Río Hondo Community College ADN - Spring 2026

Published

UPDATE: Changes: New Log In Requirement

Hi guys!! 

Just wanted to start a forum for the upcoming fall application period: August 15th 2025-September 12th 2025. That way we can help each other with application questions or keep each other updated on acceptance, ineligibility, and rejection. 

Wishing everyone the best!! 🙂

melomelo said:

Yes they did! They told me not to worry as they know how the process works for those of us who have to redo the series OR get a booster and a 2nd titer. She said to just get my booster and lab work done by the required dates (as in the timeline of 28 days apart from booster + titer, castle branch keeps dates and deadlines for your repeat boosters and 2nd titer) and I'm good 🙂 

Awesome thanks for the info! I just got my booster shot today and can't get my titer till 12/22 😕 I was informed of no immunity on Wednesday, they were super slow so the whole process got delayed. Hoping it's fine! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Marisse said:

To those going to orientation, anyone know if there is a dress code? If not, would anyone like to share what attire is deemed appropriate? 
 

Thank you! 

 

Have they ever gotten back to you? I had the same issue regarding Hep B no immunity! 

Hello, there isn't really a dress code. The last 2 orientations some people just showed up in sweats haha. I'm just gonna wear yoga leggings, a shirt and sneakers. You can wear whatever you like but I wouldn't go too professional as no one does. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
youngcoconut said:

Hi guys,

Congrats to everyone who has been accepted into the program! I was accepted as well, but getting nervous about my decision.

I read a thread here from the RHC Spring 2024 cohort talking about how a lot of the older professors have left and the newer ones aren't as good. Additionally, one stat I didn't consider came up in the thread as well, which was the program attrition rate. For example, RHC is about 16-25% for the past 5 years while PCC has been 1-8% for the past 5 years. 16-25% is pretty high in comparison to most of the programs listed on the official CA BRN .gov website. I'm wondering if there are any current RHC ADN students here who can shed some light on why that might be. I'm wondering is the program just really difficult? Is it the new professors or professors in general? Or could it be something out of our (students) hands like faculty shortage or limited clinical site availability? Any insight would be really appreciated!! 

Hi! I seen that same thread earlier this year and looked into attrition rates because of it. It does worry me that RHC's is so high but I also know it's one of the best programs in the state of California. I personally think some people drop because they didn't expect to do the things that nurses actually do. A lot of people sign up with no healthcare experience and realize it's not for them. The professors are tough, as they should be, but if you put in the work you should be fine. I work with some nurses that are from RHC and some RHC nursing students doing their clinical rotations, they said it's not as bad as some make it seem. One even said they just changed their program this past semester and supposedly it's a tad easier than semester's prior. If Rio is all around better for you, stick with it. Working in a hospital, I've heard a lot about how Rio is known for being a good school and hospitals like hiring Rio nurses. 

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
CeeU918 said:

Hi! I seen that same thread earlier this year and looked into attrition rates because of it. It does worry me that RHC's is so high but I also know it's one of the best programs in the state of California. I personally think some people drop because they didn't expect to do the things that nurses actually do. A lot of people sign up with no healthcare experience and realize it's not for them. The professors are tough, as they should be, but if you put in the work you should be fine. I work with some nurses that are from RHC and some RHC nursing students doing their clinical rotations, they said it's not as bad as some make it seem. One even said they just changed their program this past semester and supposedly it's a tad easier than semester's prior. If Rio is all around better for you, stick with it. Working in a hospital, I've heard a lot about how Rio is known for being a good school and hospitals like hiring Rio nurses. 

Thanks for that info! I've been sweating it and kinda came to the conclusion of just accepting it haha. Anyway, what you said makes sense and I think I just needed to hear that. I'm looking forward to orientation and starting in the Spring!! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just received an email today that I was accepted as an alternate. Does anyone know how likely it is for alternates to be accepted this late in the process?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
mk_c__ said:

I just received an email today that I was accepted as an alternate. Does anyone know how likely it is for alternates to be accepted this late in the process?

Yay! Congrats!! Usually the alternates get a spot because some people don't show up to the orientation and lose their spot. I've seen it happen the past two orientations. I'd say you have a very good chance. Go to the orientation on Monday and you will find out then 🙂 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
mk_c__ said:

I just received an email today that I was accepted as an alternate. Does anyone know how likely it is for alternates to be accepted this late in the process?

Congrats! 🎉 from what I know but dnt quote me all alternates get in. They will tell you at orientation. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi everyone! I am a current Rio Hondo ADN student in the last semester about to graduate next week! 

I just wanted to come on here and share how amazing this program was. I saw another student post a bad review but I don't know the experience they had. ALL my professors both theory and in clinical were so good. My cohort was the first cohort to try out the new structure of the RN program which is focuses more on concepts. The professors have been consistent as well. Yes you have to put a lot of time outside of the classroom but thats a given. Nobody is going to hold your hand and nothing will be on a golden platter LOL. This school has given me the best foundation to be the SAFEST nurse and they really help you think critically and give you a good sense of clinical judgement.

My cohort did lose a lot of people during the first semester due to medication check offs of skills (you get three tries spaced out from one another) and pharmacology. But do not let this scare you; let it motivate you. The cohort behind us had nobody fail out of check offs so it really depends. Please throw out anything you have learned at your jobs and just do EXACTLY what the professor does. They know way better than we do. My advice for first semester is find out how to study and how to read nursing questions! They are completely different from pre reqs and any other classes you've taken before. It is not about memorization it is about understanding. Watch YouTube videos that go over nursing questions like nexus nursing and for content watch nurse Sarah, level up RN, and simple nursing. Start becoming familiar with nursing language as well (ex. vomit=emesis; redness=erythema). First semester and third semester will be the hardest in terms of content and schedule wise. 

