Nursing Programs in Los Angeles, CA

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Angeles College offers a comprehensive three-year curriculum that combines robust clinical skills, medical knowledge, and a deep focus on patient-centered care. Students engage in hands-on learning through on-campus skill labs and immersive clinical rotations at various facilities across Southern California, gaining real-world experience under expert faculty mentorship. The program prepares graduates for nursing leadership roles, emphasizing critical thinking, decision-making, and community-focused care. With a commitment to faculty support and a community-centered approach, this BSN program equips students to excel in diverse healthcare settings and make a meaningful impact in the Southern California region and beyond.

• 3-Year program
• Clinical rotations in Southern California
• On-campus skill labs
• Faculty mentorship
• Patient-centered care focus
• Located in Glendale

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at California State University, Long Beach is a traditional track designed for students with no prior nursing experience. Over five semesters of full-time study, you will build a strong foundation in patient care, clinical reasoning, and professional nursing practice. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and statistics, along with courses in communication and critical thinking. You will learn to assess, plan, and implement care for diverse populations in various healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through a communication exercise and requires a minimum 3.25 GPA. With fall and spring admission cycles, this BSN offers a clear path to becoming a skilled, compassionate nurse.

• Entrance exam required
• 5-Semester program
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.3 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Three applicant categories accepted
• Communication Exercise for top applicants
• Casper test measures professional skills
• No prior nursing experience required

The Traditional BSN at California State University-Fullerton is a direct-entry program for first-year students with no prior nursing education. Offered full-time on campus, it provides a four-year or five-year pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and become eligible for California Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. Students gain essential nursing knowledge and skills, preparing them for diverse roles in healthcare. Graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, addressing the growing need for compassionate nurses. The program is recognized for its affordability and excellence, ensuring students receive a high-quality education. With a focus on student success, CSUF's School of Nursing fosters a supportive environment where future nurses can develop their potential. This program is an excellent choice for those starting their nursing career.

• Complete in four year pathway or a five year pathway
• Full-time enrollment
• Direct-entry first-year program
• No previous nursing education required
• Prepares for CA RN license
• Affordable and excellent program

This Upper Division Transfer BSN program at California State University, Fullerton, is a competitive, campus-based pathway for students who have completed 60 semester units of transferable coursework. The program requires a 3.25 minimum GPA on the last 60 units and completion of science and non-science prerequisites with grades of B or higher in sciences. All applicants must take the Casper situational judgment test as part of a holistic review. Designed for California residents only, the curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and careers as registered nurses. The program also offers credit for military education and previous nursing coursework, and allows experienced students to challenge specific courses. Note: a Social Security Number or ITIN is required for background checks upon admission.

• Entrance exam required
• 3.3 GPA minimum
• 0 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Only California residents considered
• TEAS exam not required
• Military education credit accepted
• Course challenge for experienced students
• Transfer credit for previous RN education
• SSN or ITIN required for background check

Monterey Peninsula College's Associate Degree in Nursing, offered through the esteemed Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing, is a selective campus-based program ranked among California's best. The curriculum covers essential nursing knowledge including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and developmental psychology, preparing students for modern patient care. Students benefit from a merit-based admissions process, small cohorts of 40, and a comprehensive clinical skills foundation. The program includes preparation for RN licensure, with health screenings, immunizations, and background checks required prior to clinical placements. LVN advanced placement is available. With a rigorous prerequisite structure and supportive learning environment, graduates are equipped for careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, ensuring students are ready to meet healthcare demands.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Prerequisite courses required
• Maximum 40 students per fall cohort
• Free TEAS test for top applicants
• LVN advanced placement available
• Merit-based selection process
• Mandatory orientation in May

Citrus College's Associate Degree in Nursing prepares students to become registered nurses ready to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care. The program blends classroom theory with hands-on skills labs and clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, and community health settings. Students develop sharp critical thinking and clinical judgment, learning to assess, treat, and coordinate care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the workforce with strong job prospects—median RN salaries top $93,000 annually. Three entry paths are available, including options for LVNs. Military personnel benefit from a dedicated advanced placement policy. Faculty mentors guide students from theory to practice, emphasizing lifelong learning. This campus-based ADN offers a faster, cost-effective route into professional nursing.

• 3 concentration options
• $93,600 median earnings
• Median annual pay for Registered Nurses is approximately $93,600
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Military benefits accepted
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Clinical rotations across multiple healthcare settings
• Evidence-based care from newborns to older adults
• Mentorship from experienced nursing faculty