Nursing Programs in Oakland, CA

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Oakland

#1

Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, CA - Private 4-year - samuelmerritt.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Samuel Merritt University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Oakland, CA, is a two-year, campus-based program designed for students ready to advance their nursing careers. With a focus on leadership and advanced nursing specialties, the program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experiences. Admission requires a minimum of 60 transferable semester units, a recommended 3.0 GPA in prerequisite coursework, and two letters of reference. The program boasts a strong employment rate for graduates, with many pursuing higher degrees. Tuition is approximately $126,500 for the program, with financial aid options available to eligible students.

• Two-year program duration.
• Campus-based learning.
• Focus on leadership roles.
• Strong employment rate.
• Financial aid available.
• Requires 60 transferable units.
• Recommended 3.0 GPA.
• Two letters of reference needed.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Prepares for advanced specialties.

*Information derived from: IPEDS 2024 survey, conducted by NCES.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Oakland, CA

The first step toward a career in nursing for those who have just graduated from high school or college is an entry-level nursing program. These programs are designed for those without any healthcare training and include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, and direct-entry Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed vocational nurses have a solid background in providing quality patient care and working as part of a healthcare team. For LVNs who want to take on more responsibility and/or a leadership role, LVN to RN programs in the Bay Area prepare them to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses. The LVN to BSN program at Cal State East Bay provides course credits to applicants who are experienced LVNs, which helps them to earn their BSN degree faster than applicants without nursing experience.

ADN Programs

An ADN program provides students with a baseline knowledge of nursing and an associate’s degree to get them ready for their first professional job. Merritt College offers a two-year ADN program that prepares nurses for entry-level nursing jobs as well as to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Direct-entry BSN programs are designed for students who have graduated from high school or, in some cases, have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Holy Names University offers a BSN program that can be completed in three academic years and two summers and will prepare nurses for jobs in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, community clinics, long-term care facilities, home healthcare, and community health agencies.

Find out more about California Accelerated BSN Programs

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

For aspiring nurses who have completed their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject, a direct-entry MSN program allows students to complete their MSN and begin a career in nursing without first earning the ADN or BSN degrees. One example of a direct-entry MSN program is the direct-entry nursing program at San Francisco State University, which offers concentrations in nursing administration, public/community health and the clinical nurse specialist role.

Find out more about California Accelerated MSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Oakland, CA

If you are already a working RN and wish to complete your BSN or Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN), an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program might be the right choice. Also known as “bridge programs” these RN to BSN/MSN programs are specially designed to add onto the RN’s existing ADN education and provide a higher degree in less time than a direct-entry BSN or traditional MSN program.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs generally take around two years to complete, but completion time may be shorter or longer depending on the school and whether a student takes courses on a full- or part-time basis. San Francisco State University’s RN to BSN program provides credit for previous nursing coursework and flexible class schedules to accommodate working students.

Learn more about California RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

RN to MSN programs offer nurses with an ADN an accelerated pathway to a master’s degree and prepares students for careers in nurse leadership. Touro University offers an RN to MSN program that meets one night per week and one Sunday per month in person, and the rest of the program is delivered online.

Learn more about California RN to MSN Programs

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oakland, CA

Registered nurses who are interested in pursuing leadership positions in nursing may want to consider an advanced practice nursing degree program. These programs, which include traditional MSN programs, post-master’s certificate programs, and doctoral programs, prepare nurses for exciting, higher-paying careers as nurse practitioners, administrators, educators and nurse leaders.

MSN Programs

The Master of Science in Nursing degree prepares nurses for advanced practice nursing careers, and often offers the opportunity for specialization in a particular field of nursing such as pediatric nursing, women’s health, family medicine or mental health nursing. Samuel Merritt University offers a variety of master’s-level nursing programs, including family nurse practitioner, case management, and nurse anesthesia programs.

Learn more about California Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-master’s certificate programs are an excellent way for masters-level nurses to change career paths and enter a new specialty within the nursing profession. San Francisco State University offers a family nurse practitioner certificate program that is designed to prepare masters and doctoral-level nurses for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification exam and careers as FNPs.

Learn more about California Post-Graduate Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Doctorate-level study is the highest level of education available to nurses, and schools in the Oakland area offer DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program options. The DNP program at the University of San Francisco, as an example, includes 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, preparation for the DNP qualifying examination and an evidence-based practice project. The Ph.D. in Nursing program at the University of California San Francisco includes coursework in nursing science, research, and theory development.

Learn more about California DNP Programs