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:

2027 Best Nursing Schools in San Francisco
Rankings help prospective nursing students compare programs based on objective data, simplifying the selection process. Registerednursing.org has analyzed the Best Nursing Schools in San Francisco using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria, ensuring each institution is evaluated on its ability to prepare graduates for licensure. To understand our methodology, https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Pass rates fluctuated across the three-year period, with a notable recovery in 2023. The number of students tested varied, peaking in 2022.
- 2021: 84.83% average pass rate (791 students)
- 2022: 81.31% average pass rate (888 students)
- 2023: 88.19% average pass rate (754 students)
Top Performing Schools
These schools consistently achieved high pass rates over three years. College of Marin leads with an average above 94%.
- College of Marin: 94.53% average pass rate (128 students)
- College of San Mateo: 90.80% average pass rate (163 students)
- Contra Costa College: 87.60% average pass rate (121 students)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Smaller programs tend to outperform larger ones in average pass rate, though they enroll fewer students.
- Small (<50 students/year): 93.62% average pass rate (94 students)
- Medium (50-100 students/year): 90.91% average pass rate (132 students)
- Large (>100 students/year): 86.55% average pass rate (528 students)
Biggest Improvements
Several schools showed significant pass rate gains between their earliest and latest reported years. Merritt College posted the largest improvement at 11.69 percentage points.
- Merritt College: from 77.78% to 89.47% (+11.69)
- Contra Costa College: from 83.33% to 94.29% (+10.96)
- Dominican University of California: from 80.51% to 88.98% (+8.47)
Consistently High Performing Schools
Only two schools met the threshold of maintaining an average pass rate above 90% across at least two years.
- College of Marin: 94.53% average pass rate (128 students, 3 years)
- College of San Mateo: 90.80% average pass rate (163 students, 3 years)
College of Marin
Kentfield, CA - Public 2-Year - marin.edu
Associate - Nursing Education: Registered
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Associate in Science in Nursing Education: Registered at College of Marin prepares students for entry into the nursing profession as registered nurses. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural and clinical competence, providing a foundation for advanced nursing studies. Graduates can work in hospitals, emergency departments, doctor's offices, or academia, and may continue to specialize in fields like oncology, gerontology, or anesthesiology. The program also offers transfer pathways to bachelor's-granting institutions such as UCs and CSUs. Students learn from experienced faculty at the Kentfield campus, with support from a dedicated program director. This program is ideal for those seeking a rewarding career in healthcare with opportunities for lifelong learning and advancement.
- Work in hospitals or ERs
- Specialize in oncology, gerontology
- Prepare for entry into nursing
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Transfer pathways to bachelor's programs
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA - Public 2-Year - ccsf.edu
Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Registered Nursing program at City College of San Francisco prepares students for entry-level nursing positions through a comprehensive curriculum that combines on-campus academic classes, hands-on skills practice in the nursing laboratory, and direct patient care experience at various hospitals and facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Upon completion, graduates receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The program emphasizes the essential skills needed to function effectively as a registered nurse, covering topics such as patient assessment, care planning, and clinical procedures. Students benefit from dedicated faculty and a focus on practical, real-world training, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a difference in patient care.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Apply by 2026-02-20
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Combines classroom, lab, and clinical training
- Prepares for entry-level RN positions
- Located at Ocean Campus in San Francisco
- Information sessions offered in Fall 2025
College of San Mateo
San Mateo, CA - Public 2-Year - collegeofsanmateo.edu
Associate - Associate of Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of San Mateo Nursing program prepares students to become competent and compassionate registered nurses. The associate degree curriculum combines classroom instruction, a high-tech skills lab, and clinical experiences at local hospitals and community health agencies. Students gain hands-on skills in patient care, medication administration, and health assessment. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The program also offers partnerships with San Francisco State University, Ohio University, and California State University East Bay for seamless BSN completion. With ACEN accreditation and a focus on professional growth, CSM Nursing provides a solid foundation for a rewarding nursing career.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Partnerships for BSN completion
- High-tech skills lab
- Clinical experience at local hospitals
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA - Private 4-year - usfca.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of San Francisco prepares you to become a compassionate, skilled registered nurse. You'll learn through hands-on practice in the Simulation Center and Clinical Skills Lab, applying theory to real-world scenarios. Beyond the classroom, you can advocate for health policy on Capitol Hill, participate in global immersions to strengthen health systems abroad, and join the Nurse Health Equity Scholars program to create safety nets for underserved communities. The curriculum emphasizes equitable, value-driven care and innovative nursing practices. Accredited by the CCNE and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, the program boasts a 90% NCLEX pass rate and is ranked in the top 3% nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Choose from the hilltop main campus or Sacramento campus. Graduates are prepared for diverse nursing careers in hospitals, community health, and beyond.