I am so happy I went here and am so thankful for the close friends I made, the inspiring professors, and the respect that other hospitals give to Río Hondo students. 

In clinical, nurses were so happy to see us come in because we actually do a lot.

But congrats! Enjoy the journey and put your all into this program! DM me if you have any questions 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
luvnursing333 said:

Hi everyone! I am a current Rio Hondo ADN student in the last semester about to graduate next week! 

I just wanted to come on here and share how amazing this program was. I saw another student post a bad review but I don't know the experience they had. ALL my professors both theory and in clinical were so good. My cohort was the first cohort to try out the new structure of the RN program which is focuses more on concepts. The professors have been consistent as well. Yes you have to put a lot of time outside of the classroom but thats a given. Nobody is going to hold your hand and nothing will be on a golden platter LOL. This school has given me the best foundation to be the SAFEST nurse and they really help you think critically and give you a good sense of clinical judgement.

My cohort did lose a lot of people during the first semester due to medication check offs of skills (you get three tries spaced out from one another) and pharmacology. But do not let this scare you; let it motivate you. The cohort behind us had nobody fail out of check offs so it really depends. Please throw out anything you have learned at your jobs and just do EXACTLY what the professor does. They know way better than we do. My advice for first semester is find out how to study and how to read nursing questions! They are completely different from pre reqs and any other classes you've taken before. It is not about memorization it is about understanding. Watch YouTube videos that go over nursing questions like nexus nursing and for content watch nurse Sarah, level up RN, and simple nursing. Start becoming familiar with nursing language as well (ex. vomit=emesis; redness=erythema). First semester and third semester will be the hardest in terms of content and schedule wise. 

I am so happy I went here and am so thankful for the close friends I made, the inspiring professors, and the respect that other hospitals give to Río Hondo students. 

In clinical, nurses were so happy to see us come in because we actually do a lot.

But congrats! Enjoy the journey and put your all into this program! DM me if you have any questions 

Thank you so much for posting this! It definitely eases a lot of anxiety that I had going in! How many days a week are classes and clinical in the first semester? I'm trying to find a job that accommodates the schedule. Also, did you work while in the program? Or knew anyone that did? Would you recommend ?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Godisgoood said:

Thank you so much for posting this! It definitely eases a lot of anxiety that I had going in! How many days a week are classes and clinical in the first semester? I'm trying to find a job that accommodates the schedule. Also, did you work while in the program? Or knew anyone that did? Would you recommend ?

It depends on what lab sections they put you in. My first and third semester were four days a week and the least I had was 2 days a week. It never went to 5 days a week. 

I did not work during first sem just cuz I did not know what it was going to be like and thats the advice other students told me. Most of the classmates that worked needed to go part time or fully quit cuz their grades were getting affected. But my friend worked full time nights and would come to lecture straight after work LOL IDK how he did that he never sleeps. So it also depends on the type of person you are. I did per diem the rest of the semesters and worked full time during breaks. 

But I do not recommend working first semester unless you need to. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
luvnursing333 said:

Hi everyone! I am a current Rio Hondo ADN student in the last semester about to graduate next week! 

I just wanted to come on here and share how amazing this program was. I saw another student post a bad review but I don't know the experience they had. ALL my professors both theory and in clinical were so good. My cohort was the first cohort to try out the new structure of the RN program which is focuses more on concepts. The professors have been consistent as well. Yes you have to put a lot of time outside of the classroom but thats a given. Nobody is going to hold your hand and nothing will be on a golden platter LOL. This school has given me the best foundation to be the SAFEST nurse and they really help you think critically and give you a good sense of clinical judgement.

My cohort did lose a lot of people during the first semester due to medication check offs of skills (you get three tries spaced out from one another) and pharmacology. But do not let this scare you; let it motivate you. The cohort behind us had nobody fail out of check offs so it really depends. Please throw out anything you have learned at your jobs and just do EXACTLY what the professor does. They know way better than we do. My advice for first semester is find out how to study and how to read nursing questions! They are completely different from pre reqs and any other classes you've taken before. It is not about memorization it is about understanding. Watch YouTube videos that go over nursing questions like nexus nursing and for content watch nurse Sarah, level up RN, and simple nursing. Start becoming familiar with nursing language as well (ex. vomit=emesis; redness=erythema). First semester and third semester will be the hardest in terms of content and schedule wise. 

I am so happy I went here and am so thankful for the close friends I made, the inspiring professors, and the respect that other hospitals give to Río Hondo students. 

In clinical, nurses were so happy to see us come in because we actually do a lot.

But congrats! Enjoy the journey and put your all into this program! DM me if you have any questions 

I'm so happy to hear this! I love the nursing staff at Rio, but I have never been one of their students (besides CNA) so I don't know them like that. Hearing your perspective is so helpful and refreshing when there is so much negativity about nursing programs. Your words are so motivating and has made me that much more excited to start! Congrats on almost finishing, coming from Rio Hondo I know you are going to be a fantastic nurse 🙂 

thank you so much for the advice. I was wondering, in your opinion, do you think it's better to have the physical text books or the digital? I'm torn between which I want to get? 
 

thank you again and happy pinning! 

 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

It depends on what lab sections they put you in. My first and third semester were four days a week and the least I had was 2 days a week. It never went to 5 days a week. 

I did not work during first sem just cuz I did not know what it was going to be like and thats the advice other students told me. Most of the classmates that worked needed to go part time or fully quit cuz their grades were getting affected. But my friend worked full time nights and would come to lecture straight after work LOL IDK how he did that he never sleeps. So it also depends on the type of person you are. I did per diem the rest of the semesters and worked full time during breaks. 

But I do not recommend working first semester unless you need to. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion