Best Nursing Schools in California – 2025 – Template

The School of Nursing at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has been recognized as the top nursing program in California by RNcareers.org's 9th annual Nursing School Review[9]. Consistently achieving accolades and outstanding program outcomes, CSULB's School of Nursing is committed to excellence in nursing education, advancing research, and clinical practice.

Undergraduate Programs

CSULB's School of Nursing offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which has been ranked the best nursing degree in California[4]. The school boasts nearly a 100% first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN over the past five years, reflecting the rigorous preparation its students receive[9].

Graduate Programs

The school also provides graduate-level programs, including a BSN-to-DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program focusing on five Nurse Practitioner specialty areas[1]:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
• Family Primary Care
• Pediatric Primary Care
• Psychiatric-Mental Health (across the lifespan)

Clinical Partnerships

CSULB's School of Nursing has established clinical partnerships with local healthcare facilities, such as MemorialCare[6]. These partnerships provide students with diverse clinical experiences and potential employment opportunities, ensuring they are well-prepared for their nursing careers.

Faculty Expertise

The school's faculty is dedicated and committed to providing the highest quality education and training to nursing students[9]. Their expertise and accomplishments contribute to the school's reputation for academic excellence.

Research Opportunities

Nursing students at CSULB have access to various research projects and opportunities, such as the CSULB BUILD Program, which offers intensive research training for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a research career in health-related fields[7].

Student Support

CSULB's School of Nursing offers extensive resources and support for its students, including academic advising through the College of Health & Human Services Academic Advising Center[2]. This comprehensive support system helps ensure students are well-prepared for success in their nursing education and careers.

Financial Aid

The school provides scholarship and financial aid opportunities specific to nursing students, helping to make the program more accessible and affordable[5].

Career Placement

Graduates of CSULB's School of Nursing enjoy excellent career prospects, with the school's alumni network spanning various healthcare settings such as hospitals, community clinics, schools, and government agencies[8].

Accreditation

CSULB's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring they meet rigorous standards[1].

Why Choose CSULB School of Nursing?

With its top ranking, exceptional NCLEX-RN pass rates, strong clinical partnerships, research opportunities, comprehensive student support, and outstanding career placement, California State University, Long Beach School of Nursing is undoubtedly the premier choice for prospective nursing students in California[9]. By choosing CSULB, students can be confident they will receive the highest quality nursing education and be well-prepared for successful careers in the healthcare profession.

Citations:
[1] https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-health-human-services/school-of-nursing
[2] https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-health-human-services/chhs-academic-advising
[3] https://www.rncareers.org/rn-programs/california/california-state-university-long-beach/
[4] https://thepoorschool.com/nursing-schools-in-california/
[5] https://www.csulb.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships/scholarships
[6] https://www.csulb.edu/no-barriers/article/csulb-and-memorialcare-join-forces-new-campus-clinic
[7] https://www.csulb.edu/office-of-research-and-economic-development/student-research-opportunities
[8] https://www.csulb.edu/career-development-center/students/career-profiles-nursing
[9] https://www.csulb.edu/news/article/csulb-school-of-nursing-ranked-no-1-california
[10] https://www.nursingschoolsalmanac.com/rankings/california
[11] https://www.publicnow.com/view/03C5E3920DB90BB26F33029D3F678DCB22C2BBBA

As leaders in graduate nursing education for over 40 years, the University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Science Health knows the importance of compassion toward our patients and one another. The Hahn School of Nursing is a beautiful campus at Alcala Park overlooking the sensation Pacific Ocean. The aim is to produce the next generation of nurse scientists, leaders, advanced clinicians and informaticists ready to meet humanity’s most urgent needs with compassion and intellectual rigor. Following its long heritage of excellence over forty years, the school merges academic coursework, state-of-the-art technology and innovate teaching to populate the world with trained candidates. The faculty of internationally recognized scholars and clinician nurture and support each student, instilling the confidence needed to make a real difference in the world. Graduates are leaders in their fields, be it clinical, education or research. The School of Nursing supports activities focused on ethically sound and culturally sensitive educational experiences with global citizens, collaborative scholarship and research involving global populations.

Graduate programs – The University of San Diego has pioneered graduate education in the field and graduates hold leadership positions. The Master’s in Nursing (MSN), the Master’s Entry (MEPN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN) programs at the University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science: Beyster Institute for Nursing Research are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Building upon the baccalaureate degree with an upper-division focus on nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing offers three tracks: Executive Nurse Leader, Nursing Informatics, and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. All tracks share a common core of knowledge as students gain excellence in their respective areas through creative teaching methods. Designed for individuals with a baccalaureate degree or higher in another discipline, the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) students come from all walks of life.

Students in all programs enjoy hands-on practice in the Dickinson Nursing Simulation Center. In this sophisticated facility are standardized patient professional actors who recreate real-world situations. Because understanding cultural context is a vital part of nursing, the program provides outreach opportunities in underserved communities while fostering diversity that informs and invigorates our programs. In addition, on the advanced level is the PhD. in nursing for working professionals with a passion for solutions. PhD students include clinicians, university faculty, military officers, nurse executives and others who bring a wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds to classroom discussions. A Post-Master’s Certificate in Emergency Care for Family Nurse Practitioners is also granted.

California State University Fullerton School of Nursing is within the College of Health and Human Development. The special programs in Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse Anesthesia (offered in partnership with Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia) were ranked Best by U.S. News and World Report in 2017 and 2016. Conveniently located in northern Orange county, the school is CCNE and ACME accredited.

Undergraduate programs - The Traditional BSN is for direct-entry freshmen with no previous nursing education interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The degree is completed full-time throughout either a four or a five year pathway. The Upper Division Transfer BSN option is for upper division transfer students. three years in length, it begins each fall semester. Current CSUF students are not eligible for this pathway. California residents with a previously-earned bachelor’s degree in another field may consider applying for accelerated BSN that runs over 2 years. The LVN-BSN program is for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) and is two years in length. The RN-BSN option is limited to registered nurses. Students praise the fluid transition between the ADN-RN and BSN program.

Graduate programs – At the graduate level are the superior MSN and doctoral programs. MSN programs are in Leadership, Nurse Educator, School Nursing, Women's Health Care. There is also a School Nurse Services Credential. For those wanting to go on, they have a DNP Post-master’s and DNP Nurse Anesthesia choice. Candidates must have a master's degree to be considered. As part of the Southern California CSU DNP Consortium, a three-year sequential academic and clinical graduate program for nurses with a baccalaureate degree has been devised. Upon completion of the program, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia is awarded.

The DNP Nurse Anesthesia program is offered in partnership with the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia (KPSA). Founded in 1972, KPSA is a pioneer of graduate-level education for nurse anesthetists. Graduates have been recognized for significant contributions to clinical practice and research in the field of anesthesia. Alumni have also attained leadership roles in clinical settings as well as national professional organizations.

The UCLA School of Nursing Prelicensure program for undergraduate study leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing graduated its first class in 1954. When it is time to pursue a master’s in nursing, UCLA offers several options. Located in the heart of trendy Westwood, the school attracts students from across the globe, ensuring cultural diversity and inclusion. The program has been acknowledged as a leader in graduate nursing education. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the dedicated students, faculty, and staff. Of note, UCLA School of Nursing ranks No. 9 in nursing research funded by the National Institutes of Health. Research is at the core of the school’s mission, not only as a primary component of a comprehensive education, but as a critical investment in the future of nursing.

Undergraduate programs - The BS program is a UCLA-certified capstone major. During the last clinical course in the 4th year, each student plans and implements a clinically-based scholarly project designed to improve the system of care provided to patients and their families. Students successfully completing the B.S. degree also acquire an educational foundation for entry into the master's program.

Graduate programs – the UCLA School of Nursing offers a two-year MSN - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degree program in preparation for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and administrators. Specializations are in pediatrics, family population, adult-gerontology both primary and acute care, The Schools of Medicine and Nursing were among the first seven family nurse practitioner programs funded by the Health Resources Service Administration (HRSA) in 1971. In 1994, the school established one of the West’s first (and largest) acute care nurse practitioner programs. Applicants for the accelerated MECN may have a baccalaureate degree in another discipline and are now seeking a career in nursing. All graduates are prepared to practice nursing at the bedside in a hospital setting. The Clinical Nurse LeaderSM or CNL® is a master’s educated nurse, prepared for practice across the continuum of care within any healthcare setting. The CNL was developed by AACN in collaboration with leaders from healthcare practice and education to address the critical need to improve the quality of patient care outcomes. Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification has a focus on control and prevention of communicable disease, promotion of maternal, child, and adolescent health, abuse prevention, outreach screening, case management, resource coordination and assessment. The most advanced graduates programs are the PhD and Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP).

California State University Los Angeles, founded in 1947, boasts that they are ranked on US News & World Report’s Best Nursing Schools: Master’s list. The  Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing (PACSON) offers a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, an ADN to BSN program and multiple post-graduate options. In addition, they have collaborative agreements with various community colleges, allowing ADN graduates to segue into their programs with ease.

The mission of California State University Los Angeles Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing (PACSON) is to transform lives, foster healthy, thriving communities across greater Los Angeles in Southern California and the nation by cultivating and amplifying our students’ unique talents, diverse life experiences, and intellect. The University is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.

Undergraduate programs – The school’s professional nursing curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. The undergraduate program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).The nursing major is an impacted program that requires students to meet supplemental admission criteria. Applications for admittance are submitted between September and January, including transfer students.

Graduate programs - a Master's of Science in Nursing and post master's certificate programs are offered at the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing. In fact, there are  six master's options for students interested in furthering their nursing education. For applicants who already have an MSN degree, each of the six options has a post master’s certificate available.

The DNP is a practice-oriented doctorate, such as the Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Optometry, or Doctor of Physical Therapy, in contrast to the research-oriented PhD. The purpose of the DNP is to develop advanced competencies for increasingly complex practice, faculty, and leadership roles in nursing and to provide an advanced educational credential for those in advanced practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is offered through a Consortium of Schools of Nursing at California State University, Fullerton, Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Turlock, a scenic town in Central California, is home to Stanislaus State University that operates as an open university with two campuses. The pre-licensure nursing track leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. School of Nursing-bound students indicate “Nursing (Pre-Nursing)” when applying. It is a competitive program with a supplemental criterion for permission to enroll. The faculty is well-versed in healthcare trends and technologies. Graduates integrate the knowledge, theories, and methods of various disciplines to inform decision-making. The goal is to promote quality care and patient safety while applying leadership skills in healthcare settings. They have skill in using patient care technologies, information systems and communication devices that support safe nursing practice for all populations. The degrees offered, requiring hands-on experience, are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Simulation is integrated into the School of Nursing curriculum to provide experiential learning opportunities throughout the program.

Undergraduate programs – The Pre-Licensure BSN Track is for candidates interested in pursuing a career in nursing. Once a student satisfactorily completes the program and is awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, they are ready to enter the workforce. The Online RN-BSN program provides students who are already Registered Nurses (RNs) with the opportunity for educational and professional advancement. It meet the needs of working registered nurses while allowing them to explore new perspectives. There is an LVN to BSN program and an  Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASBSN) at the Stockton campus designed for who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. The CSU Stanislaus School of Nursing Simulation Program has an experienced team and dedicated faculty that strive to create the best learning opportunities for nursing students. the goal is to create confident, competent nurses that can promote patient safety and produce excellent patient outcomes.

Graduate programs – Stanislaus State is proud to offer an MSN in Family Practitioner. The spring semester begins on June 1^st. Admission has certain requirements: a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework,  current license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of California, one-year full time nursing experience post initial R.N. licensure, successful completion (minimum grade of C) of an undergraduate statistics course, and two professional letters of reference to include a current or former employer.

The nursing journey starts at SCUSM School of Nursing in Riverside, California, a dynamic leader in the art and science of nursing. It seeks to educating ethically and culturally-sensitive nursing students with the goal of alleviating suffering while promoting, preserving, and restoring dignity for all patients.

The level of nursing programs offered to nursing students include Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, Master, Post Master's NP Certificate and RN to BSN level degrees. The mission of the School of Nursing is to offer innovative models of instruction, generates cutting edge research and creative activities, and advocates for health care needs in diverse local, regional, and global communities. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Undergraduate programs - The pre-licensure program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. When students complete their BSN degree, they are eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in California and certification as a public health nurse. The program runs as a three-year sequence (including two, required, 10-week summer terms) of courses leading to licensure. Courses are offered at variable days and times each term and may involve travel to clinical sites in areas around San Diego County and/or Southwest Riverside County.

It is a demanding, full-time program not compatible with a heavy workload. The LVN to BSN program is for students who meet the program's minimum eligibility requirements. Students who have already completed a Bachelor's Degree in another discipline may also apply for entry to this nursing program. Cohorts enter the ABSN in the fall, spring, and summer terms and enjoy the same professional support network.

