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It’s important for a person to consider what program he or she is looking for since what is the best school for nursing in California includes numerous options for nurses at different levels. If a person doesn’t have an LPN or an RN already, he or she will need to look for on-campus programs, so he or she can complete the clinical portion of his or her education. If he or she already has an LPN or RN, he or she can look for LPN to BSN or RN to BSN programs online or on campus.
There are both accredited public and accredited private nursing schools in California. Additionally, there are accredited online nursing schools in California. Accredited public or accredited private campus-based nursing schools in California as well as accredited online nursing schools in California are recognized by an educational board for having a curriculum that adequately prepares students for a job in nursing. In fact, the only way a person can take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN is to attend one of the accredited nursing schools in California.
Best Bsn Programs In California
To rank the best nursing schools in California, Nursing School Hub editors have to consider what is important to the working nurse and the new nursing student. The thing all nursing students have in common is the desire to see their degree make an impact on their career. That’s why NSH ranks programs according to data that matters, from reputable sources including IPEDS and College Scorecard. All programs are accredited and ranked according to their tuition cost, student satisfaction, and salary potential.
1. UCLA
The UCLA School of Nursing offers these degree options: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), MSN – Masters Entry Clinical Nurse, Masters of Science in Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Students develop real-world skills along with the theory and socialization. The curriculum features interdisciplinary and independent-study education. Ranked as #20 on the list of Top Nursing School by US New and World Report, the UCLA School of Nursing is one of the best schools for nursing in California.
The UCLA School of Nursing is a public school. The motto is “Fiat lux,” translated “Let there be light.” The university’s nickname is “Bruins,” and the school colors are blue and gold. UCLA is the fourth-oldest campus in the University of California university system. The nursing school is located in the Westwood neighborhood. The UCLA School of Nursing is one of the top recipients of research funding in the US, with particular emphasis as a Top 20 recipient from the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Degrees: BSN, MSN, PhD, DNP
2. AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
The Azusa Pacific University offers programs for nursing bachelor’s degrees, as well as master’s and doctoral nursing degrees with online, regional, and on-campus educational options. APU’s nursing programs feature options for study abroad and internships in community health. With small classrooms and simulation labs, the goal is to support compassionate care. Azusa Pacific University is the best nursing school in California.
The Azusa Pacific University is a private, evangelical institution (inter-denominational) recognized among National Universities by US News & World Report and ranked a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The mascot is the Cougar. The school colors are black and brick. The motto is “God First.”
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
3. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE
UC Irvine offers a BS in Nursing Science, an MS in Nursing Science, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. The focus of the nursing program is to encourage population health on a local and international level while improving the level of care for patients. UC Irvine’s Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in California.
UC Irvine is a public research institution, ranked #36 in National Universities by US News & World Report, with a specialization in neuroscience and cancer studies. The motto “Fiat lux” means “Let there be light.” UCI is one of the top research institutions in the US. The university is dedicated to discovery, with the goal of improving lives.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
4. DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
The Dominican University of California offers a BS in Nursing, focusing on clinical excellence. The goal is to facilitate mentorship and engagement, with real-world opportunities in research and study abroad. The Dominican University of California is one of the best schools for nursing in California. The program focuses on training and fulfilling the requirements for military trained healthcare professionals as well as internationally educated students.
The Dominican University of California is ranked #23 as one of the Regional Universities West, as well as #24 in the list of Best Value Schools by US News & World Report. The motto is “Veritas Fax Ardens,” translated as “Truth is a Flaming Torch.” Dominican is a private university, with the nickname “Penguins,” and the mascot “Chilly the Penguin. Appropriately enough, the school colors are black, gold and white. Students participate in important research projects, while gaining real-world experience in the dynamic Dominican community.
Degrees: BSN
5. UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
The University of San Francisco offers a BS in Nursing, a MS degree as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The University of San Francisco is the best nursing school in California. The goal of the School of Nursing and Health Professions is to prepare healthcare personnel for the demands of policy and advocacy, with a commitment to learning and innovation.
