Nursing Programs in San Diego, CA

San Diego City College's Associate Degree Nurse program offers a comprehensive two-year curriculum that blends rigorous nursing theory with extensive clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities. This state-approved program prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates reaching 100% in 2022 and 2023. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Students benefit from multiple entry pathway options and supervised clinical experiences that prepare them for diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

• Two-year nursing curriculum
• State board approved program
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Multiple entry pathway options
• Supervised clinical experiences

Grossmont College's LVN to RN Transition Program in El Cajon provides a focused pathway for licensed vocational nurses seeking RN licensure. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on clinical training in hospital and health agency settings alongside classroom instruction, preparing students for diverse care environments including acute and chronic conditions. While the program does not require ACT or SAT exams, it offers tailored options for military-trained healthcare personnel. With strong NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently above 95% in recent years, including 97.37% in 2023, the program demonstrates effective preparation for nursing licensure. Prospective students should consult counselors regarding prerequisites and personalized education plans.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for national licensure
• Combines classroom and practical training
• For LVNs advancing to RN
• Includes military-trained healthcare options
• Prerequisites may apply
• Personalized education plans available

Palomar College's Associate in Science in Nursing program prepares students for RN licensure through a campus-based curriculum emphasizing QSEN standards. This four-semester program requires prerequisite coursework but no ACT/SAT entrance exams. It offers both Generic RN and LVN to RN pathways, focusing on holistic care, evidence-based practice, and diverse clinical experiences. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX preparation, with pass rates improving from 86.05% in 2021 to 98.41% in 2023, reflecting effective training for the exam.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• QSEN standards curriculum
• Four semesters post-prerequisites
• LVN to RN option available
• Holistic care focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Critical thinking development
• Supports diverse healthcare settings

Palomar College's Associate in Arts in Nursing program provides comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam without requiring ACT/SAT entrance tests. This campus-based program spans four semesters after prerequisites, covering nursing fundamentals through advanced medical/surgical care. The curriculum integrates clinical experiences across specialties while emphasizing critical thinking and holistic philosophy. With NCLEX pass rates consistently strong - reaching 98.41% in 2023 - the program effectively equips graduates for entry-level nursing positions in various healthcare settings.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• QSEN standards curriculum
• Four-semester coursework
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Prerequisites required
• Financial aid available
• Support services offered
• Focus on critical thinking
• Holistic nursing philosophy

Southwestern College's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program in Chula Vista prepares students for RN licensure through a comprehensive curriculum integrating humanities, sciences, and nursing theory with clinical practice. This campus-based program emphasizes critical thinking and hands-on experience across diverse healthcare settings, requiring a TEAS test score of at least 62% and a 2.5 GPA in science prerequisites. The program's NCLEX-RN pass rates have shown strong performance, reaching 96.92% in 2023. With an estimated cost of $8,474-$8,997 and financial aid options, this two-year program focuses on patient care without requiring ACT or SAT exams for admission.

• 2-year program duration
• Campus-based learning
• TEAS test required
• Minimum 2.5 GPA in sciences
• Clinical practice included
• NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
• Financial aid available
• Diverse patient care focus
• Hands-on healthcare experience
• Critical thinking emphasis

California State University-San Marcos offers a Traditional BSN program for first-time freshmen and transfer students, preparing graduates for RN licensure and public health nurse certification in California. This cohort-based program spans 4 years for freshmen or 3 years for transfers, featuring daytime courses and clinical placements across San Diego and Riverside Counties. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for bachelor's level admission. NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates show strong performance, reaching 95.61% in 2023 with 205 students, demonstrating effective preparation for nursing licensure.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Direct entry for freshmen/transfers
• 4 years for freshmen
• 3 years for transfers
• Cohort-based program
• Full-time study
• Daytime courses
• Clinical placements vary
• San Diego/Riverside Counties
• Fall start only

The Accelerated BSN program at California State University-San Marcos provides a fast-track nursing pathway for individuals holding degrees in other fields. This intensive 5-semester program requires completion of 67 semester units through didactic and clinical coursework, with cohorts available in both San Marcos and Temecula. Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for bachelor's level admission. NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates have been consistently strong, with 95.61% of 205 students passing in 2023, reflecting the program's rigorous preparation for nursing practice.

• 5-semester program
• 67 semester units
• Campus-based learning
• NCLEX-RN eligibility
• For degree holders
• San Marcos and Temecula cohorts
• Didactic and clinical coursework
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• No prior LVN/RN coursework needed
• Prerequisites required

California State University-San Marcos' Veteran BSN Pathway is specifically designed for veterans transitioning to civilian nursing careers, offering credit for military experience through an intensive five-semester program. This cohort-based program prepares students for RN licensure with hands-on clinical training and requires the TEAS entrance exam for admission. Financial aid and military benefits are available to support veterans in this career-focused curriculum. NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates demonstrate excellent outcomes, with 95.61% of 205 students passing in 2023, indicating effective preparation for nursing licensure examinations.

• Intensive five-semester program.
• Cohort-based learning model.
• Credit for military experience.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Financial aid eligible.
• Military benefits applicable.
• Hands-on clinical training.
• Full-time commitment required.
• 67 units for completion.
• Starts Fall and Spring.