The fast-paced, 24-month online additional Bachelor's is for students who hold a degree in a discipline outside of nursing and have not completed LVN or RN coursework. Students will earn approximately 78 semester units of study in both didactic and clinical coursework under expert guidance and using the best resources available. CSUSM also has an RN to BSN program, operating as an accelerated, online format designed for registered nurses. This fully-online program gives nurses the opportunity to earn their BSN in just 14 months.

Graduate programs - The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is completed on a part-time basis and provides superior graduate education to qualified students. The objective is to prepare nurses in generalist and advanced practice roles for positions in the health care industry, community or public health agencies, and academia, and for continued study at the doctoral level.

The MSN program includes a strong foundation in theory and research inquiry. It builds on the knowledge gained at the baccalaureate level and promotes nursing scholarship at the local, state, national and international level through research, service and practice. Values, ethics and multicultural perspectives are heavily embedded within the graduate program. Post-master’s certificates offered.

The Advanced Practice Nursing concentration prepares students for advanced practice as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

California State University - Bakersfield is locate in Bakersfield, California.  The BSN degree has been offered at CSUB since 1970, when the university was founded.  Since that time, over 3,000 nurses have graduated from their nursing program.  Their nursing program expanded in 1987, and began a master's in nursing administration program.  It has since expanded and now includes family nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, clinical nurse leaders, and nurse educators.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at California State University in Bakersfield prepares the next generation of  nurses with an exceptional education that incorporates biological, physical, and social sciences with concentrations in a variety of specialties like pediatrics, obstetrics, and critical care nursing. In addition to classroom instruction and in-depth training, students are exposed to a wide variety of clinical settings and patient populations within the community as part of their curriculum. The central California location is accessible to a multitude of small towns and rural areas.

Undergraduate program - The pre-licensure BSN program for students with no previous nursing experience requires approximately 1 year of pre-requisite courses and 3 years of focused nursing courses. Upon successful completion of the program and general education coursework, students will earn a BSN degree and will be eligible to apply for the RN licensure exam. CSU Bakersfield also offers a very popular online RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses who already have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) who would like to obtain a Baccalaureate Degree (BSN). This program allows students to complete the baccalaureate degree in 15 months.

Graduate programs – At the graduate level, the CSUB School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty. There are four advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles: Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), Certified nurse midwife (CNM), Clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and Nurse practitioner (NP). The FNP Program prepares APRNs for the role of nurse practitioners (NP) to provide care for individuals and families across the lifespan.

The FNP role includes preventative healthcare as well as assessment, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness for individuals and families. Emphasis is placed on health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common health conditions. The Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 2-year full-time program, leading to a Master of Science degree in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty. Graduates are prepared to provide high-quality, evidence-based, and family centered care to infants, children and adults across the lifespan and from diverse backgrounds.

The School of Nursing was established as a baccalaureate program within San Diego State University in 1953, with a Master’s program being added in 1982. The faculty is committed to providing excellent learning opportunities for students within an intellectually stimulating environment incorporating clinical practice, research, and service to the University and the community. San Diego State University maintains and promotes a policy of nondiscrimination and non-harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, and national origin.

The mission of the School of Nursing at San Diego State is to provide total healthcare of the individual and the family. It entails the prevention of illness, caring for those who are acutely ill, and helping people with long-term rehabilitative problems to live in the healthiest way possible. The program emphasizes that nursing both a science and an art. It has a foundation in biophysical and behavioral humanistic sciences, as well as in specific nursing practice skills and techniques. Students acquire knowledge from the natural and social sciences to develop critical thinking and professional decision-making abilities. They use current research in the application of the nursing process and develop leadership potential and accountability in professional practice. Graduates take on the emerging role of the professional nurse amid the trends affecting health and health care systems today.

Undergraduate programs – The undergraduate pre-licensed Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is available via direct-entry, to transfer students from community colleges and four-year institutions, and second baccalaureate students. Additionally, graduates of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and Diploma in Nursing programs may continue their studies to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree via the RN to BSN program. In addition, the LVN-RN 30-unit option is designed as a career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses who desire to become registered nurses. Of note, it does not entail an Associate’s degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree. SON students train in state-of-the-art facilities including the Media Lab, Nursing Fundamentals Skills Lab, Health Assessment Lab, Sharp Healthcare Human Patient Simulation Center.

