Whether you're a high school student starting your college search, a career changer considering a career in nursing, or a healthcare professional looking to improve your career prospects, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can be the first step toward a fulfilling career as a nurse.
There are 140 public and private nursing programs in California, all of which provide students with the skills they need to practice. To help you make the best decision for your needs, we have compiled a ranking of the best private nursing schools in California. Check out our guide to these programs and learn how to narrow down your choices and determine which one is best for you.
We use onedata-driven methodologyto rank the best private nursing programs in California to make it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics we believe are most important to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation and program offerings.
Selected Online RN-to-BSN in Nursing Programs
Using Our Rankings: What to look for in a private care program
With nearly 40 private nursing schools to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which is the best program for your goals. Our ranking of the best private individualsNursing Programs in Californiaare designed to help you narrow your choices and are based on the following key metrics.
Admission Requirements
Before applying to a nursing school, review the requirements to ensure you meet minimum admission standards. Exceeding the minimum standards can increase your chances of acceptance. If you find that you are missing any requirements, you can fill in these gaps before applying.
clinical experience
All Registered Nurse (RN) programs require clinical rotations for hands-on learning, but formats, placement guidelines, and schedules vary. Some schools make it easy for students to meet these requirements by offering services such as placement support. Find a program that conveniently meets this requirement, such as allowing you to work near where you live or with your current employer.
accreditation
accreditationindicates that a school and its nursing program have been evaluated by an independent organization to ensure students are adequately prepared for nursing practice. Choosing an accredited program ensures that you qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to earn a nursing license.
program length
A BSN is a four-year degree; Earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) typically requires two years of full-time study. BSN programs require 120 credits and 700-800 clinical hours. ADN programs require 60-75 credits and 500 clinical hours.
School's NCLEX pass rate
TheNCLEX Success Ratefor a private nursing school in California indicates how well the program prepares graduates for the exam and for nursing practice. A high pass rate shows that you are gaining the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level nursing practice.
graduation rate
The graduation rate for each private BSN program in California reflects the quality of the program and how well the school supports the students. A high graduation rate shows that students have access to the resources and services they need to succeed.
Why is Accreditation Important for Private Nursing Schools in California?
All programs in our ranking are accredited. choosing oneaccredited private nursing programin California is crucial to your future career. Programs are accredited by independent organizations that evaluate the curriculum, individual courses, instructors, clinical placements, and student success data to ensure they meet nursing education standards.
Choosing an unaccredited program for your nursing education can have negative consequences, including not being eligible for licensing.
Other reasons to look for an accredited program include:
- Accredited schools guarantee eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for a nursing license.
- Credits from a non-accreditedNursing school may not be transferredwhen you decide to change programs.
- Graduate programs may not accept degrees obtained from an unaccredited undergraduate program.
- Students in non-accredited schools may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
- Employers may not hire nurses with degrees from an unaccredited school or program.
Learn about the best private nursing programs and schools in California
#1 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
128 Credits der FPUBachelor of Science in Nursingemphasizes culturally relevant and faith-based nursing, with opportunities for learners to work in San Joaquin Valley hospitals.
This cohort-style program offers on-campus courses in health assessments, physiology, and pharmacology. In addition to learning in the classroom, enrollers can test their knowledge in the laboratory and through clinical internships. Clinical internships offer students the direct practice of nursing for adults and the elderly, children and pregnant patients.
Current FPU students can apply for fall entry after their sophomore year.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Pflege
- Campus:Fresno, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $1,218 for Credit
- Admission Requirements: Completion of general education and nursing basic courses; at least 3.0 GPA; TEAS results; application for care with a written statement; personal interviews; Pass criminal history and drug tests; two references; 500-word personal statement; transcripts; Provide proof of NCLEX-RN eligibility
- Minimum time commitment:48 Fun
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):92.62% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$100,849 for undergraduate graduates according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
32.954 $
Not in the country
32.954 $
Retentionsrate
71%
entrance fee
67%
students enrolled
3.995
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
9%
accreditation
And
#2 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
With a catalog of Christian orientedBachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing, CUI offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for non-nursing graduates that takes just 15 months to complete.
The 127-credit accelerated BSN includes Christian theology, the New Testament, health assessments, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, leadership and management theory, and research.
In addition to Nursing Theory, students are required to complete 765 clinical hours with concentrations in Community Health, Psychiatric Mental Health, Pediatrics, Maternal Nursing, Medical and Surgical Nursing, and Adult Medicine. The nearby Park Place campus offers nursing classrooms, two skills labs and three simulation labs for hands-on learning. Clinical and academic courses prepare learners to earn the California Public Health Certificate.
