2027 Best Nursing Schools in Pasadena

Rankings help prospective nursing students compare programs and identify schools with strong outcomes. In our ranking of the Best Nursing Schools in Pasadena, Registerednursing.org uses NCLEX pass rates as the sole criterion to evaluate program quality. For a complete explanation of our methodology, see https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Average pass rates fluctuated across the three-year period, with 2023 showing the highest average and the largest cohort of students.

  • 2021: 90.87% average pass rate (230 students)
  • 2022: 86.05% average pass rate (251 students)
  • 2023: 93.07% average pass rate (303 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates increased steadily each year, reflecting program growth.

  • 2021: 230 graduates
  • 2022: 251 graduates
  • 2023: 303 graduates

Top Performing Schools

These three schools recorded the highest average pass rates across the available data, with Glendale Community College leading.

  • Glendale Community College: 94.36% average pass rate (195 students, 3 years)
  • Glendale Career College: 89.65% average pass rate (483 students, 3 years)
  • East Los Angeles College: 84.91% average pass rate (106 students, 3 years)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Programs with smaller cohorts generally achieved higher average pass rates, though all categories averaged above 90%.

  • Small (<50 students/year): 100% average pass rate (24 students)
  • Medium (50-100 students/year): 96.55% average pass rate (58 students)
  • Large (>100 students/year): 91.4% average pass rate (221 students)

Biggest Improvements

East Los Angeles College showed the largest improvement in pass rates between the earliest and latest data points, while other schools experienced slight changes.

  • East Los Angeles College: +23.4 percentage points
  • Glendale Community College: -0.82 percentage points
  • Glendale Career College: -1.12 percentage points
#1

Monterey Peninsula College

Monterey, CA - Public 2-Year - mpc.edu

Associate - Nursing, Associate in Science

Campus Based - Visit Website

Monterey Peninsula College's Associate Degree in Nursing, offered through the esteemed Maurine Church Coburn School of Nursing, is a selective campus-based program ranked among California's best. The curriculum covers essential nursing knowledge including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and developmental psychology, preparing students for modern patient care. Students benefit from a merit-based admissions process, small cohorts of 40, and a comprehensive clinical skills foundation. The program includes preparation for RN licensure, with health screenings, immunizations, and background checks required prior to clinical placements. LVN advanced placement is available. With a rigorous prerequisite structure and supportive learning environment, graduates are equipped for careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, ensuring students are ready to meet healthcare demands.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts fall
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Maximum 40 students per fall cohort
  • Free TEAS test for top applicants
  • LVN advanced placement available
  • Merit-based selection process
  • Mandatory orientation in May
#2

Glendale Community College

Glendale, CA - Public 2-Year - glendale.edu

Associate - ADN nursing program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Glendale Community College’s Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) program blends classroom theory with hands-on clinical experience in real healthcare settings. Students gain essential skills in patient care, health assessment, pharmacology, and nursing leadership, preparing for entry-level Registered Nurse roles. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and critical thinking, with expert faculty guiding small cohorts through rigorous coursework. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, opening doors to careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, ensuring high educational standards. Multiple start terms (fall, spring, summer, winter) offer flexibility, and the supportive learning environment includes dedicated advising and resources. Whether starting a nursing career or advancing from LVN, GCC provides a strong foundation for success in this growing field.

  • ACEN, California BRN accredited
  • Apply by 2027-03-15
  • Starts fall/spring/summer/winter
  • Prepares for RN licensure
  • Associate of Science degree awarded
  • Clinical training in real healthcare settings
  • Part of Health, Wellness & Public Safety pathway
  • Located in Glendale, California
#3

Pasadena City College

Pasadena, CA - Public 2-Year - pasadena.edu

Associate - Registered Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pasadena City College's Registered Nursing Associate in Science degree program provides a strong foundation in nursing theory and concepts, combined with practical experience to promote, maintain, and restore health in individuals with common and complex health problems. The four-semester curriculum includes courses covering nursing care plans, patient assessment, and health maintenance. Graduates earn an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing and a Certificate of Achievement in Registered Nursing, and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. As an RN, you can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, private physicians' offices, and long-term care facilities. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. With nursing among the top 10 occupations for job growth, this program offers a rewarding path into a dynamic and creative profession.

  • 4-Semester program
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Four semesters completion
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN
  • Approved by California BRN
  • Candidate for ACEN accreditation
  • Top 10 occupation growth
  • Careers in hospitals and clinics
#4

East Los Angeles College

Monterey Park, CA - Public 4-Year - elac.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at East Los Angeles College prepares students for registered nursing careers through a comprehensive curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice and the latest healthcare technology. The program combines classroom instruction with organized clinical experiences at various community healthcare settings, allowing students to apply their skills under experienced faculty—many of whom are ELAC nursing alumni. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue roles in clinical practice, nursing administration, education, or research. With a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the program fosters a supportive learning environment for students from all backgrounds. Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, the ADN program enrolls 60 students per year and offers information sessions for prospective applicants.

  • California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Approved by California BRN
  • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
  • 60 students enrolled per year
  • ELAC Nursing alumni faculty
  • Community clinical partnerships
  • Information sessions available
  • Admissions email support
#5

Integrity College of Health

Pasadena, CA - Private 4-year - ich.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN Bachelor of Science Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The RN-BSN Bachelor of Science program at Integrity College of Health is designed for registered nurses holding an associate degree who want to advance their education and career. This accelerated, 46-week program offers both blended and fully online formats, giving working nurses the flexibility to balance studies with professional and personal commitments. The curriculum strengthens critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills while emphasizing evidence-based practice, research integration, and safe, compassionate care across diverse healthcare settings. Students complete 180 clinical hours with a preceptor, applying theory to real-world practice. The program is programmatically accredited by the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are prepared for roles in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and more. Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are available to qualified students.

  • NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
  • 46-Week program
  • 120 total credit hours
  • 180 clinical hours
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Blended and fully online options
  • Designed for working registered nurses
  • Career services and job placement assistance
  • Prerequisites: current RN license
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2025 institutional data.

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

For nurses fresh out of high school or college, or those making a career change, an entry-level nursing program is the place to begin. These programs include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, and even Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed vocational nurses who want to build on their professional nursing experience and earn more money may be interested in LVN to RN programs that help prepare them to become registered nurses. Pasadena City College is one school that offers an LVN to RN program. The LVN to RN Career Ladder Program is a three-semester program that provides students who are LVNs with additional coursework to become qualified RNs with emphasis on building nursing theory and reinforcing nursing concepts to help promote, restore and maintain health in patients across the lifespan.

ADN Programs

Typically two-year programs, ADN programs provide students with basic nursing education and the associate’s degree that is the minimum required to begin professional careers in nursing. Long Beach City College offers an ADN program that is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare settings, or for the further academic study of nursing.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

One of the most popular routes for becoming a registered nurse is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. BSN programs are open to students who do not have a lower-level nursing certificate or diploma, as well as to students who have completed their bachelor’s degrees in another field. California State University in Fullerton offers a full-time BSN program that can be completed in either 4 or 5 years.

Find out more about California Accelerated BSN Programs

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Direct-entry MSN programs are designed for students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but would like to begin their career as nurses and earn their master’s degree. The direct-entry MSN program at Western University of Health Sciences is a full-time program that is completed in six semesters over two years.

Find out more about California Accelerated MSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Pasadena, CA

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

This table highlights RN to BSN and MSN programs across the country. Each entry lists the school's city and state, program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. Use these details to compare options and find a program that matches career goals. Whether starting fresh or advancing an existing nursing career, this list helps find the right path. We've gathered the most relevant information to simplify the search.

Glendale, CA

Glendale Career College

  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • RN to BSN program
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • For licensed Registered Nurses
    • Associate degree required
    • Hands-on practical approach
    • Classroom studies with training
    • Flexible scheduling available
    • Work while attending classes

Pasadena, CA

Integrity College of Health

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Bachelor of Science

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Total cost $11,143
    • 46 weeks program length
    • 120 semester credit hours
    • 1,035 total clock hours
    • 180 clinical hours required
    • Blended and online options
    • One evening/week campus option
    • Proof of RN license required
*Dataset citation: NCES. (2025). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pasadena, CA

Nurses with career aspirations of becoming nurse practitioners, administrators, or leaders may want to pursue an advanced practice nursing program. These programs include Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, post-master’s certificate programs, and doctoral programs including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.).

MSN Programs

Master’s level nursing programs prepare students for leadership positions in nursing as well as for careers as nurse practitioners. Azusa Pacific University offers a variety of MSN-level programs with specializations in pediatric nursing, adult-gerontology, clinical nurse specialist, healthcare administration, psychiatric nursing, and others.

Learn more about California Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-master’s certificate programs are designed for nurses who have already earned their MSN degree but would like to learn a new specialty. For example, California State University in Los Angeles offers a number of post-master’s certificate programs such as the 19 unit Certificate for Nursing Administration.

Learn more about California Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral nursing programs are the highest level of education programs available to nurses. There are Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs available to nursing students which prepare them for careers in research and education. One example of a nursing Ph.D. program is the Doctor of Philosophy program at University of California Los Angeles, which includes coursework in the health of diverse and vulnerable populations, older adults and patients with chronic and communicable diseases.

Learn more about California DNP Programs

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Pasadena, CA

Choosing the right nursing school is a big decision. For those near Pasadena, CA, this comprehensive list makes it easier. We've gathered details on schools in the area, including their city and state, key program highlights, and direct links to program pages. Use this table to compare your options side by side. Find a program that matches your goals and start your journey in nursing today.
Jump to City:

Glendale, CA

Glendale Community College

  • Associate - ADN nursing program

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN, California BRN accredited
    • Apply by 2027-03-15
    • Starts fall/spring/summer/winter
    • Prepares for RN licensure
    • Associate of Science degree awarded
    • Clinical training in real healthcare settings
    • Part of Health, Wellness & Public Safety pathway
    • Located in Glendale, California

Monterey, CA

Monterey Peninsula College

  • Associate - Nursing, Associate in Science

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Ranked top nursing program in California
    • Maximum 40 students per fall cohort
    • Free TEAS test for top applicants

Monterey Park, CA

East Los Angeles College

  • Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Approved by California BRN
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • 60 students enrolled per year
    • ELAC Nursing alumni faculty
    • Community clinical partnerships
    • Information sessions available

Pasadena, CA

Integrity College of Health

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN Bachelor of Science Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
    • 46-Week program
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 180 clinical hours
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Blended and fully online options
    • Designed for working registered nurses

Pasadena City College

  • Associate - Registered Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-Semester program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Four semesters completion
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN
    • Approved by California BRN
    • Candidate for ACEN accreditation
    • Top 10 occupation growth
    • Careers in hospitals and clinics
*Data sourced from: NCES IPEDS survey, 2025. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/