Graduate programs - The School of Nursing offers a graduate curriculum leading to the Master of Science (MS) degree in Nursing. This degree is for those who desire advanced professional roles in nursing. The graduate program requires a minimum of 36 units and is designed for either full-time or part-time study. A Master of Science (MS) degree in Nursing is offered for Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and the Elderly (NP/CNS) Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems. Graduates are prepared for advanced professional roles as nurse clinicians, researchers, educators, and leaders in global healthcare.

California State University-Chico nursing school is a public institution located in Chico, in northern California. Its nursing programs are CCNE accredited. The Bachelor, LPN to BSN, Master, and RN to BSN degrees granted include Registered Nursing offered via campus and online format. Of note, Chico State's RN-BSN Program ranks #5 in California.

Undergraduate programs  - The Basic BSN Program of the School of Nursing is an integral part of the College of Natural Sciences and is in accord with the University's primary goal to provide a quality education. The full-time program increases students employability by providing 5 semesters of hands-on clinical experience as required for a career in Nursing. After completion of the first semester, students enrolled in the Nursing Program are eligible to apply as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This provides work experience in the field prior to program completion and graduation. Preceptors from all over the north of the state work with students. The RCNP Program is designed to give students and graduate nurses (RNs) an opportunity to work in a rural or semi-rural clinical hospital setting, engaging in independent nursing practice. The RN to BSN is offered online while students can avail themselves of the Rural SimCenter.

Graduate programs - The master's degree program at California State University, Chico has been in existence since 1970. Graduates currently function in influential health advisory positions at the state level as nursing faculty in programs throughout California, administrators in many types of health organizations, and expert clinicians and managers.

The online program is geared to meet the needs of nurses in rural areas. The MSN program has two options offered in alternating years: Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership. The strong program enables students to gain advanced knowledge and skills. The core year provides a broad foundation in nursing research, technology, advanced nursing roles and health care organizational systems. The noted international Nurse Remediation Program (INRP) currently offers an Obstetrics Course and a medical/surgical track. Note: psychiatric or pediatric nursing courses are not available.

Concordia University, a noted Christian institution, believes in caring, compassionate, and competent nursing. Toward this end, the Nursing Program is a contemporary, comprehensive program designed for students to learn the requisite information and acquire the advanced skills for excellent nursing care. The Department of Nursing is committed to educating a culturally and academically diverse student population to become holistic nursing professionals who uphold Christian values in their service to individuals, families, and communities.

The curriculum is designed around Dr. Jean Watson's philosophy of caring in nursing along with the standards identified by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). the goal is to educate nurses to in a self-actualizing process that is essential in ministering to those who need care. Working closely with faculty role models, students learn to see nursing as both a philosophical and scientific approach to caring for all those who seek healthcare, disease prevention and management, health promotion, and health education. The program embraces the development of the individual through liberal studies and scientific preparation. Each individual as a bio-psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual being with individual needs of utmost concern to the profession.

Undergraduate programs – In just 15 months, students with a prior bachelor’s degree can earn an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN). For looking to transition to nursing from another field, this ABSN second degree program offers a fast-track to a new career. It builds on the foundation of prior coursework and completes the program with required hands-on experience. In addition to classroom time, students complete 765 hours in clinical settings throughout program.

Graduate programs - The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Concordia University Irvine is currently on hold. The Department of Nursing is developing new nursing education opportunities to continue to meet the needs of a changing healthcare environment and create the nurses of the future. The MSN prepares students the next phase of their career – whether as a nursing leader in healthcare management or as a clinical/academic advanced nurse educator. The Nursing Leadership track focuses on the advancement of healthcare delivery in the clinical setting, while the Nursing Education track equips graduates to teach nursing students in a variety of specialty content areas and become an advanced nurse educator in the hospital setting. The goal of the program is to equip students expert knowledge and a set of skills that differentiates them in the field of healthcare.

California State University Sacramento School of Nursing (SON) prepares nurses to lead diverse individuals, families, and communities in achieving optimal health through nursing science, collaborative practice, advocacy, and service. Degree types include Registered Nursing, and the school provides it offerings to students via campus formats. The level of nursing programs offered to nursing students include Bachelor, LPN to RN, Master and RN to BSN level degrees.

