BSN Schools in California Complete Accredited List
California leads the nation with 332,560 nurses and offers an annual mean salary of $137,690 in 2024. The Golden State presents an excellent career path for aspiring nurses, and projections show an 11% growth in nursing opportunities over the next decade.
The state’s education system features numerous BSN programs. Schools offer programs of all types, from traditional four-year degrees to accelerated pathways. UCLA and California State University, Sacramento stand among the top nursing colleges with outstanding educational opportunities. Competition remains fierce though, as some programs accept only 2.5% of applicants. Public institutions in California are a great choice because they offer lower in-state tuition rates.
This detailed guide provides a complete list of accredited BSN programs. You’ll learn about admission requirements, program formats, and important details to help you review which nursing school matches your career goals.
Complete List of CCNE and ACEN Accredited BSN Schools in California
Program quality at BSN schools in California depends heavily on accreditation status. Two organizations – the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) – set high educational standards. Here’s a look at the state’s top accredited nursing programs.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA’s School of Nursing runs a traditional four-year BSN program that accepts a limited number of transfer students at junior level. The CCNE has accredited this program, which also has approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing. Students who graduate can take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) and apply for their Public Health Nursing Certificate from the California Board of Registered Nursing. The program stands out as a certified capstone major where students must complete a clinically-based scholarly project in their final clinical course.
California State University, Fullerton
CSU Fullerton’s School of Nursing earned its CCNE accreditation in April 2007. The latest reaffirmation came in September 2016, extending through June 2027. The California Board of Registered Nursing has approved the BSN program, letting graduates test for their California RN license. Students can choose from several paths: Traditional BSN, Upper-Division Transfer BSN, LVN-BSN, Accelerated BSN, and Concurrent Enrollment Program.
San Diego State University
SDSU’s School of Nursing has kept its CCNE accreditation since September 2001, valid through December 2026. Graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The nursing program carefully selects freshmen based on their ranking and available spots. Students learn through extensive coursework in nursing fundamentals, pathophysiology, and clinical pharmacology.
California State University, Long Beach
CSU Long Beach’s School of Nursing holds CCNE accreditation until June 2031. Their program shows outstanding results with almost 100% first-time pass rates on NCLEX-RN in the last five years. Healthcare employers actively seek their graduates. Licensed RNs can complete the RN-to-BSN pathway, a two-year upper-division program designed for Associate Degree in Nursing graduates.
University of San Francisco
USF’s School of Nursing and Health Professions runs a CCNE-accredited baccalaureate program. The California Board of Registered Nursing has approved all nursing programs. BSN graduates perform well, with 90% passing their NCLEX on the first try between 2022-2024.
California State University, Sacramento
CSU Sacramento’s nursing program earned CCNE accreditation in March 2000, now extending through June 2030. The program boasts an impressive 97% NCLEX pass rate, with 153 successful students in 2013/2014. Nursing has become the university’s largest undergraduate major, with about 2,000 enrolled students.
California State University, Chico
Chico State’s School of Nursing got its CCNE accreditation in October 2003, now valid through December 2028. Students gain valuable experience through five semesters of hands-on clinical practice. They can apply to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) after their first semester, getting real work experience before graduation.
California State University, East Bay
CSU East Bay’s Nursing Department received CCNE accreditation in February 2011, valid through December 2026. The California Board of Registered Nursing has approved this program. Cal State East Bay Concord Center trains students to become adaptable professional generalists who meet their communities’ changing needs.
Other Accredited BSN Schools in California
Key Admission Requirements for BSN Programs in California
Getting into BSN schools in California isn’t easy. The state’s nursing programs are highly competitive, and you need to know what they want. Here’s what you should prepare before applying.
Minimum GPA and TEAS Score Expectations
Academic excellence is the foundation of nursing programs in California. Schools want a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0, though some aim higher—CSU Long Beach asks for a 3.25 cumulative GPA. Meeting these basic numbers isn’t enough to get in. CSU East Bay’s competitive students typically have GPAs between 3.60-4.00. Fresno State’s successful applicants usually hit around 3.75.
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) plays a huge role in getting accepted. Each school sets its own minimum scores:
- CSU East Bay wants 70% overall with at least 65% in English and Reading subsections
- San Francisco State looks for 78% or higher within three attempts
- SJSU needs 84% minimum
- Fresno State requires 75% minimum within two attempts
Schools limit how many times you can take the TEAS test. Most allow just 2-3 attempts within a set time.
