Nursing Programs in San Francisco, CA
With many renowned hospitals and healthcare facilities in the area, nursing has become a coveted career choice in the San Francisco Bay Area. From inexperienced students looking to enter the profession, to RNs wanting to climb the ladder, San Francisco has no shortage of educational options for nurses.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
2026 Best Nursing Schools in San Francisco
Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for aspiring nurses, and rankings provide valuable insights to help students make informed decisions. Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in San Francisco based solely on NCLEX pass rates. These rankings highlight programs with strong exam performance, giving students a clear metric for comparison. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Analysis of yearly NCLEX pass rates shows fluctuations in performance over recent years. The data reveals trends in student outcomes that can inform program selection.
- 2021: Average pass rate 84.83% with 791 students
- 2022: Average pass rate 81.31% with 888 students
- 2023: Average pass rate 88.19% with 754 students
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Comparing different nursing program types reveals variations in exam success rates. This information helps students understand how program structure may impact NCLEX performance.
- ADN programs: 94.12% average pass rate with 153 students
- BSN programs: 86.55% average pass rate with 528 students
- MSN programs: 87.67% average pass rate with 73 students
Top Performing Schools
Identifying schools with consistently high pass rates helps prospective nursing students target programs with proven success. These institutions demonstrate strong preparation for nursing licensure exams.
- College of Marin: 94.53% average pass rate with 128 students over 3 years
- College of San Mateo: 90.8% average pass rate with 163 students over 3 years
- Contra Costa College: 87.6% average pass rate with 121 students over 3 years
Pass Rate by Program Size
Examining how program size relates to pass rates provides insight into potential learning environments. Different program scales may offer varying approaches to NCLEX preparation.
- Small programs (<50 students/year): 93.62% average pass rate with 94 students
- Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 90.91% average pass rate with 132 students
- Large programs (>100 students/year): 86.55% average pass rate with 528 students
Consistently High Performing Schools
Schools maintaining excellent pass rates across multiple years demonstrate reliable quality in nursing education. These institutions show sustained success in preparing students for nursing careers.
- College of Marin: 94.53% average pass rate with 128 students over 3 years
- College of San Mateo: 90.8% average pass rate with 163 students over 3 years
College of Marin
Kentfield, CA - Public 2-Year - marin.edu
Associate - Nursing Education: Registered
Campus Based - Visit Website
College of Marin offers an Associate in Science degree in Nursing Education: Registered, a campus-based program that prepares students for entry-level nursing careers. This program emphasizes critical thinking, clinical competence, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates to work in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics. The curriculum provides a foundation for advanced nursing studies and promotes lifelong learning. For admission to this bachelor's-level program, applicants must submit ACT or SAT scores. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX pass rates, with 95% of graduates passing in 2023, 93.88% in 2022, and 94.87% in 2021, consistently exceeding state averages.
- Associate in Science degree
- Campus-based program
- Focus on critical thinking
- Emphasizes clinical competence
- Prepares for advanced studies
- Career opportunities in various settings
- Foundation for specialized nursing areas
- Lifelong learning approach
- Effective communication skills
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 campus-based Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares students for RN licensure with a rigorous curriculum requiring a 2.5 GPA in science prerequisites like Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and does not accept online science labs. Applicants must pass an Admission/Readiness test and meet essential functions requirements, with general education courses recommended before admission. For NCLEX-RN performance, the program achieved a 96.49% pass rate in 2023 with 114 students, demonstrating strong preparation for the licensing exam. No concentration is specified, and this bachelor's-level program does not require ACT or SAT exams.
- 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
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA - Public 2-Year - ccsf.edu
Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
City College of San Francisco's campus-based Registered Nursing program awards an Associate Degree in Nursing, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and California licensure. This comprehensive program integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive hands-on clinical training at San Francisco's leading healthcare facilities. The program's practical focus ensures students develop both theoretical knowledge and essential patient care skills. Recent NCLEX pass rates demonstrate strong outcomes, with 100% of students passing in 2023. As an associate degree program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The military-friendly program emphasizes excellence in nursing education while supporting students' journey toward becoming compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Associate Degree in Nursing.
- Combines academic and practical training.
- Hands-on patient care experience.
- Located in San Francisco, CA.
