Top Registered Nurse (ADN) Programs in Major U.S. Cities – Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Houston and more

Introduction

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is a popular choice for those looking to start their careers as registered nurses (RNs). These programs are typically two years long and provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the nursing profession. With the demand for nurses continually on the rise, many prospective students are seeking the best RN (ADN) programs available in major U.S. cities.

In this blog post, we will explore the top RN (ADN) programs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, and other major U.S. cities to help you make an informed decision about your nursing education.

Los Angeles

1. Los Angeles City College (LACC) LACC’s Nursing Department offers a comprehensive ADN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. With a strong emphasis on clinical experience, students receive hands-on training at local healthcare facilities.
2. Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) LASC’s ADN program focuses on nursing theory, clinical practice, and leadership development. The program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate, and graduates are well-equipped for success in their nursing careers.
3. Pasadena City College (PCC) PCC’s ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and prepares students to excel in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and encourages students to participate in community health initiatives.

San Francisco

1. City College of San Francisco (CCSF) CCSF’s Nursing Department offers an ADN program that is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and strong clinical partnerships. Students gain practical experience at renowned healthcare facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
2. College of San Mateo (CSM) The ADN program at CSM combines classroom instruction, skills labs, and clinical experiences to provide students with a well-rounded nursing education. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to long-term care facilities.
3. Ohlone College Ohlone College’s ADN program is known for its personalized approach, with small class sizes and individualized support for students. The program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate and strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities.

New York City

1. Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) BMCC’s ADN program prepares students for successful nursing careers by emphasizing clinical competence, critical thinking, and effective communication. Graduates are highly sought after in the New York City healthcare market.
2. LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC) LAGCC’s ADN program is accredited by the ACEN and offers students a comprehensive nursing education that includes a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences. The program has a strong emphasis on cultural competence and community health.
3. Bronx Community College (BCC) BCC’s ADN program focuses on providing students with a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to excel as RNs. With an emphasis on community health and service, BCC prepares students to make a difference in their local communities.
4. Medgar Evers College (MEC) MEC’s ADN program offers a holistic approach to nursing education, emphasizing critical thinking, clinical competence, and compassionate care. The program is committed to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity in underserved communities.

Chicago

Chicago is home to several high-quality ADN RN programs that prepare students for successful careers in nursing. Here are the top 3 ADN RN programs in Chicago:

1. City Colleges of Chicago – Malcolm X College

Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, offers a comprehensive ADN program that prepares students to excel as registered nurses. The program emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge and clinical experiences, providing students with the skills necessary to care for patients in various healthcare settings. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and have consistently achieved high pass rates.

Website: https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/departments/Pages/Nursing-Department.aspx

2. Triton College

Triton College’s ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and offers a well-rounded nursing education. The program combines classroom instruction, skills lab training, and clinical experiences to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing practice. With an emphasis on critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and compassionate care, Triton College prepares students to excel in diverse healthcare environments.

Website: https://www.triton.edu/pages/health-careers/nursing-application/

3. College of DuPage

Located just outside Chicago, the College of DuPage offers an ADN program that emphasizes clinical competence, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for success in their nursing careers. Graduates of the College of DuPage ADN program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and have consistently achieved high pass rates.

Website: https://www.cod.edu/academics/programs/nursing/

When choosing an ADN RN program in Chicago, consider factors such as accreditation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, clinical experiences, and program reputation. The top 3 programs listed above offer exceptional nursing education and can help you launch a successful nursing career. Take the time to research and visit each program to find the one that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Houston

Here are the top 3 ADN RN programs in Houston:

1. Houston Community College (HCC) – Coleman College for Health Sciences

Houston Community College’s Coleman College for Health Sciences offers an ADN program that focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in nursing theory, hands-on clinical experience, and critical thinking skills. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination and excel in various healthcare settings. Graduates have consistently achieved high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Website: https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/health-sciences/nursing/

2. Lone Star College – CyFair

Lone Star College’s ADN program at the CyFair campus is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and offers students a comprehensive nursing education. The program combines classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experiences to provide a well-rounded education. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, compassionate care, and effective communication, Lone Star College prepares students to succeed in their nursing careers.

Website: https://www.lonestar.edu/nursing-requirements.htm

3. San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College offers an ADN program that emphasizes clinical competence, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in their nursing careers. Graduates of the San Jacinto College ADN program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and have consistently achieved high pass rates.

Website: https://www.sanjac.edu/program/nursing

Phoenix

Phoenix offers several excellent ADN RN programs for students looking to begin a career in nursing. Here are the top 3 ADN RN programs in Phoenix:

1. Phoenix College

Phoenix College’s ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and provides a comprehensive nursing education. The program combines classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experiences to offer a well-rounded education. With a focus on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care, Phoenix College prepares students for successful careers as registered nurses.

Website: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/degrees-certificates/nursing

2. Glendale Community College

Glendale Community College, located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, offers an ADN program that emphasizes clinical competence, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practical skills necessary for success in their nursing careers. Graduates of the Glendale Community College ADN program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and have consistently achieved high pass rates.

