ADN Programs San Jose, CA

This is the most rewarding time to enter the nursing profession. The supply of qualified nurses is on the downward trend as many baby boomers approach retirement. At the same time, there is a continuous demand for nurses to meet the health care needs of an aging population. Apart from the availability of jobs, nursing offers countless rewards, including the opportunity to provide compassionate care to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Nurses enjoy flexible hours, job security, full benefits for part-time works, and the opportunity to continue their education for even greater rewards.

The rapidly changing health care system forces health care professionals to keep up with constant changes. The upside is that nurses are not limited to generalist tasks. They can expand their role through continued learning and enter specialty areas such as pediatric, surgical, emergency care, critical care, and obstetrical. The emphasis on community care and home health also gives nurses the option to work one-on-one with patients in their homes.

The Associate Degree in Nursing is the first step to practice as a registered nurse. The degree prepares students to function as competent entry-level nurses. Through the flexible and affordable RN to BSN program, ADN prepared nurses can seamlessly earn the BSN degree to improve their employment outlook and satisfaction in the profession of nursing.

Evergreen Valley College

The Evergreen Valley College Nursing Program delivers outstanding and competent graduates capable of functioning as professional nurses in a variety of health care settings. The 2-year registered nurse program leads to an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX exam for RN Licensure. Committed instructors will emphasize the application of theory and practice, active participation, and the role of the facilitator in the promotion of critical thinking. Students will learn how to provide safe and effective care based in the nursing process to meet patients’ needs throughout the lifespan, achieve optimal outcomes using advocacy and delegation, promote and maintain health, incorporate cultural sensitivity in practice, utilize critical thinking, and demonstrate accountability in practice. Licensed vocational nurses holding a current California LVN license may apply for admission to the LVN to RN bridge.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 71-74 units

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Microbiology, English Composition, General Psychology

Core courses –  Fundamentals of Nursing, Basic Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternity Nursing, Advanced Pediatrics and Medical Surgical Nursing, Advanced Medical/Surgical/Geriatric/Mental Health/Leadership and Management Nursing,  One of the following courses to meet the Societal/Cultural Pattern: Introduction to Ethnic Studies, Ethnic Film: Reel Studies, African American Culture, Chicana/o Culture, Sociology of the Chicana/o Experience, Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology

Admission criteria:

  • Complete prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.5 or higher – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Microbiology, English Composition, General Psychology
  • Submit a completed application online – there is no application fee
  • Provide documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
  • Complete TEAS V6 and obtain a minimum score of 62%
  • Submit transcripts from all colleges where prerequisite courses are completed. Transcripts must be official transcripts and must be sent directly to the college before the application period.
  • Complete physical form and drug screen
  • Complete and upload background check form
  • Must have valid CPR Card
  • Provide immunization history

Program Cost:

The approximate cost of completing the program in the standard two years is $4,030. The approximate covers tuition for 4 semesters, CPR training, physical exam and immunizations, student supply kits, ATI testing, and online resources, and immunization tracker.

  • Website: https://www.evc.edu/
  • Address: 3095 Yerba Buena Road, San Jose, CA 95135
  • Phone: (408) 274-7900
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%

Mission College

The LVN to RN prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam after completing 30 units of coursework. A 30-unit option is also available for students who do not need the Associate of Science degree but want to qualify for licensure in California. Graduates will demonstrate the skills required to practice as entry-level registered nurses, use theoretical and clinical skills in the delivery of patient care, and pass the courses needed to meet the eligibility requirements for licensure in California.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72 units

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Microbiology, English Composition

General education requirements – General Psychology OR Human Psychology, Intermediate Algebra OR Elementary Statistics, Public Speaking

Core courses –  Role Transition LVN to RN, Role Transition Clinical, Community Mental Health Nursing, Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing Theory, Introduction to Clinical Judgment, Intermediate Clinical Practicum, Advanced Maternal-Child Nursing, Advanced Medical-Surgical/Leadership Nursing, Leadership and Ethics, Advanced Clinical Practicum

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application online before the stipulated deadline
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS test with a score of 62% or higher
  • Attend a program information session
  • Must have a California Vocational Nursing License in good standing
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all college coursework
  • Complete the science prerequisites with a combined GPA of 2.5 with no grades less than C – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology
  • Complete English Composition with a grade C or better
  • Submit a report of a physical exam completed within the past year including evidence of titers for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu vaccine, and 2-step TB
  • Complete a background investigation including criminal history record search, SSN trace, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, Nationwide Sex Offender Register, and urine drug screening
  • Provide proof of social security number
  • Current CPR certification – CPR for Health Care Provider or CPR for Professional Rescuer

Program Cost:

The registration fee is $46 per unit for California residents. Additional costs for textbooks, supplies, admissions exams, background check, and CPR certification are the students’ responsibility.