College of San Mateo
San Mateo, CA - Public 2-Year - collegeofsanmateo.edu
Associate - Associate of Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
College of San Mateo's Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is a campus-based program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam without requiring ACT or SAT entrance exams. This 2-year program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in high-tech labs and local healthcare settings. Notably, it achieved NCLEX pass rates of 94.92% in 2023, 84.31% in 2022, and 92.45% in 2021, demonstrating consistent graduate readiness. The program offers a concurrent BSN enrollment option through SFSU and holds GOLD STAR status for enhanced graduate earnings. Approved by the California BRN and a candidate for ACEN accreditation, it features a 90% success and retention rate along with military advanced placement policies.
- 2-year program duration.
- 92.7% NCLEX first-time pass rate.
- 90% success and retention rates.
- GOLD STAR program for higher earnings.
- Combines classroom and hands-on learning.
- Eligible for Associate of Science degree.
- Qualifies for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Concurrent BSN enrollment option.
- Located in San Mateo, CA.
- High-tech skills lab available.
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA - Private 4-year - usfca.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of San Francisco's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, ranked in the top 3% nationally, emphasizes health equity and patient-centered care. This campus-based program prepares students through hands-on training in simulation centers and clinical skills labs. For admission, the BSN program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance with a 94% pass rate in 2023, up from 85.32% in 2021, indicating consistent graduate readiness. With opportunities for global healthcare engagement and multiple campus locations, graduates are equipped to serve diverse populations as compassionate healthcare advocates.
- Top 3% undergraduate nursing program
- 90% NCLEX pass rate
- Simulation Center & Clinical Skills Lab
- Multiple campus locations
- Global healthcare opportunities
- Health equity focused curriculum
- Pre-health profession advising available
Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in San Francisco, CA
For those starting fresh in nursing, a number of entry-level programs are available in San Francisco and the surrounding areas. The Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and even a master's degree option can all be obtained at a number of accredited institutions.
LPN to RN Programs
Transitioning from Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse provides nurses with additional career opportunities, higher salaries, and more job responsibilities. However, the idea of going back to school can be daunting. That’s why some schools have developed accelerated or advanced placement in their associate’s degree in nursing programs for licensed practical nurses. These programs save students time and money by accepting prior LVN coursework in place of some ADN nursing courses. Chabot College offers one such program that saves LVN students thousands of dollars off the cost of the traditional ADN program.
ADN Programs
The ADN pathway is the fastest, and often the cheapest route to becoming an RN. These 2-year programs are widely found in community colleges around the city and give students the basics in registered nursing. For example, City College of San Francisco offers an ADN program that includes courses such as Pharmacology in Nursing, Maternal and Newborn Care, and more.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Those wanting the classic baccalaureate nursing degree have many options, as this pathway is arguably the most popular. With a nationwide push to hire RNs with a BSN or higher, many new nurses are opting to go straight to a bachelor's degree. The University of San Francisco offers a 128-credit BSN program for aspiring RNs. It's offered on its main San Francisco campus as well as a satellite campus in Sacramento.
Find out more about California Accelerated BSN Programs
Direct-Entry MSN Programs
Students who know they want to specialize and/or enter high-level nursing roles can opt for a direct-entry MSN program. While this type of program does not require a prior nursing degree, it is designed for those who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject. San Francisco State University offers a full-time, 2-year Accelerated Entry Master of Science in Nursing with specialty options including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Administration, and more.
Find out more about California Accelerated MSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in San Francisco, CA
For RNs who hold an ADN or nursing diploma and wish to advance, "bridge" programs such as the RN to BSN and RN to MSN exist. Nurses love these programs, as they are given credit for courses taken in their prior degree pathways, making them much shorter in length.
RN to BSN Programs
Those looking to continue on to a bachelor's degree in nursing can opt for the RN to BSN program. With flexible scheduling, including online options and the choice of full or part-time attendance, students can work on their studies while staying employed. San Francisco State University offers an RN to BSN pathway that takes just 1 to 1.5 years to finish.
Learn more about California RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
For those looking to go beyond the BSN, an RN to MSN option is available. In just 2-3 years, the ADN-educated nurse can earn a master's degree. Online options are common, as are part-time schedules. Holy Names University in nearby Oakland offers an RN to MSN with a curriculum that includes Family & Community Health Nursing, Nursing Informatics, Healthcare Economics, and more.
Learn more about California RN to MSN Programs
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco State University
- RN to BSN - ADN-BSN
Campus Based - Website
- ADN to BSN completion pathway
- Emphasizes leadership and evidence-based practice
- Designed for working RNs
- Builds professional nursing competencies
- Prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in San Francisco, CA
Advanced nursing degrees allow RNs to practice in a number of prestigious nurse practitioner specialties. Depending on the nurse's goals and prior experience, he or she has the option of pursuing an MSN degree, post-graduate certificate, or a doctoral degree such as a DNP or Ph.D.
