Discover Leading RN to BSN Programs Near Los Angeles, California
- 2026 Leading RN to BSN Programs Near Los Angeles, California
- Why Nurses in Los Angeles Are Advancing to the BSN
- Flexible Learning Formats in Los Angeles
- Admission Standards and Application Insights
- Tuition and Financial Aid in the Los Angeles Region
- Career Outcomes for BSN Graduates in Los Angeles
- Responding to Los Angeles Healthcare Needs
- Choosing the Best RN to BSN Option in Los Angeles
- Preparing for a Stronger Nursing Future in Los Angeles
- Sources
- Latest Articles & Guides
Los Angeles, with its expansive healthcare networks and vibrant communities, is one of the most influential regions in the nation for nursing advancement. Registered nurses in the city are increasingly pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to meet growing workforce expectations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow steadily through the next decade. Nurses with a BSN often find more career opportunities, stronger earning potential, and enhanced leadership roles. In Los Angeles, where demand for highly skilled healthcare professionals is constant, RN to BSN programs provide an effective pathway for professional growth and community impact.
This trend reflects larger shifts in healthcare priorities. Hospitals and clinics across California are prioritizing patient safety, evidence-based care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Los Angeles, as one of the most diverse cities in the United States, requires nurses to be prepared to serve patients from many cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. American Association of Colleges of Nursing data underscores that nurses with a BSN are critical to delivering safe and effective care. RN to BSN programs equip nurses with advanced knowledge and skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to public health while improving patient outcomes across the county.
2026 Leading RN to BSN Programs Near Los Angeles, California
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA - Private 4-year - cui.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Concordia University-Irvine's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a 15-month hybrid option, ideal for those with a bachelor's degree or 65+ non-nursing credits. It combines online coursework with in-person labs and 765 clinical hours, costing about $960 per unit for a total of $60,000-$62,000. Accredited by CCNE, it emphasizes hands-on experience and critical thinking, with no entrance exam required for this bachelor's level program.
- 15-month completion
- Hybrid or campus options
- 765 clinical hours
- $960 per unit
- Accredited by CCNE
- Three start dates yearly
- Hands-on experience
- Small class sizes
- Financial aid available
- Prior degree required
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The campus-based Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Concordia University-Irvine offers a 15-month fast-track for students with prior degrees or 65+ credits, featuring 765 clinical hours and a focus on leadership and clinical reasoning. Tuition is approximately $960 per unit, totaling $60,000-$62,000, with financial aid available. No entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's program, which is accredited by CCNE and WSCUC.
- 15-month completion time
- 765 clinical hours
- $960 per unit cost
- Campus and hybrid options
- Full-time program
- Requires bachelor's degree or 65 credits
- Financial aid available
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Critical thinking focus
- Leadership skills development
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - Public 4-Year - calstatela.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Traditional Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Los Angeles offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Traditional Program, a full-time three-year curriculum blending general education with nursing theory and clinical practice. It prepares students for RN licensure with competitive admission requiring a minimum 3.25 GPA, a TEAS exam score of at least 70%, and preference for local students and military veterans. Clinical experiences are based in Los Angeles County, providing hands-on healthcare exposure. This campus-based program is accredited by CCNE and accepts applications from October to January for fall admission, with only 70 slots available annually for about 700 applicants.
- Full-time three-year program.
- Combines general and nursing education.
- Prepares for RN licensure.
- Clinical sites in LA County.
- Minimum 3.25 GPA to apply.
- TEAS exam score 70% required.
- Highly competitive admissions.
- Local and military preference.
- Fall admission only.
- Accredited by CCNE.
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at California State University-Los Angeles is a 15-month fast-track program designed for individuals holding a bachelor's degree in another field. It focuses on preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a combination of didactic and clinical coursework, totaling 53 semester units. Admission is competitive, with one cohort starting each June, and financial aid options like loans and scholarships are available. This program is ideal for career changers seeking a rapid entry into nursing, emphasizing intensive, campus-based learning without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam.
- 15-month duration
- 53 semester units
- Campus-based program
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Financial aid available
- Summer start date
- Competitive admission
- Career changer focus
- Didactic and clinical blend
- One cohort annually
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA - Private 4-year - apu.edu
Bachelor's - BS in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Azusa Pacific University offers a campus-based BS in Nursing program that emphasizes hands-on clinical training and a cohort-based learning model. It requires a 3.5 GPA for admission but does not mandate an ACT or SAT entrance exam. The curriculum includes courses in chemistry, biology, and math, supported by state-of-the-art technology, preparing graduates for the NCLEX exam. Financial aid and military benefits are available, fostering compassionate, evidence-based care in healthcare settings.
