Nursing Programs in Sacramento, CA

Sierra College's Associate Degree Nursing Program is a two-year, full-time pathway to becoming a registered nurse. The curriculum combines nursing theory with general education, approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. The program boasts a consistent 100% first-time licensure pass rate in recent years. With a limited cohort of 40 students each fall, you'll receive personalized instruction from dedicated faculty. An optional ADN to BSN merger track allows you to earn a bachelor's degree concurrently. Tuition is under $5,000, making this an affordable and effective start to your nursing career.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• $2,208 total program tuition
• 2-Year program
• Apply by 2026-02-28
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• 100% licensure pass rate
• Cohort-based structure

Sierra College's ADN to BSN Collaborative program offers nursing students an innovative, cost-effective pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. By partnering with California State University, Sacramento, students can seamlessly transition from an Associate Degree in Nursing to a BSN, reducing both time and educational expenses. The program enables students to complete upper-division coursework alongside their ADN, positioning graduates for advanced nursing careers and further educational opportunities.

• Collaborative BSN merger track
• Cost-effective nursing education
• Concurrent ADN and BSN courses
• Partnership with CSU Sacramento
• Career path in healthcare
• Flexible curriculum schedule
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Potential advanced nursing careers

California State University-Sacramento's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. The curriculum combines rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, covering areas such as adult health, mental health, maternal-child nursing, and community health. Students learn to lead interprofessional teams, advocate for patients, and address health disparities in underserved populations. Admission is competitive, with only 80 seats per semester, and requires strong GPAs, SAT scores, and the Casper situational judgment test. The program emphasizes cultural competence, critical thinking, and ethical practice, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and careers in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and beyond. With small clinical cohorts and faculty mentorship, students build lasting professional networks while gaining real-world experience in Sacramento's vibrant healthcare community.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: SAT
• 120 total credit hours
• 3.5 GPA minimum
• Financial aid available
• Up to 80 students admitted per semester
• SAT and Casper tests required
• Background checks and drug screening
• CPR certification required for clinicals
• Health insurance mandatory for students

Sacramento City College's Registered Nursing program awards an Associate in Science degree and prepares you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum blends online learning with in-person instruction, emphasizing direct patient care through clinical rotations in local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community clinics. You'll gain hands-on experience in specialties like geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics, and psych-mental health. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Admission requires completion of prerequisite courses with minimum GPAs, a TEAS exam score of 62, and a random lottery selection. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to enter the workforce as a registered nurse in diverse healthcare settings.

• ACEN, California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
• 6 concentration options
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2-Year program
• 60 total credit hours
• Apply by 2027-02-28
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available

The Associate Degree Nursing program at American River College blends nursing science, biological sciences, social sciences, and humanities into a comprehensive two-year curriculum. Over four sequential semesters, students build clinical reasoning and patient care skills through simulated and actual patient-centered learning experiences at local health agencies. The program prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and step into entry-level registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Clinicals run mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, offering real-world exposure. Admission is competitive: applicants need a minimum TEAS score, prerequisite coursework with strong grades, and at least 70 points to enter the selection pool. Startup costs are around $7,000, covering uniforms, equipment, and malpractice insurance. With two start dates per year (spring and fall), the program is designed for motivated students ready to launch a nursing career.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2-Year program
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts spring/fall
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical experiences at local health agencies
• Grade of C or better required in each nursing course
• Impacted program with competitive selection

California Northstate University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a direct-entry program designed for high school graduates and transfer students seeking an accelerated path to a nursing career. The three-year curriculum integrates rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience in a state-of-the-art simulation center, preparing students for the NCLEX licensure exam. Small cohorts of 30 students foster close collaboration and personalized mentorship from faculty. Unique to CNU, nursing students learn alongside pre-med, pre-dent, and pre-pharm peers, creating an interdisciplinary healthcare foundation. The program emphasizes service learning, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care. Graduates emerge equipped to excel in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to community clinics. With three start dates per year and no waitlist, students can begin their nursing journey promptly. Financial aid and scholarships are available to support your education.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 3-Year program
• Complete in Earn your BSN at an Accelerated Pace
• 127 total credit hours
• 3 start dates per year
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Direct entry from high school