nurse aide pathway. CE sections rotate by campus—check the CE schedule for Cedar Valley/Redbird offerings.
Pre-licensure RN (not at Cedar Valley)
Associate Degree Nursing (A.A.S.) — other Dallas College campuses
The Dallas College catalog states this major is offered at Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, and North Lake only. It is a 60 credit hour, four-semester ADN that prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN. Cedar Valley is not listed as a location. LVN-RN advanced placement articulates prior LVN licensure into the second semester of the traditional plan per catalog notes.
Post-licensure / completion (Dallas College system)
RN-to-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) — Dallas College system, online
Dallas College markets an online RN-to-BSN completion program; public disclosure ties ACEN accreditation to the El Centro administrative site. Tuition snapshot on the nursing overview is about $11,880 (program hours, Dallas County resident).
Simulation Operations Specialist (related skill stack)
Dallas College also lists an advanced technical certificate in simulation operations that may interest students exploring healthcare education technology; it is separate from licensed nursing majors.
Before you pay deposits or quit a job, verify in the official catalog degree planner and health sciences packet that your target credential actually admits at Cedar Valley for your semester. Associate Degree Nursing does not, per Dallas College’s own location footnote.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Cedar Valley College does not host the Dallas College Associate Degree Nursing cohorts, so you will not find a Lancaster-specific first-time NCLEX-RN line in Dallas College’s public ACEN outcomes grid. Instead, Dallas College publishes campus-level pass rates for Brookhaven (BH), El Centro (EC), Mountain View (MV), and North Lake (NL) alongside a district aggregate.
According to the Dallas College “Program Outcomes” table updated July 13, 2026, the aggregated first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for academic year 2024–2025 was 169/186 = 90%. Prior-year aggregates listed on the same page include 137/144 = 95.1% (2023–2024) and 142/159 = 89.3% (2022–2023). Campus rows (for example Brookhaven 39/47 = 82% in 2024–2025; El Centro 75/78 = 96%) help you compare sites you might actually attend—not Cedar Valley, which is not an ADN location.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (Cedar Valley campus cohort) | Not applicable — ADN is not offered at Cedar Valley per Dallas College catalog. |
| NCLEX-RN (Dallas College ADN aggregate) | 90% first-time pass (169/186) for AY 2024–2025 per Dallas College ACEN disclosure table (updated July 13, 2026). |
| Source | Dallas College nursing degrees & outcomes · Texas Board of Nursing Education Dashboard. Confirm current cohorts with Dallas College and TBON. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and campus. Use Dallas College’s published numerator/denominator rows when comparing sites, and cross-check licensure exam eligibility with the Texas Board of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Dallas College enrolls international students system-wide, but each nursing or health program controls clinical eligibility, English proficiency thresholds, and document reviews. Internationally educated nurses seeking Texas RN licensure must follow Texas Board of Nursing pathways that may include credential evaluation services (CES) and jurisprudence requirements independent of any one campus.
- English-language proficiency: confirm minimum TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent scores for academic versus continuing education tracks.
- Transcript evaluation: determine whether Dallas College or TBON requires a specific evaluator for your prior nursing coursework.
- Texas Board of Nursing: licensing rules for foreign-educated nurses change; use TBON’s official licensing pages for NCLEX eligibility.
- Visa & clinical compliance: clinical courses may require U.S. background checks, masks to facility policies, and proof of health compliance—verify with International Student Services before enrolling.
This section is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm policies with Dallas College international advisers, the School of Health Sciences, and TBON.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
General college admission ≠ nursing program admission. Dallas College requires a separate nursing application packet routed through Allied Health Admissions (email listed in the catalog as AlliedHealthAdmissons@dcccd.edu—verify spelling on the current packet). Limited-entry nursing majors use competitive criteria including prerequisite GPA and assessment exams.
Highlights from the Dallas College catalog (Associate Degree Nursing)
- Complete prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (per 2025–2026 catalog language).
- Complete TSI math requirements, HESI A2 testing where required, and any remediation.