Website: https://www.gccaz.edu/academics/departments/nursing

3. Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College, also part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, offers an ADN program that focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in nursing theory, hands-on clinical experience, and critical thinking skills. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination and excel in various healthcare settings. Graduates have consistently achieved high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Website: https://www.mesacc.edu/programs/nursing

Philadelphia

Here are the top 3 RN(ADN) programs in Philadelphia:

1. Community College of Philadelphia (CCP)

The Community College of Philadelphia offers an ADN program that provides students with a comprehensive nursing education. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and combines classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experiences to offer a well-rounded education. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care, CCP prepares students for successful careers as registered nurses.

Website: https://www.ccp.edu/academic-offerings/all-offerings/nursing

2. Delaware County Community College (DCCC)

Located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Delaware County Community College offers an ADN program that emphasizes clinical competence, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practical skills necessary for success in their nursing careers. Graduates of the DCCC ADN program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and have consistently achieved high pass rates.

Website: https://www.dccc.edu/academics/academic-divisions/allied-health-nursing

3. Montgomery County Community College (MCCC)

Montgomery County Community College, also part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, offers an ADN program that focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in nursing theory, hands-on clinical experience, and critical thinking skills. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination and excel in various healthcare settings. Graduates have consistently achieved high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Website: https://www.mc3.edu/degrees-and-programs/programs/health/nursing

San Diego

Here are the top 3 ADN RN programs in San Diego:

1. San Diego City College

San Diego City College offers an ADN program that provides students with a comprehensive nursing education. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and combines classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experiences to offer a well-rounded education. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care, San Diego City College prepares students for successful careers as registered nurses.

Website: https://www.sdcity.edu/academics/schools-programs/math-sci-nurse/nursing/nursing-rn.aspx

2. Grossmont College

Grossmont College, located in the San Diego metropolitan area, offers an ADN program that emphasizes clinical competence, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practical skills necessary for success in their nursing careers. Graduates of the Grossmont College ADN program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and have consistently achieved high pass rates.

Website: https://www.grossmont.edu/academics/programs/nursing/associate-degree-nursing-adn-programs.php

3. Southwestern College

Southwestern College, also part of the San Diego metropolitan area, offers an ADN program that focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in nursing theory, hands-on clinical experience, and critical thinking skills. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination and excel in various healthcare settings. Graduates have consistently achieved high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Website: https://www.swccd.edu/programs-and-academics/health-science-and-environmental-technology/nursing/

Dallas

Here are the top 3 ADN RN programs in Dallas:

1. El Centro College (Now Dallas College)

El Centro College, part of the Dallas County Community College District, offers an ADN program that provides students with a comprehensive nursing education. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and combines classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experiences to offer a well-rounded education. With a focus on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care, El Centro College prepares students for successful careers as registered nurses.

Website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/credit/nursing/pages/default.aspx

2. Brookhaven College (Now Dallas College)

Brookhaven College, also part of the Dallas County Community College District, offers an ADN program that emphasizes clinical competence, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practical skills necessary for success in their nursing careers. Graduates of the Brookhaven College ADN program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and have consistently achieved high pass rates.

Website: https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/credit/nursing/pages/default.aspx

3. Tarrant County College (TCC)

Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Tarrant County College offers an ADN program that focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in nursing theory, hands-on clinical experience, and critical thinking skills. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination and excel in various healthcare settings. Graduates have consistently achieved high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Website: https://www.tccd.edu/academics/courses-and-programs/programs-a-z/credit/nursing/

San Jose

Here are the top 3 ADN RN programs in San Jose:

1. San Jose City College

San Jose City College offers an ADN program that provides students with a comprehensive nursing education. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and combines classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experiences to offer a well-rounded education. With an emphasis on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care, San Jose City College prepares students for successful careers as registered nurses.

2. Evergreen Valley College

Evergreen Valley College, located in the San Jose metropolitan area, offers an ADN program that emphasizes clinical competence, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practical skills necessary for success in their nursing careers. Graduates of the Evergreen Valley College ADN program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and have consistently achieved high pass rates.

Website: https://www.evc.edu/programs-academics/academic-resources/nursing-allied-health

3. De Anza College

Located in the San Jose metropolitan area, De Anza College offers an ADN program that focuses on providing students with a solid foundation in nursing theory, hands-on clinical experience, and critical thinking skills. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination and excel in various healthcare settings. Graduates have consistently achieved high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Website: https://www.deanza.edu/nursing/

Conclusion

When choosing an ADN RN program, it’s essential to consider factors such as accreditation, NCLEX-RN pass rates, clinical experiences, and program reputation. The top 10 ADN RN programs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City highlighted in this blog post offer exceptional nursing education and the opportunity to launch successful nursing careers. Take the time to research and visit each program to find the one that best alignates with your personal and professional goals.