2024 Rankings: The 50 Best Nursing Schools in the Los Angeles Metro Area

West Coast University operates two campuses in Los Angeles – the North Hollywood nursing school and the downtown Center for Graduate Studies – with additional sites in Orange County and Ontario. The school’s modern campuses feature LEED buildings and state-of-the-art simulation centers. Traditional BSN and LVN-to-BSN degree programs are available in all three cities. The BSN program has grown rapidly since its recent launch, with over 1,000 graduates in each of the past five years. During that timeframe, WCU students have averaged an impressive 91% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure examination. The university also offers a wealth of online nursing programs including RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, four MSN tracks, and an FNP certificate.

The CSULB School of Nursing graduates 100-200 new nurses annually through its prelicensure BSN program, which features both traditional and second-degree pathways. These students have enjoyed a stellar 97% NCLEX exam pass rate over the past ten years. CSULB also offers an RN-to-BSN completion program and a broad range of MSN degrees and graduate nursing certificates. MSN students can specialize in one of six nurse practitioner fields, advanced public health nursing, or nursing and health systems executive management. Certificates are also available for six NP roles: adult-gerontology acute care, adult-geriatric, family, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, and women’s health.

Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing has a program for every career objective. Undergraduates can pursue a four-year BSN, an LVN-to-BSN bridge, an RN-to-BSN completion program, or the Two-Plus-Two BSN. The final option is a unique track designed for APU transfer students. Prelicensure BSN candidates have passed the NCLEX exam at a solid 84% first-time rate over the past decade. The university’s MSN curriculum features specialties in nursing education, school nursing, two clinical nurse specialist areas, and four nurse practitioner roles. Azusa Pacific University also offers a DNP program, a nursing PhD program, and eight post-master’s nursing certificates.

Cal State LA’s Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing offers a breadth of educational pathways. Graduate students can pursue an MSN degree, a post-master’s certificate, or a DNP degree. The MSN program has specialty tracks in nursing administration, nursing education, and four nurse practitioner fields. Existing MSN-holders can pursue a graduate certificate in any specialty area. The school’s DNP program is offered through a consortium with Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach. Cal State LA’s undergraduates have three options: traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, and accelerated 15-month BSN (formerly the entry-level MSN program). Over the past decade, prelicensure BSN students have enjoyed a strong 95% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure examination.

Stanbridge University offers four distinct nursing programs: a prelicensure associate degree in vocational nursing, a prelicensure BSN, an RN-to-BSN completion program, and an MSN degree with an emphasis in education. Prelicensure students receive hands-on training in the university’s high-fidelity simulation and nursing skills labs, along with the opportunity to work in the first synthetic human cadaver lab on the West Coast. Stanbridge graduates have achieved a 90% NCLEX-PN pass rate from the Los Angeles campus, a 96% NCLEX-PN pass rate from the Irvine campus, and a remarkable 98% NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past five years. The RN-to-BSN and MSN programs are both conducted 100% online on the school’s proprietary Edverum platform, providing maximum flexibility for working nurses.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is the second-most diverse four-year private nonprofit college in the nation. The university’s Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing has historically offered an RN-to-BSN pathway, an entry-level MSN, and two nurse practitioner specializations (family and psychiatric-mental health) with both MSN and post-master’s certificate options. The entry-level MSN is designed for students with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree who wish to prepare for initial RN licensure. Graduates have achieved an 86% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam over the past five years. In the fall of 2021, the School of Nursing expanded its program offerings to include a prelicensure BSN track and a post-master’s DNP curriculum. The latter is the first doctoral degree program in CDU’s storied history.

The nursing program at Concordia University has a new campus, known as Park Place Campus, which features a large skills lab, three simulation labs with sophisticated mannequins, additional classrooms, and a nursing station where students can practice hands-on nursing skills. The school offers an MSN degree and several BSN pathways, including LVN-to-BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN. Students in all programs will complete a curriculum designed around Dr. Jean Watson’s philosophy of caring in nursing, while working closely with faculty role models. Over the past decade, prelicensure BSN graduates have achieved an excellent 96% NCLEX-RN exam pass rate.

Biola University’s Department of Nursing is part of the School of Science, Technology, and Health. The Department offers a traditional prelicensure BSN that was recently ranked sixth on Niche’s list of the Best Colleges for Nursing in California. Program highlights include opportunities for global health experiences in variety of countries and a state-of the-art simulation lab with multiple advanced patient simulators. The simulation lab provides the opportunity for students to experience a variety of clinical realities, from the intensive care unit to the delivery suite. Over the past decade, BSN graduates of Biola University’s Department of Nursing achieved a noteworthy NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 86%.

Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health has been a fully functioning training school for nurses since 1901. Each year, the School of Nursing graduates 80-100 ADN students across two tracks: a traditional two-year pathway and an advanced placement option for licensed vocational nurses. These graduates have posted a phenomenal 94% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam over the past decade. Clinical nursing experiences are conducted at Los Angeles County Department of Health Services hospitals, including Los Angeles County + USC, Olive View-UCLA, Harbor-UCLA Medical Centers, and Comprehensive Health Centers and Clinics.

The College of Health and Human Development at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) houses the Department of Nursing, which has a nursing curriculum geared specifically to the needs of the local community. Programs include the ADN-to-BSN Community College Collaborative, the accelerated BSN, and the RN-to-BSN pathway for existing nurses. A public health nurse (PHN) certificate is also available. The Collaborative links CSUN with designated California Community College partners to enable students to earn a BSN degree in just over 2.5 years. Applicants for all programs are eligible to receive credit for military education and experience. Over the past decade, accelerated BSN graduates have achieved an outstanding NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 92%.

Career Development Institute opened its doors in 1998. The school began with courses for aspiring certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and restorative nursing assistants. In 2003, CDI became the only approved California nursing school with a mobile classroom, allowing the school to expand its reach and directly engage with the community. More recently, CDI launched an LVN certificate program that offers small class sizes, unique clinical rotations, tutoring services, and free job placement. Approximately thirty students graduate from the LVN program each year. These students have earned an impressive 93% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam over the past decade.

The Department of Nursing at Glendale Community College offers an ADN program that prepares graduates for entry-level positions at hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare environments. Sample nursing courses include Essentials of Medication Administration, Nursing Perspectives, Maternal Child Health, and Psychiatric Nursing. Graduates of the ADN program at Glendale Community College are prepared to seek positions at major area healthcare providers such as Adventist Health Glendale, Glendale Memorial Hospital, and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Over the past decade, approximately 70-100 ADN graduates annually have achieved a strong 94% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Casa Loma College boasts more than 10,000 graduates who have pursued professions in nursing and allied healthcare. The school offers an online RN-to-BSN program designed for registered nurses with an unencumbered California license and an associate degree or diploma from an accredited nursing school. The RN-to-BSN program allows students to transfer as many as 85 of the 120 credits required for graduation. Students complete the remaining 35 credits of nursing education, general education, and clinical fieldwork at Casa Loma College. This accelerated curriculum can be completed in just three semesters, or as little as 48 weeks. Nursing coursework focuses on leadership, management, research, theory, and public health. Clinical experiences are completed locally in an approved agency with a qualified preceptor.

Smith Chason School of Nursing is a private postsecondary vocational college with a main campus in Los Angeles and branch campuses in Ontario and Phoenix. The school’s two California campuses offer a vocational nursing program that consists of 1,536 clock hours and 79.5 credit hours of study. This 15-month diploma prepares students as entry-level healthcare providers who are responsible for rendering basic nursing care. Over the past decade, the school’s LVN graduates have maintained a strong 80% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. To complement the vocational nursing diploma, Smith Chason recently launched a 24-month associate of science degree in nursing. This program prepares students for initial RN licensure with an evidence-based approach that promotes practical and critical reasoning skills. Finally, for post-licensure students, the school offers an 18-month RN-to-BSN degree completion program that enables working nurses to complete their baccalaureate education.

California Career College has provided nursing education for nearly twenty years. The school’s initial curriculum focused exclusively on an 18-month vocational nursing certificate. More recently, the college added a 24-month associate degree in registered nursing. Each program prepares students for the respective version of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). LVN graduates of California Career College have averaged a 68% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam over the past decade. ADN graduates have performed even better, with an 87% NCLEX-RN pass rate since the program’s launch and a 90% pass rate during the most recent academic year.

Considered a leader in allied health education, North-West College has produced more than 45,000 graduates over the past fifty years. The school offers a licensed vocational nursing program that may be completed at any of its five campus locations. The program prepares students to work in medical offices, clinics, doctor’s offices, HMOs, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. NCLEX-PN pass rates vary by campus, with the Riverside location leading the pack: this campus has graduated 75-150 students annually, while posting an 80% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. Graduates of North-West College enjoy a job placement rate of 70% or higher across all locations, including an 87% job placement rate for alumni of the Pasadena campus.

