San Francisco Bay Area Nursing Schools
The best nursing schools in the Bay Area of San Francisco are listed below. Nursing school is the foundation on which you can build a nursing career. Therefore, it’s vital to choose a nursing school in the San Francisco Bay Area based on how well it prepares a nurse to take on a position in the healthcare field after graduating. First, a student should consider a school’s reputation regarding its nursing programs. Some schools are well-known for their programs. Does the school have a history of preparing students adequately, so employers look for students from those schools? Some of those schools are nursing schools in the San Francisco Bay area of California.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Nursing Schools in the Bay Area
For just about any nurse considering their education options, cost and quality are the main considerations. That’s why TopRNtoBSN has ranked the best nursing schools in the San Francisco Bay Area according to practical factors: Cost, Salary Potential, and Student Satisfaction, with data from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Niche. All programs are fully accredited and reputable.
1. University of San Francisco
When looking into the best nursing schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, you must consider the University of San Francisco. The school offers a bachelor’s degree, a master’s program, a doctor of nursing practice, and also a doctorate in nursing for students who plan to pursue a career in nursing. As a result, students can develop the skills to focus on their long-term education goals.
The University of San Francisco stands apart from other programs by developing a strong sense of compassion in students. The school emphasizes the value of empathy and compassion in nursing. It ensures that students prepare for the challenges of working in a fast-paced environment. It allows students to focus on helping their patients when working in a medical facility. The University of San Francisco follows traditional Jesuit values in its nursing program.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
2. San Jose State University
San Jose State University is one of the best nursing schools in the San Francisco Bay Area for students who want to stay in a local school. The program gives students a clear pathway for their careers and starts with a bachelor’s degree program. The undergraduate program prepares students for the rigors of working in a medical facility and obtaining a license to practice nursing. Students can also move forward in a career with a master’s degree or a doctorate from one of the best nursing schools in the San Francisco bay area.
San Jose State University differs from other programs by developing specialized skills and abilities. The school recognizes the importance of nurses who can work in specific environments and situations. It strives to ensure that nurses reach their potential through proper education and training. San Jose State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for every level of a student’s education up to a doctoral program.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
3. California State University East Bay
California State University, East Bay offers one of the best nursing schools in San Francisco for students who want to take on the responsibilities of a professional nurse. The degree program focuses on preparing students for the challenges of nursing. In addition, it ensures that students are ready to develop specialized skills when moving forward in their careers.
Cal State East Bay stands out through the different pathways available to students in nursing. It allows students to obtain a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate through different paths based on their interests. Students can develop the relevant skills to work in a research position or take on clinical work. In addition, Cal State East Bay provides the education students need to qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam at the undergraduate level.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
4. De Anza College
De Anza College is one of the San Francisco Bay Area nursing schools that focuses on getting students into their careers quickly. The school offers an associate degree program in nursing that prepares them to take the examinations for a license and start working in their jobs after a few short years of training. It does not require the same level of training as more advanced degrees. Still, it does allow nurses to start working in their fields and gaining experience before moving forward with a higher level of education.
De Anza College has a long history in the Bay Area for its nursing program. The program started in 1967 and has helped students start working in the medical field shortly after graduation. Nurses from the school are recruited for medical facilities in Silicon Valley and the surrounding areas due to the high standards of the associate’s degree program. De Anza College has a state-of-the-art and up-to-date laboratory and clinical setting for students to gain hands-on experience in nursing simulations before they start their careers.
Degrees: ADN
5. San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University’s nursing program prepares students to take on the challenges of working as professional nurses. The school offers a bachelor’s degree program. The BSN degree ensures that students are ready to take the licensure exams when they graduate. It also gives students the experience to start working as a nurse after graduation.
San Francisco State University stands apart by offering a nursing simulation program. The simulation program helps students learn the relevant skills they need when working as a nurse in a fast-paced work environment. It prepares students to handle difficult situations in a simulation that will prepare them for challenges in a medical facility. It also ensures that students can gain experience without the risk of harm to patients. In addition, San Francisco State University offers an emergency fund for students faced with unforeseen hardships during their time as a student.
Degrees: BSN
6. College of San Mateo
Students who want to start their careers quickly may find the nursing associate degree from the College of San Mateo is a good choice for their goals. The degree program offers students the training to obtain a license to practice nursing. In addition, it prepares students for the challenges of a nursing career. Students can complete the degree program in two years and start their careers while considering options to advance through a higher level of education.
The California Board of Registered Nurses accredits the College of San Mateo nursing school. It offers students the ability to obtain their license after graduation. It prepares students for their role as nurses and allows them to start their careers. At the same time, they evaluate options to advance in their educations or focus on developing specialized skills as a nurse. The College of San Mateo works with local hospitals and community health agencies to help students gain hands-on experience before working as a nurse.
