ADN Application Info
Requirements & FAQs
The Long Beach City College Associate Degree Nursing Program, including the Concurrent Enrollment BSN pathway, now uses a multi-criteria selection process for applicant admission. This point-based system evaluates a range of factors such as science and overall GPA, TEAS scores, healthcare experience, academic degrees, participation in special programs, and completion of supplemental coursework. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and equitable review of each applicant’s strengths and preparation for nursing education.
LBCC now offers a Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) with both CSULB and CSUDH. When you apply to the nursing program, you’ll be able to indicate if you’re interested in earning your BSN through one of these partner universities. If you choose the CEP option, you will be admitted to the university you select and will take your first CSU nursing course during your first semester at LBCC. This pathway allows you to move more quickly toward completing your BSN.
If you prefer, you may also select the traditional Associate Degree Nursing track and opt out of the concurrent enrollment option. More detailed information will be shared during our information sessions and in an upcoming video on the application website.
The next application periods are February 16-20, 2026 for Fall 2026 entry and August 3-6, 2026 for Spring 2027 entry.
Associate Degree Nursing Application Process
Step 1: Information Meeting
Our next information meetings will be held:
- January 6 at 10:00 a.m.
- January 27 at 3:00 p.m.
- February 26 at 3:00 p.m.
- March 26 at 5:00 p.m.
- April 30 at 3:00 p.m.
- May 28 at 5:00 p.m.
Information meetings are held by Zoom video conference and are regularly held during the Fall and Spring semesters. To attend, please click on the zoom link below to enter the meeting.
https://lbcc-edu.zoom.us/j/85086883562
Sign up for Viking Vitals Club for pre-health students.
Step 2: Meet Application Requirements
When applying to any of the nursing programs at Long Beach City College, it is important to understand the academic requirements needed to enter the programs. Please refer to the following requirements before submitting your application and associated documentation.
| PREREQUISITES |
|---|
| SCIENCES |
|
The following courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher before admittance to the program:
Life Science courses must have a combined GPA of 2.5 or higher and be completed within five (5) years prior to the application deadline. Equivalent courses taken at other colleges must be reviewed by LBCC. If you would like to have your courses evaluated, please submit the with your application. LBCC does not accept online science labs. |
| PROFICIENCIES |
|---|
|
For more information, please refer to the graduation proficiency requirements section under LBCC GE requirements, the Cal-GETC or see a Counselor. |
| ENGLISH |
|
Satisfying this proficiency may be achieved by:
|
| MATH |
|
Successful completion with a grade of C or higher of a College level Math course that meets the LBCC-GE area 2 Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning GE requirement (math 45). STAT 1 or STAT C1000 is recommended. |
|
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
|
The following information must also be included with your application:
|
Step 3: Selection Criteria
ADN Multi Criteria Point System
Step 4: Choose Your Path
Path 1: LBCC ADN Generic
Path 2: CSULB Concurrent Enrollment
Path 3: CSUDH Concurrent Enrollment
Step 5: Submit the Nursing Application
Complete the Application during the posted application periods. Overall and Life Science GPAs of 2.5 or higher are required in order to qualify for entrance into the Nursing Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total length of the Generic RN program (ADN), and the start dates?
The Associate Degree Nursing program is four semesters in length once students begin nursing courses. LBCC admits two cohorts per year, one in the spring and one in the fall (August and February). If you are enrolled in a CEP program or a collaborative BSN program the total length will vary but typically takes an additional semester to one year to complete.
What is the estimated total cost of the program?
- The estimated cost is approximately 5,200 to 5,500 dollars. This includes enrollment fees, books, uniforms, immunizations and physical exam, background check, drug testing, CastleBranch fees, malpractice insurance, and licensure costs. Here is a breakdown:
- $1,656 in enrollment costs (36 units × $46/unit)
- Approximately $3,600 in additional costs
- Books
- Uniforms
- Approximately $3,600 in additional costs
- Immunizations, physical, titers
- Malpractice insurance
- Licensing fees
Is the program full-time, part-time, or both?
The program is full-time only. Students should expect lecture two days per week, lab one day per week, and clinical one to two days per week, in addition to study time and clinical preparation.
Are there any additional requirements such as entrance exams, TEAS scores, healthcare experience, or CNA certification?
Applicants must take the ATI TEAS exam and score at least 62 percent to apply. Background checks, drug testing, immunizations, and Basic Life Support certification are required once admitted. Healthcare experience and CNA certification are optional but may help applicants earn more points on the multi-criteria system.
Do science prerequisites need to be completed within a certain timeframe?
Yes. Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology must be completed within five years for the generic ADN program. LVN-to-RN applicants follow a seven-year recency requirement.
What if my science courses were taken during Covid and were online?
LBCC does not accept online science/lab courses because they do not meet the hands-on learning and regulatory standards required for nursing education and licensure.
Nursing is a practice-based profession. Science labs such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are designed to give students direct experience with equipment, specimens, measurements, and laboratory techniques. These psychomotor and safety skills cannot be fully developed through virtual simulations or video-based labs.
