Nursing Programs in San Diego, CA

San Diego City College's Associate Degree Nurse program prepares students for a dynamic healthcare career. The comprehensive two-year curriculum combines rigorous nursing theory with hands-on clinical experiences in local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, positioning them for entry-level nursing roles in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

• Two-year nursing curriculum
• State board approved program
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Multiple entry pathway options
• Supervised clinical experiences

Grossmont College offers an LVN to RN Transition Program as part of its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) offerings. This bridge program allows licensed vocational nurses to advance their careers and earn an RN license. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical laboratory experiences in local hospitals and health agencies, providing real-world patient care training. Students prepare for national licensure to practice professional nursing in critical, acute, chronic, ambulatory, and home health care settings. The program includes options for military-trained healthcare personnel. With a focus on caring for individuals, families, and communities, graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and diverse nursing roles. Grossmont's supportive faculty guide students through a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes both theory and practical skills, fostering competent and compassionate nurses ready to serve.

• Clinical experience in local hospitals
• Prepares for RN licensure
• LVN to RN bridge option
• Option for military-trained personnel

Palomar College's Associate Degree Nursing program prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. The curriculum blends theoretical instruction with clinical practice, covering fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, behavioral health, obstetrics, gerontology, advanced med/surg, critical care, and a preceptorship. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Students can choose between an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree path; the AA requires additional general education in American History and Institutions. The program emphasizes QSEN competencies and evidence-based care. Clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings provide hands-on experience. With a supportive faculty and informational meetings, the program equips graduates for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and community health.

• 4-Semester program
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• QSEN competency-based curriculum
• Clinical experiences in diverse settings
• Prerequisites and general education required
• Informational meetings available

The Palomar College Nursing Education Department offers an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with two distinct pathways: an Associate in Arts (AA) and an Associate in Science (AS). Both share identical nursing coursework covering fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, behavioral health, obstetrics, gerontology, advanced surgical and medical care, and a preceptorship rotation. The program integrates Quality and Safety Education for Nursing (QSEN) competencies and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Students gain hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, developing skills as competent entry-level nurses. The AA option requires additional general education in American History and Institutions, while the AS focuses on the core nursing curriculum. This campus-based program spans four semesters after prerequisites and general education, offering a supportive learning environment with a focus on holistic care and evidence-based practice. Graduates are equipped for careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

• 4-Semester program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Two degree options: AA and AS
• Requires American History and Institutions
• Curriculum covers pediatrics, obstetrics, gerontology
• QSEN competencies integrated
• Clinical learning experiences provided

Southwestern College offers a campus-based Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles. Over two years, the curriculum builds foundational nursing skills for practice in hospitals, community agencies, and home health settings. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and classroom instruction. Licensed vocational nurses can advance through the LVN to RN Step-up option. The program is part of the Nursing & Health Occupation Programs at the Higher Education Center at Otay Mesa, providing a focused learning environment for future registered nurses.

• 2-Year program
• Prepares for hospitals, community, home health
• LVN to RN step-up option available

California State University San Marcos offers the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TBSN), a pre-licensure program for students seeking their first bachelor's degree. This full-time, cohort-based program features daytime courses and clinical placements across San Diego and Riverside Counties. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain California public health nurse certification. With a fall-only start and direct entry for both first-time freshmen and transfer students, the TBSN provides a structured path to becoming a registered nurse. The curriculum integrates nursing theory, hands-on clinical experience, and prepares students for diverse healthcare settings.

• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• Daytime courses
• Clinical placements in San Diego and Riverside Counties
• Direct entry for freshmen or transfers
• Prepares for RN licensure and PHN certification

California State University San Marcos offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. This fast-paced, 5-semester program combines rigorous didactic instruction with hands-on clinical training, totaling 67 semester units. The cohort model fosters a strong support network and professional connections. With start terms in fall, spring, and summer at both San Marcos and Temecula campuses, students can choose a schedule that fits. Prerequisites must be completed prior to entry. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue a rewarding career as a registered nurse in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. The program is distinguished by its accelerated path for second-degree students, enabling a swift transition into nursing.

• 5-Semester program
• 67 total credit hours
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• Cohort-based structure
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Designed for students with a prior bachelor's degree
• Offered at San Marcos and Temecula campuses
• Strong cohort support system

The Veteran BSN Pathway at California State University San Marcos is an intensive five-semester, full-time program designed specifically for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. This cohort-based BSN program values your military experience, offering potential transfer credit for training and education. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, clinical practice, and critical thinking through courses like NURS 300, NURS 322, and NURS 440. You'll gain hands-on experience in clinical rotations starting as early as 7:00 a.m., preparing you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and a rewarding civilian nursing career. CSUSM provides dedicated veteran support services, financial aid eligibility, and VA education benefits. With cohorts starting in fall, spring, and summer at locations in San Marcos and Temecula, this pathway offers a streamlined transition from military service to healthcare. Graduates emerge as compassionate, skilled registered nurses ready to serve their communities.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• $47,570 total program tuition
• $710 per credit
• 5-Semester program
• 67 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-06-24
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• Cohort-based structure
• 2.5 GPA minimum