Top RN Schools in Los Angeles

You cannot become a Registered Nurse (RN) in California without obtaining the right education and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. If you live in or near Los Angeles and aspire to become an RN, you can explore a wide variety of RN schools and programs. By learning about the top RN schools in Los Angeles, you can more easily identify one that will help you achieve your long-term career goals.

RN schools in L.A. have options for everyone from those just starting out to experienced RNs who want additional academic credentials or training. Begin your search by considering these five highly rated L.A. RN schools:

1. California State University at Fullerton (CSUF)

Located just 25 miles from downtown L.A., CSUF's School of Nursing offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. The school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or CCNE, and yearly tuition for in-state students averages around $6,200. Undergraduate degree options include a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, an LVN-to-BSN program, an RN-to-BSN program, and an accelerated BSN program. The Master of Science in Nursing program has five available concentrations, including nurse anesthesia, women's healthcare, and school nursing. A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is also available.

2. Mount St. Mary's College (MSMC)

As the first to offer a BSN program in California, MSMC is a definite standout. Located right in Los Angeles, the Christian college's three-year BSN degree program is accredited by the CCNE. You can choose from a traditional BSN program or an accelerated program that can be completed in just one year or three semesters. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a different subject, you might consider the RN-to-BSN program. Annual tuition here averages around $33,000, but it's well worth it for the partnerships the school holds with various prestigious local healthcare facilities alone.

3. California State University at Los Angeles (CSULA)

CSULA's School of Nursing is accredited by the CCNE and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. In addition to offering a four-year BSN degree program, the university offers an RN-to-BSN program and a certificate in applied gerontology for current RNs. The traditional Master of Science in Nursing takes two to three years to complete, and you can choose from several advanced areas of study. They include adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner. If you're interested in pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice, you can do that at CSULA too.

4. West Coast University

Located in North Hollywood, West Coast University offers a wide array of nursing degrees. The school's average annual tuition is around $31,500, and its BSN program can be completed in as few as 39 months. WSU also offers an LVN-to-BSN program and an RN-to-BSN program. A Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization as family nurse practitioner is also available.

5. Biola University

Although it's not right in L.A., Biola University is still within easy driving distance. Its campus is in La Mirada, which is about 18 miles away from downtown. Yearly tuition averages around $31,000, and the private, Christian university's Department of Nursing offers a comprehensive BSN degree program that's accredited by CCNE and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

No matter which RN school you choose, you can be confident that you will receive a quality education that will prepare you for a successful career in nursing.