Common Prerequisite Courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology
California schools for nursing share common science prerequisites you must complete:
- Human Anatomy with lab
- Human Physiology with lab
- Microbiology with lab
- Chemistry (general, organic, or biochemistry) with lab
You’ll also need these non-science courses:
- Written Communication/English Composition
- Oral Communication/Public Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Statistics
Schools vary on grade requirements. Most want at least a C, while others ask for B- or better. CSU Fullerton’s Accelerated BSN program needs a minimum B- in all science prerequisites. SJSU adds another rule – your anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses must be less than five years old when you apply.
Application Deadlines and Competitive Entry
Top nursing colleges in California follow specific timelines. Fall applications usually run from October to February. Spring applications happen between August and September. Competition is fierce – Cal State LA takes just 70 students from about 700 applicants each year.
The application process has several steps:
- University application through Cal State Apply
- Nursing-specific application through NursingCAS
- Extra applications some programs ask for
Some schools give special consideration to certain groups. CSUB saves two spots yearly for military veterans. Other schools prefer students from their local areas.
LVN to BSN and RN to BSN Bridge Pathways
Best nursing schools in California create special paths for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and registered nurses (RNs) who want to advance their careers.
LVN-to-BSN programs ask for:
- Current California LVN license
- Completion of a state-approved vocational nursing program
- Similar prerequisites as regular BSN programs
RN-to-BSN programs look for:
- Current California RN license
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited school
- GPA between 2.5-3.0 from previous nursing education
These bridge programs value your previous nursing education. Many let you use prerequisites from your ADN program toward your BSN requirements.
Comparing Program Formats: Traditional, Accelerated, and Online BSN
Students looking to become nurses can choose from several educational paths at BSN schools in California. Each path accommodates different academic backgrounds and schedule requirements. The right format depends on your career goals and personal situation.
Traditional BSN: 4-Year On-Campus Programs
First-year students typically complete traditional BSN programs in four years, while transfer students finish in three. UCLA’s School of Nursing features a classic four-year curriculum that concludes with a clinically-based scholarly project in the final year. Cal State LA runs a three-year traditional program that blends theoretical and clinical nursing courses. These programs need full-time commitment and students find it hard to balance heavy outside work. CSU San Marcos runs its traditional BSN as a cohort-based program. Students attend daytime courses and rotate through clinical placements across San Diego and Riverside Counties.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) for Non-Nursing Degree Holders
Students who already have a bachelor’s degree can complete Accelerated BSN programs in 12 to 16 months. These ever-changing programs follow a structured progression plan. Tuition ranges from $23,000 to $90,000 based on the school. Most ABSN programs need a minimum 3.0 GPA on prerequisite coursework. CSU Northridge’s ABSN takes 15 months to complete. Samuel Merritt University offers one of California’s quickest paths at just 12 months.
Online RN to BSN Programs for Working Nurses
Online programs are a great way to get advanced education for working RNs. California State University-Stanislaus delivers nursing courses digitally in their online RN-BSN program. Students complete just one 90-hour practicum in population health nursing. California State University-San Marcos runs a fully online program that takes 14 months with four yearly start dates. These programs cost less than traditional formats. Cal State LA charges about $6,450 per semester.
Hybrid BSN Programs with Clinical Rotations
Hybrid programs mix online learning with face-to-face components. Concordia University gives students both campus-based and hybrid options. The hybrid format features online courses paired with in-person simulation labs. Students must complete clinical rotations in surrounding counties. These programs maintain essential hands-on training for nursing practice. West Coast University’s hybrid BSN takes as few as 39 months. Classes run in 10-week terms with multiple start dates throughout the year.
How to Evaluate the Best Nursing Schools in California
Choosing the right BSN school in California means looking at several key factors that show program quality and future career prospects. The right metrics will help you make smart choices that line up with what you want from your education.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates by School
NCLEX pass rates show how well programs prepare students for their nursing license. Ohlone College and Sierra College stand out with 100% first-time NCLEX pass rates in 2022. UCLA students managed to keep an 87% first-time pass rate in the last decade. The University of San Francisco reports 90% of BSN graduates pass their first try from 2022-2024. Better pass rates usually mean stronger curriculum and better teaching.