  • Website: https://missioncollege.edu/
  • Address: 3000 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95054-1897
  • Phone: (408) 855-5007
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76.92%

San Joaquin Delta College

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program delivers quality instruction that will support the development of skills and knowledge needed to care for patients as a registered nurse in various health care settings. The program leads to an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing that will grant eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN to obtain a Registered Nurse license in California. The curriculum covers four semesters of theory and practical coursework in two academic years of nursing courses. Prerequisite courses will require another semester of studies.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 73.5 units

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Core courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Human Development, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternal, Newborn and Reproductive Health Nursing, Infancy Through Young Adult Nursing, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Transition to Nursing Practice, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Medical Microbiology or General Microbiology

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a Delta College student before applying to the nursing program
  • Submit a completed application online before the stipulated deadline
  • Submit an official transcript from regionally accredited US colleges or universities
  • Copy of current license with license number if currently licensed as an LVN, Psychiatric Technician, Radiologic Technician, Respiratory Therapist, or Paramedic
  • Copy of current certificate including certificate number, issue date, and expiration date if currently certified as a CNA, HHA, or EMT
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C on prerequisite coursework – Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology
  • Take the TEAS with a minimum adjusted individual score of 62%
  • Submit a report of a physical exam completed within the past year including evidence of titers for MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu vaccine, and 2-step TB
  • Complete a background investigation including criminal history record search, SSN trace, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, Nationwide Sex Offender Register, and urine drug screening
  • Provide proof of social security number
  • Current CPR certification – CPR for Health Care Provider or CPR for Professional Rescuer

Program Cost:

The registration fee is $46 per unit for California residents. Additional costs for textbooks, supplies, admissions exams, background check, and CPR certification are the students’ responsibility.

Ohlone College

The Associate Science in Nursing degree at Ohlone College can be completed in 4 semesters and one summer term after admission to the major. Program graduates will be prepared to practice as entry-level staff nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other health care settings. Students will complete the theory on campus and travel to clinical sites to complete the practical work. The first year will comprise of basic nursing and support courses. There will be an emphasis on the development of critical thinking, professional oral and written communication, and ethics in practice. The later part of the first year and the final year will cover nursing courses related to the care of patients of various ages. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to practice as Registered Nurse. The program follows a selective admission process and requires a special application due in April for admission to the Fall semester and October for the Spring semester.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 68 to 70 units

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Introduction to Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication, Reading and Written Composition, Algebra II or Intermediate Algebra or Math for the Associate Degree, Human Development

Core courses – Foundations of Nursing, Nursing Care of the Medical-Surgical Patient I, Nursing Care of Women and Children, Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient II, Nursing Care of the Medical Surgical Patient III, Nursing Care of the Mental Health Clinical and Advanced Gerontologic Care, Nursing Leadership and Preceptorship

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English, Intermediate Algebra, Nutrition, Development Psychology, and Communication
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS with a score of 62% or higher. Only 1 attempt allowed.
  • Must have graduated from high school or equivalent
  • Submit a completed application
  • Submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • Submit a report of a physical exam completed within the past year
  • Complete a satisfactory background investigation
  • Provide proof of social security number
  • Current CPR certification – CPR for Health Care Provider or CPR for Professional Rescuer

Program Cost:

The registration fee is $46 per unit for California residents. Non-residents will pay $265 per unit. Additional costs for textbooks, supplies, admissions exams, background check, and CPR certification are the students’ responsibility.

  • Website: https://www.ohlone.edu/
  • Address: 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539
  • Phone: 510-659-6000
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.88%

Gavilan College

The Gavilan College Registered Nursing program provides Licensed Vocational Nurses with the opportunity to complete the requirements for an Associate Degree in Nursing. The program is a Career Ladder Program so only candidates who have completed a Licensed Vocational Nursing program will be eligible for admission. Admission is open to those who are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN or are already active LVNs. The program is fully accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates will receive an Associate in Science Degree in Registered Nursing and are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam to become a Registered Nurse. Gavilan College also offers a 30-unit option where students earn a Certificate of Achievement in Registered Nursing and will be eligible to take the NCLEX. The Associate Degree will not be awarded to students who select this pathway.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 70 units

Duration: 1 year

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology (Lecture and Lab), General Microbiology, Nutrition, The Person in the Life Cycle, Composition, Introduction to Public Speaking, Integrate Algebra, Introduction to Psychology

Core courses – Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Medical-Surgical Nursing II, Medical-Surgical Nursing III, Maternity/Newborn Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing IV, Pediatric Nursing, Intravenous Therapy, Blood Withdrawal, Interactive and Mental Health Nursing, Compensatory Nursing Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application with signature
  • Submit a copy of current LVN license or transcript with courses in progress
  • Must have intravenous and blood withdrawal certification from the BVN-PT or transcript with courses in progress
  • Current BLS Provider card from the American Heart Association
  • High school diploma or equivalent. Submit official final transcript, GED certificate, or college university transcript
  • Official transcript of all courses from colleges or universities attended
  • Take and pass the TEAS with a minimum score of 62%
  • Must demonstrate content mastery in maternal/newborn and nursing care of children by scoring a minimum of level 2 in maternal/newborn nursing
  • Obtain health clearance including immunization and flu vaccine
  • Complete a background check conducted by Castle Branch
  • Complete a 10-panel and alcohol drug screen via Castle Branch

Program Cost:

At a cost of $46 per unit, California residents can expect to pay $1,104 for nine months of attendance. Non-residents can expect to pay $6,696 for the same period.

