California’s robust healthcare ecosystem supports a wide spectrum of nursing pathways designed for both new entrants and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re beginning your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), advancing from an RN to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), earning your Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) credential, or pursuing an advanced practice degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), California’s colleges and universities blend rigorous coursework with immersive clinical experiences. From cutting‑edge research hospitals in Los Angeles and San Francisco to community health centers in the Central Valley and rural clinics along the coast, these programs equip graduates to meet the state’s diverse care demands with expertise and compassion.
On this page
2026 Top Nursing Programs in California
California stands at the forefront of nursing education, offering some of the most comprehensive and innovative programs in the United States. TopNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top nursing schools based on academic excellence, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like NCLEX pass rates, research opportunities, faculty credentials, and graduate success rates. Whether you're aspiring to become a registered nurse, pursue advanced practice, or specialize in a particular nursing field, California's nursing programs provide exceptional pathways to a rewarding healthcare career. These institutions not only prepare students with cutting-edge medical knowledge but also foster critical thinking and compassionate patient care skills. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
California State University-Monterey Bay's BSN program provides an innovative pathway for nursing professionals seeking comprehensive healthcare education. Targeting those with an Associate's Degree and California RN license, this hybrid program uniquely combines online and in-person learning. Students can complete the program within 3-5 semesters, choosing between ADN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN tracks. CCNE-accredited, the curriculum prepares graduates for complex global healthcare environments. The program emphasizes flexible scheduling, offering Public Health Nursing Certificate opportunities and diverse career advancement potential. Financial aid and scholarship options enhance accessibility for aspiring nursing professionals seeking transformative educational experiences.
Hybrid learning modality.
3 to 5 semesters completion.
ADN-to-BSN pathway available.
RN-to-BSN pathway available.
Accredited by CCNE.
Flexible scheduling.
Public Health Nursing Certificate approved.
Designed for California RN license holders.
Blend of online and face-to-face courses.
Prepares for global healthcare settings.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Concentration: ADN to BSN - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
CSU Monterey Bay's ADN to BSN concentration offers a strategic educational pathway for nursing professionals targeting career advancement. This targeted two-semester hybrid program specifically addresses Associate Degree in Nursing holders seeking bachelor's level credentials. Meticulously structured to blend online and campus learning, the curriculum prioritizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge development. Designed for working nurses, the program requires current ADN program enrollment and provides seamless academic progression. Graduates gain enhanced qualifications for higher-level nursing roles, with a comprehensive approach to professional development and educational transformation.
Hybrid learning format.
30 units total.
Requires ADN program enrollment.
Two semesters post-ADN.
Focus on ADN to BSN.
Blend of online and campus.
Prepares for higher nursing roles.
Practical and theoretical focus.
Ideal for working nurses.
Seamless academic progression.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Concentration: RN to BSN - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Monterey Bay's RN to BSN pathway delivers a comprehensive educational experience for licensed registered nurses seeking professional enhancement. This strategically designed hybrid program offers maximum flexibility, allowing completion in 3 full-time or 5 part-time semesters. Emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and advanced nursing competencies, the curriculum integrates courses in global health, community health, policy, and research. Participants benefit from hands-on experiences across multiple county partner agencies. Tailored for working professionals, the program enables career advancement without interrupting current nursing practice, providing a dynamic educational model for ambitious healthcare practitioners.
Pacific Union College's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program provides an intensive two-year educational pathway strategically designed for aspiring nurses. Located in Angwin, CA, this campus-based program spans six academic quarters, meticulously preparing students for the critical NCLEX-RN licensing examination. Students develop comprehensive skills through a robust curriculum emphasizing human biology and social sciences. Admission requires meeting specific health clearance standards and completing prerequisite coursework. The program offers a structured approach to nursing education, serving as an excellent foundation for students seeking to advance toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Campus-based program
Six quarters over two years
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Strong foundation in sciences
Health clearance required
Prerequisite courses needed
Pathway to BSN degree
Supportive learning environment
Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing with Adventist Health
Pacific Union College's innovative Associate of Science in Nursing with Adventist Health represents a cutting-edge hybrid learning experience for nursing students. This dynamic program combines online instruction with in-person training, offering maximum flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Students begin by enrolling in NURS 110 Introduction to Nursing, which integrates digital and face-to-face learning components. The curriculum comprehensively covers critical areas including health assessment, pharmacology, and pediatric nursing. With a strategic partnership with Adventist Health, the program provides students a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge and skills, with a clear pathway to BSN completion for motivated learners.
Point Loma Nazarene University's BSN program offers an exceptional pathway into nursing through a comprehensive curriculum blending technical proficiency with compassionate healthcare delivery. Located in San Diego, the program distinguishes itself with an impressive 98.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate and nearly 900 hours of immersive clinical training. Students benefit from a faith-based approach that emphasizes servant leadership and holistic patient care. Admission requires a robust academic foundation, including prerequisite courses in chemistry, anatomy, and psychology, with a competitive 3.0 GPA threshold. The program's rigorous academic standards and commitment to hands-on experience prepare graduates to excel in diverse healthcare environments, making it a top choice for aspiring nurses seeking a transformative educational experience.