The University of San Francisco is ranked #97 in National Universities by US News & World Report. It’s a private Jesuit-Catholic institution, with a focus on service-based learning and a commitment to contributing and improving the community. The traditional motto is: “Pro Urbe et Universitate,” translated “For City and University,” but the current motto is “Change the world from here.” The more modern motto reflects the emphasis on work that contributes to the betterment of society and the world. The school colors are green and gold. USF is ranked #67 for “Best Value.” Washington Monthly ranked the university #149 for research, contribution to public good, and promotion of public service.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
6. CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IRVINE
Concordia University Irvine offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Undergraduate Pre-Nursing Minor. Concordia University is one of the best nursing schools in California. The program centers on teaching knowledge-based skills and delivering the right information to support compassionate, caring, and competent care by dedicated and knowledgeable nurses. Concordia students have a high pass rate of 99% for The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam).
Concordia University is a private Christian university, ranked as #34 in the list of Regional Universities West by US News & World Report. Approximately 68% of students in undergraduate programs currently receive need-based financial aid for full-time status. The motto is “Developing Wise, Honorable, and Cultivated Citizens.” The university is one of the nine universities and colleges that are part of the Concordia University network/system.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, minor
7. SIMPSON UNIVERSITY
Simpson University offers a BSN (pre-licensure) and a RN-BSN (post-licensure) program track. Simpson University is one of the best schools for nursing in California, with its focus on faith-based nursing education and curriculum. The core value of the Betty M Dean School of Nursing program is caring, with personalized faculty mentoring, hands-on experiences, small classes, simulation labs, and engaging discussions.
Simpson University is a private, liberal arts university with a faith-based focus, affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The motto is “Gateway to World Service.” The nickname is “Red Hawks,” with the colors of red and black. The university encourages critical thinking and research with the goal of demonstrating the values and precepts of human dignity and social justice.
Degrees: BSN, RN to BSN
8. BIOLA UNIVERSITY
Biola University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with the mission of preparing students to take on the role of competent nursing professionals. The Biola Nursing program incorporates clinical opportunities with a theoretical (evidence-based) curriculum to support an environment for learning and growth. Biola University is one of the best nursing schools in California.
Biola University is a private Christian university. The university ties for the rank of #185 in National Universities in a list by US News & World Report. It ties for #61 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, and is ranked #88 in the list for Best Value Schools. The motto is “Above All Give Glory to God.”
Degrees: BSN
9. CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
California Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (which is designed for non-Nursing degree majors), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). California Baptist University is one of the best nursing schools in California, with the focus on creating highly qualified, caring, and responsible nursing candidates in a demanding field. That goal is paired with the preparation of nurses with the worldview imbued by the university, including fulfilling needs at the global as well as local levels.
California Baptist University is a private Christian institution, affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. It is ranked #43 in the list of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West by US News & World Report. It ranks #28 for Best Value Schools, and #5 for Most Innovative Schools. The motto of the school is “Live Your Purpose.” The nickname is “Lancers” and the colors are blue and gold.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
10. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
San Diego State University offers degrees for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an RN to BSN, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and an LVN to RN. The SDSU Nursing Program, BSN ranked in the top 25 for all Nursing school programs, according to the Best Health Degrees, while simultaneously ranking as #1 in the list of Hispanic-Serving programs. San Diego State University is the best nursing school in California.
San Diego State University is a public research institution. The “Leadership starts here” motto follows through with the prestige of the Nursing Program as well as the accomplishments and acclaim of the entire university. SDSU has been recognized as the #1 research university and it is classified for High Research Activity. The Aztec warrior is their mascot, and the nickname is “Aztecs,” with the bold scarlet and black colors. In keeping with that school identity, San Diego State University is committed to diversity, and it is recognized as one of the top 10 universities in the US for racial and ethnic diversity in the number of degrees that are earned by minority students as well as the overall makeup of the student body.
Degrees: BSN, MSN
nursing schools in california that accept transfers
For nursing students who want to transfer to another nursing program, there are options available throughout the country. It is important to note that the transfer policies of these schools might differ regarding the amount of coursework/credits that can be transferred, so students need to keep this in mind when pursing this option. Here are some examples of colleges/universities that accept transfer students in their nursing programs.
