Nursing Programs in Fresno, CA

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Fresno

Rankings help prospective students compare nursing programs and make informed decisions. Registerednursing.org has created rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Fresno based solely on NCLEX pass rates. This ranking system identifies programs with strong outcomes, guiding students toward quality education. For a full explanation, see https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates improved dramatically after 2021 and have remained perfect through 2023. This trend suggests a strong and stable nursing curriculum.

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

Top Performing Schools

Madera Community College demonstrates the highest average pass rate in the dataset, reflecting consistent graduate success.

• Madera Community College: 94.28% average pass rate, 35 students, 3 years of data

Consistently High Performing Schools

A school with multiple years of data and an average pass rate above 90% indicates reliable preparation for licensure.

• Madera Community College: 94.28% average pass rate, 35 students, 3 years of data

Biggest Improvements

From 2021 to 2023, the program improved by 16.67 percentage points, reflecting a notable positive shift.

• Madera Community College: 16.67 percentage-point improvement (83.33% to 100%)

#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 (BSN) is a campus-based program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and California Public Health Nurse Certificate. The five-semester curriculum covers foundational nursing concepts, pediatric and maternal care, community health nursing, and leadership. Students gain clinical experience across hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community settings. The program is CCNE-accredited and includes a senior capstone project. Prerequisites include eight courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and competitive admission requires a TEAS score of 75% or higher. Graduates pursue careers in hospitals, physician offices, home healthcare, corrections, and forensics.

• CCNE accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 5-Semester program
• 120 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical rotations in pediatrics, maternity, and community health

#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 prepares students for compassionate, evidence-based care through a Christian worldview. The curriculum blends liberal arts with nursing science, covering wellness, disease prevention, and culturally relevant care. Students learn in small cohorts with dedicated faculty, gaining hands-on experience in the nursing lab and clinical placements at leading hospitals across the Central San Joaquin Valley. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensure and can pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and mission organizations. The program also provides a foundation for graduate study. With a four-year graduation guarantee, personalized advising, and military credit evaluation, FPU's BSN is designed to support students from application to career launch.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
• 4-Year program
• Complete in graduation within four years
• 120 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-01-31
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required

*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2025 data collection. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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.