California State University-Stanislaus' Pre-Licensure BSN Track offers an intensive nursing program preparing students for registered nursing careers. Prospective students must achieve a minimum TEAS test score of 70%, with competitive admitted students scoring between 84-87%. The three-year program uniquely integrates clinical rotations from the first semester, providing comprehensive hands-on experience across Central Valley healthcare settings. With exceptional NCLEX passing rates of 95-100%, students receive robust preparation for professional nursing practice. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and includes Public Health Nurse Certification, creating versatile healthcare professionals ready for diverse clinical environments.
3-year nursing course duration.
High NCLEX pass rates 95-100%.
Public Health Nurse Certification included.
Clinical rotations start first semester.
Minimum TEAS score 70% required.
Average admitted TEAS score 84%-87%.
Small cohort sizes for support.
810 clinical hours provided.
Diverse student cohort makeup.
Accredited by CCNE.
Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASBSN)
CSU Stanislaus' Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASBSN) provides a rapid 17-month pathway for bachelor's degree holders transitioning into nursing. Designed for career changers, this intensive program requires 59 total units and costs approximately $40,000. Located in the Stockton Campus, the program features 10-week course sessions with a competitive admissions process. Applicants must apply between June 1-August 1 for the Spring cycle. The curriculum prioritizes hands-on clinical experiences and cultivates strong connections with local hospitals, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for immediate entry into the nursing profession.
The LVN to BSN Track at California State University-Stanislaus empowers licensed vocational nurses to advance their professional credentials through a comprehensive four-semester program. Candidates must maintain an active California LVN license and achieve a minimum TEAS score of 70%. This meticulously structured pathway builds upon existing nursing skills, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership development, and community health principles. With a remarkable 95-100% NCLEX passing rate, the program provides 810 clinical training hours across Central Valley healthcare facilities. Graduates receive Public Health Nurse Certification, positioning them for expanded career opportunities and potential graduate education.
The University of San Francisco's BSN program stands out as a premier nursing education pathway, strategically preparing students to become innovative healthcare professionals. With a remarkable national ranking in the top 3% of undergraduate nursing programs, students benefit from cutting-edge simulation centers and robust clinical skills training. The curriculum emphasizes health equity and patient-centered care, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address complex healthcare challenges. Students can anticipate a comprehensive learning experience across San Francisco and Sacramento campuses, with an impressive 90% NCLEX pass rate. While entrance exam requirements are not explicitly detailed, the program offers pre-health profession advising to support student success.
USF's Master's Entry MSN, Clinical Nurse Leader program provides a transformative pathway for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders seeking professional nursing careers. This intensive two-year, full-time program comprehensively prepares students for RN licensure in California through an immersive curriculum combining rigorous classroom instruction and extensive clinical experiences. With over 1,000 clinical hours and 68 required units, students develop advanced skills in patient care, safety, and evidence-based practice. Offered at San Francisco and Orange County campuses with Fall and Spring start dates, the program uniquely positions graduates to advocate for diverse patient populations and drive meaningful healthcare improvements.
Full-time, two-year program.
Over 1,000 clinical hours.
Prepares for RN licensure in CA.
68 units required.
NCLEX in fifth semester.
Fall and Spring start dates.
San Francisco and Orange County campuses.
Focus on evidence-based practice.
Designed for non-nursing bachelor's holders.
Improves patient care and safety.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
California LVN Program Overview
California’s LVN programs prepare students with the core nursing knowledge and hands‑on skills needed to support patient care in a variety of settings, from large urban hospitals to rural community clinics. Through a focused curriculum covering anatomy, pharmacology, and fundamental nursing techniques alongside supervised clinical rotations, students gain real‑world experience administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing compassionate care. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and earning licensure, graduates step into roles that help bolster the workload of RNs and physicians. By supplying skilled practical nurses across California’s diverse healthcare landscape, these programs enhance both access to and quality of care throughout the state.
California’s CNA tracks offer roughly two to three months of focused instruction on infection prevention, vital‑sign monitoring, and basic patient care techniques, followed by supervised clinical rotations. Through real‑world practicums, learners develop comfort‑and‑dignity skills, helping with mobility, meal support, and routine check‑ins, to meet the needs of diverse populations. Upon certification, graduates bolster care teams across acute and long‑term care settings. Their daily contributions underpin California’s expansive healthcare network, ensuring reliable support for licensed nurses.
California’s RN to BSN pathways leverage the state’s vast network of healthcare facilities, from large academic medical centers to community clinics, to deepen RNs’ expertise through a hybrid mix of advanced online modules and clinical practica. Students engage with coursework in population health, informatics, leadership and policy, then apply their learning across both urban hospitals and rural settings. Earning a BSN meets growing employer and Magnet recognition standards and prepares nurses for management roles, specialty certifications and public health initiatives. With part‑time and accelerated options, these programs let working RNs advance their credentials without pausing their careers.
California Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program Overview
California’s Nurse Practitioner programs elevate a BSN foundation with intensive graduate-level coursework and hands-on clinical practicums, typically lasting two to four years, in specialties such as family practice, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered through flexible online, blended, and on-campus options, these MSN and DNP tracks ready nurses for APRN certification and licensure under California’s rigorous standards. Graduates step into roles as primary care providers, chronic disease managers, and telehealth practitioners across bustling urban centers, suburban clinics, and underserved rural communities. By broadening access to advanced nursing services and addressing physician shortages, especially in remote areas, NP programs are central to enhancing patient care quality and reinforcing the capacity of California’s diverse healthcare landscape.