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition (2019-2020)* | Some Transfer Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California | $13,240 In-State / $42,994 Out-of-State | Supplemental Application, 3.5 GPA |
| Belmont University | Nashville, TN | $35,650 | Transcripts, SAT/ACT scores |
| University of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA | $17,798 In-State / $50,900 Out-of-State | Transcripts, Standardized Test Scores |
| Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. | $56,058 | Transcripts, Secondary School Report |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, P.A. | $23,452 In-State/$41,508 Out-of-State | 3.5 GPA, ACT/SAT, 24 credit hours |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $7,760 (per-term) In-State/$25, 919(per-term) Out-of-State | Supplemental Application, $75 application fee, transcripts (high school and college), resume |
| Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ | $6,040 (per term) In-State/$10,020 Out-of-State | High school transcript unless you have an associate’s degree, ACT/SAT score for those who have not completed 30 credit hours, $65 application fee |
nursing schools with high acceptance rates in california
California has blue skies, sandy beaches, and excellent nursing opportunities. With a large retired population, the demand for nurses is increasing more than ever. If you want to get your foot in the door to these opportunities, you’ll want to find the best nursing schools in California. That’s why we’ve done the research for you!
Not all nursing programs are the same throughout the state, so be sure to find the perfect fit for you by checking admission requirements and essential qualities you want your school to have. Also, maybe you don’t want to stop at a simple four-year degree. If so, find the perfect RN to BSN program in California that will launch you into graduate school so you can ascend the rungs of your chosen profession.
1. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University provides students with leadership skills and a deep level of compassion in the health care field. With innovative programs, mentors, and guides, students will have opportunities to obtain a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree online or on campus.
- Tuition: $34,754
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Programs Offered:
- Traditional BSN degree
- Upper-Division-Transfer BSN degree
- RN to BSN degree
- LVN to BSN degree
- ELM degree
- MSN degree
- MPH degree
- DNP degree
- Ph.D. degree
2. University of California Los Angeles
The University of California in Los Angeles offers several nursing programs. Through experienced faculty and small class sizes, students will be taught critical thinking, judgment, and evidence-based nursing skills in one incredible education.
- Tuition: $12,763
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Programs Offered:
- BSN degree
- MSN degree
- MECN degree
- DNP degree
- Ph.D. degree
3. California State University Bakersfield
California State University at Bakersfield offers an exceptional education by combining physical, social, and biological sciences into their nursing programs. Students will receive in-depth training in a variety of clinical settings as part of their curriculum.
- Tuition: $6,811
- Acceptance Rate: 68.8%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Programs Offered:
- Traditional BSN Program
- RN-BSN Program (Associate Degree in Nursing Required)
- MSN-FNP Program (BSN Required)
4. San Diego State University
San Diego State University strives to provide students with a thorough education through their nursing degrees. Students will be taught to prevent and care for illness and injuries, long-term rehabilitation, and healthy lifestyles to give patients the best care possible.
- Tuition: $6,976
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Programs Offered:
- BSN degree
- LVN to BSN degree
- RN to BSN degree
- MSN degree
5. University of California Irvine
The University of California at Irvine has several degree programs to choose from. Whether looking for an advanced or basic degree, students will learn biomedical, social, behavioral, and pharmaceutical sciences combined with clinical practice and theory to obtain the best education in the health field.
- Tuition: $13,252
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Programs Offered:
- BSN degree
- MSN degree
- MEPN degree
- DNP degree
- Ph.D. degree
6. University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco offers exceptional nursing programs. The curriculum uses real-world tools in a hands-on approach combined with Jesuit values to give students the education they need.
- Tuition: $42,634
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Programs Offered:
- BSN degree
- 4+1 bachelor’s and master’s degree
- MSN degree
- DNP degree
8. West Coast University Los Angeles
West Coast University at Los Angeles offers a plethora of nursing degrees both online and on campus. Students will be taught a modern curriculum with cutting-edge technology to be some of the best leaders in the health care field.
- Tuition: $33,675
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 74.1%
- Programs Offered:
- RN to BSN degree
- RN to MSN degree
- MSN degree
- FNP degree
- MPH degree
- MHA degree
- LVN to BSN degree
- LPN to BSN degree
9. Mount Saint Mary’s University
Mount Saint Mary’s University offers students real-world experience by working in hospitals all of Los Angeles. Students will be able to engage with health professionals and patients unlike anywhere else.
- Tuition: $37,500
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 64.4%
- Programs Offered:
- BSN degree
- Accelerated BSN degree
- RN to BSN degree
- LVN to RN degree
10. University of California Davis
The University of California at Davis offers exceptional nursing programs for students in all walks of life. Students will learn critical thinking, lifespan development, and diagnosis and treatment in addition to their basic education.