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- Cohort-based learning model
- State-of-the-art technology
- 3.5 GPA admission requirement
- Courses in chemistry, biology, math
- Financial aid available
- Military benefits eligible
- Prepares for NCLEX exam
- Compassionate care focus
- Evidence-based practice
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA - Public 4-Year - fullerton.edu
Bachelor's - Traditional BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Fullerton's Traditional BSN program is a full-time, campus-based option for first-year students without prior nursing education, offering four or five-year pathways to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It focuses on preparing graduates for the California RN license with an emphasis on affordability and student success. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, aligning with standard first-year admissions criteria for a strong foundation in nursing.
- Full-time program
- Four or five-year pathways
- Prepares for RN license
- Affordable tuition
- No prior nursing education needed
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- On-campus learning
Bachelor's - Upper Division Transfer BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Upper Division Transfer BSN program at California State University-Fullerton is designed for students with 60 semester units completed by Fall 2024, requiring a minimum 3.25 GPA and specific prerequisite grades (B- or higher in sciences, C or higher in non-sciences). This campus-based program prioritizes California residents and prepares for RN licensure without needing letters of recommendation or entrance exams, offering a straightforward application process for eligible candidates.
- Campus-based program
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- 60 semester units prerequisite
- B- or higher in sciences
- C or higher in non-sciences
- No letters of recommendation
- No entrance exams
- California residents prioritized
- Prepares for RN licensure
- Straightforward application process
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA - Public 4-Year - csun.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Northridge's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is tailored for second-degree students with a prior BA or BS, offering an intensive four-semester curriculum that combines classroom learning with clinical labs. This program requires a 3.21 GPA for admission, science prerequisites completed within the last seven years, and 58 additional units, focusing on patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and leadership skills. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is mentioned as required, aligning with its bachelor's level focus on preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings and nursing licensure.
- Designed for second-degree students.
- Completed in four semesters.
- Blends classroom and clinical labs.
- Requires 3.21 GPA for admission.
- Science prerequisites within seven years.
- 58 units beyond original degree.
- Focuses on patient-centered care.
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
- Leadership skills development.
- Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program at California State University-Northridge is an online option for licensed RNs, completed in three semesters with flexibility for working professionals. It emphasizes leadership development, eligibility for Public Health Nurse certification, and grants up to 15 elective units for NCLEX passers. No entrance exam is specified for this bachelor's level program, which articulates with community college pathways to enhance career advancement in various healthcare environments.
- Online program format
- Three-semester duration
- Fall and Spring courses
- Summer class options
- NCLEX exam credit
- Public Health Nurse certification eligible
- Designed for licensed RNs
- Leadership skill development
- Flexible for working professionals
- Articulates with community college programs
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA - Public 4-Year - csudh.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, Bachelor of Science
Online Learning - Visit Website
California State University-Dominguez Hills offers an online RN to BSN program for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This bachelor's-level program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and leadership in healthcare, with a curriculum covering health assessment, community-based nursing, and management. Admission requires RN licensure, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and completion of prerequisites; no ACT or SAT exam is needed. The flexible online format supports working professionals, preparing graduates for diverse roles in healthcare systems.
- Online program format
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Focus on critical thinking
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Requires RN licensure
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Includes health assessment
- Community-based nursing focus
- Management in healthcare systems
- Blends general and specialized education
California State University-Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA - Public 4-Year - csuci.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Track 1, Generic (Basic)
Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Channel Islands offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for entry-level students, requiring no specific concentration. This four-year, full-time program is CCNE accredited and approved by the California BRN, focusing on a cohort model for structured learning. Admission prerequisites include completion of courses with a C or better, a competitive GPA, and passing the TEAS entrance exam. Clinical rotations demand health clearance, background checks, and reliable transportation, with fall-only admissions. It prepares students for nursing licensure through hands-on experience and a comprehensive curriculum.
- Four-year full-time study.
- CCNE accredited program.
- Cohort model learning.
- Requires TEAS exam for admission.
- Clinical rotation prerequisites.
- Health insurance required.
- Background check and drug screening.
- Reliable transportation needed.
- Fall semester admissions only.