- Submit the full packet during the designated filing window to Allied Health Admissions.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CNA (CE) | Varies by section | Use the Dallas College CE course browser; Cedar Valley sections post when scheduled. |
| ADN (Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake) | Program-specific | Download the current Nursing Information Packet from the School of Health Sciences; deadlines change each cycle. |
| RN-to-BSN (online) | Program-specific | Follow the RN-BSN admissions page; El Centro is the disclosed administrative campus for ACEN purposes. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (ADN) | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage; program is limited-entry—treat as competitive. |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA (ADN) | 3.0 cumulative on designated prerequisites per Dallas College catalog. |
| HESI A2 / TEAS | Dallas College maintains HESI A2 scheduling guidance for health professions; confirm whether TEAS is accepted for your cycle (public pages emphasize HESI). |
| Background check / drug screen | Dallas College states nursing applicants must complete criminal background checks and drug testing. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Dallas College’s March 25, 2026 nursing overview lists tuition tied to program contact/credit hours for Dallas County residents, with many learning materials bundled into the advertised amounts. Out-of-district and out-of-state students should expect higher rates; use the official Paying for College tools rather than scaling these numbers yourself.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Certified Nurse Aide pathway (snapshot) | About $1,500 for program hours — Dallas County resident (Dallas College nursing page, Mar 25, 2026). |
| Associate Degree Nursing (snapshot) | About $5,940 for program hours — Dallas County resident (same source). |
| RN-to-BSN (snapshot) | About $11,880 for program hours — Dallas County resident (same source). |
| Source | Dallas College nursing degrees & certificates · Paying for College. Confirm totals with Dallas College financial aid. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Because Cedar Valley does not operate the ADN clinical major, employment and NCLEX outcome tables on Dallas College’s site describe Dallas College ADN campuses and aggregates. The same March 25, 2026 disclosure lists a district “Working in Nursing within 6 months” aggregate of 133/134 = 92% for academic year 2024–2025, with campus rows varying widely—always read the numerator and denominator for the site you plan to attend.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (Dallas College ADN aggregate) | 90% first-time pass (169/186) — AY 2024–2025 per Dallas College ACEN outcomes table. |
| Working in nursing within 6 months (district aggregate) | 92% (133/134) — AY 2024–2025, Dallas College table. Confirm methodology on the school page and with career services. |
| Source | Dallas College nursing outcomes. Confirm current rates with Dallas College and TBON. |
Is Cedar Valley College the Right Fit for You?
Cedar Valley excels for students who want a community-college experience in southern Dallas County with robust CTE options. Use the fit grid below to decide whether to anchor in Lancaster while commuting to other Dallas College nursing sites—or whether another district campus is a better home base.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want to start with CNA or other workforce credentials offered locally while living near Lancaster.
- Are comfortable commuting to Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, or North Lake for the actual ADN program after prerequisites.
- Value support services such as food pantries, veterans lounges, and athletics alongside academics.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need every nursing lecture, lab, and clinical within walking distance of Cedar Valley (ADN is not offered here).
- Want a single standalone four-year nursing program on one suburban campus without system transfers.
- Expect guaranteed admission into a competitive ADN program solely by enrolling at Cedar Valley.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Lancaster sits in the southern Dallas–Ellis County corridor, minutes from major interstate links into Dallas proper. Clinical partners for Dallas College nursing programs rotate among hospitals and ambulatory sites tied to each instructional campus; students admitted to Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, or North Lake should expect placements throughout the DFW metroplex rather than a single small-town hospital. Major referral networks serving the broader region include Baylor Scott & White, UT Southwestern affiliates, Methodist Health System, Parkland, and Texas Health Resources—any of which may host student experiences depending on campus assignment and semester.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Dallas–Fort Worth metro | Large Level I trauma centers, transplant programs, and community safety-net hospitals create diverse clinical learning environments for Dallas College ADN students (site-specific assignment). |
| Southern Dallas County | Community hospitals, long-term care, and clinics near Lancaster support CNA employment and early healthcare experience while you prepare for RN coursework elsewhere in the district. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Cedar Valley promotes signature programs like veterinary technology and commercial music, Division III NJCAA athletics (“Suns”), lake-view outdoor space, and student services such as the Sundance Market food pantry. Simulation-heavy nursing labs for the ADN major are concentrated on the district’s four nursing instructional campuses; Cedar Valley’s draw is the overall Dallas College ecosystem plus convenient CE access—not a full RN simulation suite on site.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Lancaster, TX
- Address
- 3030 N. Dallas Ave., Lancaster, TX 75134, US
- Cedar Valley telephone
- 972-860-8201
- School of Health Sciences
- 972-669-6400 · AskSOHS@DallasCollege.edu
- Website
- Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the latest School of Health Sciences nursing packet and highlight whether you are targeting CNA, ADN, or RN-BSN.