Theaccelerated BSNaccepts students who are enrolled in the bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in pre-care. Graduates can also pursue a Master of Science in Nursing.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Pflege; Master of Science in Pflege
- Campus:Irvine, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $912 for Credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with at least 75 transferable credits and at least 3.25 GPA; fulfilled requirements; At least 100 hours of patient care experience
- Minimum time commitment:15 Fun
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):96.18% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$86,202 for undergraduate graduates according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
37.250 $
Not in the country
37.250 $
Retentionsrate
68%
entrance fee
78%
students enrolled
4.071
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
100%
accreditation
And
#3 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1899, APU is recognized as one of the top private nursing schools in California. The school has 150 degrees, inclusiveBSN, MSN and PhDPrograms that remain true to the university's Wesleyan heritage.
Undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are held on the main campus or at regional locations throughout Southern California. Many programs also work online, such as the BSN-to-DNP, the MSN in Healthcare Administration and Leadership Program, and the RN-to-BSN.
Nursing students benefit from community internships at APU's Neighborhood Wellness Center, which caters to residents of Azusa, and missionary trips to Mexico, Uganda and Haiti.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing; PhD in Nursing Practice
- Campus:Azusa, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $460-$860 pro Credit
- Admission Requirements: Applicants may require an Associate in Nursing degree or a Bachelor in Nursing degree depending on the degree; Most require at least a 2.75 GPA and official college or high school transcripts
- Minimum time commitment:Varies
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):80.16% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$89,570 for undergraduate graduates according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
40.830 $
Not in the country
40.830 $
Retentionsrate
76%
entrance fee
94%
students enrolled
9.006
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
100%
accreditation
And
#4 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Biola University
La Mirada, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Biola, a premier private nursing school in California, offers a spiritually grounded educationBachelor of Science in Pflegedegree (BSN), with a focus on community health. The BSN program gives students opportunities to practice nursing and preach the gospel in hospitals throughout Los Angeles and Orange County—and even abroad in Rwanda.
The first phase of the BSN program consists of classroom instruction and the last two years involve clinical experience. Laboratories with simulations and dummies prepare learners for clinical internships. The La Mirada Community Center and weekly homeless clinic provide additional opportunities to gain hands-on experience in patient care.
BSN students take approximately 4.5 years to complete the 136.5 credits. Required majors include Leadership Management, Applied Nursing Research, Pediatric Nursing, Women's Health and Assessments, Pharmacology and Biostatistics.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Pflege
- Campus:La Mirada, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $1,946 for Credit
- Admission Requirements: Freshmen require a minimum of 3.6 GPA and transfer students with more than 24 college credits require a minimum of 3.2 GPA; no more than a "C" in a science requirement; 70 or more TEAS score
- Minimum time commitment:54 Fun
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):77.50% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$74,576 for undergraduate graduates according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
43.512 $
Not in the country
43.512 $
Retentionsrate
78%
entrance fee
64%
students enrolled
5.815
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
98%
accreditation
And
#5 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
VUSC Nursing School, opened in 2006, offers fourUndergraduate and Graduate Nursing Programswho emphasize a Christian world view. All degrees include small class sizes with online or on-campus options.
Freshmen and transfer students may choose to enter a Bachelor of Science in Nursing pre-license program. RNs who wish to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses may choose an RN-to-BSN Registered Nurses (RNs) degree or an RN-to-MSN degree.
Clinical training takes place in the two care simulation laboratories. VUSC also has partnerships with hospitals such as St. Jude Medical Center, Orange County Global Medical Center and Orange County Children's Hospital.
There is no application fee for the RN to BSN degree.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Pflege; Master of Science in Pflege
- Campus:Costa Mesa, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $485-$725 for Credit
- Admission Requirements: Applicants for the RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN programs must have a current RN license and an ADN or BSN degree; MSN candidates require a BSN degree and an RN license.
- Minimum time commitment:10-36 Fun
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):66.67% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$91,300 for undergraduate graduates according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
35.850 $
Not in the country
35.850 $
Retentionsrate
75%
entrance fee
50%
students enrolled
2.289
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
100%
accreditation
And
#6 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1905, the LLU Nursing School offers 19Bachelor and Diploma in NursingPrograms that provide clinical experiences at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital—while continuing the university's legacy of Christian service.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, LVN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, or RN-to-BSN while enrolling at the same time. The training takes place in the medical simulation center of the LLU. The Skills Lab accommodates 20 patient beds.
