lvn to rn programs los angeles
Los Angeles County Lvn To Rn Program
If you are an LVN wanting to become an RN, LASC’s LVN to RN Bridge Program can help you reach that goal! The program starts your education with the second semester of our ADN. As an ADN student, you will take the curriculum to become eligible to take the national RN exam.
Option B:Available for students who live outside of California or are unable to enroll in our full-time Nursing program, the 30-unit Program option is mandated by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Lvn to Rn Bridge Programme Requirements
- Pre-requisites, documentation, requirements, and application process are the same as the ADN Program. Admission will depend upon spaces available.
- In addition to the above requirements, you will need a current Vocational Nursing (VN) License from an accredited VN program.
- Once you are admitted into the program, you must successfully pass the Challenge Exam and Competency Skills before you can enter into the second-semester courses.
- Your starting semester may be the following Fall or Spring semester, dependent upon when second-semester courses are offered.
Required Curriculum Course Order: | Units |
Second Semester | |
NURS 502A Medical-Surgical Nursing A | 4.5 |
NURS 503B Psychiatric Nursing | 4.5 |
Third Semester | |
NURS 506B Maternal and Child Health Nursing (Obstetrics) | 4.5 |
NURS 506A Maternal and Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics) | 4.5 |
Fourth Semester | |
NURS 502B Medical-Surgical Nursing B | 4.5 |
NURS 503A Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing | 4.5 |
NURS 507 Senior Seminar | 1 |
TOTAL UNITS | 28 |
View the current Nursing Student Handbook or Course Catalog for current policy information on how to Petition for Credit by Examination or Challenge for Nursing Course Credit.
best nursing schools in los angeles
The demand for nurses is one of the fastest growing in the United States and Los Angeles, California is leading the pack in the demand for nurses. For this reason, there are plenty of nursing schools in CA for you to choose from.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statics research shows that between the years 2012 and 2022 there will be an increase of approximately 4. 1 million jobs in the healthcare field. Los Angeles is expected to need an additional 200,000 nurses over the next few years.
There are a variety of BSN programs in LA. A nurse who holds a BSN In the United States will be in the highest demand during this growth period. Within a hospital setting an estimated 262,000 will become available. Nursing homes follow closely behind at 200,000 and medical offices just over 100,000 jobs will need to be filled.
Employment Salary
Nursing salaries vary, while nurses generally make a very nice salary there are several factors that contribute to how nice of a salary the following things are taken into consideration by an employer:
Type of degree (LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse), AND/ANS – 2-year associates degree, BSN- 4-year bachelor’s degree, MSN – 5-year master’s degree. Specialty experience nurses such as nurses who work in the following areas – (critical nurse, neonatal nurse, cardiac nurse, surgical nurse, etc.) and nurses who have spent a great deal of time in a specialty area of any kind not just the ones listed above usually warrant a higher salary than a nurse just entering a specialty area.
When reading through this list of the best nursing schools in Los Angeles, CA keep in mind that Los Angeles is an extremely large area that encompasses several towns and cities, so if the school is, say, in “Thousand Oaks” that is still part of the city of Los Angeles. These schools are some of the best nursing programs in southern CA.
List of the Best Nursing Schools in Los Angeles
1. Mount St. Mary’s University
Mount St. Mary’s University is a private Catholic Women’s university founded in 1925 by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The campus has a student body population of 2,767.
- Tuition: $28,000
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: ADN, LVN to RN degree, BSN, Accelerated BSN degree
2. Biola University
Biola University is a Christian school founded in 1908. It is a small private biblical focused university in Los Angeles. The university offers a BSN in nursing. The program is 8 semesters/4years long.
- Tuition: $41,976
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: BSN
3. Marian College – Los Angeles Campus
Marian College Is a small vocational college and is part of the Los Angeles college of healthcare. The program takes 14 to 18 months to complete.
- Tuition: $19,000
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: LVN
4. Angeles College
Angeles College The school was founded in 2004 and opened a satellite campus in 2013. The LVN program is a total of 1,800 hours.
- Tuition: $345/credit
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: LVN, RN, RN to BSN
5. Advance Career Institute
Advance Career Institute Classes are Monday thru Friday both days and evenings. The school was founded in 1990 and is associated with several hospitals and nursing homes where students do their clinical education. Classes take roughly 9 months to complete.
- Tuition: $1,500
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Accreditation: N/A
- Nursing Programs: LVN
6. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science CDU is a private university that was founded in 1966. The nursing programs range between two to five years depending on the specific program.
- Tuition: $460/credit hour
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: RN, BSN, MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner
7. UCLA School of Nursing
UCLA School of Nursing was founded in 1911 and is one of the top research universities in the world. The nursing program has just under 600 students. The instructors are pheromonal and include Pulitzer prize winners.
- Tuition: $13,000
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
8. Los Angeles Southwest College
Los Angeles Southwest College is a public two-year college located in West Athens. The college was founded in September 1965 and the student body population is just over 8,000. The nursing program is 4 semesters long/2 year program.
- Tuition: $ 1,198
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Accreditation: N/A
- Nursing Programs: Registered Nurse
9. Annenberg School of Nursing
Annenberg School of Nursing is a small private Jewish school located in Reseda. There are less than 25 students per year, so the students get more one on one with the instructors, making it a better learning environment. The program is a total of 1680 hours, so two-year program.
- Tuition: $43,292 includes everything from the classes, clothing, equipment (watch, stethoscope, pen light), books, room and board, meals, transportation, and misc. In addition, there are numerous financial aid options available.
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Accreditation: N/A
- Nursing Programs: LVN
10. Los Angeles Harbor College
Los Angeles Harbor College is one of two campuses in the Los Angeles Bay area. The college is a two-year college, so students can transfer to universities upon graduation. The nursing programs are 4 semesters for a total of the equivalent of two years.
- Tuition: $1,198/semester
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: Registered Nurse, LVN to RN
11. California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Los Angeles is a public four-year university, often called “Cal State” that sits on 175 acres. This university is one of 23 campuses in Los Angeles. Nursing students attend the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing. The schools NCLEX pass rate is 96.55%. The BSN nursing program takes four years to complete. The RN to BSN takes about two years and the masters takes one year. The more advanced programs such as the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)depends on the individual program. The nursing programs have about 200 students combined.
- Tuition: $3,100
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
12. Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College is a two-year community college in the seaside town of Santa Monica one of Southern California’s’ more tranquil areas. The college has one main campus that sits on 38 acres and five satellite areas, they offer over 1,400 courses plus a host of online courses. The nursing programs are one of Los Angeles best. The programs are four semesters. Santa Monica College also has a simulation lab that allows students to learn the skills they will need to be successful in their clinical rotation and to pass the clinical portion of the program.
- Tuition: $ 1,136/semester
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Accreditation: CCNE, ACEN, CABRN
- Nursing Programs: Registered Nurse, LVN to RN
13. California State University Fullerton
California State University Fullerton is also known as the College of Health and Human Development, School of Nursing. This university offers several nursing programs and a state of the art Nursing Simulation Center, that allows the students to practice their skills before doing the clinical portion of their training. There are two adult medical/surgical rooms, a maternity room, pediatric and neonatal room, all the rooms have working equipment. There is also a skills lab that allows students to practice CPR, blood draws, IV therapy etc. and a doctor’s office exam room.
- Tuition: $6,850/year
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Accreditation: CCNE, CCRN, ACME
- Nursing Programs: Entry level BSN, LVN to BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN & BSN Pathway, MSN and several MSN programs, DNP, and DNP Nurse Anesthesia
14. Los Angeles Valley College
Los Angeles Valley College is located on the East end of the city of Van Nuys in the Valley. The college is a part of the community college district. The programs take two years to complete. The college is equipped with a simulation lab that allows students to perform skills and procedures on “dummies” – they have an area for adults, pediatrics, neonatal and learn to draw blood and start IVs before they even enter their clinical portion of the schooling.
- Tuition: $1,220/semester
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Accreditation: CCNE, ACEN, CABRN
- Nursing Programs: Registered Nurse, Fast track BSN
15. PMCI: School of Nursing
PMCI: School of Nursing is also known as the Professional Medical Careers Institute. The school is located in Westlake Village, a small suburb of Los Angeles. The program is 16 months long.
- Tuition: $4,463.00/program (Includes all fees, books, uniforms, lab coat etc.) Financial aid and scholarships available.