State Boards of Nursing, including the California Board of Registered Nursing, expect science prerequisites to include in-person laboratory components with direct faculty oversight and verifiable lab hours. Programs must ensure that prerequisite coursework is equivalent in rigor and scope to traditional college-level labs in order to remain compliant.
Patient safety is another major consideration. Skills learned in early science labs support safe medication administration, specimen handling, infection control practices, and clinical decision-making. Nursing programs must be confident that students have physically performed these tasks before entering clinical environments.
Accrediting bodies such as ACEN require consistency, rigor, and quality in prerequisite coursework. Many accrediting agencies do not consider online labs to be equivalent to on-campus labs, and accepting them could place a program’s accreditation at risk.
Can any prerequisites be taken while enrolled in the program, or must they be completed beforehand?
All prerequisites must be completed before applying and before a student can be admitted. No prerequisite courses can be taken while enrolled in the nursing program. There is no time for any course work in addition to the nursing program. You are not required to complete all prerequisites to apply but I highly encourage you to have them all done!
Do I need a Social Security Number to apply to the program?
No, we do not require a social security number, but you do need either a social security number or a taxpayer I.D. number to apply for licensure to the California Board of Registered Nursing. One of our facilities also requires documentation of legal residency for students who are not citizens.
Do I need a high school diploma?
If you do not have an Associate or Bachelors degree, you will need to show proof of high school graduation or the equivalent when you apply to the program.
Do I need to attend an information session?
We strongly recommend attending the information meeting. You can find the dates here.
Do I need a LBCC Student ID?
Yes, you do need to apply to LBCC or have an LBCC Student ID before applying to the ADN program.
Do I need to see a counselor before applying?
No, you do not need to meet with a counselor before applying. If you wish to meet with a counselor, please contact the Counseling Department at (562) 938-4560 and request a nursing counselor.
What do I do if I took a required science course at another college?
Please submit the Life Science Equivalency Form to Marc Smith, Nursing & Allied Health Coordinator, at m4smith@lbcc.edu. He will return the form to you indicating whether the course is equivalent or not.
Do I need to take a computer technology or Physical Fitness/Wellness course?
No, you do not need to take a computer technology or physical fitness/wellness course.
When do you accept applications?
Applications will be accepted twice a year in February and in August.
What is the minimum required overall GPA to apply to the program?
The minimum cumulative GPA required is 2.50 and the minimum life science GPA required is 2.50. If either GPA is lower, your application will not be accepted.
Is there a part-time option for the ADN program?
No. It is a full-time program with classes on weekdays. Hospital clinical hours may be on weekends or evenings depending on the course. It is important to have flexibility in your work schedule while you are in the nursing program. Many students must decrease their work hours to do well in the program.
How do you select students?
We use a multi-criteria selection process.
I completed my nursing education in another country. For licensure in California, the BRN is requiring I take one class. Am I able to take it at your college?
We do admit students to the program to complete single course requirements, but only on if space is available. If you are interested in applying, please contact Dr. Jamie Lopez, Nursing Co Program Director/Department Head, at J2lopez@lbcc.edu. Attach your BRN letter of deficiency to the email.
Is there financial assistance available to help with the cost of the program?
Yes. Please visit the Financial Aid or Scholarship departments for more information.
Which courses can I take while waiting for admittance into the program?
We recommend.
- Read 84
- Introduction to nursing ADN 810
- Pharmacology
- Medical Terminology
- Human Development CDECE 47
- Pathophysiology
- Medical Math
- Medical Spanish
- You can also take courses required for admission into a BSN program. Refer to the Cal-GETC in the college catalog for those requirements.
Is there an opportunity to continue on to a BSN program?
Yes. We have collaborative partnerships with BSN programs at CSU Long Beach, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Fullerton, CSU Dominguez Hills, and Vanguard University as well as Grand Canyon University, University of Phoenix and Ohio State University. These partnerships allow qualified ADN students to transfer into the ADN-BSN program. In collaboration with the CSU campuses, we have developed educational roadmaps to guide you in achieving your BSN degree.
Is there a club at LBCC I can join if I am interested in nursing?
The Nursing Student Association (NSA) at Long Beach City College is a student-led club designed to support nursing students and pre-nursing students both inside and outside the classroom. NSA provides opportunities for students to connect with classmates, build leadership skills, engage with the nursing profession, and participate in activities that enhance academic success and professional growth.
Students in NSA organize and participate in events such as health education fairs, community service projects, fundraisers, study groups, and social gatherings. The club often collaborates with faculty and local healthcare partners to offer workshops, guest speakers, and networking opportunities. NSA also helps build community among students across different cohorts, making the nursing journey more collaborative and supportive.
Please email LBCC-NSA for further information.
How do I determine if the general education courses I have taken at other colleges are equivalent?
You can go to the TES system to determine equivalency and/or meet with a counselor. Final determination of General Education course equivalency can be made once you are in the nursing program.