High Desert Medical College offers career-focused training in several healthcare disciplines including dental assisting, medical assisting, veterinary services, and nursing. The college has offered a vocational nursing diploma program for over a decade. Students can select either the one-year fulltime track or the 90-week part-time track; both options include 1,595 total clock hours. Coursework runs the gamut of LVN responsibilities including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, obstetrics, pediatrics, intravenous therapy, and blood withdrawal. HDMC graduates have performed impressively well on the NCLEX-PN licensure examination, posting an 87% first-time pass rate over the past three years.

Premiere Career College is a vocational school authorized to operate by the California Bureau for Private and Post-Secondary Education and accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. The school’s vocational nursing program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. LVN students enjoy one-on-one coaching, career services assistance, and hands-on experience. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-PN licensure examination, graduates are prepared for immediate employment in the field. Over the past six years, approximately 40 LVN graduates annually have averaged a 70% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam, including an impressive 87% pass rate in 2015.

CES College is a non-profit institution that has provided quality education for twenty-five years. The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and approved by the California Board for Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). CES College offers a vocational nursing program with clinical experiences that run the gamut of client demographics, illness stages, and healthcare settings. Job placement is an integral part of the program, with recent placements at Kaiser Permanente and the UCLA Hospitals. The vocational nursing program graduates approximately thirty students annually. Three out of the past four graduating classes have scored a 75% or higher first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination.

Los Angeles Harbor College is a non-profit two-year college that offers more than 200 academic programs, certificates, and training. Many LAHC pathways, such as the nursing program, lead to an associate degree. Others, such as the Honors Transfer program, prepare students to transfer to top research universities across the state. The college’s ADN program combines coursework in the classroom, skills training in state-of-the-art simulation and learning laboratories, and clinical experiences at hospitals, community clinics, and home healthcare agencies. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Over the past decade, LAHC has graduated 50-75 ADN students annually with a remarkable 98% first-time NCLEX pass rate.

North Orange County Regional Occupational Program provides career technical education to more than 16,000 students across five school districts. Classes are held at more than thirty different locations, and on-the-job training takes place at community-based businesses, facilities, and organizations. The nursing program at North Orange County ROP provides hands-on training for individuals who would like to pursue the LVN certificate. Students learn how to deliver basic nursing care to patients, check vital signs, administer medications, and collect samples for testing. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination; upon successful completion, they can pursue employment at home healthcare agencies and in residential and long-term care facilities. Over the past decade, LVN graduates have achieved an exceptional 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate.

Based in beautiful Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a two-year, open-access institution that focuses on completion degrees, professional development, and workforce preparation. The School of Nursing offers an ADN program that qualifies the graduate to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The ADN curriculum explores professional nursing, health and illness, and human physiology. Over the past decade, 80-90 ADN graduates per year have achieved an excellent 91% first-time NCLEX pass rate. Golden West College has also partnered with several four-year institutions – including CSU Fullerton, CSU San Marcos, and Grand Canyon University – to provide nursing students an RN-to-BSN pathway. This curriculum covers advanced topics such as family and community health nursing, role transition, and nursing leadership and professional issues. BSN graduates from these partner institutions will be prepared for advancement opportunities in the nursing field.

Pasadena City College enrolls nearly 30,000 students each semester. Many of these students go on to secure a seat at major universities in the competitive University of California and California State University systems. The Division of Health Sciences offers nursing programs for students interested in either working immediately or transferring into a BSN program. Specific options include a brief CNA course, an 11-month LVN certificate, and two ADN pathways (traditional four semesters, LVN-to-RN career ladder). All programs feature intensive coursework and hands-on training at PCC facilities and area hospitals. Graduates of the LVN and ADN programs are prepared to sit for their respective NCLEX licensure exams. Over the past decade, LVN graduates have averaged an 80% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate, while their ADN counterparts have achieved a solid 90% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate.

California Career Institute focuses solely on preparing individuals for careers in the healthcare and dental sectors. For those seeking a career in nursing, CCI offers programs leading to the credentials of certified nursing assistant and licensed vocational nurse. These programs are offered in an accelerated, training-intensive format. CNA students will be career-ready in just seven weeks. LVN students can earn their diploma in as little as 18 months. Hands-on training for both programs takes place in the CCI Simulation Lab. LVN students will also complete weekend clinical rotations at hospitals and partner sites in Anaheim and throughout Orange County. LVN graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. The school’s first-time NCLEX pass rate typically falls between 70% and 80% each year.

Santa Ana College is recognized for its workforce training programs in law enforcement, firefighting, nursing, and many other medical fields. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and its associate degree in nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Coursework covers critical topics like family health and illness, mental health, and pharmacological concepts. Approximately 90-100 students graduate from the Santa Ana College nursing program each year. Over the past decade, these graduates have averaged an 87% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure examination.