Best Nursing Schools in California : Nurses are essential to effective healthcare. Their role has dramatically expanded through the centuries – from the people who administer primary patient care, nurses have become valuable, virtually indispensable assistants to doctors surgeons
There is a high demand for nurses in California. There are vacancies in many areas: from School and community nurses to specialized professionals needed at hospices, assisted care facilities, and newborn intensive care units
Though there is a constant demand for licensed practical nurses (LVN), the highest demand is for Registered Nurses (RN) with a Bachelor’s (BSN) or even Master’s degrees (MSN). Even nurses at the entry-level positions are expected to have an in-state license and a Bachelor in Nursing.
Table of Contents
Registered Nurse’s Functions Best Nursing Colleges in California 1. University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, LA 2. University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 3. San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 4. California State University- Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 5. UC Davis Health, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 6. The University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 7. Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA 8. Stanbridge University, Orange County, CA 9. California State University, Chico, CA 10. San Jose State University, San Jose, CA. Key References
Registered Nurse’s Functions
The primary responsibilities of a registered nurse (RN) are:
Documenting patient treatment plans from arrival to discharge. Administering care to patients according to doctor prescriptions. Assessing the state of the patients and reporting the findings to the doctors. Assisting doctors in emergencies Specialized nurses can also:
Assist during surgical procedures. Administer critical care Administer specialized care to elderly/children/newborns. Manage cases for chronically ill patients (cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes). Educate junior nurses (as nurse educators). Take management positions as senior nurses. Have their medical practice (as family nurse practitioners). Perform research There are several kinds of nursing degrees available in the USA:
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN ) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN ), one needs to:Obtain a certificate or an associate degree in nursing (usually a year-long program). Undergo an eligibility check. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical nurses (NCLEX-PN ). To become a registered nurse (RN), one should:Obtain an associate degree in Nursing. Undergo an eligibility check. Pass theNational Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX ). Work within a particular medical field (for instance, geriatric care cardiology To obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), one should:Complete a 4-year Bachelor Nursing program. Undergo the eligibility check. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX ). To become an Advance practice nurse (APN ) or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN ), or a Nurse Practitioner (NP ) one should:Become a Registered Nurse and pass NCLEX. Obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN ) degree. Get licensed according to the local state requirements and APRN consensus model. There is a variety of nursing schools and programs available in the states. Here is the list of schools that offer high-quality nursing programs in California.
Best Nursing Colleges in California Here are the top 10 best nursing colleges in California and explored why these schools are the best in nursing.
1. University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, LA
Why UCLA for Nursing? The average pass rates for NCLEX for the UCLA graduates is very high – 96%. The nursing students attend interdisciplinary health classes together with medical and dental students. UCLA school of nursing has a unique Research Centers of Excellence:Center for Vulnerable Populations. Center for American Indian and Indigenous Research and Education. Center for Advancement of Gerontological Nursing Science. Tobacco-free nurses UCLA School of Nursing is one of the six organizations-participants of the National Clinician Scholars program for postdoctoral nurses and doctors. There is a Gamma Chapter of Alpha Tau Delta Nursing fraternity at UCLA. The nursing UCLA students have access to an excellent Biomedical Library. Students taking Master’s Clinical Entry Nursing degree (MECN) and Advanced Practice Registered Nursing degree (APRN) can participate in the global health experience initiative taking place in Mexico and Cuba. The students are offered clinical rotations at various placements, most notably the modern Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Highly qualified faculty members participating in groundbreaking research, such as HIV treatment, wound care, vulnerable populations care.
2. University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Why is the University of San Francisco best for Nursing? High ranking in 2020 report at the USNews. An accelerated Masters’s program in nursing for students with a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree was deemed convenient and rigorous. As it is a private university, the classes are small so that the professors can pay more attention to individual students. The School of Nursing of the University of San Francisco is affiliated with VA Northern California Healthcare system and offers healthcare services for veterans and underserved communities. The School has a partnership with Kaiser Permanente’s Nurse Scholar Academy in Northern California, and this collaboration was granted an award in 2018. The School has Honors College that offers interdisciplinary courses, research, and internships. Specialized first-year seminars that both contribute to adaptation at the campus and towards the overall credit score. The School has exclusive learning communities devoted to studying particular public health problems and lifestyles.
