Nursing Schools in Los Angeles
The best nursing schools in Los Angeles are inexpensive and offer a quality nursing education in flexible formats for working nurses. Furthermore, the top nursing schools in Southern California for your situation should have the appropriate accreditation from a third party to ensure that it fits specific standards for education. In addition to accreditation, you also want to evaluate the program’s cost. What is the best college for nursing in California for your budget? It depends on your situation, scholarships, and related details that may contribute to the final expenses associated with your degree. Pay attention to the cost of the program when evaluating your options.
You also want to consider job placement after graduation or internships during the nursing program. If a program has a high rate of students who pass their exams for a license and get a job shortly after finishing a degree, it is a good option for your goals. You want to focus on schools with a high percentage of students who obtain a lucrative job placement after graduation.
Methodology: Ranking Nursing Schools in Los Angeles
Whether you’re starting your nursing career or going back to school, a nursing degree is an economic and financial decision you want to see pay off. That’s why the TopRNtoBSN ranking of the best nursing schools in southern California focuses on data that tells students what to expect: Cost, Salary Expectations, and Student Reviews. Our data comes from IPEDS and Niche, and all programs have accreditation and are trustworthy.
1. University of California Los Angeles
The UCLA School of Nursing is among the best in Southern California and in LA. The nursing programs at UCLA include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level degrees. These multi-level degree programs have received the approval of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In addition, UCLA’S Neuropsychiatric Hospital is among the elite nursing schools in the country and one of the first nursing teaching hospitals to receive these honors from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) started in 1919 and is one of the oldest campuses within the University of California System. UCLA is a public institution of higher education with a 400+urban campus that serves more than 45,000 students. UCLA is one of the few public ivy schools in the United States.
Degree: BSN, MSN, DNP
2. University of California Irvine
The University of California Irvine’s School of Nursing has one of the top nursing programs in Los Angeles, UCI’s nursing programs (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level) have been accredited by the CCNE – the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In addition, UCI’s nursing school offers an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1.
The University of California, Irvine, was established in 1965 and is a higher learning land grant institution. UC Irvine’s 1,500+-acre campus is home to more than 35,000 students. In addition, UC Irvine is responsible for the administration of the school’s medical center. UCI is considered one of the few public ivy schools in the United States. President Lyndon B Johnson was an integral part of the school’s dedication in 1964.
Degree: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
3. California State University Long Beach
California State University’s School of Nursing offers both undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs that have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CSULB is recognized internationally and ranked among the best schools in Southern California and offers an employment rate after graduation of 100% for graduate degree holders and 95% for undergraduate degree holders. In addition, CSULB has a traditional Bachelor of Science (BSN) program, an RN-to-BSN program, and a Master of Science in Nursing degree program.
Cal State Long Beach opened in 1949 as a public institution of higher education. The school’s 300+-acre campus is home to more than 38,000 students studying for 150 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level degrees. CSULB’s campus is the 3rd largest within the California State University System.
Degree: BSN, MSN
4. California State University Fullerton
California State University Fullerton’s College of Health and Human Development offers a variety of nursing degree programs that have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CSUF offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral nursing degree programs. The school also offers accelerated nursing degree programs and completion programs, like the RN to Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) or Licensed Vocation Nursing to BSN degree program.
Cal State Fullerton was established in 1957. CSUF is one of the 23 member schools that make up the California State University system. The school’s urban campus serves nearly 40,000 students studying for the more than 100-degree program available. CSUF is recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution of higher learning.
Degree: RN-BSN, MSN, DNP
5. California State University Northridge
California State University Northridge’s College of Health and Human Development offers a CCNE accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for transfer students – those who already hold a Registered Nursing (RN) license or those students already enrolled in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at an appropriately accredited community college. CSUN is currently creating master’s and doctoral programs to be offered shortly.
Cal State Northridge is a public institution of higher education that began in 1958. The school’s campus is home to more than 38,000 students studying for more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. CSUN holds the distinction of having the largest undergraduate student enrollment of all the California State University campuses.
Degree: BSN; MSN, and DNP in the works
6. California State University Los Angeles
California State University Los Angeles School of Nursing offers CCNE-accredited nursing degrees and is also one of the best schools in Southern California. CSULA provides nursing degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with an accelerated Bachelor of Science of Nursing degree program with fifteen months.
Cal State Los Angeles opened in 1947 and is a land-grant, public institution of higher education. CSULA’s 170+-acre hilltop campus serves more than 26,000 students studying from the school’s eight colleges and schools. The school’s campus is home to a space program funded by NASA. Additionally, it has two unique high school opportunities for younger students. Additionally, CSULA is a university that is Hispanic serving.