The mission is to transform healthcare through innovative nursing education, community partnerships, and policy engagement. SON serves students and the society at large by creating an environment in which faculty and students pursue the knowledge of nursing practice guided by the core values of caring, integrity, advocacy, collaboration, inclusion, equity, and leadership. Located in the state capitol, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The baccalaureate degree in nursing program and master's degree in nursing program at California State University Sacramento are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education California State University-Sacramento nursing school is a public institution located in Sacramento, California. Its nursing programs are CCNE accredited.

Undergraduate programs: SON offers a variety of BSN programs - a traditional BSN, an RN to BSN, and an LVN to RN 30-unit option non-degree program the LVN who wants to work as an RN but may not have time to complete an ADN or BSN degree. The baccalaureate program consists of a four-year curriculum of lower and upper division coursework. There are two years of General Education, including prerequisites and two years of clinical nursing. The time to complete the prerequisites may increase the time to complete the degree. The program content prepares competent professional practitioners of nursing who will help meet the changing health care needs of society.

The School of Nursing offers two pathways for students who start their nursing education in a non-baccalaureate program to earn a bachelor’s degree (BSN): an RN-BSN Traditional 15-Week Semester track and an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) to BSN Collaborative track. Both tracks are designed to be completed in 12-15 months if attending full-time. the RN-BSN track has a part-time attendance option. Hybrid (mostly online) classes provide maximum flexibility and the opportunity for self-directed study.

Graduate programs - The Master of Science in Nursing prepares registered nurses with baccalaureate degrees for roles in nursing practitioner, education, community, adult clinical roles, as well as credentialed school nurses. The curriculum emphasizes the systematic study of professional nursing practice and preparation for leadership roles. The program is designed for nurses currently employed in hospitals, long term care facilities, health agencies and educational institutions who require graduate preparations to qualify for positions of greater responsibility and complexity. Scheduling of program offerings and hybrid (mostly online) classes will provide maximum flexibility and the opportunity for self-directed study.

Stanbridge University is located in Irvine and Los Angeles, California. Stanbridge offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) degree program. Stanbridge maintains a high standard of academic excellence by integrating innovative technology, hands-on practice, and community service for a holistic student experience.

The accredited nursing program at California State University Fresno aspires to empower the next generation of healthcare leaders. It boasts being the largest university in the Central San Joaquin Valley – the heartland of the state - with a school of nursing that is fully equipped with simulation labs and state-of-the-art resources. The College of Health and Human Services Pre-Health Program provides support to students exploring careers in health and human services professions with academic advising and career exploration. Students can attend the BSN program on campus or online. Hands-on experience is ample in the Valley as students can train a four large regional hospitals. It intends to prepare graduates for the changing role of nurses as healthcare practitioners. The Bachelor in Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applicants have certain prerequisites.

Undergraduate programs - The School of Nursing is proud to offer an undergraduate program that leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The degree requires a minimum of 120 semester units, and the nursing curriculum sequence covers five semesters. Theory and research-based knowledge is needed more than ever to ensure direct and indirect care to individuals and families in the field. RNs can pursue the RN-BSN track.

The Pre-Health Program allows students interested in nursing, kinesiology-exercise science, health science-community health and social work to explore these career pathways. The three-semester program is for first-time freshmen and is intended to take advantage of one’s lower division general education. Students  enroll in HHS 18: Career Pathways in Health and Human Services in their first semester and HHS 100T: Career Exploration in Health and Human Services in their second semester to assist in this exploration process. During the second semester, an academic counselor helps identify a major appropriate to the selected career path.

If a student continues in the nursing track - beginning in their third semester – he or she will complete the last prerequisites. Students must meet a minimum of a 3.0 Pre-Requisite and Cumulative GPA to apply for the prerequisite courses. Each semester, students are evaluated for meeting the minimums to continue in the program.

Graduate programs – The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science degree in Nursing to prepare nurses for advanced practice in the functional role of nurse practitioner primary care - family. Graduates acquire advanced knowledge and skill in physical diagnosis, psychological assessment, and management of health-illness needs in complex client and community systems. There are two pathways into the MSN. Program: the BSN graduate and the RN with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. In addition to post-master’s certificates, students can enroll in the DNP program to develop advanced competencies for practice, teaching, and leadership roles, and to provide an advanced educational credential for those in practice.