Often recognized for its spectacular natural resources including the tallest mountain and the biggest trees, the significant number of top-rated, accredited nursing degree programs in California shouldn’t be surprising. The state is adept at carefully managing a large number of residents and education is no different. California is the most populous state in the country and also home to the largest university system. With demand ever increasing for qualified professional nurses to care for the growing population, the following bachelor’s degree programs receive top marks for preparing skilled nurses to fill that need. To see more nursing degree programs, visit Nursing Degree Programs in California (A-B) and Nursing Degree Programs in California (C), and Nursing Degree Programs in California (Q-Z).
Dominican University of California
School of Health and Natural Sciences/Department of Nursing
Dominican University of California is located in Marin County, near the San Francisco Bay area. In addition to providing students with challenging academics, the campus is close to beaches, mountains, recreation, Fortune 500 companies and cutting-edge research. Established in 1850, DUC offers 24 majors over four schools. Accredited nursing degree programs in California are among the largest majors at Dominican. The student to faculty ratio is 10:1 allowing for the 48 percent of ethnically diverse student body to receive personalized attention when needed.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program provides generalist training in a variety of health care environments. Program coursework begins in the sophomore year and ends with clinical experience at acute care and community settings. A total of 1200 hours of instruction in health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology and nursing fundamentals give students the skills needed for a career in acute care, community and public health, palliative care, hospice care, nursing informatics, school-based health care, nursing leadership, nursing education and other health environments. International clinical experiences are also available in two to four-week increments in Sweden, Uganda, Guatemala and Spain. Expansion into Taiwan will soon be added. Graduates are NCLEX-eligible for licensure.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- State of California Board of Registered Nursing
- National League of Nursing
Contact
50 Acacia Avenue
San Rafael, California 94901
(415) 457-4440
1-888-323-6763
http://www.dominican.edu/academics/hns/nursing/index_html
Fresno Pacific University
School of Natural Sciences
As the only accredited Christian university in the area, Fresno Pacific University offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs based on ethical and spiritual development. Five schools – Business, Education, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences, and Biblical Seminary – all follow the same faith-based core values of the Mennonite Brethren. Ranked among the top-tier institutions of higher learning in the U.S. and a Hispanic Serving Institution, Fresno Pacific is ready to guide its students on a lifelong journey of learning and service to others.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
The RN to BSN degree curriculum assists registered nurses with an associate degree to advance in their profession. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, holistic care, decision-making skills in clinical situations, leadership skills, conflict management and a broader academic base in nursing. Goals established for the School of Natural Sciences nursing program include: Improving quality of health care in the local community and beyond, expand the professional nursing workforce, impart Christian values through leadership and service, cultivate collaboration and resolve conflict. The 18-month program operates through a cohort format with seven to 20 students moving through the program together. With a strong ethnic student population, the group benefits from exposure to various cultures and are prepared to treat a diverse patient base.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
Fresno, California 93702-4709
(559) 453-2000
https://www.fresno.edu/program/bsn
Holy Names University
Nursing Programs in Partnership with Samuel Merritt University
Holy Names University, founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, offers a Catholic education in liberal arts. With a choice of 19 bachelor’s degree and seven master’s degree programs, students at HNU are guided toward leadership and service in every major they select. Holy Names has established a standard of uncompromising excellence and has earned recognition from the Western Association of Schools sand Colleges (2005 – 2015) with the highest accreditation. Close relationships are forged between students and faculty on a serene 60-acre wooded campus. The university transportation system also provides easy access to the arts, exciting city life or extended trips to see the surrounding countryside and parks. After receiving the highest diversity score by U.S. News and World Report in 2012-2013, HNU has included an even stronger focus toward understanding and meeting the needs of its unique cultural student body.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Through a partnership with Samuel Merritt University, Holy Names University provides pre-nursing instruction with transfer to SMU for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The first two years at HNU provide general education and science coursework while nursing courses and clinical experiences are completed in the junior and senior years. The Generic Nursing syllabus includes relevant classes related to nursing systems and delivery, leadership and theory. Clinical experiences are completed in an urban environment in the San Francisco Bay area.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
Holy Names University
3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 436-1000
http://www.hnu.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees/nursing-new
Samuel Merritt University
3100 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
(800) 607-6377
(510) 869-6511
http://www.samuelmerritt.edu/nursing/bs_nursing
Loma Linda University
School of Nursing
Loma Linda University is one of 5,700 Protestant schools in the Seventh-day Adventist Church system. Located in Southern California and comprised of eight schools, LLU majors are primarily in health sciences. There are 55 programs leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in Dentistry, Nursing, Medicine, Public Health, Allied Health, Pharmacy, Religion and Behavioral Health. Fully accredited and adhering to high standards of excellence, LLU ranked first in the country among satisfied alumni who found their work meaningful. The Adventist health care system delivers health care services to the largest number of patients worldwide and is based at Loma Linda University.
