Health Science & Nursing Division
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares the graduate to sit for the NCLEX/RN state board examination and become a Registered Nurse. There are multiple entry points for this degree.
The Generic ADN (Option #1) program is for students just starting nursing and have not taken any nursing courses. This program is 5 semesters.
The LVN to ADN (Option #2) program is for people that are already licensed as a Vocational Nurse or Practical Nurse, wishing to further their nursing career and obtain their RN license and AS in Nursing. This program is 3 semesters.
The Licensed Psychiatric Technician (Option #3) can enter the ADN program and may challenge the Introduction to Nursing course (ADN 151/ADN 151L), and is not required to take the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing course (ADN 252 / ADN 252L). This program is 4 or 5 semesters dependent on the outcome of the ADN 151/151L challenge.
The 30 Unit Option (Non-Graduate) program is for LVNs wishing to continue their education and obtain their RN license as a non-graduate. This program is 3 semesters.
Associate Degree Nursing Program Admission of Military Personnel
Military Personnel and Veterans may be eligible for enrollment into the Rio Hondo College Associate Degree Nursing Program based on the following requirements:
- Recency of education and experience within the last five years.
- Education and experience meet the basic requirements per college guidelines.
- Honorable discharge (DD214) or current active honorable service required (letter from supervisor) showing completion of military coursework.
- Admission to the program is on a space available basis as any advanced placement student.
Pathway I: – including but not limited to: Basic Medical Technician (Navy Hospital Corpsman) or USAF Basic Medical Service Technician or Army Specialist.
- Challenge exams per college policy for first semester courses (maximum of 12 units).
- Candidates must meet the same admission eligibility requirements, including completion of prerequisites.
Pathway II: – Including but not limited to Basic Medical Technician (Navy Hospital Corpsman), or USAF Basic Medical Service Technician, or Army Medical Specialist with an active California LVN license (Licensed Vocational Nurse) either through challenge (BVNPT Method 4) or successful completion of an LVN program.
- Admissions credit given to applicants as an LVN to RN candidate.
- Successful completion of an LVN to RN transition course is required.
- Applicants need to demonstrate theory and clinical competency in Obstetrics and Pediatrics.
- All ADN prerequisites must be completed prior to the LVN to RN transition course.
The Rio Hondo College Nursing Program is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). More information is available through the BRN Website.
To see our pass rates, please visit https://rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
To see our attrition rates, please visit https://www.rn.ca.gov/education/attrition.shtml
Effective September 21, 2022, the ADN nursing program at Rio Hondo College located in Whittier, CA. is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires April 21, 2025.
ACEN Program List
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975- 5000