3. San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Why is SDSU best for Nursing? The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at SDSU is ranked among the top 25 nursing programs in the US. Nursing majors are required to participate for two or more weeks in an international experience in order to understand global public health better or take specialized courses in diversity and conflict resolution. The structure of the classes is more convenient for learning. Mentoring and support for first-generation students. The students can take an Honors Minor in interdisciplinary studies or a Minor in cultural proficiency. The School participates in the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Project.
4. California State University- Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Why is CSU-Long Beach best for Nursing? High NCLEX pass rates for BSN and MSN programs. The nursing program of California State University – Long Beach has an excellent reputation, and the nearby hospitals gladly hire the graduates. The Nurse Practitioner program is the largest in the California State University System. The School has a specialized Gerontology center and prepares nurses that specialize in Gerontology. It is possible to take elective courses from other university departments. The School of nursing has the most extensive nurse practitioner program in the California State University system. The School is famous both for excellent education and its diversity.
5. UC Davis Health, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA
Why is UC Davis best for Nursing? The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at the UC Davis Health was named one of the top 50 graduate nursing schools in the nation. The university has a big new campus with quality simulation labs. The teaching is based on novel learning concepts: student-led and case-based learning. The School prepares nurses for leadership and management positions, as well as working in translational science. UC Davis Health System has several quality research centers, including MIND institute devoted to studying autism and other mental disorders in children. For instance, 3 of the top 10 autism studies in 2019 come from the institute. Students undertake innovative projects: for instance, they develop solutions for helping smokers quit.
6. The University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
Why is UCI best for Nursing? The School has excellent rankings from various evaluators. UCI is a research-oriented school with rigorous academic coursework. The curriculum is focused on teaching community and public health. The School receives extensive research funding. The School has special provisions for military veterans. The School has recently increased support for scholarships. The faculty staff of the School has received multiple awards.
7. Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA
Why Sacramento State University for nursing? 97% pass rate at the NCLEX exam for the college graduates. High ranking among California nursing schools. Professors are reported to be even-tempered and supportive. The School offers mentoring and group advising for students and applicants. The teaching is more practice-oriented than research-oriented, which is essential for a professional degree.
8. Stanbridge University, Orange County, CA
Why is Stanbridge University best for Nursing? Stanbridge University is considered one of the best small colleges in California in 2020. Small classes and highly responsive staff. Innovative teaching with multiple tools including cloud-connected classrooms, simulation labs, VR, and synthetic cadavers. The School has an outreach program devoted to community service. Interesting clinical rotations
9. California State University, Chico, CA Chico State since 1972.Its School of Nursing is a part of the College of Natural Sciences. The School offers many undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as an online Master of Science in Nursing program.
Why is Chico State University best for Nursing? The programs of Chico State School of Nursing are highly ranked in California. The university offers a unique rural preceptorship program that provides licensed nurses with additional clinical experience in a rural setting. The School provides quality structured education. Many professors of the School have received awards and acknowledgment. The School is praised for its supportive environment and abundance of student resources.
10. San Jose State University, San Jose, CA.
Why San Jose State University for Nursing? San Jose University is listed among best colleges for earning RN degree in the San Jose area. The School offers a specialized graduate wound and ostomy program. The School has the Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Sigma Honor Society of Nursing. The School offers various opportunities for clinical practice from local hospitals to community nursing centers. The scientific and practice courses are supplemented with courses on writing and critical thinking.
There is an increasing need for nurses with advanced education, and modern universities do their best to fulfill it. If one wants to pursue a nursing degree, there are multiple educational options in California.
Currently, most of the colleges have started using modern technology and simulation labs for teaching future nurses. It has also become possible to combine work and studies due to flexible online and hybrid nursing programs.
Cite This Page Key References “What Does a Registered Nurse Do? (Understanding Their Impact) | Rasmussen College” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“LPN versus RN | What are the differences?” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“NCLEX & Other Exams | NCSBN” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“RN vs BSN: Learn the Differences & Which is Right for You” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“Advanced Practice Nursing” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“APRN Consensus Model | NCSBN” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“World University Rankings 2020 | Times Higher Education (THE)” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“NCLEX Pass Rates” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“University of San Francisco Reviews” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“Here's your chance: Say anything about your college! | California State University-Long Beach | Page 2 | Unigo” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“University of California, Irvine (UCI) Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing – Accredited Nursing Universities and Colleges | Peer Reviews – allnurses” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“Sac State ranked one of top nursing programs in California – The State Hornet” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“Stanbridge University Reviews” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“2020 – RN to BSN Programs in California Online || RegisteredNursing.org” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .“Sigma Home Page” . Accessed February 22, 2020. Link .