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: LVN (Licensed vocational nurse), LVN to RN, IV Therapy Nurse,
16. Glendale Career College
Glendale Career College is a private college that was founded in 1946 by Dr. Byron Prout. A simulation room allows students to practice on “dummies” before entering the clinical portion of their schooling. The student nurses learn how to take blood pressures, do CPR, turn, bathe and dress the patient while in the bed. These are great skills to have before working with live patients. Program lengths are roughly 18 months long, the college does offer evening and weekend classes that expend the program length.
- Tuition: $29,400
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Nursing Programs: AND, BSN
17. CES College
CES College was founded in 1995. It is a private school in Burbank, CA, a nice mid-sized town. Many of the students receive financial aid or free tuition to help them get back into the workforce as part of a community enhancement program. The program takes 725 hours to complete.
- Tuition: $27,140/program
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Accreditation: N/A
- Nursing Programs: LVN
Is the California State University System Good for Nursing?
When looking for the best CSU for nursing, you want to consider the variations and differences between schools. The best CSU schools for nursing depend on your situation and goals. If you are living close to a specific school, then it may be a good choice for your situation. The best Cal States for nursing may also differ based on your level of education. Which CSU has the best nursing program? It varies based on your situation. If you’re planning to obtain a bachelor’s degree, then you can find different programs to fit your goals. A master’s degree may have further limitations due to the greater level of specialized skills. For students who are looking into programs for a doctorate in nursing, some limitations may impact the best school for their goals.
The best school of nursing in the California State University system varies based on the needs of the student. As a rule, you want to clarify your goals, set a budget, and determine the best location based on your situation. In some cases, you will find that the best option is near Los Angeles because it is a convenient location, it fits your budget, or it offers the specialized training that is most appropriate for your goals in a career. By comparing your options, you can feel confident that you find the right program.
fastest nursing program in california
There are a lot of misconceptions about the role of a preschool teacher. Some people think a preschool teacher just puts a bunch of kids in a room and lets them play, while others believe that preschool teachers are responsible for teaching children how to read or perform.
This type of nursing program is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. This might be the program for you if you have shown your ability to manage time, study effectively, and retain information while enrolled at university.
Like traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs provide a strong foundation for a successful nursing profession.
Nursing programs accept applicants with a wide range of backgrounds. In contrast to other programs, nursing programs recognize prior academic experience and consequently allow you to focus on nursing-specific courses.
Entrance Requirements for a California Accelerated Nursing Program
- Bachelor’s degree: You need to have your bachelor’s degree to be eligible for accelerated nursing programs, but it can be in any subject!
- GPA: You do not need to take a test for eligibility but most schools will require that you have a minimum GPA of 3.0. These can vary by school so check before applying!
- Complete pre-requisites: While your bachelor’s degree can be in anything, you may need to complete certain courses before you can apply to an accelerated nursing program. Usually these will be science courses such as biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and more.
- Letters of recommendation: Like any application you need letters of recommendation. Make sure to reach out ahead of time to the people you want to write your letters so that you are not scrambling at the last minute.
- Submit applications: You should look over the applications in advance so you know how much time you will need to complete them. In addition to demographics and basic questions, you may have essays to write. You will also need to collect past transcripts, submit and updated resume, and possibly additional paperwork.
- Interview: Most schools will not require an interview but it always helps to check.
List of 8 Accelerated MSN (AMSN) Programs in California
University of San Francisco
- 2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA – 94117-1080
- Master’s Entry – Master of Science in Nursing (ME-MSN)
The School of Nursing and Health Professions follows the University of San Francisco’s mission to provide a liberal arts education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of diversity, justice and global perspectives. Students will participate in the most progressive healthcare delivery in the nation, serving as knowledgeable, innovative and experienced practitioners. The school advances the field by leading innovative solutions to health inequities and transforming healthcare using evidence-informed approaches.
Graduate Programs – The University of San Francisco School of Nursing offers a Master’s Entry – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of nursing. This rigorous accelerated option prepares students for a career as RNs while integrating a graduate-level curriculum, preparing them for their future nurse-leader positions. Students complete 68 credits over the course of two years of full-time continuous study at USF’s Main campus in San Francisco or in Orange County, with classroom instruction three (3) days a week and clinical practice two times a week. Graduates learn to design, coordinate, and evaluate care for a diverse population of patients, families, and communities with a particular emphasis on health promotion and risk reduction.
Samuel Merritt University
- 3100 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA – 94609
- Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing — FNP, Case Management
Samuel Merritt University prides itself on preparing nurses for more than a century (since 1909). The mission of the Nursing School is to provide compassionate and skilled clinicians and nurse leaders. The faculty is known for its large number of graduates who enter all levels of the field from clinical positions to advanced placement in primary care and nursing leadership in Northern California and the Central Valley. They all have expertise in best practices, outcome-based healthcare and inter-professional simulation. In line with SMU’s core values, the programs prepare nurses to promote health and well-being across diverse populations and communities, who recognize the importance of social determinants of health, and practice with compassion, kindness, and respect.
Graduate programs – Graduate degrees at Samuel Merritt University range from an entry level Master of Science in Nurse – either in case management or as a nurse practitioner – or a standard MSN for both majors. The MSN FNP program focuses on working as a Primary Care provider in outpatient settings. The programs require two calendar years plus one semester (seven semesters, including two summer semesters) to complete, for a total of 90-semester units. Students must enroll in the first four semesters full-time. It is possible to reduce the course load to part-time after the fourth semester. The entry level program is offered in Oakland and Sacramento.
The curriculum blends theory, research, and practice and prepares students to make evidence-based decisions and work independently or in tandem with other caregivers. Graduates are trained to improve the health and well-being of the people and communities they serve and transform their healthcare experience through novel partnerships and collaborations, robust interdisciplinary training, conscientious and explicit use of research and evidence, and pioneering innovations in nursing education.
University of San Diego/Hahn
- 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA – 92110-2492
- Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (for non-RNs)
The University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing is an academic culture build on belonging and compassion. Throughout all graduate programs, the next generation of nurse scientists, leaders, advanced clinicians and informaticists are ready to meet humanity’s most urgent needs—with compassion and intellectual rigor. Following its long heritage of excellence over forty years, the Hahn School of Nursing merges academic coursework, state-of-the-art technology and innovate teaching to populate the world with trained candidates. The faculty of internationally recognized scholars and clinician nurture and support each student, instilling the confidence needed to make a real difference in the world. Graduates become clinical, education, or research professionals.
Graduate programs – Among the graduate degrees, students seeking an accelerated track enroll in the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (for non-RNs). All programs share a common core of knowledge. The accelerated option is for those with a baccalaureate degree or higher in another discipline. MEPN students come from all walks of life, bringing a rich diversity of experiences, backgrounds and skills to this intellectually rigorous program. They build experience and confidence through hands-on practice in the Dickinson Nursing Simulation Center, a sophisticated facility, where “standardized patient” professional actors recreate real-world situations. Outreach opportunities in underserved communities are available to while foster a diversity that informs and invigorates the programs.
San Francisco State University
- 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA – 94132
- Master’s Entry – Master of Science in Nursing (ME-MSN)
The San Francisco State University School of Nursing has the noble mission to motivate and educate undergraduate and graduate nursing students to meet the healthcare needs of patients, families, and communities. The faculty is known for using a rich variety of educational methods. The school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and embraces diversity in the student population and is committed to educating those who will serve diverse populations with a focus on social and environmental justice, and health equality. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of diversity, justice and global perspectives, students will participate in the most progressive healthcare delivery in the nation, serving as knowledgeable, innovative and experienced practitioners. The school advances the field by leading innovative solutions to health inequities and transforming healthcare using evidence-informed approaches.
Graduate Programs – The University of San Francisco School of Nursing offers a Master’s Entry – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of nursing. This rigorous accelerated option prepares students for a career as RNs while integrating a graduate-level curriculum, preparing them for their future nurse-leader positions. Students complete 68 credits over the course of two years of full-time continuous study at USF’s Main campus in San Francisco or in Orange County, with classroom instruction three (3) days a week and clinical practice two times a week. Graduates learn to design, coordinate, and evaluate care for a diverse population of patients, families, and communities with a particular emphasis on health promotion and risk reduction. Some chose to become licensed after one and a half years and go on for a master’s or applied research. Majors offered are Clinical Nurse Specialist (CSN), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nursing Administration, and Public/Community Healthy. There is a one-year FNP Certificate Option for Accelerated Entry Level MSN graduates.