- Open the Associate Degree Nursing catalog page and screenshot prerequisite courses; confirm ADN campus list (Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake).
- Search the CE schedule for NURA/nurse aide sections hosting at Cedar Valley or nearby.
- Register or schedule the HESI A2 if you are ADN-ready and the packet requires it.
- Email Allied Health Admissions using the address printed in your current packet (catalog references AlliedHealthAdmissons@dcccd.edu—verify spelling on the live PDF).
- Bookmark the outcomes table so you can monitor NCLEX numerators/denominators each year.
- Plan commute or housing for whichever ADN campus you rank first if Cedar Valley remains your home campus for prerequisites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cedar Valley College offer the RN (ADN) nursing degree on campus?
No. The Dallas College catalog limits Associate Degree Nursing to Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, and North Lake. Cedar Valley students who want Dallas College’s ADN still apply through the same district process but should expect coursework at one of those sites.
What nursing-related training can I start at Cedar Valley College?
Dallas College continues to schedule nurse aide (NURA) continuing education sections, including offerings tied to the Cedar Valley/Redbird Center in many terms. Use the CE browser to confirm the next local start date and any hybrid requirements.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate “for Cedar Valley”?
There is no separate Cedar Valley ADN cohort, so Dallas College does not publish a Lancaster-only NCLEX line. Use the district aggregate (for example, 169/186 = 90% for AY 2024–2025) or the Brookhaven/El Centro/Mountain View/North Lake rows on Dallas College’s outcomes page, then confirm updates with Dallas College and the Texas Board of Nursing.
How much does Dallas College list for CNA and ADN tuition?
As of the March 25, 2026 nursing overview update, Dallas County resident snapshots were about $1,500 for the nurse aide pathway and about $5,940 in program-hour tuition for the ADN—always re-check Paying for College for your residency category.
Does Dallas College nursing require the HESI A2 exam?
Dallas College publishes HESI A2 scheduling for health professions applicants, with testing coordinated through the Downtown Health Sciences Center. Policies evolve—verify current minimums in the official nursing information packet.
Where does Dallas College host the online RN-to-BSN program?
Public disclosures describe the RN-to-BSN track as online with ACEN accreditation tied administratively to El Centro. That is separate from the four ADN instructional campuses but still part of the same Dallas College system.
What GPA do I need on prerequisites before applying to Dallas College ADN?
The catalog states applicants must earn a cumulative 3.0 or better on the designated prerequisite suite before submitting the Allied Health packet. Review the live catalog entry for any updates.
Is Dallas College’s ADN program accredited?
Yes—Dallas College publishes ACEN accreditation (most recent decision: Continuing Accreditation with Conditions) for the associate program at Brookhaven, El Centro, Mountain View, and North Lake, plus Texas Board of Nursing approval. Confirm the newest ACEN narrative online.
Who should I call first—Cedar Valley or the School of Health Sciences?
Use Cedar Valley’s main number (972-860-8201) for general campus services and the School of Health Sciences line (972-669-6400 / AskSOHS@DallasCollege.edu) for nursing-specific application questions.
References
- Dallas College — nursing programs, tuition snapshots, NCLEX & employment tables (updated July 13, 2026)dallascollege.edu/cd/credit/nursing/pages/degrees-cert.aspx
- Dallas College Catalog — Associate Degree Nursing locations & prerequisitescatalog.dallascollege.edu (AAS Nursing)
- Dallas College — Cedar Valley campus facts & contactsdallascollege.edu/locations/cedar-valley
- Dallas College — Certified Nurse Aide CE program (CESA.EF.NURSE.AIDE)catalog.dallascollege.edu (CNA)
- Dallas College — CE course scheduleceschedule.dallascollege.edu
- Dallas College — HESI A2 admissionsdallascollege.edu/cd/credit/pages/ecc-hesi-a2-admissions.aspx
- Texas Board of Nursing — Education Dashboardbon.texas.gov/education_school_resultsDashboard.asp.html
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for campus-level program accuracy (ADN locations vs Cedar Valley), Dallas College tuition snapshots, and NCLEX attribution for published Dallas College aggregates.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Dallas College, Cedar Valley campus offices, and the Texas Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy