Nursing Programs in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, California's capital city, is home to many government-related jobs including those in healthcare and public health agencies. Sacramento is experiencing a short supply of nurses that is only likely to get worse in the years to come. According to the American Journal of Medical Quality, the nation's most populous state is forecast to face a nursing shortage of 140,000 by 2030. Sacramento-area colleges are addressing the shortfall problem by offering entry-level and advanced education programs for nursing students of every background.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Sacramento
Rankings help nursing students identify programs with proven success in preparing graduates for licensure. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Sacramento" rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates. This objective measure reflects each school's effectiveness in equipping students with the knowledge needed to pass this critical exam. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Sacramento-area nursing programs show consistent performance with a recent increase in pass rates.
- 2021: 90.87% average pass rate (219 students)
- 2022: 90.52% average pass rate (232 students)
- 2023: 92.44% average pass rate (344 students)
Top Performing Schools
Schools with the highest average NCLEX pass rates demonstrate strong program quality.
- Sierra College: 99.29% average pass rate (141 students over 3 years)
- Chamberlain University-California: 89.85% average pass rate (522 students over 3 years)
- University of California-Davis: 89.39% average pass rate (132 students over 3 years)
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Both program types show high pass rates, with ADN programs achieving perfect scores in this dataset.
- BSN programs: 90.4% average pass rate (125 students)
- ADN programs: 100% average pass rate (40 students)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Smaller programs tend to have higher pass rates in the Sacramento region.
- Small programs (<50 students/year): 96.29% average pass rate (81 students)
- Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 89.29% average pass rate (84 students)
Consistently High Performing Schools
Sierra College maintains exceptional performance across multiple years.
- Sierra College: 99.29% average pass rate over 3 years (141 students)
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA - Public 2-Year - sierracollege.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Sierra College's Associate Degree Nursing Program in Rocklin provides a rigorous two-year campus-based education that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The ACEN-accredited program requires the TEAS entrance exam and emphasizes hands-on clinical experience alongside prerequisites in microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. With tuition under $5,000, it offers an affordable pathway to nursing. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance, achieving 100% pass rates in 2021 and 2023, and 97.37% in 2022, indicating effective preparation for licensure.
- Two-year full-time program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- ACEN accredited
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Affordable under $5,000
- Competitive admission process
- TEAS exam required
- Prerequisites in sciences
- No online option
- Focus on patient advocacy
Associate - LVN to RN Upward Mobility Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed for licensed vocational nurses seeking advancement, Sierra College's LVN to RN Upward Mobility Program is a full-time campus offering that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program requires the TEAS entrance exam and recent coursework in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology as prerequisites. It combines nursing education with general studies and emphasizes clinical experience. The program's NCLEX performance shows consistent success, with 100% pass rates in 2021 and 2023, and 97.37% in 2022, reflecting strong preparation for registered nursing roles.
- Full-time program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Affordable tuition
- Financial aid available
- TEAS exam required
- Prerequisite courses needed
- Focus on recent science coursework
- Blends nursing and general education
- Designed for LVNs
Bachelor's - ADN to BSN Collaborative - BSN Merger
Campus Based - Visit Website
Sierra College's ADN to BSN Collaborative program provides an innovative pathway for nursing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a partnership with California State University, Sacramento. This campus-based program allows concurrent completion of ADN and BSN coursework, reducing time and costs while preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program does not require an entrance exam as it builds upon existing nursing education. It positions graduates for advanced nursing careers, supported by the school's strong NCLEX performance with recent pass rates at or near 100%.
- 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
Sacramento, CA - Public 4-Year - csus.edu
Bachelor's - BS in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Sacramento's BS in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program provides comprehensive preparation for nursing careers through rigorous academics and extensive clinical training. This campus-based program emphasizes leadership development and community health service while requiring technology proficiency, CPR certification, and professional liability insurance. Admission is competitive and requires strong academic performance, though no ACT or SAT entrance exam is specified. The program's effectiveness is demonstrated by consistently high NCLEX pass rates: 93.55% in 2021, 94.85% in 2022, and 97.78% in 2023, with graduates well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN examination and diverse healthcare settings.
- 120 total units required.
- Competitive admission process.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Emphasis on technology competence.
- CPR certification required.
- Professional liability insurance mandatory.
- Background checks and drug screening.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Focus on community health nursing.
- Leadership and management training.
