To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through, that is to be a nurse.
Rawsi Williams, nurse and attorney
California is one of the most diverse and active states for nursing education. With its extensive healthcare system and a high demand for skilled health professionals, the state offers a lot of opportunities for student nurses. However, with so many schools to choose from, finding the right fit can definitely feel overwhelming! This article will help you choose from 10 great schools in California. Are you ready to get started?
Key Takeaways: 🏫 Top 10 Nursing Schools in California
- 🧠 University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Graduate-focused programs with advanced research and access to urban clinical settings. - 💙 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Offers interdisciplinary education and clinical placements at elite hospitals. - 🌍 University of San Francisco (USF)
Integrates social justice, community health and personalized instruction. - 🤝 California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
Known for affordability, community-based learning and student support. - 🌴 San Diego State University (SDSU)
Focuses on multicultural care, military support and innovation in practice. - 📚 California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
High NCLEX pass rates and strong alumni support with hands-on training. - ✊ California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)
The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing emphasizes health equity and public service. - 🙏 Azusa Pacific University (APU)
Faith-based care combined with ethical leadership and global mission trips. - 🕊️ California Baptist University (CBU)
Offers holistic, culturally-aware education rooted in service and compassion. - ⚡ West Coast University (WCU)
Accelerated programs with modern simulation labs and flexible scheduling.
1. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
UCSF stands apart as a health sciences focused university with a worldwide reputation. Its School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the best in the nation and excels in graduate education, clinical expertise and research innovation. UCSF provides advanced degrees including Master of Science (MS), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD programs.
Key elements:
- Strong emphasis on leadership and healthcare equity
- Partnerships with leading medical centers
- Faculty actively involved in research
- Urban campus in San Francisco with access to underserved populations
Students learn to understand of complex healthcare systems, while also learning to advocate for community and patient needs. The school fosters a culture of curiosity, inclusion and service.
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2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA's School of Nursing offers great academic training with tons of clinical exposure. Its programs are known for integrating scientific knowledge with compassionate care. Students benefit from connections to famous facilities like Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai.
Key elements:
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary education
- Research driven curriculum
- Access to elite hospitals for clinical placements
- Competitive NCLEX pass rates
The BSN and MSN programs here prepare students to think critically and practice ethically in a variety of medical environments. UCLA also promotes leadership in health policy and public health!
3. University of San Francisco (USF)
The University of San Francisco, a private Jesuit institution, includes social justice and ethical considerations into its nursing education. USF’s School of Nursing and Health Professions provides Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master’s (MSN) and Doctoral (DNP) programs.
Key elements:
- Focus on community and public health
- Service learning and global outreach
- Personalized instruction with small class sizes
- Clinical experiences in diverse settings
USF teaches a nursing practice that goes beyond textbooks. Students are encouraged to understand their role within broader healthcare ecosystems, especially in urban and underserved communities in California.
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4. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
CSUF’s School of Nursing is recognized for providing high quality education at a relatively affordable cost. The school is known for its inclusive environment and practical learning.
Key elements:
- Programs for traditional, accelerated and RN-to-BSN tracks
- Community-based learning
- Simulation labs with modern technology
- Supportive faculty and mentorship programs
With strong ties to hospitals and clinics in Southern California, CSUF ensures that students receive clinical training in environments that reflect today’s challenges in patient care. Here's an introduction video to California State University on YouTube!
5. San Diego State University (SDSU)
SDSU offers nursing programs designed to meet the needs of modern healthcare systems. The School of Nursing focuses on innovation through technology, research and practical skill development.
Key elements:
- Programs include BSN, MSN and RN-to-BSN options
- Strong military and veteran support
- Emphasis on multicultural care
- Active student organizations and peer mentoring
Located in a city with a diverse population, SDSU provides experiences that prepare nurses to work across various cultural backgrounds and health conditions.
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6. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
CSULB’s nursing program stands out for combining affordability with comprehensive training. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate options aimed at developing competent and compassionate healthcare providers.
Key elements:
- Concrete experience through clinical simulations
- Focus on evidence-based practice
- High first-time NCLEX pass rates
- Strong alumni network and career support
CSULB promotes a team approach to healthcare, making it a great choice for students looking to develop collaborative and communication skills alongside clinical knowledge. Here is a short video on the university's nursing program!
7. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)
The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing at CSULA places a strong focus on addressing healthcare disparities. With a curriculum grounded in social justice, students learn to advocate for equitable care in marginalized communities.
Key elements:
- Programs include BSN, MSN and DNP
- Faculty engaged in public health research
- High employment rates post-graduation
- Access to public hospitals and outreach programs
The School of Nursing at California State University, Los Angeles, is officially named the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing. It was dedicated in April 2018 as the university's first named school, honoring alumna and longtime faculty member Patricia A. Chin for her significant contributions to nursing education and the Cal State LA community.
8. Azusa Pacific University (APU)
Azusa Pacific offers nursing education that merges scientific excellence with faith and ethical leadership. Its programs prepare students to serve with compassion and integrity.
Key elements:
- Specializations such as Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Mission-based healthcare trips abroad
- Integrated faith and ethics curriculum
- Emphasis on whole-person care
With small classes and dedicated faculty, APU ensures that students not only excel academically, but are also nurtured emotionally and spiritually.
9. California Baptist University (CBU)
CBU’s College of Nursing provides a curriculum centered around faith, service and academic excellence. With BSN, MSN and doctoral options, students can tailor their education to their career goals!
Key elements:
- Holistic and patient-centered approach
- Extensive clinical partnerships
- Global health initiatives
- Study abroad opportunities
CBU prepares its graduates to be thoughtful and culturally aware nurses capable of serving communities both locally and globally.
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10. West Coast University (WCU)
West Coast University focuses on accelerated nursing education. It’s a popular choice for students seeking flexible scheduling, intensive coursework and rapid start to their career.
Key elements:
- Trimester-based programs for faster graduation
- Advanced simulation labs and virtual reality training
- Career services and academic support
- Options for online coursework
WCU’s programs are made to accommodate working adults and those transitioning careers, without sacrificing academic integrity or clinical competency.
Improve Your Nursing Education with Superprof's Tutors
If you're having trouble in your nursing program, Superprof can help you thrive. Superprof connects students in California with experienced tutors across all subjects, including nursing and healthcare. Whether you’re preparing for your NCLEX exam, struggling with anatomy or needing extra guidance on research methods, Superprof has tutors to help you succeed. Tutoring sessions can be done online or in person, therefore providing flexibility in your schedule. Find a tutor on Superprof today!
Choosing the Right Nursing School for You
Choosing the right nursing school is a personal decision shaped by career goals, location, values and learning preferences. California offers an incredible mix of public and private institutions, each providing strong academics, committed faculty and opportunities to grow professionally. These ten universities represent some of the best options available to future nurses, helping you build the skills and confidence needed to make a meaningful impact in the health department. With platforms like Superprof offering support along the way, your path to a fulfilling nursing career becomes even clearer.
Are you curious to discover other nursing programs? Read our article on the best universities for nursing in the United States!
References
- University of California, San Francisco. (n.d.). Program and student performance data. UCSF School of Nursing. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://nursing.ucsf.edu/about/our-organization/program-and-student-performance-data
- University of California, Los Angeles. (n.d.). Fast facts. UCLA School of Nursing. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://nursing.ucla.edu/about/fast-facts
- University of San Francisco. (n.d.). First-year nursing admission statistics. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://www.usfca.edu/admission/undergraduate/first-year-nursing
- California State University, Fullerton. (n.d.). School of Nursing. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://nursing.fullerton.edu/
- San Diego State University. (n.d.). School of Nursing. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://nursing.sdsu.edu/
- California State University, Long Beach. (n.d.). School of Nursing. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-health-human-services/school-of-nursing
- California State University, Los Angeles. (n.d.). Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://www.calstatela.edu/hhs/nursing
- Azusa Pacific University. (n.d.). School of Nursing. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://www.apu.edu/nursing/
- California Baptist University. (n.d.). Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) selection information. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://calbaptist.edu/academics/programs/bachelor-of-science-nursing/selection
- West Coast University. (n.d.). Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://westcoastuniversity.edu/programs/bachelor-science-nursing
- California Board of Registered Nursing. (n.d.). NCLEX pass rates. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://www.rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
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