Nursing Programs in San Jose, CA

Chabot College's Associate in Science in Nursing is a two-year, full-time program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum covers human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nursing theory, with a strong emphasis on clinical skills and patient care. Students benefit from a merit- and holistic-based selection process, with only 40 admitted each fall. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and a Strong Workforce Gold Star award. Graduates can enter the workforce in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, or pursue a BSN through transfer partnerships with CSU East Bay. The program also offers an LVN to RN bridge option for licensed vocational nurses.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2-Year program
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• 100% licensure pass rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Strong Workforce Gold Star recipient
• Merit and holistic based selection

Evergreen Valley College's Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. Over two years, you'll blend theory and practice through a curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and active learning. You'll study nursing fundamentals, anatomy, microbiology, and physiology, then move into clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Graduates earn an Associate in Science in Nursing and are eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program offers multiple entry points, including fall and spring starts, and pathways like LVN-to-RN and concurrent enrollment with SJSU. Admission uses a multicriteria selection process and requires the TEAS exam with a 62% score. With experienced faculty and a history dating back to 1964, EVC provides a supportive, adult-focused learning environment that has produced many successful nurses in the Bay Area. Whether you're starting fresh or advancing from an LVN role, this program gives you hands-on training to excel in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2-Year program
• Starts fall/spring
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• NCLEX exam preparation
• TEAS version 7 required
• Prerequisites in anatomy, microbiology, physiology
• Fall and spring start dates

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at San José State University is a pre-licensure program for students new to nursing. Offered full-time on campus, it provides the foundational education needed to become a registered nurse. Admission requirements include the TEAS exam and prerequisite coursework. The curriculum covers nursing theory and clinical practice, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Students study at The Valley Foundation School of Nursing within the College of Health and Human Sciences. The program is designed for those seeking a career in nursing, with information sessions available for prospective applicants. Located in San Jose, California, the program benefits from being part of a large public university with strong community ties.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• Full-time enrollment
• Prerequisite courses required
• Pre-licensure program for new nurses
• Part of The Valley Foundation School of Nursing
• Information sessions for prospective students
• Campus-based in San José, CA

De Anza College offers an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing, designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and entry-level nursing positions. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and medical knowledge. Additional pathways include an LVN-to-RN transition track and advanced placement for military health providers. Students benefit from three annual application cycles, a structured waiting list, and dedicated veterans policies. The program requires the HESI Admission Assessment Exam. With access to the Program Information guide and other resources, students can navigate prerequisites and ensure a smooth application process. Graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Military benefits accepted
• Three application periods per year
• Waiting list for admission
• Veterans receive accelerated placement
• Advanced placement for military providers
• LVN to RN transition program
• NCLEX pass rates available

Designed for licensed vocational nurses ready to advance their careers, the LVN Transition to RN program at De Anza College offers a focused pathway to earn an Associate in Science in registered nursing in as few as three quarters. Students build on their existing clinical experience with advanced coursework in patient care, pharmacology, and nursing leadership, all delivered through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on practice in state-of-the-art simulation labs. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the workforce as registered nurses. De Anza's program has been recognized with a Gold Workforce Star award for outstanding student outcomes, including 100% job placement and a 155% median earnings increase. With daytime classes and rolling admissions, the program is designed for working LVNs seeking to transition efficiently. Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, it prepares nurses for rewarding roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings.

• California Board of Registered Nursing accredited
• Complete in minimum of three quarters
• Rolling admissions
• 100% job placement rate
• increased their earnings by 155%
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Award-Winning Program
• Gold Workforce Star award
• 85% earn at or above living wage

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