The list of best nursing schools in California represents a roll call of some of the finest programs anywhere in the world. From highly-regarded programs at such prestigious public institutions as the University of California San Francisco and University of California Los Angeles, to outstanding private colleges like the University of Phoenix and Kaplan College, to a myriad of excellent community colleges, the Golden State offers prospective nurses a range of high-quality educational options that can accommodate any budget, schedule and career ambition.
A brief, two-part strategy for determining which of these schools is right for you appears in the following sections.
Identifying the Best Nursing Schools in California
For any aspiring registered nurse, clinical nurse specialist, BSN, or MSN, navigating through the list of nursing programs in California can be overwhelming. In order to make the task easier, it is important to first establish some common framework upon which each school can be judged.
In general, in order to rank among the top nursing schools in California, its program should meet the following criteria:
• Hold an accreditation from either the California Board of Registered Nursing, or BVNPT (Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians)
• More than 70% of its graduates should pass the NCLEX exam on their first attempt
• The program should have a favorable reputation in the community
Any nursing school that can satisfy each of these three prerequisites is probably one that is worthy of a student’s consideration. With that said, there are additional factors that should also be considered prior to applying to a program.
More Things to Consider About California Nursing Schools
Aside from the aforementioned points about a school’s accreditation status, etc. there are also several other important things to consider when choosing the right nursing school in California for you. Whereas the previous set of criteria was useful for determining how valuable a degree earned from a particular institution will be, the following questions can help you determine how good of a fit the program is for you personally:
• Do I meet the nursing school prerequisites for admission?
• Can I afford the school’s tuition and, if not, do I qualify for financial assistance?
• Does the program specialize in the field of nursing that interests me?
• Does the program offer class times that fit my schedule?
The answers to these questions should help the student further pare down the list of schools considered to the point where only a handful remains.
Looking for a Directory of the Best Nursing Schools in California?
Now that you have some basic understanding of what to look for in a nursing school, the next step is to find a list of the programs available in your area. Fortunately, we’ve already done the legwork for you.
For a comprehensive directory of the Golden State’s schools and colleges for nursing that meet the criteria outlined above, be sure to visit our California nursing schools directory. Organized by city, therein you’ll find the necessary contact information you need to begin the process of getting enrolled at one of the best nursing schools in California!