14 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in California

The best accelerated nursing programs in California are highly reputable and accredited programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and high NCLEX-RN pass rates.

California is home to excellent nursing programs, including accelerated options for those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Whether you are just beginning your nursing journey or looking to advance your credentials, read on as we highlight the top accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs in California, each known for their thorough curriculums, experienced faculty, extensive clinical training, and successful student outcomes. 

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and the healthcare system, consider embarking on your nursing journey in the Golden State. Any of the programs listed below will open doors to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Takeaway 

An accelerated nursing program is like a special ladder… Much like a ladder offers a convenient and efficient way to reach elevated heights, these specialized programs cater to individuals with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees, granting them access to the world of nursing in a much shorter time frame. They both present individuals with a different, significantly faster path to reaching higher heights.

8 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in California

California offers many accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs that can help you fast-track your nursing career. Below we’ll go through eight such programs known for their impressive NCLEX pass rates. By completing any of these programs, you can gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and hands-on training to excel in your nursing career.

California State University-San Marcos, San Marcos

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: 24 months 
• NCLEX average pass rate: 96.97%
• Admission requirements:
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 2.5 for the last 60 units of coursework
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 in the pre-nursing core courses
  • Passing the TEAS exam version 7 with a minimum score of 71.0%
• Total tuition fee: $44,890

California State University-Stanislaus, Stockton

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: 17 months
• NCLEX average pass rate: 98.68%
• Admission requirements:
  • A baccalaureate of science or arts degree from an accredited institution in a discipline other than nursing
  • A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 for the four science prerequisites
• Total tuition fee: $40,000

Concordia University, Irvine

• Format: Full-time program with two options of learning modality: campus-based in Irvine and hybrid in Rancho Cucamonga
• Duration: 15 months
• NCLEX average pass rate: 98%
• Admission requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree or over 65 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
  • Minimum 3.0 in prerequisite courses
  • Minimum of 100 hours of patient care experience
• Tuition fee per unit: $930

Samuel Merritt University, Oakland

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: 12 months
• NCLEX average pass rate: 94%
• Admission requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 60 semester or 90 quarter units of coursework
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the four science prerequisite courses
• Total tuition fee: $89,128

California State University-Los Angeles

• Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: 15 months
• NCLEX average pass rate: 98.44%
• Admission requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing
  • Prerequisites completed with a minimum “C” grade, with the exception of the science with lab courses which must be completed with at least a “B” grade
• Tuition fee per unit: $595

California State University-Northridge, Northridge

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: 15 months
• NCLEX average pass rate: 97.06%
• Admission requirements:
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent international degree
  • A minimum GPA of  3.21
  • Prerequisite courses with a minimum “C” grade
• Tuition fee per unit: $800

Loma Linda University, Loma Linda

• Format: Full-time, primarily campus-based program with the option of an online learning modality for students with an AS level RN license
• Duration: Two and a half years
• NCLEX average pass rate: 94.23%
• Admission requirements:
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in college courses
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 for the prerequisite courses
  • All prerequisite courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher
• Total tuition fee: $103,120

Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles

• Format: Campus-based program with the option of full or part-time studies
• Duration: 1-2 years
• NCLEX average pass rate: 81.56%
• Admission requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • All prerequisites completed with a grade of “C” or higher
• Tuition fee per unit: $1,983

6 Best Accelerated MSN Programs in California

California is also home to many accelerated master’s degree programs for nursing. They are designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field who are looking to transition into the nursing profession. Below, we will highlight six of the best accelerated MSN programs in California that can offer aspiring nurses the opportunity to advance their careers quickly and effectively. 

University of California, Los Angeles

• Format: Full-time program taught at the UCLA campus
• Duration: Two years
• NCLEX pass rate: 95.16%
• Admission requirements:
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited program
  • An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Completion of approved prerequisite courses or equivalent with a minimum grade of “C”
• Tuition fee: $11,700

University of California, Irvine

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: Two years
• NCLEX pass rate: 93%
• Admission requirements:
  • A non-nursing baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Completion of all of the prerequisite courses with a letter grade of “C” or higher
• Tuition fee: $12,264

University of San Diego, San Diego

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: 21 months
• NCLEX average pass rate: 92.59%
• Admission requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree from a field other than nursing
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses
  • A minimum grade of “B” in the science prerequisite courses
• Tuition fee per unit: $1,640

Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: Two years
• NCLEX average pass rate: 90.74%
• Admission requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution (or equivalent abroad) 
  • A grade of “C” or higher (grades below “C-” are not acceptable)
  • Prerequisites, including microbiology, human anatomy, and human physiology, should be finished by the end of the spring term before enrollment
• Total tuition fee: $58.943

University of San Francisco, San Francisco

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Lasts two years
• NCLEX average pass rate: 88.7%
• Admission requirements:
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • A preferred cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Must be a licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
  • Completed courses in physiology and microbiology
• Tuition fee per unit: $1,615

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles

• Format: Full-time, campus-based program
• Duration: Two years
• NCLEX average pass rate: 83.02%
• Admission requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of “B” or higher 
  • Complete the TEAS admission assessment exam with a minimum of 75% overall score
• Tuition fee per unit: $961

What To Consider When Looking for an Accelerated Nursing Program

When looking for an accelerated nursing program, it is important to consider several factors that can significantly influence your educational experience and future career. Carefully evaluating these factors will ensure you make an informed decision about the program you choose in relation to your professional goals.

Accreditation

When selecting an accelerated nursing program, firstly, make sure the program is accredited. This way, you ensure that the program you will be pursuing meets the standards of quality education set forth by relevant accrediting bodies and is accredited by a reputable accrediting agency. 

Accreditation is an excellent way to evaluate whether a program can provide you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in nursing once you earn your degree. Additionally, having graduated from an accredited program is crucial once you apply for licensure.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements are an excellent way to help you determine your eligibility for an accelerated nursing program. When searching for a program, explore the prerequisites and qualifications needed for admission. 

The admission requirements may include having a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, specific prerequisite coursework you must complete before applying, GPA requirements, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, among other things. Understanding the requirements of a program that interests you will help you plan your educational pathway, thus increasing your chances of admission.

Cost

Another thing to consider when evaluating an accelerated nursing program is the cost. You can research information regarding tuition and other fees related to the program, then consider how they align with your financial situation. Additionally, we recommend you explore scholarship opportunities or financial aid options that can ease the burden of your expenses when pursuing a program.

Program format

Accelerated nursing programs are offered in various formats. Depending on your personal circumstances, you might want to pursue a full-time program, or if you have other responsibilities and a tighter schedule, then part-time programs might be a better fit. Likewise, you can choose between online or on-campus learning or even a combination of both. Explore and see which options are possible for the accelerated program you are interested in and evaluate which works best for your circumstances and learning preferences.

Faculty

When evaluating the quality of any program, it is crucial to explore the faculty, their expertise, and qualifications. By researching the faculty staff’s credentials and experience in nursing and teaching, you can ensure they will provide valuable insights and guidance throughout your education. Experienced faculty staff can help prepare you for the challenges of the nursing profession.

Program length

Although all accelerated nursing programs are significantly shorter than their traditional equivalents, they still differ from one another. Generally, the accelerated programs can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months or more to complete. Therefore, it is best to consider the duration of the program and how it fits into your timeline and commitments.

Curriculum and clinical hours

The curriculum structure and amount of clinical hours are essential in determining the ability of a program to aid in developing the necessary knowledge and skills to become a competent nurse. Ensure that the curriculum covers nursing topics, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing theory, clinical practice, and other essential areas. 

Additionally, look for adequate clinical hours as they are crucial for hands-on training and exposure to real-world healthcare settings. This way, you gain valuable practical experience and enhance your clinical skills.

Graduation rate

A key indicator of a program’s student success is its graduation rate. A high graduation rate indicates that the students enrolled in that program are more likely to complete it. Therefore, take a look at the program’s graduation rate. The percentage can provide insight into the program’s success in guiding students through their education journey.

NCLEX-RN pass rates

Last but certainly not least, look for the NCLEX-RN pass rates of the accelerated program. Higher percentages reflect the program’s ability to prepare students for the NCLEX licensure exam and their commitment to producing competent and successful nurses. For example, the programs listed above, as some of the best in California, all have excellent NCLEX pass rates, among other superior qualities.

The Bottom Line

Accelerated nursing programs are a great choice for students who want to enter the healthcare field quickly. When evaluating these programs, it is crucial to consider several factors, such as accreditation, mode of study, and the NCLEX pass rate, that will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals, provides quality education, and prepares you for a successful nursing career. Considering these factors, the programs highlighted above are all excellent options worth considering.