- Tuition: $13,951
- Acceptance Rate: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Programs Offered:
- MSN degree
- MEPN degree
- Ph.D. degree
- MS degree
HOW MUCH DO NURSES MAKE IN CALIFORNIA?
Another vital factor when deciding on whether a nursing career is for a person is evaluating the nurses salary in California. A person should look at the salary for registered nurses in California, nurse salaries in California for LPNs, and nurse practitioner salary in California to compare.
The nurses salary in California for an LPN is $56,200 on average. The lowest salary of nurses in California in terms of LPNs is $41,000 while the top salary of a nurse in California who’s an LPN is $75,050. The salary of nurses in California for LPNs is higher than the national average, which is $46,240.
The salary for registered nurses in California is the highest paying of all states. The nurse salaries in California for RNs made number one of the BLS’s list of highest paying states for nurses. The salary of a nurse in California with an RN is $106,950. In terms of nursing salaries in California, this nursing salary in California is equivalent to $51.42 per hour. The nursing salaries in California for RNs are higher on average than the national median wage, which is equal to $71,730.
Not every nursing salary in California is that high, though. The bottom salary for nurses in California is $66,440. The top salary for nurses in California is much higher. The top registered nurse salary in California is $157,160.
While the registered nurse in California salary is incredibly high, especially when compared to other areas, the registered nurse salary in California isn’t nearly as high as the nurse practitioner salary in California. The average salary of a nurse in California is much higher for a nurse practitioner. The reason the average nurse salary in California for an NP is so high is because a nurse practitioner may have his or her own practice there. Besides the increased responsibility, that’s one reason why the registered nurse in California salary isn’t as high as an NP.
The nurse practitioner salary in California is, on average, is $133,780 per year. This means that nurse practitioner salaries in California are usually around $64.32 per hour. This makes nurse practitioner salaries in California more than the national average of $107,030 annually.
Overall, the average salary of a nurse in California is higher than the national average at all levels. Even the average nurse salary in California for the lowest paying nurses is similar to the national average.
For those comparing the average nursing salary in California to determine if nursing is a career for them, the average nursing salary in California is definitely worth it for someone who’s interested in taking care of the health and well-being of people.
best nursing schools in california for undergraduate
1. University of San Francisco, San Francisco
About the School of Nursing and Health Professions: In 1948, the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit institution of higher learning, implemented a program so that nurses at nearby St. Mary’s Hospital could earn their baccalaureate degrees. Today, the University’s School of Nursing and Health Professions still adheres to the Jesuit principle of “cura personalis” or “caring for the whole person” in the training and education it provides aspiring nurses.
This nursing school in California is headquartered in Cowell Hall in the heart of the University’s historic Laurel Heights campus. A simulated hospital environment equipped with state-of-the-art manikins gives students an early start in developing hands-on clinical skills. Student nurses from the University of San Francisco provide 140,000 hours of services every year as they pursue clinical rotations in trauma centers, acute care hospitals, ambulatory care clinics and other community healthcare agencies throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Financial Aid: Nursing students attending the School of Nursing and Health Professions are eligible to apply to 10 merit scholarships administered by the institution. Students are encouraged to seek scholarship funds from outside sources as well. Needs-based federal and state financial aid may be awarded pending review of the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) profile.
2. California State University, Long Beach
About the School of Nursing @ CSULB: “U.S. News and World Report” has dubbed Cal State Long Beach the third best public university in the west, and that reputation for excellence is born out of the University’s nationally recognized nursing programs. If you’re looking for a great all-around nursing school in CA that will prepare you for any professional challenge that will come your way, this is definitely a school to consider. A new 10,600-square-foot nursing building contains classrooms, teaching labs and a computer lab. Students also have access to a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab that’s housed at nearby Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
As a student here, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the innovative Health on Wheels clinic the nursing school sponsors in collaboration with the city of Norfolk; this clinic provides preventative health care education to parents of students throughout the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District. Students can also pursue clinical rotations at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Miller Children’s Hospital, Hoag Hospital, Veterans Administration Long Beach Medical Center and other critical care, acute care and ambulatory health care facilities throughout the metropolitan Long Beach and Newport Beach areas.