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA - Public 2-Year - scc.losrios.edu
Associate - Nursing, Registered
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Sacramento City College's hybrid Registered Nursing program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, leading to an Associate in Science Degree and NCLEX eligibility. This ACEN-accredited, BRN-approved two-year program requires the TEAS exam with a minimum score of 62 for admission. Clinical rotations span specialties including geriatrics and pediatrics across diverse healthcare settings. Prerequisites include science courses with a 3.0 GPA and non-science courses with a 2.5 GPA. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance, with pass rates reaching 97.78% in 2023. Financial aid and scholarships are available, with the next application period opening in February 2025.
- Two-year program
- ACEN accredited
- BRN approved
- Hybrid learning format
- NCLEX exam eligibility
- Associate in Science Degree
- Clinical rotations in specialties
- Science prerequisites with 3.0 GPA
- Non-science prerequisites with 2.5 GPA
- TEAS exam required
American River College
Sacramento, CA - Public 2-Year - arc.losrios.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
American River College's Associate Degree Nursing program in Sacramento prepares students for RN licensure through a comprehensive two-year curriculum. This campus-based program emphasizes patient-centered care with clinical rotations across morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend schedules at local health agencies. Admission is competitive, requiring a 'C' or better in prerequisites, with no ACT/SAT exam required. The program has demonstrated strong NCLEX-RN performance, achieving a 100% pass rate in 2023 among 86 students, following 94.23% in 2021 and 89.47% in 2022. Students should budget approximately $7,000 for startup costs including uniforms and lab fees.
- Two-year program.
- Four sequential semesters.
- Morning, afternoon, evening, weekend clinicals.
- Competitive admission.
- Grade 'C' or better required.
- Approx. $7,000 startup costs.
- Uniforms, lab fees extra.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Local health agency experiences.
- Patient-centered care focus.
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA - Public 2-Year - mtsac.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mt. San Antonio College's Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares students for RN licensure through a rigorous campus-based curriculum. The program requires a 2.5 GPA in science prerequisites including Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology, with no online science labs accepted. Applicants must pass an Admission/Readiness test and meet essential functions requirements. While no concentration is specified, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages completing general education courses before admission. For NCLEX preparation, the program has shown strong pass rates, reaching 96.49% in 2023. This ADN program does not require ACT or SAT exams for admission.
- Campus-based program
- 2.5 GPA required
- No online science labs
- Admission/Readiness test
- Hands-on learning focus
- General education encouraged
- Essential functions requirements
- Intensive nursing curriculum
- Science prerequisites needed
- Human Anatomy required
Entry-Level ADN, BSN & MSN Programs in Sacramento, CA
Whatever your career or education, entry-level nursing programs in Sacramento, CA such as LVN to RN, ADN, and BSN allow you to jump-start your career in healthcare. Designed to be efficient and accessible, entry-level programs are generally offered year-round so you can start your education on your schedule.
LVN to RN Programs
Licensed Vocational Nurses greet patients, take down their information, and check their vital signs. Those transitioning from an LVN to RN role in the Sacramento region will find many nursing schools available to them. Made for fast upward mobility, Sierra College’s LVN to RN program prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The competitive-entry program allows those who meet admission criteria to complete their degree in 12 to 18 months.
ADN Programs
Most working registered nurses begin their career with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. ADN programs allow students to get acquainted with nursing from all angles including theory, clinical and overall fundamentals. Sacramento City College’s two-year degree focuses on today’s most in-demand areas of nursing, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and mental health. Students who complete the program and earn their RN can work at acute care facilities, surgery centers, or public health agencies to name a few.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Nowadays more nurses are choosing to enter the workforce with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing instead of an associate’s degree. Nurses with BSNs can earn more money from the start of their career thereby increasing their compensation year after year. California State University, Sacramento, offers a traditional BSN that readies students for a career in nursing as well as gives them a well-rounded education. All bachelor students, including those studying nursing, must complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) before completing their degrees.
Find out more about California Accelerated BSN Programs
Direct-Entry MSN Programs
Students who have earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing topic are eligible to enroll in direct-entry MSN programs, often referred to as Master's Entry Nursing Programs (MENP). UC Davis offers a renowned MENP program that can be completed in 18 months of full-time study; much shorter than a traditional MSN program would take.
Find out more about California Accelerated MSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Sacramento, CA
Nurses with advanced skills and degrees are in high demand in Sacramento, California and the surrounding regions. Bridge RN to BSN/MSN offerings allow Registered Nurses with active licenses to advance their career in a short period of time. Many education programs allow at least some courses to be completed online.