At the master's level, learners explore nursing administration, adult gerontology, or gynecology and pediatrics. LLU, one of the top private nursing schools in California, also offers a Ph.D. program and a doctorate in nursing practice with concentrations in acute care, family medicine, neonatal care, and primary care.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Masters in Nursing; PhD in Nursing Practice
- Campus:Loma Linda, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $345-$675 pro Credit
- Admission Requirements: TEAS results; continue; Recommendations; official transcripts; completed prerequisite courses with the minimum grade "C"; at least 3.0 GPA; three letters of recommendation; High school diploma or GED certificate
- Minimum time commitment:24-36 Fun
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):79.45% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$89,658 for undergraduate graduates and $140.44 according to the College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
32.400 $
Not in the country
32.400 $
Retentionsrate
Not provided
entrance fee
Not provided
students enrolled
4.468
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
27%
accreditation
And
#7 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Samuel Merritt University
Oakland, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Valley SMU, which has been training nurses for more than 114 years, offers aBachelor of Science in Pflege(BSN) students can graduate in two years or four semesters.
The programs train future nurses, working nurses and post-graduate nurses. In addition to the accelerated BSN degree, the nursing school offers an RN-to-BSN degree and MSN degrees with specializations in case management, family nursing, and nursing anesthesia. Learners can also pursue a doctorate in nursing.
Nursing students gain access to more than 1,000 healthcare facilities for clinical training. Additionally, whether online or on campus in Oakland or at SMU campuses in Sacramento, Fresno or San Francisco, learners receive a personalized education thanks to a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:8.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing; Doctorate in Nursing
- Campus:Oakland, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $1,736 for Credit
- Admission Requirements: 60 credits with a minimum grade of “C”; at least 3.0 GPA; HESI A2 or TEAS scores; two letters of recommendation; completed application with short answers
- Minimum time commitment:24 Fun
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):85.45% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$110,846 for bachelor's graduates and $139,136 for master's graduates according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
49.125 $
Not in the country
49.125 $
Retentionsrate
Not provided
entrance fee
Not provided
students enrolled
2.050
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
15%
accreditation
And
#8 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
national university
La Jolla, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1971, NU offers CCNE accreditedBachelors and Masters Degrees in Nursingwith hands-on four-week courses and online or hybrid options.
Nurses can earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing, a master of science degree in nursing, or a postgraduate certificate of advanced nursing. Postgraduate certificates, such as the 53 quarter unitHome Nurse Certificate, require a 600-hour internship.
This private nursing school in California offers year-round enrollment and allows prospective students to apply at any time.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing; Doctorate in Nursing; Postgraduate Certificates
- Campus:La Jolla, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $370-$798 for Credit
- Admission Requirements: Depends on the program. All applicants must submit official certificates. Applicants may require a valid RN license or NP license. Programs often require a minimum GPA of 3.0, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
- Minimum time commitment:Varies
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):79.92% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$84,367 for undergraduate graduates according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
13.320 $
Not in the country
13.320 $
Retentionsrate
45%
entrance fee
89%
students enrolled
18.070
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
44%
accreditation
And
#9 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Simpson University
Redding, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1921, SU offers twoBachelor of Science in Nursing Programsfor currently registered nurses (RNs) and freshman students who emphasize a Christ-centered curriculum.
Licensed RNs can apply for the RN-to-BSN degree, which takes three semesters to complete. Aspiring nurses can enroll in the four-year BSN program. The Science and Nursing Center provides clinical training for nursing students with two skills labs and four patient stimulation zones.
The Betty M. Dean School of Nursing teaches nurses to incorporate the Christian faith into their nursing practice—while respecting a patient's faith.
- Program:Bachelor of Science in Pflege
- Campus:Redding, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: $440-$570 for Credit
- Admission Requirements: Varies by program and student status. Complete the prerequisites with a minimum grade of "C". at least 3.0 grade point average; ATI-TEAS score of 78; at least 18 years old; RN-to-BSN applicants require an RN license and at least 84 transfer credits with a minimum of 2.5 GPA
- Minimum time commitment:18 Fun
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):91.30% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$84,161 for undergraduate graduates according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
32.700 $
Not in the country
32.700 $
Retentionsrate
72%
entrance fee
60%
students enrolled
855
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
86%
accreditation
And
#10 Best Private Nursing Schools in California in 2023
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, CA - 4 years
- Campus
WesternU's, a health-focused graduate school that opened in 1977, offers nineMasters and PhD programs.
Master's students can specialize in family nursing or psychiatric mental health. The direct-entry MSN program admits graduates who do not have a nursing degree. The College of Graduate Nursing also offers an MSN degree for candidates with an Associate in Nursing degree.
