FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: November 20, 2025 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
(Whittier, Calif.) — The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Río Hondo College has secured accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), retroactive to September 2022 and valid through 2030.
This voluntary accreditation—awarded by one of the nation’s leading specialized nursing-education accrediting bodies—reflects the program’s commitment to meeting rigorous national standards of quality beyond state requirements. ACEN commended the program for its high, first-time pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and for the exemplary organization of its curriculum and documentation.
Dr. Katherin Brandt, dean of Health Science and Nursing, said, “This was a collective effort by the entire Nursing Division—faculty and staff—and took several years to complete. The process mandated evaluation of every aspect of the curriculum and required proof of how measurable results are achieved.”
“Earning ACEN accreditation demonstrates the high-quality education we strive to offer our students,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss. “We are proud that our nursing program meets these rigorous national benchmarks and equips graduates for success.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings expected each year on average during the decade.
Oscar Valladares, president of the Board of Trustees, said, “With this accreditation, the College is further strengthened as a pipeline for nurses who will fuel the regional economy and meet the growing workforce needs in healthcare.”
ACEN accreditation ensures that students receive a nursing education that meets national standards of excellence while enhancing job prospects, licensure reciprocity across states and access to financial aid.
Key strengths of Río Hondo College’s ADN program include:
- Enrollment of 80 students annually (40 each semester), including Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)-to-ADN career-ladder students.
- NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates consistently above 94 percent.
- Program length reduced from five semesters to four using an evidence-based, concept-based curriculum.
- Graduate employment rate of more than 85 percent within one year, with many alumni advancing into leadership roles at partner clinical facilities.
For more information about Río Hondo College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program, visit: https://www.riohondo.edu/academics/divisions/health-science-nursing/departments-degrees-certificates/nursing/associate-degree-nursing-adn/
About ACEN
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) provides specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing-education programs, including pre-licensure and transition-to-practice. ACEN is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.