DeAnza College

The Registered Nursing Program at De Anza College is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and leads to an Associate Degree in Nursing. Due to the program’s excellent reputation, graduates receive recognition and ready employment from leading health care institutions in Silicon Valley. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and clinical settings. Expert faculty bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom and facilitate opportunities for interactive learning. Admission to the program is limited. However, a new program starts every quarter and runs for six quarters – not including the time required to complete the prerequisite courses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 113 units

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – Career Opportunities in Nursing, Intermediate Algebra for Statistics, Introductory Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Human Nutrition, General Psychology, Developmental Aspects of Psychology, Public Speaking, Advanced Composition and Reading, Cultural Anthropology

Core courses – Fundamental Nursing, Fundamental Nursing Clinical, Pharmacology I, Acute Fundamentals/Medical Surgical I, Acute Fundamentals/Medical Surgical I Clinical, Pharmacology II, Perinatal Nursing, Perinatal Nursing Clinical, Pediatric Nursing, Pediatric Nursing Clinical, Pharmacology III, Pharmacology III Lab, Medical Surgical II (Care of the Older Adult) Medical Surgical II (Care of the Older Adult) Clinical, Critical Thinking in Nursing, Advanced Medical Surgical Concepts, Advanced Medical Surgical Clinical, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Theory, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Leadership/Management in Nursing, Leadership/Management Clinical Component.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed nursing program application with signature
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
  • Provide evidence of good health
  • Complete a background check and drug test
  • Take and pass the Admission Assessment Exam
  • Provide a valid social security card allowing employment in the US
  • Obtain a minimum 75% academic record calculation using the Chancellor’s Formula

Program Cost:

The cost of registration and fees is $1,566 per year. Books and supplies will cost an additional $1,971.

  • Website: https://www.deanza.edu/
  • Address: 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
  • Phone: 408-864-5300
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.92%

Chabot College

The California Board of Registered approved nursing program offered by Chabot College leads to a Nursing (Associate in Arts) degree. Students will acquire skills and knowledge to advance the practice of nursing and influence change in a variety of settings within the health care system. They will be prepared to take the Registered Nurses Licensing exam and provide safe and competent care and commit to lifelong learning as registered nurses. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to practice within the legal and ethical framework of the profession, use critical thinking in making decisions and managing care for groups of clients, respond to the demands of fast-changing information technology through its use in health care delivery, use the nursing process to care for clients, families, and significant others, and function competently in acute, chronic, or community health settings. The program is open to applications once a year.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 83.5 to 88.5 units

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – General Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Critical Reading and Composition, Fundamentals of Speech Communication, General Psychology, Principles of Sociology

Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Nursing Care for Patients with Infectious Disease, Clinical Nutrition, Gerontological Nursing, Fluid and Electrolytes, Maternity Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, Adult Health I, Pharmacology for Professional Nurses, Adult Health II, Intravenous Therapy, Mental Health Nursing, Adult Health III

Admission criteria:

  • Apply for admission to Chabot College before submitting an application to the Nursing Program
  • Complete the Science Prerequisites with a minimum grade C – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology
  • Complete the Fixed Courses with a minimum grade C – English Composition, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology, Public Speaking
  • Take and pass the TEAS with an adjusted individual score of 62% or higher
  • Attend a mandatory Nursing Program Information Meeting. Proof of attendance is required
  • Submit a background check by social security number
  • Must have a social security card to be able to work in the United States
  • Pass a drug screening.
  • Must have current immunization titer reports – MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B. Complete TB tests and have current Tdap.

Program Cost:

Completing the program costs approximately $8,000. Additional costs include uniforms, laboratory fees, equipment, transport to clinical sites, and NCLEX-RN licensure fees.

How Much Does an ADN Nurse Make in San Jose 

San Jose registered nurses earn almost 33 percent higher than the national average for registered nurses. An entry-level nurse earns a median annual wage of $75,644 and experienced nurses make over $82,300 annually. BSN nurses earn more than associate degree nurses, so enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program to complete the bachelor of science in nursing will improve your salary and job outlook.

How Long is a San Jose Nursing Program

The ADN program provides the fastest path to completion. It typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete the core nursing courses.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Program to Get into In San Jose

All colleges offering the nursing program in San Jose require the completion of the prerequisite coursework and a passing score on the admission exam for entry. Admission to state colleges may be more competitive due to the lower tuition cost for resident students. If finance is not an issue, you might try applying for a private college for easier entry into a nursing program.

How Much Does an ADN Cost in San Jose? 

Tuition is lower for California residents enrolling in a public college. The average cost of completing an ADN program is $4,540 plus expenses for uniforms and supplies. The average cost of tuition at a private institute is two to three times as much as a public college. Financial aid will help to relieve some of the out-of-pocket expenses of completing the associate degree in nursing program.

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.