Degree: BSN, MSN, DNP
7. California State University Dominguez Hills
California State University Dominguez Hills offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. These programs are for students in a community college accredited nursing program or Registered Nurses (RNs). Additionally, the school offers several master’s level nursing degree programs and provides diverse BSN and MSN options for nursing students. Graduate nursing students can opt for specialties as a Pediatric Nurse, an Adult-Gerontology Nurse, a Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, and also a Nurse Administrator.
Cal State Dominguez Hills began in 1960. The school’s urban campus sits on the oldest land grant area in Southern California, known as Rancho San Pedro. CSUDH is one of the most ethnically (and economically) diverse institutions of higher education in the western half of the country. The school is among the universities in the country that bestows the most degrees to African American students.
Degree: RN-BSN, MSN
8. California State University San Bernardino
California State University San Bernardino nursing degree programs have accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CSUSB offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, an RN to BSN degree program, plus a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program.
Cal State San Bernardino is a public space-grant institution of higher education that started in 1965. The school operates two campuses, a rural campus in Palm Desert and a main suburban campus in San Bernardino. Together, these campuses serve more than 20,000 students. CSUSB operates one of the few museums that has received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.
Degree: BSN, MSN
9. Azusa Pacific University
The School of Nursing at Azusa Pacific University offers a full breadth of nursing degree programs. APU offers nursing education opportunities on-campus, hybrid degree programs, and even distance learning options. APU offers nursing degrees that include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits each of the nursing degree programs offered by Azusa Pacific University. Coursework includes internships to achieve hands-on practical experience before graduating.
Azusa Pacific University began as a private institution of higher education in 1899. APU is affiliated with the Christian (inter-denominational) Church. The school’s 100+-acre suburban campus serves more than 10,000 students studying for degrees offered by ten colleges/schools. APU was first named the Training School for Christian Workers, the west coast’s first biblical school.
Degree: Online, Campus, Hybrid all levels – undergrad to doctoral
10. Stanbridge University
Stanbridge University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, a diploma for Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN), an RN-to-BSN degree program, and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. Each of Stanbridge’s nursing programs has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Stanbridge University offers this state-of-the-art associate nursing degree. Students learn using synthetic cadavers, virtual reality, and even telemedicine. Stanbridge University has been recognized as a school of excellence by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Stanbridge University is a private institution of higher that opened in 1996 with a primary educational focus on nursing and allied health. Coursework is available on-campus and online. Stanbridge University has been recognized among the top 3 schools in southern California.
Degrees: LVN program, BSN, RN to BSN, MSN
11. Pacific College
Pacific College nursing school in Los Angeles offers coursework with accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The school has three specific nursing degree programs – an Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP, i.e., advanced practice nurses) degree program. Additionally, some coursework is available through the school’s distance learning program. Additionally, the college has received approval from the BVNPT – The Board of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians.
This private institution of higher education opened in 1993. The school provides quality education that leads to professional allied health careers. Furthermore, the college is among the best in southern California.
Degree: BSN, FNP
12. Pasadena City College
Pasadena City College’s Health Sciences/Nursing Programs offers an Associate in Science degree in Nursing that includes an Achievement Certificate in Registered Nursing (ASRN), a Vocational Nursing degree program, and an LVN to RN degree completion course. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Students can complete the vocational nursing program in 2 semesters and the RN program in 4 semesters.
Pasadena City College opened in 1924. PCC is a community college that serves San Marino, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, and many more communities. The school is home to more than 27,000 students. Previously, PCC operated as a four-year school where students finished two years of high and the first two years of post-secondary education.
Degree: ASRN
13. Biola University
BIOLA University’s Department of Nursing is among the best nursing schools in southern California, with coursework that has received accreditation from CCNE. In addition, BU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. Coursework for BU’s BSN degree program requires program applicants to have completed Human Anatomy, Organic Chemistry, Critical Thinking, Psychology, and also an introduction to Professional Nursing. Furthermore, students attend clinical nursing practicums that offer hands-on experience.
The Bible Institute of Los Angeles. or BIOLA, University, opened in 1908. BIOLA has ties with the nondenominational evangelical Christian Church. The university operates nine colleges and schools that offer more than 140 professional study fields. Additionally, the school’s nursing program ranks among the best nursing schools in Los Angeles. In addition, BU operates an accredited school of Messianic Jewish Studies in New York City.
Degree: BSN
14. California Baptist University
California Baptist University’s College of Nursing offers various degree programs in the professional field of nursing. CBU is among the best nursing schools in Los Angeles and is CCNE-accredited. Furthermore, the school offers a bachelor’s entry-level degree program, a Master of Science in either Nursing or non-nursing majors, and a doctoral-level nursing degree program. Additionally, CBU provides many scholarships to its eligible nursing students.