Retention and Graduation Rates
On-time completion rates vary by a lot among California schools for nursing. State data shows the average on-time completion rate hit a ten-year peak of 85.4% in 2022-23. Dominican University of California achieved a perfect 100% on-time completion rate for several years straight. Student dropout rates dropped to their lowest point in ten years at 7.0% in 2022-21. ADN programs showed the biggest improvements.
Median Earnings After Graduation
California’s new nursing graduates earn much more than the national average. New grad RN salaries typically range from $91,548 (25th percentile) to $129,686 (75th percentile) per year. These numbers are about 25% higher than national figures. Top performers can make up to $151,754 yearly. Starting salaries begin at $80,447 and can reach $127,775 with experience.
Accreditation Status: CCNE vs ACEN
The best nursing schools in California get accreditation from CCNE or ACEN. CCNE focuses on bachelor’s and graduate programs and uses a self-regulatory assessment approach. ACEN covers all nursing education levels from practical to doctorate programs. They work closely with government agencies to give students extra services. Both organizations have equal quality standards that employers recognize.
Clinical Placement Opportunities
Top nursing colleges in California provide diverse clinical experiences through healthcare facility partnerships. UC Davis Health helps place over 1,000 nursing students each year. The Clinical Placement Office at Cal State LA builds agency agreements throughout Greater Los Angeles. Getting preceptorship spots can be competitive. Schools like CSU Dominguez Hills ask students to apply 3-6 months before their predicted placement.
Next Steps After Choosing a BSN Program
You’ve found your ideal bsn schools in California. Now comes your next big challenge – getting through the post-selection process. A well-planned approach will help you transition smoothly into your nursing education.
Preparing Your Application Packet
The moment you pick your target programs, start collecting your documents. Most California schools for nursing want official transcripts from your previous schools, and some need them in PDF format. You’ll also need a professional or academic reference letter with an official letterhead. Your personal essay should be 2-3 double-spaced pages that explain why you want to become a nurse. Remember to show proof that you’re currently taking any required prerequisites – an education plan or registration confirmation works well.
Contacting Admissions Offices for Clarification
Clear communication with admissions offices will help you understand specific program requirements. Top nursing colleges in California give you several ways to get help. Many offer 15-minute one-on-one counseling sessions through Microsoft Bookings. Schools run information webinars about admission requirements during summer and fall. Student ambassadors are a great way to get first-hand insights about the application process.
Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships
Money matters when it comes to BSN education. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Scholarship Program can give you up to $10,000 if you work in underserved communities for 12 months. UCLA’s Center for Scholarships helps students find funding through workshops and personal counseling. Health Resources and Services Administration scholarships are available too. These cover your tuition, fees, and give you monthly stipends.
Planning for the NCLEX and Licensure Process
Your next step after graduation is getting your license. Submit your NCLEX exam application approximately two weeks before you finish your program. You’ll need fingerprints – Live Scan works best, but Fingerprint Cards are fine too. The whole process costs around $575-590: $300 for the online application, $75-90 for fingerprinting, and $200 for NCLEX registration. Keep track of your application through your BreEZe account or the Application Status portal.
Find Your Ideal BSN School Today
Your path to a rewarding nursing career in California starts with picking the right BSN program. This piece has shown you many accredited programs throughout the state, each with its own strengths and opportunities. The Golden State employs more nurses than any other state with impressive average salaries reaching $137,690 annually. This makes your investment in education even more worthwhile.
Getting into these programs takes careful preparation. You’ll need strong grades, good TEAS scores, and completed prerequisites to stand out among other applicants. The variety of program formats – traditional four-year, accelerated, online, or hybrid – lets you choose a path that lines up with your life situation and career goals.
NCLEX-RN pass rates, graduation statistics, and post-graduation earnings are vital metrics to help you decide. Schools like UCLA, CSU Sacramento, and University of San Francisco show exceptional results through their challenging curricula and hands-on clinical experiences.
Once you’ve chosen your ideal program, you’ll need to prepare your application, plan your finances, and understand the steps to get licensed. Many schools offer substantial scholarships for nursing students who plan to serve vulnerable communities after graduation.
The nursing field continues to grow, with projected growth of 11% over the next decade. A BSN degree from an accredited California institution will give you both clinical expertise and job security. These foundations prepare you for immediate employment and open doors to specialized roles or graduate education as your career grows.