RN to BSN Programs
Most busy RNs cannot afford to stop working to go back to school and earn their Bachelor’s Degree. Recognizing this problem, schools in the Sacramento region have developed bridge programs to allow RNs to earn their 4-year degree in a shorter time frame. Chamberlain University, which has a Sacramento Campus, offers an RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed in 3 semesters. RNs with BSNs can earn more money and do more for their patients such as develop care plans.
Find out more about California RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
Registered Nurses seeking to advance their careers at a lightning-speed pace can enroll in an RN to MSN pathway program. Such offerings allow dedicated students to complete their BSN and MSN in rapid succession thereby saving months of study. The University of San Francisco’s Sacramento campus offers an RN to Master of Science in Nursing degree that can be finished in two years. It has online and on-campus evening classes so nurses can continue to work their shifts and train to become APRNs.
Find out more about California RN to MSN Programs
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Public Health Nurse certificate option
- CCNE accredited program
- Career advancement opportunity
- Designed for working RNs
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Sacramento, CA
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Sacramento, CA can directly impact patients’ outcomes and fill many important healthcare roles. Area universities are encouraging RNs to take on leadership or specialist positions by offering a range of advanced degree programs. To become a nurse practitioner, administrator, or educator, a master’s degree, post-grad certification, or doctorate is required.
MSN Programs
Area hospitals and medical centers offer more lucrative compensation packages to nurses with advanced degrees. These Advanced Practice Registered Nurses can lead teams and provide high-impact patient care. With a focus on administration, patient advocacy, and best practices, the University of California, Davis outside of Sacramento prepares nurses to effectively lead nursing teams. The accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program also allows students to quickly earn a post-grad certificate if they so choose.
Find out more about California Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Nurses with master’s degrees can earn a post-grad certificate at Sacramento area schools. Not only can specializing help earn you more money, it can ensure you spend your workday doing what you are truly passionate about. UC Davis offers a Health Professions Educator graduate certificate program designed for those interested in nursing education.
Find out more about California Post-Master's Certificate Programs
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
Experienced nurses can become mentors to others by earning a Ph.D. or DNP degree in nursing. These terminal degrees prepare nurses to become leaders, educators or clinical specialists. UC Davis offers a nursing Ph.D. program for those interested in entering the highest roles in nursing leadership and education.
Find out more about California DNP Programs
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Sacramento
Davis, CA
University of California-Davis
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice — Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Full-time, 3-year hybrid program
- Four mandatory on-site immersions
- Focus on health equity
- Clinical rotations in California
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
- Advanced practice leadership training
- Concept-based curriculum model
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Sacramento, CA
Elk Grove, CA
California Northstate University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Campus Based - Website
- 3-year accelerated program
- 127 credit hours
- Small cohort sizes
- State-of-the-art Simulation Center
- Direct entry for high school graduates
- Transfer student friendly
- Integrated clinical experience
- Financial aid available
Rocklin, CA
Sierra College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year full-time program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- ACEN accredited
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Affordable under $5,000
- Competitive admission process
- TEAS exam required
- Prerequisites in sciences
- Associate - LVN to RN Upward Mobility Program
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Affordable tuition
- Financial aid available
- TEAS exam required
- Prerequisite courses needed
- Focus on recent science coursework
- Bachelor's - ADN to BSN Collaborative - BSN Merger
Campus Based - Website
- 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
William Jessup University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Four-year BSN program
- Campus-based learning
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- Christian values integration
- Holistic healthcare approach
- 64 units required
- 15-week semesters
- Rocklin, CA location
Sacramento, CA
American River College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year program.
- Four sequential semesters.
- Morning, afternoon, evening, weekend clinicals.
- Competitive admission.
- Grade 'C' or better required.
- Approx. $7,000 startup costs.
- Uniforms, lab fees extra.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
California State University-Sacramento
- Bachelor's - BS in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total units required.
- Competitive admission process.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Emphasis on technology competence.
- CPR certification required.
- Professional liability insurance mandatory.
- Background checks and drug screening.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
Sacramento City College
- Associate - Nursing, Registered
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-year program
- ACEN accredited
- BRN approved
- Hybrid learning format
- NCLEX exam eligibility
- Associate in Science Degree
- Clinical rotations in specialties
- Science prerequisites with 3.0 GPA
Walnut, CA
Mt San Antonio College
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- 2.5 GPA required
- No online science labs
- Admission/Readiness test
- Hands-on learning focus
- General education encouraged
- Essential functions requirements
- Intensive nursing curriculum
