Nursing Programs in Fresno, CA

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Fresno

When choosing nursing programs, rankings provide valuable guidance by highlighting schools with proven success in preparing students for licensure. Registerednursing.org has created rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Fresno, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria. These rankings help prospective students identify programs with strong outcomes. For more details on how these rankings are compiled, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

NCLEX pass rates in the Fresno region have shown consistent improvement over recent years. This trend indicates overall strengthening of nursing education programs in the area.

• 2021: 83.33% average pass rate with 12 students
• 2022: 100% average pass rate with 12 students
• 2023: 100% average pass rate with 11 students

Top Performing Schools

Madera Community College demonstrates strong performance across multiple years of data, making it a top choice for nursing education in the Fresno area.

• Madera Community College: 94.28% average pass rate with 35 total students over 3 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Smaller nursing programs in the Fresno region show excellent outcomes, suggesting that personalized attention may contribute to student success.

• Small programs (<50 students/year): 100% average pass rate with 11 students

Biggest Improvements

Madera Community College has shown significant improvement in recent years, reflecting enhanced program effectiveness and student preparation.

• Madera Community College: Improved from 83.33% to 100% between 2023 and 2023 (16.67% increase)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Madera Community College maintains strong performance over multiple years, indicating reliable quality in nursing education.

• Madera Community College: 94.28% average pass rate over 3 years with 35 total students

#1

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA - Public 4-Year - fresnostate.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University-Fresno's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides comprehensive campus-based education requiring 120 semester units, including 28 prerequisite units with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This competitive program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience in psychosocial nursing, childbearing family care, and community health. Admission requires meeting minimum requirements with preference given to veterans, and no SAT or ACT entrance exam is specified. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and California Public Health Nurse Certificate. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 96.55% in 2023, 89.39% in 2022, and 92.62% in 2021, reflecting the program's effectiveness in preparing students for licensure.

• 120 semester units required
• Campus-based program
• Accredited by CCNE
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN
• California PHN Certificate
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• 28 units of prerequisites
• Hands-on clinical practicums
• Competitive admission process
• No waiting list

#2

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA - Private 4-year - fresno.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Fresno Pacific University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates Christian values with comprehensive clinical training across Central San Joaquin Valley hospitals. This campus-based BSN emphasizes holistic, culturally competent care through small cohort classes and experienced faculty mentorship. Students develop strong communication and leadership skills within a liberal arts framework, preparing for NCLEX-RN success and California Public Health Nurse certification eligibility. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The 2023 NCLEX pass rate was 64.29% for 14 students, reflecting the program's commitment to rigorous preparation for nursing licensure.

• Small class sizes
• Cohort model learning
• Experienced faculty
• Clinical training in top hospitals
• Faith and science integration
• Focus on holistic care
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Public Health Nurse certification eligible
• Strong liberal arts foundation
• Hands-on clinical experience

*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2024 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Fresno, CA

In the Fresno, California region, there are several educational options for those who want to enter the nursing profession with a four- or two-year degree. Created for fast progression, many entry-level nursing programs, including the LVN to RN, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) are offered in flexible formats for working individuals.

LVN to RN Programs

In many physicians’ offices, the first person patient interacts with is the Licensed Vocational Nurse. Such professionals play a big role in putting patients at ease and gathering basic health information. Fresno-area LVNs who want to become Registered Nurses in less time can enroll in programs such as Madera Community College Center's LVN to RN, which can be completed in just one year after prerequisite courses are completed.

ADN Programs

Across California and the nation, most RNs enter the workforce with an associate’s degree in nursing. Fresno City College, which offers the largest community college Associate's Degree Nursing program in the state, is known for its quality education and practical training. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam and treat patients in real-world healthcare settings. Because nursing jobs are sought after, graduates are likely to find suitable employment soon after successful program completion.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Registered nurses who begin their careers on day one with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing can have a greater choice in where they work, negotiate higher salaries, and select flexible work schedules. Accredited by CCNE, the competitive-entry BSN program at California State University - Fresno, which does not offer a waiting list, provides students with nursing theory and fundamentals so they are ready to provide patient care in a range of healthcare settings. The program offers admission preference to qualified military veterans.

Find out more about California Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Fresno, CA

Geared toward working professionals, flexible and accelerated RN to BSN/MSN programs in Fresno, CA are made for nurses who are committed to climbing the ranks. They are generally offered partially or wholly online, can be completed in as few as 18 mos., and can save students money over time.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN pathways can save students considerable time and money when compared to students who go back to school at a later, non-sequential date. The RN to BSN bridge program at Fresno Pacific University offers small cohort sizes and a one night a week format so students can expand upon their nursing knowledge in a short, intensive format. The curriculum of the Christian university focuses on clinical decision-making, community and public health, and nursing leadership.

Find out more about California RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Fresno, CA

Advanced Practice Nurses such as Nurse Practitioners are stepping up to do more such as designing patient treatment plans, administering medication and advocating for quality patient care. Nurses who earn a Master's of Science in Nursing or doctorate degree become leaders and trusted healthcare providers in communities all around Fresno, CA. Area colleges are simplifying the advanced nursing degree enrollment process to encourage more RNs to return to school.

MSN Programs

Master's of Science in Nursing programs train nurses on how they can be more effective in their roles. By educating nurses on becoming patients’ primary health care provider, Advanced Practice Nurses are doing more, from developing treatment plans to administering medication. California State University - Fresno, offers graduate nursing programs that prepare nurses to become Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioners. Graduates become proficient inpatient diagnoses and management of patients’ illnesses in current healthcare systems.

Find out more about California Nurse Practitioner Programs.

DNP Programs

Advanced Practice Nurses such as those with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can serve as patients’ primary health care providers preparing and executing treatment plans. National University’s Fresno Campus offers a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) that prepares students to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The three-year program includes a 15-month didactic residency, high-fidelity instructional simulations, online courses, and traditional in-class courses.

Find out more about California DNP Programs.