Last Updated on August 17, 2024 by II Editor
Private nursing schools play a pivotal role in training highly skilled and compassionate nurses in the state of California. With their smaller class sizes and hands-on learning approach, these institutions help address the growing demand for medical professionals. If you are pursuing a career in nursing, here are the top 10 best private nursing schools in the state to consider based on academic excellence, program offerings, facilities and more.
Top 10 Best Private Nursing Schools in California
Below is a list of some private institutions with the best nursing schools in California, their admission requirements, and every other information that will aid you through a smooth application process.
Point Loma Nazarene University
Located in San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University is home to one of the top-rated nursing programs in California. The School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with the goal of preparing students for professional practice through integrated classroom and clinical learning experiences.
BSN Program: The 4-year BSN program incorporates foundational courses in the sciences, liberal arts, research, community health, leadership and management. Students gain over 650 hours of hands-on training in various clinical settings under faculty supervision. The program is approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission Requirements: Applicants must have completed specific prerequisite courses in high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement and healthcare experience are also considered during admission. International students must meet additional requirements.
Facilities: The state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center houses nursing labs outfitted with high-fidelity human patient simulators to mimic real-life scenarios. Students utilize the latest medical equipment and technology. Clinical rotations are conducted in partner hospitals and community clinics across San Diego.
California Baptist University
Founded in 1950, California Baptist University is a private Christian university located in Riverside, California. The Hackett School of Nursing offers exceptional nursing education at the baccalaureate and master’s level.
BSN Program: The traditional 4-year and accelerated 16-month BSN programs provide a wide range of didactic and clinical experiences. Core nursing courses explore topics like health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology and medical-surgical nursing. Over 800 hours are spent in clinical practice under faculty guidance.
MSN Program: Master’s entry programs are available in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. Graduate students gain expertise through specialized coursework and on-the-job training. The online Executive Leader MSN degree caters to working professionals.
Admission Requirements: Applicants to undergraduate programs need a minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses. The GRE or MAT is mandatory for graduate admissions. All prospective students must complete a background check and drug screening.
Facilities: State-of-the-art simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity manikins provide realistic training opportunities. Students can hone clinical skills using the latest technology. Clinical sites include hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and community health centers across Southern California.
University of San Francisco
Founded by the Jesuits in 1855, the University of San Francisco is the oldest institution of higher education in San Francisco. The self-study baccalaureate program in the School of Nursing is highly ranked nationally for its excellence in nursing education.
BSN Program: The traditional 4-year BSN program focuses on developing clinical competence, leadership skills and social responsibility through classroom and real-world experiences in healthcare settings. An accelerated 16-month second-degree BSN option is also available.
MSN Program: Specialized master’s programs offer advanced preparation in Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Midwifery and Nurse Anesthesia roles. Qualified graduates can obtain national certification. Hybrid online/in-person formats provide flexibility.
Admission Requirements: Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA along with ACT or SAT scores. Clinical experience is preferred but not mandatory. For graduate programs, a BSN is required along with current RN licensure. GRE scores and recommendations are part of the selection process.
Facilities: The Dugoni School of Dentistry building houses cutting-edge sim labs on campus. Clinical sites are based in major hospitals, primary care clinics and community centers across the Bay Area. Students benefit from being in the heart of San Francisco’s healthcare hub.
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian university located outside Los Angeles, with a nationally ranked Nursing program.
BSN Program: The pre-licensure BSN curriculum integrates theory, research, leadership, healthcare technologies and Christian principles through campus courses and field experiences. It culminates in a residency placement in specialty areas.
Accelerated BSN: This intensive 16-month second-degree option is for students holding a non-nursing bachelor’s. It combines didactic and clinical work to qualify students for RN licensure.
Graduate Programs: MSN specializations include Nurse Educator, Public Health Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner and more. DNP programs help advance careers to the highest level of nursing practice. Hybrid online classes cater to working professionals.
Admission Requirements: Undergraduates need a minimum 3.0 GPA and TEAS scores. Candidates with non-nursing degrees are considered for the accelerated BSN. Graduate programs require relevant work experience in addition to academic eligibility criteria.
Facilities: High-fidelity sim labs, skills centers and testing accommodation laboratories provide hands-on training. Clinical partners include major hospitals and community clinics across Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Charles R. Drew University Of Medicine And Science
Located in South Los Angeles, Charles Drew University is among the first historically black graduate institutions in the nation. The School of Nursing plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare equity through its exemplary programs.
MSN Program: Specializations include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. Coursework is completed in hybrid online/in-person mode over 2-3 years.
DNP Program: This post-graduate doctoral program readies graduates as clinical experts, leaders and scholars in advanced nursing practice roles. It emphasizes community health, quality improvement and healthcare policy change.
Post-Graduate Certificates: Certificates in various advanced practice roles are ideal for those already holding a master’s degree in another specialty wanting to transition or qualify for new opportunities.
Admission Requirements: Candidates must have a BSN degree, current RN licensure, minimum 3.0 GPA and relevant work experience. GRE scores are required for some programs. Diversity candidates fulfill additional criteria.
Facilities: State-of-the-art simulation labs provide hands-on clinical education using high and medium-fidelity manikins. Students complete practicums in community clinics and partner hospitals in South LA focusing on primary care.
Concordia University
Located in Irvine, Concordia University has earned a stellar reputation for its nursing programs developing ethical, empathetic and highly qualified healthcare professionals.
BSN Program: The pre-licensure option spans four years of didactic and clinical education to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and professional nursing practice. Hands-on training begins in the first semester itself.
