Concurrent ADN-to-BSN Programs in California

How it works

The BRN's definition: a collaborative program is "a written agreement between two or more nursing programs specifying the nursing courses at their respective institutions that are equivalent and acceptable for transfer credit to partner nursing programs" (BRN report, p. 48 and glossary).

In practice:

1. You apply to, and are admitted to, a community college ADN program (see How California nursing schools choose students).
2. You apply separately for the CEP or collaborative track, by the deadlines the college and the university set.
3. You take university courses alongside or after your ADN courses.
4. You earn the ADN, take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed, then finish the BSN.

Partnership data (BRN 2024–25)

Source: BRN 2024–25 Annual School Report, Table 61 (p. 48). The BRN adds that all but one participating ADN program were at community colleges, and all but four participating BSN programs were at California State Universities. It also notes that fewer ADN and LVN-to-ADN programs reported partnerships than the year before.

Four examples

Golden West College + CSU San Bernardino (CEP). Golden West describes "a six (6) full-time semester program." Applicants must have finished all prerequisite and lower-division GE requirements (no courses in progress) and need a minimum 2.75 GPA. The info sheet notes that "Online Biology courses will be accepted by CSUSB." (source, checked Oct 13, 2026)

Riverside City College + CSU (CEP). Riverside describes a "2 ½ - 3-year (full-time) program" for applicants who have completed CSU general education requirements before applying to the ADN program. CEP applicants need an overall minimum GPA of 2.75 and mark their interest on the ADN application. (source, checked Oct 13, 2026)

Los Medanos College + CSU East Bay (CEP). The program is "designed to earn both degrees in just 2.5 years." Only students accepted to the Los Medanos ADN program can apply. Requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA in anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry. The handbook notes that the program is subject to availability from CSU East Bay. (source, checked Oct 13, 2026)

CSU Northridge ADN-BSN Community College Collaborative. CSUN partners with ten community colleges: Antelope Valley College, College of the Canyons, Glendale College, LA City College, LA Pierce College, LA Trade Tech College, LA Valley College, Moorpark College, Pasadena City College and Ventura College. One CSUN page says the path takes "approximately 3 years from the start of the ADN program to the BSN graduation" (source). Another says you can "earn both degrees in as few as 2.5 years" (source). It requires two applications: the CSUN university application through Cal State Apply (October 1–November 30) and a Department of Nursing supplemental application (October 1–January 31). (source, checked Oct 13, 2026)

These are examples, not a full list. Partnerships start and end, so ask your community college nursing counselor which ones are active for your cycle.

Is it right for you?

It can fit if you want a BSN but your best route in is a community college ADN, or you want to start working as an RN sooner. For background, see ADN vs. BSN in California and Cost of RN programs.

Think about workload. Taking university courses alongside a full ADN schedule is demanding. Some programs schedule university courses in summers or after the ADN.

Common mistakes

• Not finishing GE in time. Many CEPs need GE certified before you apply or before the ADN starts.
• Missing the university's deadline. It's separate from the ADN deadline. Check the deadlines calendar and the university's page.
• Assuming every community college has a partner. Ask, and check the university's current partner list.