Degrees: ADN
7. Holy Names University
Holy Names University offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing that helps prepare students for the challenges they will face when working as registered nurses. The nursing school offers two BSN paths. The traditional BSN is available for new nurses. In addition, the school provides the ADN to BSN program for students who have already completed an associate’s degree and have nursing experience.
Holy Names University teaches students clinical reasoning skills when working in a fast-paced environment. It ensures that students can evaluate a situation quickly and take action to assist medical doctors and other nurses when working with patients. It also allows students to advance in their careers by providing a solid foundation for leadership roles. In addition, Holy Names University offers a tuition discount for students working in a partner hospital and planning to go into the bachelor’s degree program to advance their education.
Degrees: BSN
8. Dominican University of California
The Dominican University of California is one of the best options for nursing degree programs in San Francisco. The undergraduate degree program through the university offers students the training they need to work with patients of all ages and in multiple work environments. In addition, it helps students prepare for careers in hospitals, medical facilities, and doctor’s offices, so it ensures that students can keep up with challenging situations. Clinical simulation labs also help students gain hands-on experience in a safe environment.
The way that the Dominican University of California stands apart is the focus on faculty mentoring. As a result, students can ask questions of nursing faculty and gain insights into their career options before they start applying for jobs as a nurse. Dominican also allows students to consider international study programs. Studying abroad gives students a broad look at nursing in different environments. The school also has research opportunities for nurses who do not want to work in a clinical setting.
Degrees: BSN
9. City College of San Francisco
The City College of San Francisco offers an associate degree program in nursing for students who want to start working as registered nurses. The degree program prepares students for the challenges they face when working as nurses and offers the fundamental training they need to handle situations that may arise in their careers.
The City College of San Francisco nursing school stands apart from other programs by developing skills through the skills laboratory. As a result, students can practice as nurses before moving forward into a career. The simulations give students a strong understanding of their options when handling challenging problems with a patient or when supporting medical doctors in a clinical setting. In addition, the City College of San Francisco offers scholarships to students in the nursing program that assist with the costs of a degree.
Degrees: ADN
10. Ohlone College
Ohlone College offers an associate degree in nursing, or ADN, that helps students start working as RNs. The degree program prepares students for the exam to obtain a license as a nurse and allows students to develop the relevant skills they need to start in their careers. In addition, Ohlone nursing school provides a strong foundation in nursing that helps students focus on their career objectives.
The way Ohlone College differs from other programs is the emphasis on holistic nursing practices. The program teaches students to focus on patients as a whole person and consider the ways mental health, physical health, and lifestyle factors may contribute to a patient’s situation and concerns. In addition, by focusing on holistic practices, the program gives students a strong foundation for ineffective communication. Ohlone College is accredited by the Board of Registered Nurses in California and meets the standards set by the board for accreditation.
Degrees: ADN
11. Los Medanos College
Los Medanos College offers an associate degree in nursing that gives students the fundamental skills they need to start working in a hospital or medical facility. The degree program prepares students for the licensing examination and focuses on becoming registered nurses after graduation. In addition, it provides the skills and training nurses need to start working with patients.
The way Los Medanos College stands out is the focus on developing relevant skills as a nurse. It offers training simulations that help nurses learn to use technology and tools for nursing. It also provides the hands-on training students need to work with patients in a clinical environment. The focus on giving students simulations helps them gain confidence in their skills before moving forward with career goals. As a result, Los Medanos College is recognized by the State Chancellor’s Office as a Gold Star school in nursing.
Degrees: ADN
12. Chabot College
The associate degree program in nursing from Chabot College is one of the best in the Bay Area for students who want to quickly start working as a nurse. The degree program prepares students for the state licensure exams. In addition, it ensures that students have a strong foundation in nursing skills before they start working in a medical facility or hospital. The school also recognizes that students may choose to transfer credits into more advanced studies, making it easy to transfer credits.
Chabot College stands apart by emphasizing simulations and clinical training. The school has a dedicated counselor for the nursing program to help students evaluate their options and clarify their goals throughout their studies. It also focuses on giving students the skills they need to address concerns in a real-world environment through simulations in a state-of-the-art lab. In addition, Chabot College offers Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training to nursing students.
Degrees: ADN
13. Merritt College
The nursing school at Merritt College offers both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in nursing for students who want to advance in their careers as a nurse. The degree programs prepare students for their careers in nursing and provide the clinical training they need when working in a hospital or medical facility. In addition, it ensures that students can handle the challenges that may arise in a fast-paced environment and know how to address common health concerns when working as a nurse.
Merritt College helps students transfer into more advanced studies when looking into options for a higher level of education. Students in the honor’s program may consider moving into a BSN program when they plan to gain an undergraduate degree and feel more advanced studies for their careers. Merritt College was ranked as the 20th best school in California for nursing.