MSN Programs
The traditional MSN takes roughly 2 years to complete and requires a prior BSN degree. Those enrolled in an MSN program can typically choose between a number of APRN and nurse practitioner specialties. Samuel Merritt University offers an MSN program with 3 track options: Family Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and Case Management.
Learn more about California Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
RNs who hold an MSN degree but wish to change specialties, for instance, from a family nurse practitioner to a pediatric nurse practitioner, may opt to pursue a post-graduate certificate. These certificates are quicker and cheaper than obtaining another full degree, making them ideal for working RNs. San Francisco University, for example, offers a Family Nurse Practitioner certificate that required just 31 units.
Learn more about California Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
DNP and Ph.D. Programs
Doctoral programs are considered terminal degree types in nursing. Students can choose between the practice-based Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway, or the academic-focused Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.). For example, the University of San Francisco offers an FNP-based DNP degree, while the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) offers a 3-4 year Ph.D. in Nursing degree with a strong emphasis on research.
Learn more about California DNP Programs
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in San Francisco
Oakland, CA
Samuel Merritt University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management
Campus Based - Website
- 15-month program duration
- Campus-based learning
- BSN prerequisite required
- RN license mandatory
- 100% post-graduation employment
- Total tuition ~$64,500
- Two letters of reference needed
- Statistics course prerequisite
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online program, 20-24 months
- 49 total program units
- 3 clinical practicum semesters
- $10,000 scholarship available
- Approved in 8 states
- Per unit rate: $1,654
- Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended
- Two on-campus intensives
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible full/part-time tracks
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- 12:1 student-teacher ratio
- 100% doctorate-prepared faculty
- 93% employment within 6 months
- CCNE accredited program
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Advanced healthcare transformation skills
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year online program
- Clinical intensives on Oakland campus
- Serves diverse mental health populations
- Targets BSN and MSN graduates
- High employment potential
- Addresses national mental health crisis
- Supervised autonomous clinical practice
- Comprehensive mental health management
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco State University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Public/Community Health - Campus Based - Website
- Two-year advanced nursing curriculum
- Public/Community Health emphasis
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- One year RN experience
- Valid California RN license
- Clinical practice experiences
- Thesis or research project
- Multiple nursing emphases available
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing: Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 52-unit MSN program
- 600 total clinical hours
- Prepares for NP licensure
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Designed for RNs with bachelor's
- National board certification prep
- Multiple practicum experiences
University of California-San Francisco
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Minimum 570 clinical hours
- National board certification eligible
- Culturally diverse population focus
- Multiple clinical training sites
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced clinical training
- Community-based primary care
- Health equity focus
- Diverse patient populations
- National certification eligibility
- California NP license preparation
- Comprehensive clinical coursework
- Advocacy-centered curriculum
- BSN to MSN - Nurse-Midwifery
Campus Based - Website
- BSN Entry to DNP pathway.
- Hybrid program format.
- Clinical rotations in Bay Area.
- Car access required.
- Spanish-language skills valuable.
- Eligible for CNM certification.
- California NP certificate available.
- Focus on patient autonomy.
- BSN to MSN - Nursing Master of Science
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Specialist - Campus Based - Website
- Two-year master's program
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Research and theory integration
- Leadership skill development
- Accredited by CCNE
- Full-time student status
- Specialized clinical core courses
- Advanced health assessment training
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Acute Care concentration.
- Prepares for pediatric acute care.
- Requires two years pediatric experience.
- Eligible for California NP certificate.
- Eligible for national CPNP-AC exam.
- Focuses on evidence-based practice.
- Culturally respectful care emphasis.
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
- Primary care pediatric specialty
- Health equity focused
- Diverse clinical rotation sites
- National certification eligible
- Comprehensive pediatric training
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Only AGACNP specialty in Northern California
- Requires 2+ years RN experience
- Diverse hospital practice settings
- National certification eligibility
- Hybrid program format
- MSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Only PNP-AC in California
- Two years clinical experience required
- National certification eligible
- Hybrid program format
- Focus on acute pediatric care
- Interprofessional team training
- Diverse, inclusive healthcare approach
- MSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Health equity focused specialty
- Birth to young adult care
- Diverse clinical rotation sites
- National certification eligible
- Ambulatory care expertise
- Chronic illness management skills
- Underserved population emphasis
- MSN to DNP - Post-Master's Entry to DNP
Concentration: Leadership Focus - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Seven-quarter hybrid program
- Advanced leadership nursing pathway
- First UC system DNP leadership track
- Online and in-person learning
- CCNE Accredited program
- Develops inter-professional leadership skills
- Evidence-based practice focus
University of San Francisco
- BSN to MSN - Master's Entry MSN, Clinical Nurse Leader
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year full-time program.
