Nursing Programs in Oakland, CA

Chabot College's Associate in Science in Nursing is a two-year, full-time program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum covers human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nursing theory, with a strong emphasis on clinical skills and patient care. Students benefit from a merit- and holistic-based selection process, with only 40 admitted each fall. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and a Strong Workforce Gold Star award. Graduates can enter the workforce in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, or pursue a BSN through transfer partnerships with CSU East Bay. The program also offers an LVN to RN bridge option for licensed vocational nurses.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2-Year program
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• 100% licensure pass rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Strong Workforce Gold Star recipient
• Merit and holistic based selection

The Registered Nursing program at City College of San Francisco prepares students for entry-level nursing positions through a comprehensive curriculum that combines on-campus academic classes, hands-on skills practice in the nursing laboratory, and direct patient care experience at various hospitals and facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Upon completion, graduates receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The program emphasizes the essential skills needed to function effectively as a registered nurse, covering topics such as patient assessment, care planning, and clinical procedures. Students benefit from dedicated faculty and a focus on practical, real-world training, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a difference in patient care.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• Apply by 2026-02-20
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Combines classroom, lab, and clinical training
• Prepares for entry-level RN positions
• Located at Ocean Campus in San Francisco
• Information sessions offered in Fall 2025

The College of San Mateo Nursing program prepares students to become competent and compassionate registered nurses. The associate degree curriculum combines classroom instruction, a high-tech skills lab, and clinical experiences at local hospitals and community health agencies. Students gain hands-on skills in patient care, medication administration, and health assessment. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The program also offers partnerships with San Francisco State University, Ohio University, and California State University East Bay for seamless BSN completion. With ACEN accreditation and a focus on professional growth, CSM Nursing provides a solid foundation for a rewarding nursing career.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Partnerships for BSN completion
• High-tech skills lab
• Clinical experience at local hospitals

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of San Francisco prepares you to become a compassionate, skilled registered nurse. You'll learn through hands-on practice in the Simulation Center and Clinical Skills Lab, applying theory to real-world scenarios. Beyond the classroom, you can advocate for health policy on Capitol Hill, participate in global immersions to strengthen health systems abroad, and join the Nurse Health Equity Scholars program to create safety nets for underserved communities. The curriculum emphasizes equitable, value-driven care and innovative nursing practices. Accredited by the CCNE and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, the program boasts a 90% NCLEX pass rate and is ranked in the top 3% nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Choose from the hilltop main campus or Sacramento campus. Graduates are prepared for diverse nursing careers in hospitals, community health, and beyond.

• CCNE accredited
• 8-Semester program
• 90% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• No. 1 for diversity
• Top 3% in Undergraduate Nursing
• Simulation Center and Clinical Skills Lab
• Participate in global immersions
• Nurse Health Equity Scholars program

California State University-East Bay's Pre-Licensure BSN program is a full-time, daytime program designed for students new to nursing. The program can be completed in five semesters, blending in-person, hybrid, and online lecture courses with hands-on clinical experiences at local hospitals and community partners. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are eligible to take the RN licensure exam. Admission is competitive, with priority given to current Cal State East Bay students, local area applicants, and military members. Applicants must meet a minimum 3.00 prerequisite GPA and submit TEAS scores. The program also offers an LVN-BSN pathway for licensed vocational nurses. Optional points are awarded for health-related experience and second language proficiency, reflecting a holistic review process.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 5-Semester program
• Complete in two and a half years (five terms)
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Scholarships available
• Priority to local and military applicants
• Two separate applications required

The LVN-BSN Pathway at California State University-East Bay is a hybrid pre-licensure program designed for licensed vocational nurses seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This pathway combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, simulation labs, and community engagement at local hospitals and retirement communities. The curriculum includes health assessment, research, leadership, and critical thinking, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment with faculty mentoring and opportunities to apply theory in real-world settings. This program emphasizes holistic patient care and community health, distinguishing itself by leveraging the LVN's existing skills while advancing nursing competence. Graduates emerge ready for diverse nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community agencies.

• Simulation and interventions lab
• Clinical experiences at local hospitals
• Community engagement experiences
• Retirement communities clinical sites