- CCNE accredited
- 8-Semester program
- 90% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- No. 1 for diversity
- Top 3% in Undergraduate Nursing
- Simulation Center and Clinical Skills Lab
- Participate in global immersions
- Nurse Health Equity Scholars program
Contra Costa College
San Pablo, CA - Public 2-Year - contracosta.edu
Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Contra Costa College prepares students for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. The curriculum covers patient-centered care, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practices, and legal and ethical standards, with hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. The program is currently in candidacy for ACEN accreditation and offers multiple entry pathways, including advanced placement for LVNs, transfer students, and foreign-trained nurses. Starting Fall 2027, admission will be merit-based. Students can also benefit from concurrent enrollment options leading to a BSN or MSN. With resources like challenge exams, TEAS preparation, and career coaching, the program supports diverse learners in achieving their nursing goals.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Apply by 2027-02-01
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Military benefits accepted
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- On-time completion rates published
- Merit-based admission from Fall 2027
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
- Board of Registered Nursing, Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Builds on previous nursing education
- Professional role development
- Bridge to Professional Nursing course
- Restricted to ADN-BSN majors
- Explore leadership and management concepts
- Professional practice concepts course
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 – Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 48 units required
- Full-time 20 months
- Part-time 28 months
- Online coursework
- 630 clinical hours
- Two on-campus intensives
- Active RN license required
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Student-teacher ratio 12:1
- 100% faculty hold doctorates and practice as NPs
- Lowest loan default ratings in top 5% nationwide
- Ranked top 8 BSN to DNP program in California
- Flexible online classes with two on-campus residencies
- $10,000 Advance Your Practice Scholarship
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- WSCUC, CCNE accredited
- 4 concentration options
- 3-Year program
- Ranked #1 in CA for job placement
- Three Northern California campuses plus online
- Flexible full-time, part-time, online options
- Thought-leaders in healthcare faculty
- Over 100 years of excellence
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco State University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing: Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 52-unit program
- 600 clinical hours required
- BSN and RN license required
- One year RN experience needed
- Three references required
- Goal statement required
- Prepares for California NP license
- National board certification eligible
University of California-San Francisco
- 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
- CCNE accredited
- 4 concentration options
- 2-Year program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall
- CNS core: health assessment, case management
- Two-day-per-week class schedule
- Specialty options across four CNS tracks
- 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.
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Apply by 2026-02-15
- Starts fall
- Work experience required
- Prepares for ANCC and AACN
- Only AGACNP program in Northern California
- Trains in diverse hospital practice settings
- Direct patient management from admission to discharge
- Diagnose and treat complex medical conditions
- MSN to DNP - BSN Entry to DNP — Advanced Nursing Focus
Concentration: Health Policy-Public Health - Campus Based - Website
- 11-quarter program length.
- Hybrid online and campus.
- Health Policy-Public Health concentration.
- BSN degree required.
- Clinical placements arranged.
- Leads to DNP degree.
- National certification eligible.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- MSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Apply by 2026-02-15
- Starts fall
- Work experience required
- Prepares for Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (CPNP-AC)
- Only public university PNP-AC in California
- Eligible for CPNP-AC certification
- Leaders in pediatric health care
- Interprofessional team collaboration
- MSN to DNP - Post-Master's Entry to DNP
Concentration: Leadership Focus - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 7 quarters program
- Complete in seven-quarter hybrid program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- First UC system DNP program
- Hybrid with in-person immersions
- Expert faculty in leadership
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 (DNP)
Concentration: Population Health Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Population Health Leadership concentration.