Degrees: ADN, BSN
14. Contra Costa College
Contra Costa College offers an associate degree in nursing that prepares students to take on the role of a RN. The school also has a partnership with Cal State East Bay that allows students to transfer credits into the school for a bachelor’s degree if they want to pursue an undergraduate degree. The ability to transfer credits without difficulty ensures that students can limit the costs of a degree while still focusing on their career goals.
Contra Costa College takes a clinical approach to nursing and focuses on providing students with a comprehensive education in nursing. The nursing school program gives students a strong foundation that allows them to build on their skills and focus on the needs of their patients. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. Finally, it ensures that students are ready for work in a medical facility. Contra Costa College starts students off with a boot camp that gives them a crash course in nursing theory. Next, students split time between the classroom and hospital under the supervision of registered nurses and medical staff.
Degrees: ADN, BSN (in partnership with Cal State East Bay)
15. College of Marin
The College of Marin offers an excellent nursing education for students who want an associate degree. The school offers a two-year nursing program that prepares students to work in a clinical setting. In addition, Marin students learn a strong foundation in nursing theory to ensure they can focus on more advanced studies when ready to move forward in their careers.
The College of Marin takes an integrated approach to nursing. It recognizes the roles of nutrition, cultural sensitivity, patient education, and leadership in a nursing career. It also ensures that nurses have the strong foundation in providing patient care they need to work in a fast-paced environment. In addition, the College of Marin offers financial aid to students in the nursing program.
Degrees: ADN
How Do I Choose a Best Nursing School Bay Area of San Francisco?
One of the most critical aspects of choosing a nursing school in the San Francisco Bay Area is its accreditation. Nursing schools in San Francisco that have accreditation are recognized for their ability to prepare students for nursing adequately. In addition to the school receiving accreditation, programs can also receive accreditation.
At a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate level, a person may choose a school that offers online nursing programs. In addition, the student can choose a school that provides the entire program online to practice as a nurse while advancing their education. It’s also essential to look for schools where a person lives, such as nursing schools in San Francisco Bay area.
Another aspect you want to consider when comparing nursing schools in San Francisco is the cost. Schools vary significantly in terms of price, and this isn’t always a reflection on whether or not they can adequately prepare you for a career in nursing. Keep in mind that a person can receive tuition assistance through employer reimbursement programs. In addition, state and federal agencies offer grants for nurses, among other options. Therefore, if a person chooses a cost-efficient school, they may pay very affordable tuition or free.
Most importantly, a nursing school should prepare you for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
How is the Job Market for Nurses in the San Francisco Bay Area?
Nurses who are looking for a job in nursing in San Francisco can benefit from going to nursing school and finding nursing jobs in San Francisco. Nursing jobs in the Bay area – in fact, all nursing and health professions – are plentiful. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California is the state with the most jobs for registered nurses. Statistics denote that there were nearly 300,000 jobs for RNs in the state as of 2018.
For a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), California ranked as the state with the second-highest level of employment. There were 64,000 positions for LPNs in 2018.
In terms of Nurse Practitioner (NP) jobs in San Francisco, the Bay Area ranks second for the highest level of employment. In 2018, the area had 13,420 nurse practitioners. A registered nurse can finish a family nurse practitioner certificate program in as little as a year.
For those with nursing bachelor’s degrees, an MSN program such as clinical nurse specialist can raise your pay tremendously.
Nursing assistant jobs in the Bay area are plentiful as well. California ranked as the number one state with the highest level of employment for nursing assistants. In 2018, there were 99,440 nursing assistants.
Since there are a number of medical facilities in San Francisco and the Bay area, NP jobs in San Francisco, RN nursing jobs in San Francisco, nursing assistant jobs in the Bay area, and LPN nursing jobs in the Bay area are great. Additionally, San Francisco has a number of nursing homes where nurses can find employment.
How Much Do Nurses Make in the San Francisco Bay Area?
The nursing salary in San Francisco and California, in general, is higher than the national average. In fact, California ranks as one of the five top-paying states for nurses at various levels. The national median wage for LPNs is $47,050 per year while the LPN nursing salary in San Francisco is $65,410.
California is the highest paying state for RNs. On average, an RN earns about $106,950 annually. The registered nurse salary in San Francisco is even higher. The average registered nurse salary in San Francisco is $128,990.
The nurse practitioner nurses salary in San Francisco is higher than in other states. The California nurse practitioner salary in San Francisco is the highest when compared to all other states. On average, a nurse’s salary in California is $133,780 per year for nurse practitioners. The nurse salary in San Francisco for nurse practitioners is even higher. An annual salary in San Francisco for nurse practitioners is $150,790.
For individuals who don’t want to spend between two to six years going to school, a person can opt to become a nursing assistant. The average wage for a nurse assistant in the US is $29,580, the same as $14.22 per hour. California is the state with the highest pay for nursing assistants. A person can earn an average of $35,220, the same as $16.93 hourly. In addition, San Francisco is the top-paying metropolitan area for nursing assistants. Individuals in this position earn an average of $44,260 yearly, the same as $21.28 per hour.
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