Concordia University Irvine BSN Programs
Concordia University Irvine BSN Programs give students access to an impressive 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art nursing teaching space. Students who want to advance their nursing career quickly can choose a program that ranks with prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Michigan State University. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Concordia University Irvine ranked in the top ten for “50 Best Accelerated BSN Programs for 2015”.
The Concordia University Irvine nursing program has earned a prestigious 10-year accreditation from the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This recognition and their extensive campus facilities include over 90,000 square feet of classrooms, offices, and unique educational spaces. These features show the program’s steadfast dedication to nursing excellence. Students thinking over the ABSN program with its minimum 3.25 GPA requirement or learning about other nursing pathways will find quality education on Concordia’s spacious 6.6-acre campus.
This complete guide helps you understand Concordia’s nursing program requirements, available options, and unique features that make these programs stand out as you plan your 2025 nursing career.
Types of Programs Offered
Concordia University Irvine’s nursing education programs cater to students with diverse academic backgrounds and career goals. The university gives students four distinct nursing program options.
The Undergraduate Pre-Nursing Minor builds a strong foundation for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a Pre-Nursing minor and become eligible for the Accelerated BSN program. Students can complete both degrees in as little as 5 years.
The Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway works as a strategic route rather than a standalone degree. This pathway helps undergraduate students from any major get early acceptance into the ABSN program. Students must submit their intent declaration to their academic advisor in their first semester at Concordia. This approach lets students earn two bachelor’s degrees in just five years.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program stands as the most popular choice. It offers an intensive 15-month curriculum for students who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 65 non-nursing college credits. The ABSN program comes in two formats:
- A campus-based program in Irvine, California
- A hybrid program in Rancho Cucamonga, California (with online courses and in-person simulation labs)
Students can start the hybrid ABSN program in January, May, or August, which makes educational planning flexible. The program requires 765 clinical hours with Concordia’s partners in Southern California. Small class sizes allow students to interact with professors regularly in a supportive environment that builds critical thinking and leadership skills.
The Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program prepares nurses for healthcare management leadership roles or positions as clinical or academic nurse educators. Students can complete this 48-unit program in 36 months (9 semesters). The program structure features 8-week courses taken one at a time, and all theory courses run online asynchronously. Students also complete four practicum courses that give hands-on experience at various healthcare facilities.
Concordia University Irvine no longer offers the RN to BSN degree program. Students with a bachelor’s degree who want nursing credentials should consider the ABSN second-degree program instead.
These programs showcase Concordia’s dedication to developing skilled, compassionate nursing professionals who make meaningful contributions to healthcare.
Online and Hybrid Options
Concordia University Irvine BSN Programs take an innovative approach to nursing education by putting flexibility first. Modern students come with different needs, and that’s why the university gives them two choices for the Accelerated BSN program. Students can choose between a traditional campus-based program in Irvine, California, and a hybrid-based program in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Students get the best of both worlds with the hybrid program. They can complete their theoretical coursework online while getting essential hands-on training in person. The program lets students work on assignments through an interactive e-learning platform that fits their schedule, as long as they meet the set deadlines. Students experience rich media content, interactive presentations, case studies, and textbook-based written assignments. They also take part in engaging online discussions.
The hybrid option’s accelerated format gives students great scheduling benefits without cutting corners on education quality. Students receive a complete education similar to a four-year program compressed into just 15 months. This helps them start their nursing career faster. The program starts three times a year—January, May, and August—giving students multiple chances to begin their journey.
The hybrid program keeps its hands-on training strong even with online elements. Experienced instructors lead skills and simulation labs on-site. Students work with manikins in realistic simulations to develop their basic nursing skills. These practical sessions help build student confidence and knowledge before they work with real patients.
Clinical rotations play a vital role as students apply their classroom learning in healthcare settings. Registered nurses guide them through different specialties. Students who take Pediatric Nursing Theory in their third semester also complete pediatric clinical rotations. These rotations happen in various healthcare settings like acute care, community care, and ambulatory care.
Students must come to campus for scheduled labs, proctored exams, and regular meetings with academic counselors. The hybrid format offers flexibility but keeps all the vital hands-on elements that nursing education needs.
This balanced approach works well for non-traditional students who have other life commitments while pursuing their BSN degree. The program’s structure shows that hands-on experience matters in nursing education, while letting students complete their theoretical coursework when it suits them best.
Admission Requirements
Getting into Concordia University Irvine BSN Programs takes careful planning. The program sets high standards with an average acceptance rate between 24-26%.
The Accelerated BSN program sets specific requirements for admission. Students must complete a Bachelor’s degree in any field or have at least 65 non-nursing college credits from a regionally accredited institution. Students can transfer up to 75 units from their previous degree.
Your academic record is a vital part of the admission decision. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale is required. This requirement applies to your bachelor’s degree GPA and any classes you take after completing your degree. Your prerequisite courses must maintain a minimum 3.0 (B) cumulative GPA, and you must earn at least a C in each non-science course.
Science prerequisites require extra attention. You must complete each science prerequisite with lab (Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Microbiology) with a B- or higher. These courses must be taken within five years of your planned admission term. Remember, you can only repeat two of the four science prerequisites once.
Concordia requires students to complete at least 100 hours of qualifying patient care experiences. You must complete 75 hours minimum before submitting your application. You can gain these hours working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, Home Health Aide, or Physical Therapy Aide.
The application package has several components. You must submit an online application with a $50 non-refundable fee, provide official college transcripts, complete a prerequisite form, write a statement of intent/essay, sign a background check waiver form, and submit two professional or academic recommendation letters.
The program invites selected candidates for admission interviews. Accepted students should plan for program costs between $60,000 and $62,000, which covers tuition, books, uniforms, and insurance.
What’s Different about the BSN Programs at Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine’s BSN Programs excel in nursing education for several reasons. State-of-the-art simulation labs replicate hospital environments perfectly. Students practice clinical skills in realistic scenarios before they work with actual patients.
Concordia’s educational philosophy makes it unique. Their Christ-centered approach emphasizes technical excellence and compassionate, integrated patient care. Students graduate seeing their profession as both a scientific discipline and a calling to serve others.
Small class sizes guarantee individual attention from faculty members. Students build strong relationships with experienced nursing professionals who guide their development.
Concordia’s nursing professors’ credentials add another advantage. They combine extensive clinical experience with academic expertise. Their practical wisdom enhances classroom learning with knowledge gained through years of professional practice.
Students complete their BSN in just 15 months without compromising educational quality. This accelerated format beats traditional four-year programs while maintaining high academic standards.
Clinical placement opportunities stand out as a key benefit. Students gain experience in medical settings of all types through mutually beneficial alliances with premier healthcare facilities across Southern California. These connections often lead to jobs after graduation when preceptors see students’ capabilities during clinical rotations.
Job placement numbers confirm the program’s success. Graduates land positions at respected healthcare institutions, often with multiple offers before they finish their degree.
Concordia University Irvine’s nursing programs blend academic excellence with practical preparation. Graduates enter the profession ready for modern healthcare’s complexities. This balanced approach explains the program’s competitive acceptance rate and its ability to attract top applicants year after year.