- Competitive GPA requirements.
American University of Health Sciences
Signal Hill, CA - Private 4-year - auhs.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
American University of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for aspiring nurses seeking a fast-track education. With 189 credit hours required and a tuition rate of $595 per credit, this campus-based program allows up to 72 transfer credits. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and generalist nursing roles, emphasizing hands-on learning and comprehensive academics. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required, making it accessible for those advancing their nursing careers in Los Angeles.
- Fast-track BSN program
- 189 total credits required
- Maximum 72 transfer credits
- $595 per credit tuition
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Generalist nursing preparation
- Comprehensive academic curriculum
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science
Los Angeles, CA - Private 4-year - cdrewu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with three distinct tracks: Pre-Nursing, LVN to BSN, and traditional BSN. This CCNE-accredited program provides hands-on clinical experience at top hospitals, fostering skills in community-based care, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and roles in bedside nursing or public health, with no ACT or SAT required for admission. Small class sizes and a military-friendly environment enhance the educational experience.
- Three unique nursing tracks
- CCNE accredited program
- Clinical placements at top hospitals
- Small class sizes
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Public Health Nurse certification option
- Diverse clinical learning experiences
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA - Private 4-year - vanguard.edu
Bachelor's - BSN—Pre-Licensure
Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanguard University of Southern California's BSN—Pre-Licensure program, accredited by CCNE, equips students for the NCLEX-RN exam through expert instruction and hands-on training in two state-of-the-art Simulation Labs. With strong clinical partnerships, it offers pathways for freshmen needing prerequisites and transfers ready for the nursing major, fostering compassionate healthcare leaders without requiring an ACT or SAT for admission.
- On-campus program
- Two Simulation Labs
- Strong clinical partnerships
- Two pathways available
- Accredited by CCNE
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
- Expert faculty
- Community-based experiences
- Pre-Nursing pathway
- Nursing pathway for transfers
Why Nurses in Los Angeles Are Advancing to the BSN
The Los Angeles region is home to some of California's largest healthcare employers, including facilities recognized for excellence in patient care. Many of these organizations prefer or require nurses to hold a BSN as part of their workforce development strategies. Research cited by the National Institutes of Health shows that hospitals with higher percentages of BSN-prepared nurses report lower patient mortality rates and better overall outcomes.
Top employers like UCLA Health, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Keck Hospital of USC prioritize hiring BSN-prepared nurses as part of their Magnet status goals and patient care initiatives. The County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services (LADHS), one of the largest public health systems in the United States, also encourages educational advancement among its RN workforce.
Cultural and linguistic diversity in Los Angeles creates unique challenges and opportunities for nurses. BSN programs emphasize community health, leadership, and evidence-based practice, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet the needs of neighborhoods ranging from South Los Angeles to Santa Monica. By completing the BSN, local nurses expand their ability to serve and lead within these communities.
Flexible Learning Formats in Los Angeles
Balancing work, family, and education is a reality for most nurses. RN to BSN programs in Los Angeles have adapted with flexible delivery models that meet the needs of working professionals. Options typically include:
- Online and Hybrid Courses: Digital formats allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule while completing clinical requirements in local healthcare settings.
- Accelerated Timelines: Some programs can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months, ideal for nurses seeking rapid career progression.
- Extended Enrollment: Part-time study plans make it possible to complete a BSN while managing rotating shifts or family responsibilities.
Several Los Angeles-based programs, including those at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), Mount Saint Mary's University, and West Coast University, offer hybrid or fully online RN to BSN pathways designed for working nurses.
Given the city's notorious traffic patterns, students often select programs based on proximity to clinical sites or workplace locations. Some schools offer weekend or evening formats that accommodate nurses working 12-hour shifts at hospitals like LAC+USC or Torrance Memorial.
These flexible structures allow nurses to continue providing essential patient care while advancing academically.
Admission Standards and Application Insights
Admission criteria for Los Angeles RN to BSN programs are straightforward but competitive. Most programs require:
- A current and unrestricted California RN license
- Completion of an accredited associate degree or diploma in nursing
- General education and science prerequisites
- A GPA requirement, often between 2.5 and 3.0
Applicants are frequently asked to submit resumes and personal statements that highlight professional experience. Letters of recommendation from clinical supervisors can help strengthen an application. Los Angeles-based students often benefit from articulation agreements or bridge pathways between local community colleges, such as Santa Monica College or Pasadena City College, and universities like CSULA or California State University, Dominguez Hills.