Accelerated BSN: This 16-month track is for students with a prior bachelor’s in another field. It condenses coursework and clinical rotations to qualify for RN certification.
Graduate Programs: Master’s entry programs include the MSN in Nursing Administration or Education. The DNP equips nurses with skills in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, finance and health policy.
Admission Requirements: Undergraduates need prerequisite coursework and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Accelerated candidates must have a prior bachelor’s degree. Graduate applicants require current RN licensure plus relevant experience and academic eligibility.
Facilities: High-fidelity simulation labs, skills/assessment centers and medical instructional technologies provide realistic training. Clinical partners include missionary hospitals, primary clinics, long-term care facilities near the Orange County campus.
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Founded in 1853 and located in Los Angeles, Mount Saint Mary’s University has a long tradition of educating caring nurses through its diverse programs.
BSN Program: This pre-licensure 4-year track prepares nurses through foundational coursework integrated with 500+ hours of mentored clinical rotations across healthcare settings. Community health placements give valuable exposure.
Accelerated BSN: This intensive 16-month option condenses education for students already holding a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field. It immerses candidates in virtual and on-site hospital training.
Graduate Programs: Specializations include the MSN in Nursing Education or Nursing Administration. The DNP readies nurses as advanced practice clinicians, educators, executives or researchers. Support is offered through flexible online classes.
Admission Requirements: Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite coursework. Non-nursing bachelor’s holders can consider the accelerated BSN. Graduate candidates must have a BSN, current RN licensure and relevant clinical experience.
Facilities: State-of-the-art simulation labs recreate medical scenarios for skills practice. Clinical partners span major hospitals, primary care clinics and community centers across Los Angeles county.
Bradman University
Situated in a beautiful campus in Northern California, Bradman University is a private Christian institution with a dedicated School of Nursing.
BSN Program: This pre-licensure 4-year major provides extensive theoretical and clinical preparation integrated across nine semesters. Courses explore topics like community health assessment, healthcare informatics, nursing leadership, research and evidence-based practice. Over 500 hours are spent in hands-on training under faculty preceptors in hospitals, clinics and community settings.
Accelerated BSN: This intensive 16-month option is designed for students with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree. It combines undergraduate nursing prerequisites with core clinical subjects to meet RN licensure requirements in an expedited manner.
Graduate Programs: Specializations at the master’s level include Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree develops nursing expertise in advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership or nursing education roles. Both on-campus and online formats provide flexibility.
Admission Requirements: Undergraduate candidates need science prerequisites with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution. Non-nursing bachelor’s holders can apply for the accelerated BSN. Graduate admission requirements include current RN licensure and relevant work experience in addition to academic eligibility.
Facilities: State-of-the-art simulation laboratories recreate realistic clinical scenarios using medium and high-fidelity manikins for skills practice. Students gain direct experience through placements in hospitals, primary clinics and nursing homes across Northern California under faculty guidance. Community health practicums offer exposure to public health initiatives.
The Fresno Pacific University
Located in Central California, Fresno Pacific University is a private Mennonite university known for its impactful nursing programs.
BSN Program: This pre-licensure 4-year major immerses students in didactic learning and over 750 hours of mentored clinical practice rotations across medical-surgical, pediatric, maternal-child and community health settings. Research skills and leadership attributes are emphasized.
Accelerated BSN: This intensive 16-month track allows candidates with a prior bachelor’s degree outside nursing to meet requirements for RN certification through an expedited pathway.
Graduate Programs: The MSN focuses on advanced nursing roles like Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education or Nursing Administration. Hybrid online courses fit working professionals’ needs. Qualified candidates can earn national certifications.
DNP Program: This post-graduate doctorate develops nursing experts, leaders, and scholars in advanced clinical practice, executive healthcare leadership and academics. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and quality improvement projects.
Admission Requirements: Undergraduates need standard eligibility criteria and a competitive GPA. For graduate programs, candidates must have a BSN, current nursing license and work experience. Diverse applicants receive additional consideration.
Facilities: High-tech simulation suites feature human patient simulators. Clinical training occurs in acute and primary care partners in Fresno and Bay Area. Placements address healthcare needs of the most vulnerable.
Holy Names University
Established in 1868, Holy Names University in Oakland has a deep tradition of nurturing moral and ethical nurse leaders through its highly rated nursing programs.
BSN Program: The 4-year pre-licensure major combines rigorous coursework with over 500 hours clinical rotations under expert nursing faculty preceptors across various settings. Community health and global health concentrations are unique offerings.
Accelerated BSN: This intensive 16-month option is tailored for students already holding a bachelor’s degree in another field wanting a career change to nursing. Core prerequisites and clinical rotations meet state requirements.
Graduate Programs: The MSN in Nursing and Health Administration prepares nurses to hold advanced leadership roles. The DNP-FNP track readies nurses as primary care Family Nurse Practitioners addressing local population healthcare needs.
Admission Requirements: Undergraduates need standard eligibility plus an optional personal statement. Accelerated BSN candidates must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in their previous bachelor’s degree. Graduate programs require current nursing licensure along with eligibility criteria.
Facilities: State-of-the-art simulation labs on campus provide realistic clinical scenarios. Placements include major hospitals and clinics around the Bay Area with a focus on vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, these top 10 private nursing schools in California offer exceptional educational opportunities for students aspiring to become compassionate and highly-skilled healthcare professionals. Their diverse program options, outstanding clinical resources and focus on community health make them leaders in training the next generation of nurses.