- Designed for master's-prepared nurses.
- Eligible for CPH exam.
- Meets AACN Essentials standards.
- Focus on evidence-based practice.
- Includes epidemiology courses.
- Covers quality and patient safety.
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, WASC accredited
- 78 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1000 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Hybrid format with Teaching Weekends
- Concurrent master's in MSN or MPH
- Post-graduate APRN certificate available
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Health Systems Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- AACN accredited
- 3 concentration options
- BSN and MSN entry options
- Management concentration online
- AACN Essentials aligned
- DNP project required
- Evidence-based scholarship emphasis
- Interdisciplinary coursework options
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Population Health Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3 concentration options
- Capstone required
- 8-unit Population Health Leadership concentration
- Designed for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses
- Includes DNP project capstone
- MSN to DNP - Executive Leadership, DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, WASC accredited
- 2-Year program
- Capstone required
- Focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
- Hybrid format with in-person intensives
- Located in downtown San Francisco
- Designed for experienced nurse executives
- AACN and AONE competency-based curriculum
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Capstone required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP Family Nurse Practitioner certification
- Financial aid available
- Hybrid online and on-campus courses
- Teaching weekends on campus
- MSN to DNP - Health Systems Leadership, DNP
Concentration: Management - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 7-Semester program
- 52 total credit hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for Nurse Executive (NE-BC) or Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC)
- Doctoral courses in Masagung Graduate School of Management
- Eligible for ANCC Nurse Executive certification exam
- 36 MBA Enterprise credits toward MBA degree
- Meets AACN 2021 Core Competencies for nursing education
- MSN to DNP - Health Systems Leadership, Management Concentration, DNP
Concentration: Management - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 7-Semester program
- Capstone required
- Cross-school courses with management school
- MBA pathway available after DNP
- Prepares for ANCC Nurse Executive certification
- Designed for BSN and MSN nurses
- Aligns with AACN Essentials
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN), DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, WASC accredited
- 72 total credit hours
- 1000 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Hybrid format with weekend classes
- Concurrent MPH degree option
- BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP pathways
- Post-doctoral certificate option
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near San Francisco, CA
Kentfield, CA
College of Marin
- Associate - Nursing Education: Registered
Campus Based - Website
- Work in hospitals or ERs
- Specialize in oncology, gerontology
- Prepare for entry into nursing
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Transfer pathways to bachelor's programs
Moraga, CA
Saint Mary's College of California
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- California Board of Registered Nursing, Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission accredited
- Starts fall/spring
- Approved by California BRN
- WASC accredited
- Immersive clinical placements
- Clinical partnerships with VA
- Rural healthcare rotations
- Lasallian liberal arts foundation
Oakland, CA
Samuel Merritt University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI, TEAS
- 2-Year program
- Complete in two-year program
- Apply by 2026-07-01
- 100% job placement rate
- 3.0 GPA minimum
San Francisco, CA
City College of San Francisco
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Apply by 2026-02-20
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Combines classroom, lab, and clinical training
- Prepares for entry-level RN positions
- Located at Ocean Campus in San Francisco
- Information sessions offered in Fall 2025
San Francisco State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2-Year program
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Military benefits accepted
- Limited to 60 students per year
University of San Francisco
- Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 8-Semester program
- 90% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- No. 1 for diversity
- Top 3% in Undergraduate Nursing
- Simulation Center and Clinical Skills Lab
San Mateo, CA
College of San Mateo
- Associate - Associate of Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Partnerships for BSN completion
- High-tech skills lab
- Clinical experience at local hospitals
San Pablo, CA
Contra Costa College
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Apply by 2027-02-01
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Military benefits accepted
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
San Rafael, CA
Dominican University of California
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- California Board of Registered Nursing, Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- Test optional
- 6-Semester program
- Starts fall/spring
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- 1000 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