- Campus-based in San Francisco.
- Prepares for RN licensure.
- Over 1,000 clinical hours.
- Fall and spring starts.
- 68 units required.
- NCLEX taken fifth semester.
- For non-nursing bachelor's holders.
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- CCNE and WASC accredited
- Concurrent master's options
- Full and part-time schedules
- DNP qualifying examination
- Evidence-based practice project
- Advanced nursing leadership training
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Health Systems Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid DNP program format
- AACN standards compliant
- Multiple leadership concentrations
- Advanced nursing practice preparation
- Evidence-based scholarship focus
- Interdisciplinary learning approach
- Comprehensive healthcare leadership curriculum
- Population health emphasis
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Population Health Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid DNP program
- Population Health Leadership focus
- AACN standards compliant
- Advanced nursing practice preparation
- Evidence-based curriculum
- 8 additional concentration units
- Interdisciplinary learning approach
- Healthcare system leadership training
- MSN to DNP - Executive Leadership, DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 42-59 total credit program
- Hybrid learning format
- Two in-person intensives per semester
- CCNE and WASC accredited
- Focuses on executive nursing leadership
- Six semester curriculum
- Designed for current nurse executives
- Located in downtown San Francisco
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program with online/classroom learning
- 4-year BSN to DNP track
- 3-year MSN to DNP track
- Social justice healthcare focus
- CCNE accredited program
- Preceptor program support
- Weekend teaching schedule
- Multiple entry pathways
- MSN to DNP - Health Systems Leadership, DNP
Concentration: Management - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid DNP program with management focus
- Leadership and business management integration
- ANCC certification preparation
- Seven-semester advanced nursing track
- Interdisciplinary learning approach
- Population health leadership emphasis
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Doctoral-level nursing preparation
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN), DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid DNP-level PMHNP program
- 1,000 supervised clinical hours
- Multiple entry pathways available
- Online and campus learning
- CCNE and WASC accredited
- Concurrent MPH option
- Focus on leadership skills
- Evidence-based practice project
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near San Francisco, CA
Kentfield, CA
College of Marin
- Associate - Nursing Education: Registered
Campus Based - Website
- Associate in Science degree
- Campus-based program
- Focus on critical thinking
- Emphasizes clinical competence
- Prepares for advanced studies
- Career opportunities in various settings
- Foundation for specialized nursing areas
- Lifelong learning approach
Moraga, CA
Saint Mary's College of California
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Pending California BRN approval
- Immersive clinical placements
- Diverse healthcare rotation sites
- Lasallian tradition of care
- Mission-driven nursing education
- Eight core learning competencies
- Emphasis on global healthcare
- Community-focused clinical experiences
Oakland, CA
Samuel Merritt University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 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.
San Francisco, CA
City College of San Francisco
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Associate Degree in Nursing.
- Combines academic and practical training.
- Hands-on patient care experience.
- Located in San Francisco, CA.
San Francisco State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year program duration
- Campus-based learning
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Public health nursing certification eligible
- Competitive admission process
- 3.0 GPA prerequisite requirement
- TEAS score of 78+ needed
- Covers diverse nursing areas
University of San Francisco
- Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Top 3% undergraduate nursing program
- 90% NCLEX pass rate
- Simulation Center & Clinical Skills Lab
- Multiple campus locations
- Global healthcare opportunities
- Health equity focused curriculum
- Pre-health profession advising available
San Mateo, CA
College of San Mateo
- Associate - Associate of Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 2-year program duration.
- 92.7% NCLEX first-time pass rate.
- 90% success and retention rates.
- GOLD STAR program for higher earnings.
- Combines classroom and hands-on learning.
- Eligible for Associate of Science degree.
- Qualifies for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Concurrent BSN enrollment option.
San Pablo, CA
Contra Costa College
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time 4-semester program.
- Associate of Science degree.
- NCLEX exam eligibility.
- Approximate cost $5000.
- Includes theory and lab training.
- Clinical shifts at hospitals.
- 4-week intensive boot camp.
- Advanced placement options.
San Rafael, CA
Dominican University of California
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Over 1,000 clinical hours.
- GPA requirement: 3.5 first-year, 3.25 transfers.
- Six semester program.
- Includes health assessment course.
- Faculty mentoring available.
- Opportunities for international study.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
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