Learners can choose from graduate-level certificates to prepare for a career as an emergency room nurse, family nurse, or psychiatric mental health nurse.
The campus stimulation laboratory prepares students for clinical experiences. WesternU also offers free small group tutoring and large group assessment services to help learners prepare for exams.
- Program:Master of Science in Nursing; Doctorate in Nursing
- Campus:Pomona, California
- Typ:Private
- Accreditations:Commission on Collegial Nursing Education
- Instruction: 1.193 $ pro Credit
- Admission Requirements: Varies depending on the program. The MSN direct-entry program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, a minimum of 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and completion of all prerequisites with a grade of "C" or higher.
- Minimum time commitment:24 Fun
- On-campus requirements:And
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022):89.71% first time pass rate
- Median earnings two years after graduation:$126,504 for graduate students according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition Fees
in condition
Not provided
Not in the country
Not provided
Retentionsrate
Not provided
entrance fee
Not provided
students enrolled
3.813
Institution type
Private
percent online registration
0%
accreditation
And
Applying to private nursing schools in California
To attend a private nursing school in California, students need either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Minimum GPA requirements vary by grooming program.
Some schools require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. Often, private nursing schools ask prospective students to submit TEAS scores instead. Applicants may be required to submit letters of recommendation and write personal essays outlining their educational and career goals. For private nursing schools inCalifornia offers graduate programs, the requirements differ depending on the program type.Master of Science in Pflege(MSN) admissions standards require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. Graduate programs generally look for applicants with a bachelor's degree but RN-to-MSN orADN-to-MSNBridge programs specifically accept individuals with an associate degree.
All prospective PhD students should hold an RN license. Some schools require work experience, while others accept recent graduates.
Paying for Private Nursing Programs in California
Earning a college degree requires a financial investment. While students can worrypay nursing schoolout of pocket, several factors affect the cost and how much you will actually spend.
Unlike public universities, California private nursing schools charge no less. All students pay the same tuition, which is usually higher than in public schools. Other factors that can affect your total cost are your living conditions and whether you want to work while you are in school.
Financial help for caregiversreduces your education costs and gives you plenty of opportunities to move on. Many private schools offerNursing Grants and Grantsfor students based on need or merit.You can alsoApplying for federal financial aid, which includes loans and grants. Private scholarship and subsidy programs also help to cover costs.
If you work, your employer may offer a tuition assistance program to help you pay for school. You may also be able to access private student loans through your bank.
What Can You Do With a Degree From Private Nursing School?
Private nursing schools in California prepare students to care for patients in a variety of settings. Our ranking includes schools that offer nursing degrees at all levels, from associate to doctoral degrees.
Regardless of your degree, there are opportunities to practice in California.
What can you do with an ADN or BSN?
Earning an ADN or BSN prepares you to practice as an RN in California. There are plenty of opportunities hereCalifornia nurses earn the highest salariesin the country with an average wage of $124,000, according to the USBureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) as of May 2021. California also employs more registered nurses than any other state. RNs can find work in hospitals, doctor's offices, home health services, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient care centers.
What can you do with an MSN or a DNP?
Acquisition of a master's degreeDoctorate in Nursingprepares you for advanced nursing in California. An MSN is the minimum degree requirement fornurse practitioner(NPs), which also rank first in total income in the country. TheBLS reportsan average wage of $151,830 for NPs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Nursing Schools In California
How long does it take to become a registered nurse in California?
The time it takesBecome an RN in Californiadepends on the educational path that each nurse takes. RNs pursuing an associate degree can graduate in two years, while those pursuing a bachelor's degree typically graduate in four years full-time or earlier in an accelerated program. However, learners who enroll part-time may take longer to graduate and obtain a license.
Are Nurses in Demand in California?
ProjectionsCentral forecastthat demand for nurses in California will exceed the national rate between 2020 and 2030. According to his forecasts, demand for nurses in the Golden State is expected to increase by 10.8% compared to the national rate of 9%.
Is it worth attending a private nursing school?
Many students find that community colleges or public universities offer the same quality of education as private schools with cheaper tuition. However, private nursing schools sometimes offer competitive tuition and substantial scholarships.
Students may choose to attend a private nursing school with specific professional or hospital affiliations. Earlier enrollment in a private care program may also be higher.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Registered Nurse in California?
Nurses in California are licensed by theCalifornia Board of Registered Nursing. To qualify, you must complete an accredited nursing education program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit an application, and undergo a fingerprint background check. You can apply for a temporary permit to work under supervision while you await test results.
Related California Nursing Resources
Page last checked December 5, 2022. Note: The rankings and school descriptions on this page were independently compiled and verified by usRanked Team.