Financial Aid:Twelve scholarship opportunities are open to current and prospective students of Cal State Long Beach’s School of Nursing. While some of these scholarships are based on academic merit, others are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need or on the basis of specific criteria such as leadership potential. Students may also be eligible for federal and state grants and loans as determined by the submission of FAFSA forms and CSS profiles.
3. San Diego State University, San Diego
About the School of Nursing @ SDSU: If you’ve always known that nursing is the right career for you, then you should investigate San Diego State University’s School of Nursing because it is one of the few nursing programs in California that’s open to incoming college freshmen. The website ValueColleges.com has dubbed this nursing school the sixth best in the U.S. As part of the College of Health and Human Sciences, SDSU nursing students learn alongside colleagues from the Graduate School of Public Health and the Department of Gerontology. Facilities include a Media Lab, a Nursing Fundamentals Skills Lab, a Health Assessment Lab and the Sharp Healthcare Human Patient Simulation Lab.
Once they’ve mastered the fundamentals of bedside nursing, students pursue experiential learning opportunities at the many trauma centers, hospitals and community clinics throughout the San Diego region. This nursing school also sponsors unique international service-learning opportunities in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Fiji, Bali and the Philippines; these internships require students to spend at least 14 days in the country they’ve chosen.
Financial Aid: San Diego State University administers a number of in-house scholarships that are specifically designed to meet the needs of first-time and continuing nursing students. Additionally, the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can assist you if you want to apply to any of more than 40 nursing scholarships that are funded through external sources. The Financial Aid Office can also help you fill out your FAFSA and CSS profiles, which are prerequisites for state and federal grants and loans.
4. Azusa Pacific University, Azusa
About the APU’s School of Nursing: If you’re interested in approaching nursing through a Christian perspective, the School of Nursing at Azusa Pacific University has much to offer you. Founded in 1899 as the first Bible college on the West Coast, the university has an excellent reputation as one of the most academically rigorous Christian institutions of higher learning. The school views nursing as a calling and teaches aspiring nurses how to care for their patients’ spiritual as well as physical needs.
Building 1 on the west part of campus houses classrooms, a nursing library, a nursing research lab and the Skills and Computer Centers. The Skills lab is equipped with manikins that enable neophyte nurses to learn clinical assessment and to practice bedside essentials such as wound care, injections and starting IVs. Students will have the chance to hone these skills further through practicums in hospitals and health care facilities throughout the area. This school has a reputation for offering longer and more focused clinical rotations than many other nursing schools in California. Azusa also offers many opportunities for international study; these range from short-term missions in places like Africa, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Laos and Mexico to entire semesters abroad.
Financial Aid:Five academic scholarship opportunities are available to entering freshmen, continuing students and transfer students. Azusa Pacific University also maintains a partnership with a website called RaiseMe that allows nursing students to qualify for incremental scholarships based upon classroom and extracurricular performance. By filling out a FAFSA form and a CSS profile, you may qualify for needs-based aid such as Pell Grants and Cal Grants as well.
5. University of California, Los Angeles
About the UCLA School of Nursing: The UCLA School of Nursing is celebrated both for the education it provides and the research it conducts. It is one of the few nursing schools in California that consistently ranks among the top 20 nursing colleges in the country according to “U.S. News and World Report” reviews. Thanks to research initiatives like the Center for Vulnerable Populations Research, the Center for American Indian/Indigenous Research and Education Center for the Advancement of Gerontological Nursing Science, the school is the 24th-largest recipient of NIH nursing grants. Undergraduate students can participate in an eight-week Summer Research Program, which allows them to be mentored by faculty members in their specific field of interest.
In addition to hosting nurse education classrooms, the Louis and Doris Factor Health Sciences Building also houses a library that contains more than 530,000 volumes and 6,000 periodicals. Once aspiring nurses have gained mastery of clinical skills in simulation environments, they pursue clinical rotations at the UCLA Medical Center, which “U.S. News and World Report” has dubbed the best hospital in the western part of the U.S. Other clinical sites include the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and the Venice Free Clinic.
Financial Aid: The School of Nursing administers several merit-based scholarships that are available to graduate students as well as to undergraduate students in their third and fourth years of study. Students may also be eligible for needs-based Cal Grants, Pell Grants, University grants and various types of loans as determined by the information they submit in their FAFSAs and CSS profiles.
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