Mount Saint Mary’s University BSN Programs

Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles BSN Programs created a legacy of excellence by becoming the first Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in California. The program’s first graduating class of 1952 started pioneering nursing education that produced generations of skilled healthcare professionals.

The CCNE-accredited nursing program blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical rotations beginning in the second year[-2]. Mount Saint Mary’s nursing program takes 24 months to complete and gives students clinical placements in LA healthcare settings of all types. UCLA employs many of the university’s nursing students as nursing assistants during their studies, which provides real-life experience before graduation. The program’s 95% NCLEX pass rate demonstrates why traditional BSN programs like Mount Saint Mary’s prepare California’s graduates so well for their nursing careers.

Let’s take a closer look at Mount Saint Mary’s University nursing program’s unique features, available program options, admission requirements, and the reasons top Los Angeles hospitals actively seek its graduates.

Types of Programs Offered

Mount Saint Mary’s University provides nursing education pathways that fit different career stages and educational backgrounds. Their flexible program options maintain high standards while pioneering new approaches to nursing education.

The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program serves as the core of Mount Saint Mary’s nursing education. Students need 120 credits to complete this on-campus program, which typically takes 24 months with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students learn through a mix of classroom sessions and clinical rotations. Small groups of 12 students work two days each week in leading Los Angeles hospitals.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree can take the Accelerated BSN program to finish their nursing education within a year. This challenging program runs through three back-to-back semesters and costs about $85,722 for in-state students. Students can earn their BSN qualification quickly through 42 credits of intensive study over 12 months.

Registered nurses with associate degrees can choose the RN to BSN program. Students complete this flexible online program in just three semesters. Working RNs can keep their jobs while studying. The program needs 22 credits, runs for 12 months, requires a 2.80 GPA, and costs around $11,330 for in-state students.

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) have special pathways at Mount Saint Mary’s. The LVN to BSN option lets LVNs with completed general education requirements test out of sophomore-level courses and start junior-level work directly. A non-degree LVN to RN option helps California-licensed LVNs qualify for the state’s RN licensure exam with just 26 units of required courses. This option works with all pre-licensure programs at the university.

Mount Saint Mary’s has expanded its online and hybrid learning options to meet growing national needs. Beyond the fully online RN-BSN program, students can pursue hybrid MSN programs. The Nurse Educator track takes 12 months with 33 credits.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits all nursing programs at Mount Saint Mary’s University. This ensures graduates meet national quality standards for nursing education.

Online and Hybrid Options

Mount Saint Mary’s University places flexibility at the core of its digital nursing education approach. Working professionals can now benefit from expanded online offerings that uphold the university’s high educational standards.

The RN to Bachelor of Science Degree Program serves as the primary online option through the Doheny Campus. This 100% online program lets working RNs advance their careers without leaving their jobs. Students can earn their degree in three semesters, though many choose to spread their coursework over four or five semesters.

Students appreciate the program’s asynchronous format. You can complete assignments at your own pace within each semester. Your instructor might schedule one or two Zoom meetings per term while remaining available to provide guidance and support throughout.

California residents have the option to pursue a Public Health Certificate with a clinical component. This path requires a valid and active California RN license. Clinical rotations happen during weekdays in the second and third semesters, with schedules tailored to individual needs.

Mount Saint Mary’s provides multiple ways to complete general education requirements. Students can take these courses online through the Weekend/Evening & Online College (WEOC)[83] or attend in-person classes.

The university also offers hybrid BSN to MSN programs to cite an instance, the Nurse Educator track needs 33 credits. Students can complete this track in 12 months with in-state tuition of approximately $36,564.

Mount Saint Mary’s has adapted to changing times. While fully online degrees were not available before, the RN to BSN program now delivers a complete digital learning experience at rates lower than traditional campus programs.

These online and hybrid options help students balance their professional and educational goals. The combination of convenience and academic excellence explains why Mount Saint Mary’s graduates consistently find positions at Los Angeles’s top healthcare facilities.

Admission Requirements

Students who want to join Mount Saint Mary’s University nursing programs must meet specific academic standards and complete key prerequisites. The BSN Admission Committee reviews each applicant’s qualifications through a complete evaluation process.

Applicants need to keep a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and maintain a science GPA of at least 2.7. They must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better before they can enroll. These prerequisites include:

• Chemistry or Physics (3 semester/4 quarter units)
• Human Anatomy with lab (4 semester/6 quarter units)
• Human Physiology with lab (4 semester/6 quarter units)
• Microbiology with lab (4 semester/6 quarter units)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 semester/4 quarter units)
• Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (3 semester/4 quarter units)
• English 1A and 1B (3 semester/4 quarter units each)
• Introduction to Communication (2-3 semester/3-4 quarter units)
• Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematical Ideas (3 semester/4 quarter units)

Science courses must be completed within five years before admission. Students can apply with up to two prerequisites in progress, but only one can be a science course. Getting a grade of C- or below in any two prerequisite courses means automatic non-admission.

The application process has several important steps. Qualified candidates must take a nursing entrance exam and submit a video interview. These elements help the committee learn about an applicant’s readiness for the program.

Mount Saint Mary’s offers a guaranteed admission pathway for high school students. Students qualify by completing specific science requirements, achieving an overall high school GPA of 3.8 or higher, and finishing three years of math with pre-calculus as the minimum level.

The admission process is very selective due to high interest. Some qualified applicants might end up on a waitlist for the current term. Waitlisted students who don’t get accepted can apply again for future terms, but they won’t get priority status.

What’s Different about the BSN Programs at Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles

Mount Saint Mary’s University BSN programs stand out with remarkable outcomes and a specialized approach to nursing education. Their graduates achieve a 94% job placement rate at premier Los Angeles hospitals, landing positions at UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Small class sizes make these programs special. Students learn in clinical groups of just 12 per rotation, unlike larger nursing schools. This intimate setting will give students valuable one-on-one time with instructors who become mentors throughout their educational trip.

The program’s strong ties with Los Angeles healthcare systems add significant value. Strategic collaborations with top medical facilities let students experience diverse patient care settings firsthand. Many students receive job offers before they even graduate.

Mount Saint Mary’s curriculum showcases their steadfast dedication to excellence by combining technical skills with compassionate care. Students build core knowledge while learning the latest healthcare breakthroughs and evidence-based practices. Healthcare partners provide regular input to update the curriculum, which helps graduates develop skills that hospitals just need.

Faculty support makes a real impact on student success. Professors keep their doors open to help with both academics and career growth. A thriving alumni network continues this support after graduation by creating career advancement opportunities.

California’s first Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has a rich history at Mount Saint Mary’s. This legacy combines with modern teaching methods to create a unique learning experience. Graduates emerge ready to excel in today’s complex healthcare world.