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.
End of Program Student Learning Objectives (EPSLOs)
At the end of the ADN program, the student will be able to:
- Engage in legal and ethical nursing practice that is patient-centered and culturally appropriate for individuals, families, and communities.
- Integrate principles of quality improvement to provide safe nursing practice within healthcare organizations and systems.
- Utilize evidence-based practice in providing nursing care to patients across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate leadership behaviors that influence individuals and groups in the delivery of nursing care.
- Communicate effectively and collaboratively with the healthcare team. Patient, family, and community in the delivery of nursing care.
- Utilize technologies for the management of information and the delivery of patient care.
Entry Points for ADN Degree Program
Associate Degree Nursing Program Admission
of Military Personnel
Military Personnel and Veterans may be eligible for enrollment into the Río 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.
There are two pathways:
-
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.

California State Board of Registered Nursing
The Río 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

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
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