University of California-Los Angeles
- 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA – 90095-1405
- Masters Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN)
The UCLA School of Nursing Prelicensure program for undergraduate study leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing graduated its first class in 1954.When it is time to pursue a master’s in nursing, UCLA offers an accelerated option. Located in the heart of trendy Westwood, the school attracts students from across the globe, ensuring cultural diversity and inclusion. The program has been acknowledged as a leader in graduate nursing education. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the dedicated students, faculty, and staff. Research is at the core of the school’s mission, not only as a primary component of a comprehensive education, but as a critical investment in the future of nursing.
Graduate programs – the UCLA School of Nursing has an accelerated option within the Master of Science in Nursing degree program designed to prepare individuals with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline who seek a career in nursing. The two-year pre-licensure program includes summer enrollment between the first and second years. Graduates are prepared to practice nursing in a hospital setting. They are qualified to take the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam given by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and apply for a Public Health Nursing Certificate from the California Board of Registered Nursing.
California State University-Dominguez Hills
- 1000 E Victoria St, Carson, CA – 90747-0005
- Masters Entry Professional Nursing (MEPN) Program: Clinical Nurse Leader Role Option
California State University Dominquez Hills in the city of Carson in southern California currently offers an accelerated nursing programs for students who are either registered nurses or are currently enrolled in a Community College Nursing program. The School of Nursing’s (SON) Nursing Program began in spring of 1981 with two major commitments: to make quality higher education in nursing more accessible to employed registered nurses and to ultimately improve health care in California.
Graduate programs – for registered nurses who wish to expand their nursing career opportunities and leadership roles. an accelerated MSN is available at CSUDH. Courses may be taught all online or as a hybrid mix of online and classroom sessions. The Master’s Entry-level Professional Nursing (MEPN) Program is for those with a B.S. or B.A. degree in another field who seeking to become registered nurses. The programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) to prepare candidates to provide advanced nursing care directly to clients specialty population, develop evidence-based standards and programs delivered by nursing personnel, and influence systems that affect healthcare. The curriculum offers an intensive, accelerated program of 76 units of full-time study with more than 1000 hours of clinical experience at partner hospitals and agencies. The program is a sequence of six terms of full-time study, granting the M.S. degree in Nursing in the CNL role option.
Azusa Pacific University
- 901 E Alosta, Azusa, CA – 91702-7000
- Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing Accelerated MSN
Azusa Pacific University’s nationally ranked and accredited School of Nursing prepares nurses to lead the way in modern healthcare. The focus is on a deeper level of compassionate care in clinics, hospitals, schools, and beyond. Through the innovative programs, APU’s expert nursing faculty serve as mentors and guides. Opportunities for learning abound as students enjoy everything from small classes to state-of-the-art simulation labs, from community health internships to study abroad nursing programs – all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. There are regional campuses across Southern California for the students’ convenience.
Graduate programs – the Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM) program is an accelerated direct entry nursing program designed to provide graduate nursing education for those who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in a non-nursing discipline. They can become a clinical nurse specialist and/or as a nurse practitioner. The program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the California Board of Registered Nursing (CBRN). MSN graduates with certain specializations may apply for a national credential by examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The program features clinical experiences including hospital care services for diverse cultural/ethnic groups, the underserved, the poor, and the homeless.
California Baptist University
- 8432 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA – 92504-3297
- Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN)
California Baptist University College of Nursing in sunny Riverside is one of the best private Christian nursing schools in the state of California. It is known to prepare students at any starting point to become highly qualified nurses in a demanding field, where the need has never been greater due to the elderly population and changes in state and national healthcare regulations. CBU’s nursing program teaches students to integrate Christian concepts with the dynamics of the nursing profession to become a competent, responsible, caring and professional prepared to serve locally, nationally and globally.
Graduate programs – the programs are diverse at California Baptist University for advanced nursing degrees. The Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM) program is for students with a baccalaureate or higher degree in another discipline who want to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s in nursing. The program entails an intensive sequence of pre- and post-licensure study for upcoming registered nurses. Students can major in various fields. Courses are online and/or in-person depending upon the program selected. the master’s curriculum emphasizes a holistic perspective utilizing nursing theory as a guide. Specially selected practicum opportunities allow candidates the option to practice in a variety of healthcare settings, while serving individuals, families and communities. Practicum hours are completed under the instruction and supervision of CBU’s College of Nursing faculty who share the faith-based mission and holistic perspective.