BS in Nursing
The School of Nursing at Loma Linda University believes in caring for the whole person and the BS in Nursing is focused on embracing that principle in its teachings. Several nursing degree options are available in specialization areas as well as generalist nursing. Conveniently located across from the Loma Linda University Medical Center, students are exposed to various clinical experiences at the Children’s Hospital, Behavioral Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus. The four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree includes two years of general education and science classes. Upper division classwork and hospital rotations begin in the junior year. Upon completion of the program, all graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. A passing grade earns the title Licensed Registered Nurse.
Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
11262 Campus St.
West Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4923
nursing@llu.edu
http://www.llu.edu/nursing/programs/Undergraduate/BS-In-Nursing-Degree.page?
Mount St. Mary’s College
Nursing Department
Mount St. Mary’s College is a private, liberal arts college that provides value-based, Catholic education primarily for women. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded the college in 1925 and located its original campus in downtown Los Angeles. In 1928, the undergraduate campus was built in the Santa Monica Mountains and in 1962 opened the graduate campus on the Doheny Family estate near downtown LA. In addition to traditional day classes, evening and weekend formats are now being offered for working adults.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mount St. Mary’s College was the first in California to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. After completing a set of prerequisites, students will be considered for admission to the three-year nursing program. Academic instruction follows the Roy Adaptation Model where patients are treated based on the whole body, mind and soul. Students are schooled to understand the principles of cultural, physical and emotional issues facing each patient so they can provide respectful and insightful care. Nursing students learn nursing theory and participate in real-world hospital environments. All graduates can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses exam as well as a California Public Health Nursing Certificate.
Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Contact
Chalon Campus
12001 Chalon Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 954-4000
mountnews@msmc.la.edu
http://www.msmc.la.edu/undergraduate-bachelor-programs/nursing.asp
National University
School of Health and Human Services
National University is the second-largest, private, nonprofit university in California. It was established in 1971 and offers educational opportunities to earn associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degrees and teaching credential. National is comprised of five schools and one college in education, business, technology, health, professional studies, and letters and sciences. The University is committed to diversity and equality in education for all cultures, ethnicities, races and eco-societal segments. Their efforts have been rewarded with a Top 10 national ranking for granting the most master’s degrees to women, Hispanics and African Americans.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Generic Entry
With growing demand for health professionals, National University is poised to fill those career opportunities with thorough training in patient care and medical technologies. Accredited nursing degree programs in California such as those offered at the School of Health and Human Services, encourage intellectual challenges and a desire for lifelong learning. As professional nurses, graduates will receive excellent compensation and benefits, a secure position in healthcare and employment opportunities a home and abroad. As a generalist clinician, nurses will provide direct care to patients of all ages and diversities. Learning outcomes include: Establishing nursing relationships through safe, high-quality nursing care, improve nursing care through continued quality and safety techniques, communicate effectively with patients and the team and establish strong standards of legal and ethical practice.
Accreditations
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
11255 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 309-3473
shhs@nu.edu
http://www.nu.edu/OurPrograms/SchoolOfHealthAndHumanServices.html
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Nursing Department
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine is located in San Diego, California on a modern campus near shopping, recreation and the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Although it is fairly small with 12 classrooms, the fully accredited programs offer individualized attention in holistic medicine. Students have access to a 28-bed acupuncture clinic and herbal pharmacy for hands-on training.
Holistic Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program
With a focus on healing the whole person, the Holistic Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion curriculum emphasizes optimal health through a body, mind and spirit methodology. Personal healing is best obtained by incorporating holistic techniques with Western medical practice. The BSN degree program utilizes natural healing techniques with Chinese medicine. Students work with doctors, physical therapists and sports trainers and find career opportunities in hospitals, private practice, universities, hospice care and other healthcare facilities. Specialization in Asian Bodywork, acupuncture and massage are also available. Graduates are skilled in both traditional sciences and complementary alternative medicine for a complete health promotion strategy.
Accreditations
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM)
Contact
7445 Mission Valley Road
Suite 105
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 574-6909
http://www.pacificcollege.edu/pcom_static/newstudent/nursing/
Point Loma Nazarene University
School of Nursing
Students attending Point Loma Nazarene University have benefited from a forward-thinking, well-balanced approach to education for over 100 years. PLNU serves over 3,500 students annually and is committed to teaching Christian beliefs through a liberal arts foundation. Over 90 percent of students applying to the school of their choice have gained admittance. Among accolades earned, PLNU has been named one of the Top 100 Best Values Among Private Institutions and its leadership in sustainability as “America’s 100 Greenest Schools.”
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
By fostering meaningful relationships, graduates of the BSN program at PLNU’s School of Nursing have become strong advocates for health promotion. By focusing on the emotional and spiritual aspects of healthcare, nurses can improve the overall care of their patients. The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is earned through a traditional series of pre-nursing and science coursework in the first two years and nursing theory and clinical experiences in the last two years. Graduates may seek licensure by sitting for the NCLEX-RN examination.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 849-7055
Nursing@pointloma.edu
http://www.pointloma.edu/experience/academics/schools-departments/school-nursing/undergraduate-program
It is well known that healthcare in the United States is a complex system that is undergoing significant change. It is more critical than ever that professionals are well-versed in those changes and can provide skilled care to patients of all ages and diversities. By attending accredited nursing degree programs in California, students will be prepared to manage patient care well into the future.
