IVC to Launch Largest Nursing Cohort in History, Expanding Healthcare Workforce
IMPERIAL, Calif. – Imperial Valley College (IVC) is set to make history in Fall 2025 by launching its largest nursing cohort to date, doubling its Registered Nursing (RN) enrollment in response to growing regional healthcare demands. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the college’s nursing program, which has been a cornerstone of healthcare education in the Imperial Valley for more than 60 years.
This historic increase will see the entry-level RN enrollment grow from 30 to 60 students, alongside the addition of 20 Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN bridge students and an expansion of the LVN entry-level program from 24 to 36 students. In total, these changes will provide more opportunities for aspiring nurses and help address the ongoing nursing shortage in rural and underserved communities.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage
The healthcare industry continues to face a nationwide shortage of trained nursing professionals, with rural regions like Imperial County particularly impacted. By increasing enrollment capacity, IVC aims to provide more students with access to affordable, high-quality nursing education while helping hospitals and healthcare facilities meet critical staffing needs.
“This expansion represents a transformative step for our program and the regional healthcare system,” said Daniel Ortiz, Associate Dean of Nursing and Allied Health at IVC. “By welcoming more students than ever before, we are addressing barriers that previously prevented eligible applicants from entering our program, while also strengthening the local nursing workforce.”
Multiple Pathways for Future Nurses
IVC’s nursing program offers a variety of pathways to accommodate students at different stages of their nursing careers:
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program – A two-year program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure. Admission is based on prerequisites, GPA, TEAS exam scores, and a multi-criteria selection process.
• LVN-to-RN Bridge Program – Designed for current Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) to transition into RN roles through an advanced placement track.
• LVN Entry-Level Program – Trains students to become Licensed Vocational Nurses, with an expanded cohort of 36 students.
• RN-to-BSN Pathway – Offers graduates of the ADN program a cost-effective way to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through partnerships with Azusa Pacific University, Grand Canyon University, and San Diego State University’s Imperial Valley campus.
Recognizing the rigorous nature of nursing education, IVC provides additional support through its Nursing Learning Center, where students can access tutoring, study resources, and faculty guidance to improve their success rates.
Expanded Recruitment and Application Changes
In an effort to reach a broader applicant pool, IVC is extending its recruitment efforts beyond Imperial County to neighboring regions such as Yuma, Coachella Valley, and San Diego. Additionally, the college has eliminated the previous time restriction on science prerequisites, allowing applicants to use older coursework in subjects like Microbiology, Anatomy, and Physiology.
As a result of this change, IVC has extended its nursing application deadline until April 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST to accommodate potential applicants. Prospective students are encouraged to meet with IVC’s nursing counseling team to determine their eligibility.
“This initiative extends beyond increasing our class size—it’s about making nursing education more accessible and building a stronger, more diverse healthcare workforce,” Ortiz said.
How to Apply
Applications for the Fall 2025 Nursing Program are now open. Interested students can visit www.imperial.edu for eligibility details, deadlines, and application requirements. For more information, applicants can contact the IVC Nursing Department at (760) 355-6348 or reach out to counselors Tanya Dorsey or Maggie Vizcarra at (760) 355-6543.
About IVC’s Nursing Program
Imperial Valley College’s nursing programs are among the most highly regarded Associate Degree Nursing programs in California. With an approximate cost of $10,500 for entry-level RN students, IVC offers one of the most affordable pathways to nursing licensure. Graduates go on to secure positions in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities throughout California and beyond, filling a critical need in the medical field.
This expansion reflects IVC’s commitment to strengthening the local healthcare system and providing aspiring nurses with the education and opportunities they need to succeed.