California Baptist University opened in 1950 as a private institution of higher education. The school has affiliations with the California Southern Baptist Convention. CBU’s suburban campus covers more than 150 acres and is home to more than 11,000 students. Additionally, its nursing program ranks among the best nursing schools in southern California.
Degree: BSN, MSN, DNP
15. Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine is among the best nursing schools in Los Angeles. CUI offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs. Degree graduates from CUI have an NCLEX pass rate of 99%. Students can complete the accelerated BSN in about fifteen months. The MSN program offers a specialty of Nurse Educator or Nurse Leadership.
Concordia University Irvine started as a private institution of higher education in 1976. CUI is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The school’s suburban campus serves more than 4,000 students. Concordia University Irvine is a member school of the Concordia University System. Its nursing school is among the best nursing schools in southern California. Furthermore, the CUI campus is a few miles from the ocean and about an hour south of LA.
Degrees: BSN, MSN
Other Schools in the Los Angeles Area
- San Diego State University Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Grand Canyon University
- Mount Saint Mary’s University
- Los Angeles Valley College
- Santa Monica College
- Cal State LA’s Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing
- USC Suzanne Dworak Peck School
- CES College
- Annenberg School of Nursing
- California State University Long Beach
- Marian College Los Angeles Campus
How is the Job Market for Nurses in Los Angeles?
Nurse jobs in Los Angeles will rise as nurses begin to retire from current positions and the city population continues to increase. Nursing jobs in Los Angeles focus on ensuring the hospital or facility meets minimum standards for nurses based on people and the number of patients in a facility. In general, the facility must have one nurse for every five patients, which means many nurses have opportunities within the Los Angeles area.
Nurse practitioner jobs in Los Angeles are also rising to help meet the demand for specialized medical professionals. By focusing on registered nurse jobs in Los Angeles, it is possible to find a variety of options and opportunities based on your preferences. Nursing jobs in Los Angeles, CA may require specialized skills, so nurses should evaluate the details of the position before determining that it fits their long-term goals.
In the case of nursing jobs in Southern California for new graduates, the details related to specialized skills may be limited. Nursing jobs in Southern California for students who have recently graduated focus on support roles and entry-level positions with training. New grad nursing jobs in Southern California may offer the first steps into nurse practitioner jobs in Southern California for professionals who decide to pursue a higher level of education and training.
How Much Does a Nurse Make in Los Angeles?
The nurse salary in Los Angeles may vary based on a nurse’s experience, specialized skills, and level of education. The median registered nurse salary in Los Angeles is around $101,000 per year. Although the median income is relatively high, the average nurse salary in Los Angeles may vary widely based on the facility, level of experience, and related details. A nurse practitioner’s salary in Los Angeles is higher than the average salary of a registered nurse. As a general rule, the nurse practitioner salary in Southern California is comparable to other highly skilled and specialized nursing professionals.
Nurses should evaluate salary potential based on the type of nursing they intend to engage in during their work and their experience and education. In addition, medical facilities may offer packages using an hourly wage rather than a salary, so it will be necessary to clarify the benefits and salary package details when looking into nursing career options.
Is the California State University System Good for Nursing?
When looking for the best CSU for nursing, you want to consider the variations and differences between schools. The best CSU schools for nursing depend on your situation and goals. The best nursing programs are accredited, inexpensive, and fit your needs. If you live close to a specific school, it may be a good choice for your situation. The best Cal States for nursing may also differ based on your level of education.
Which CSU has the Best Nursing Program?
It varies based on your situation. If you’re planning to obtain a bachelor’s degree, you can find different programs to fit your goals. A master’s degree may have further limitations due to the greater specialized skills. For students looking into programs for a doctorate in nursing, some limitations may impact the best school for their goals.
- California Board of Registered Nursing
The best school of nursing in the California State University system varies based on the student’s needs. As a rule, you want to clarify your goals, set a budget, and determine the best location based on your situation. In some cases, you will find that the best option is near Los Angeles because it is a convenient location, it fits your budget, or it offers the specialized training that is most appropriate for your goals in a career. By comparing your options, you feel confident that you have found the right program.
Related:
- Nursing in California
- 15 Best Online RN to BSN Programs California
- What is a Psychiatric Nurse?
- Highest Paying States For Registered Nurses
- Top 25 Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses
- 25 Best RN to BSN Programs with Online Degrees
- Trauma Nurse vs ER Nurse Job Description
- ABSN vs BSN: How to Choose an Accelerated or Traditional BSN