In Los Angeles, where healthcare facilities are interconnected, professional networks often play a role in supporting admissions and eventual career advancement. The California Board of Registered Nursing provides guidance for license verification and professional standards.
Tuition and Financial Aid in the Los Angeles Region
Tuition for RN to BSN programs in Los Angeles varies widely depending on program structure and format. Nurses considering enrollment should review all available financial resources. Common support options include:
- Employer Assistance: Many Los Angeles healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement to encourage continued education. Organizations like Kaiser Permanente and LA County DHS support BSN advancement through tuition reimbursement and dedicated workforce development programs.
- State and Federal Aid: Eligible students can apply for FAFSA and California grants, including the Cal Grant.
- Private and Public Scholarships: Scholarships designated for California nursing students help offset tuition costs.
L.A.’s high cost of living adds urgency to careful financial planning, a must when selecting a nursing program in Los Angeles. Many nurses compare tuition against potential salary increases and advancement opportunities to ensure a worthwhile return on investment.
The Health Resources & Services Administration also provides loan repayment and scholarship opportunities for nurses working in underserved communities.
Career Outcomes for BSN Graduates in Los Angeles
Completing the BSN provides access to a wide range of opportunities across Los Angeles healthcare settings. Graduates may advance into roles such as:
- Charge Nurse or Unit Coordinator: Leading patient care teams within high volume hospitals
- Specialty Nurse: Competing for positions in specialty areas such as cardiology, oncology, or pediatrics
- Public Health Nurse: Supporting public health initiatives in communities across East Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley
- School and Community Health Nurse: Promoting wellness through education and preventive care in the Los Angeles Unified School District
Many BSN graduates also participate in public health outreach through programs like Whole Person Care LA or My Health LA, serving the city's most vulnerable populations. School-based positions are widely available through LAUSD, the second-largest school district in the country.
California nurses rank among the highest paid in the United States, and Los Angeles is consistently listed as one of the top paying metropolitan areas. These opportunities make the BSN an attractive step for nurses seeking financial stability and professional recognition.
Responding to Los Angeles Healthcare Needs
Los Angeles County, with a population exceeding 10 million, presents unique healthcare challenges. The region is experiencing rising rates of chronic illness, increased demand for mental health services, and an aging population requiring complex care. In addition, widespread homelessness, housing insecurity, and climate-related health issues such as wildfire smoke and heat illness disproportionately affect underserved communities. Nurses with a BSN are positioned to address these concerns, bringing advanced training to both hospital and community settings.
Furthermore, nurses with a BSN are prepared for the academic progression necessary for advanced practice. Many transition into master's or doctoral nursing programs, paving the way for careers as nurse practitioners, clinical leaders, or educators who help mentor the next generation of Los Angeles nurses.
Choosing the Best RN to BSN Option in Los Angeles
Selecting the right nursing school in California requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Nurses should evaluate:
- Commute and Clinical Sites: Given Los Angeles’ traffic, proximity to clinical locations is a crucial consideration for hybrid programs. A student living in Long Beach may find it impractical to attend a campus or clinical rotation in the San Fernando Valley.
- Accreditation and Outcomes: Program accreditation and graduation rates reflect quality and long term career value.
- Schedule and Flexibility: Rolling admissions and varied course schedules allow nurses to align studies with professional demands.
It's also helpful to review which hospitals or clinics a school partners with for clinical placements, as these relationships can open doors to future employment.
Aligning program characteristics with personal and professional goals ensures that the time and financial investment is well spent.
Preparing for a Stronger Nursing Future in Los Angeles
RN to BSN programs in California offer more than academic advancement. They serve as pathways to greater responsibility, stronger community engagement, and meaningful leadership in one of the largest healthcare markets in the country. Nurses who pursue the BSN strengthen not only their own careers but also the overall resilience of Los Angeles healthcare.
With advanced education, BSN-prepared nurses are well-positioned to help shape responsive and equitable healthcare delivery systems, whether through bedside leadership, community-based outreach, or future roles as nurse practitioners, educators, and health policy advocates. As the region continues to grow and adapt, nurses with advanced education will be essential in shaping responsive and equitable healthcare delivery. Choosing the RN to BSN path provides both immediate benefits in career opportunities and long term advantages in preparing for future challenges.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- National Institutes of Health: Nursing Research
- California Board of Registered Nursing
- Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
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