Nursing Programs in Bakersfield, CA

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Bakersfield

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for your career success, and rankings can simplify this decision by highlighting top-performing schools. Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the best nursing schools in Bakersfield to guide prospective students. These rankings are based solely on NCLEX pass rates, a key indicator of program effectiveness. For more details on how we compile these rankings, visit our methodology page: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Analysis of yearly pass rate trends reveals fluctuations in performance over time, which can indicate program stability or changes in curriculum effectiveness.

• No data available for meaningful analysis of yearly trends.

Top Performing Schools

Identifying top-performing schools helps students target programs with strong track records in preparing graduates for licensure exams.

• No data available for meaningful analysis of top-performing schools.

Pass Rate by Program Size

Examining pass rates by program size can show whether smaller, medium, or larger programs tend to have better outcomes for nursing students.

• No data available for meaningful analysis of pass rates by program size.

Biggest Improvements

Tracking schools with the biggest improvements in pass rates highlights programs that have made significant enhancements to their nursing education quality.

• No data available for meaningful analysis of biggest improvements.

Consistently High Performing Schools

Schools that maintain high pass rates consistently demonstrate reliable excellence in nursing education and graduate preparation.

• No data available for meaningful analysis of consistently high-performing schools.

#1

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA - Public 4-Year - csub.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional BSN Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University-Bakersfield's Traditional BSN Program offers a rigorous 3-year, campus-based curriculum with no summer classes, preparing students for nursing careers through a comprehensive approach. Admissions are competitive with fall-only intake; prospective students should consult the Pre-Licensure Student Handbook for requirements, and no ACT/SAT is specified. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance, with pass rates of 98.36% in 2021, 96.59% in 2022, and 95.74% in 2023 among BSN graduates, indicating consistent preparation for licensure. Virtual information sessions provide insights, and financial aid options are available through the Office of Financial Aid for varying tuition costs.

• 3-year program duration.
• Fall semester intake only.
• Competitive admissions process.
• Campus-based learning.
• Virtual info sessions available.
• Comprehensive nursing curriculum.
• Pre-Licensure Handbook for details.
• Financial aid options.
• No summer classes.
• Designed for aspiring nurses.

*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2024 survey.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Bakersfield, CA

There’s no one "right" way to become a nurse. Depending on your individual situation, nursing has at least three popular entry points. The nursing profession lets you start out on the education path that works best for you. Bakersfield, California offers several accredited ASN/ADN, BSN or LVN to RN entry points for students.

LVN to RN Programs

Many Licensed Vocational Nurses tend to elderly and chronically ill patients helping them with basic needs such as bathing and grooming. Though the demand for LVNs remains high, nurses can earn a more competitive salary and take on additional job duties by obtaining their RN. Bakersfield College in Kern County, California offers a recognized LVN to RN bridge program that leads to an associate degree. The program covers foundational nursing, mental health, surgery, human anatomy, and more. Graduates are ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

ADN Programs

Registered Nurses in inland California communities can earn a competitive salary right from the beginning of their careers. Located about an hour north of Bakersfield, San Joaquin Valley College’s Associate Degree in Nursing puts students on the most direct path to becoming an RN. Students also gain the competencies required to test for and pass their NCLEX exam. The ADN program, which relies on educators with extensive real-world experience, is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Step into the nursing profession with a bachelor’s degree in hand and you can perform higher-level patient care responsibilities from the start. Moreover, top hospitals in the state are likely to notice applicants with BSNs attached to their names. California State University-Bakersfield offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program designed for more traditional students. The competitive-entry program is impacted so candidates should make sure they submit all required information when applying.

Find out more about California Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN Programs in Bakersfield, CA

With a focus on cost savings and efficiency, RN to BSN programs in Bakersfield, CA are designed for time-strapped working nurses who have been on the fence about completing their degrees. Bridge programs are intensive and require fewer courses to complete than traditional degree offerings, which is why they are often preferred for working professionals.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN bridge enables working Registered Nurses to progress in their vocations without having to spend time taking extra courses that don’t directly relate to their profession. Unitek College in Bakersfield, California has in its catalog an online RN to BSN pathway that saves students both time and money. Students who transfer in the maximum number of credits are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in about a year.

Find out more about California RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Bakersfield, CA

Always a trend-setter, the state of California allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to provide higher levels of care to patients thereby addressing the impending shortage of healthcare professionals. Registered nurses with unencumbered licenses in Bakersfield are in a good position to earn advanced degrees in order to attain this in-demand, competitively compensated jobs.

MSN Programs

Perform patient assessments, diagnoses, and treatments with very little physician oversight when you become a Family Nurse Practitioner. California State University-Bakersfield offers a Master's of Science in Nursing with the FNP concentration. Graduates are readied to treat patients across the full lifespan for both acute and chronic conditions. The recognized program, which has a 20-year history, is offered in small cohorts and can be finished in approximately two years.

Find out more about California Nurse Practitioner Programs.