In order to become a nurse in the U.S., you must earn a degree or diploma in nursing and sit for the National Council of States Boards of Nursing's NCLEX licensing exam. Christian colleges in California can prepare you for this exam with nursing programs.
School Comparison
The following colleges have been put into a table for your navigating ease. Whether you're more concerned with location, in-state tuition or affiliated denomination, all that information is provided.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | In-State Tuition (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simpson University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Christ and Missionary Alliance Church | Redding, CA | $31,910 |
| California Baptist University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Southern Baptist | Riverside, CA | $34,882 |
| Biola University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Undenominational | La Mirada, CA | $41,976 |
| Azusa Pacific University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Undenominational | Azusa, CA | $40,220 |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Assemblies of God Church | Costa Mesa, CA | $35,100 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Comparing Nursing Programs
With nearly three million nurses in the country, you might think we have all the medical professionals needed. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a need for another 370,000 or more nurses by 2028. The following Christian colleges in California can prepare you for a career in nursing.
Simpson University
Geared toward traditional full-time students, the Simpson University nursing program offers courses through the Betty M. Dean School of Nursing. Average class size for the college is 11 students, which keeps learning on a face-to-face level. The school offers two programs tracks, a pre-licensure BSN program and a post-licensure RN-BSN program for those who have already earned their associate's. If you want to get some hands-on experience while strengthening your discipleship, Simpson has a year-long fellowship with WorldSERVE where you go to another country to help local communities.
California Baptist University
California Baptist University (CBU) integrates Christian practices into its nursing program with courses such as Christian leadership in nursing, nursing services childrearing, and issues/ethics in nursing. During the 124-credit program, you'll take other classes unique to CBU, such as a NCLEX review course and transcultural patterns of health. CBU also offers Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. When you have downtime, you can take part in any of the spiritual life programs available on campus. CBU has a Bible study group called Tribes, where students of 20-60 gather to read a passage in the Bible weekly until an entire book has been read.
Biola University
Offering a B.S. in Nursing, Biola works with Orange County hospitals and clinics to get real world experience for their students. Voted in 2020 on Niche as the seventh best California nursing program, Biola evolved from the Biola School of Missionary Medicine. The minimum 131.5-credit program is estimated to take 4.5 years. Biola also ensures a rich extracurricular spiritual life with nine different local, global and campus ministries. For the global ministries, students travel to Tijuana every other week to minister to the locals, while during spring break, they dig water irrigation in Honduras.
Azusa Pacific University
US News ranked Azusa Pacific's nursing program as the 131st of the country in 2020. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the California State Board of Registered Nursing have both accredited the Azusa Pacific nursing programs. The school offers a variety of options, no matter your current education level. For those just starting off, the BSN is available. Azusa also has a 2+2 program for those who already have their LPN license, in addition to an LVN to RN program. If you want to further your education even more, The college also has an entry-level master's program, a nurse practitioner program, and a PhD in Nursing. There are even post-master's certificates available. At Azusa Pacific, the Christian faith is integrated into residence hall living, discipleship groups, and chapel services.
Vanguard University
Vanguard created the nursing program in 2006, and since its launch, the school now offers a BS, an RN to BSN, an MSN, and a CSN (clinical nurse specialist) certificate. Freshman students can expect to gain hands-on experience at the St. Joseph Health integrated healthcare system, Global Health Medical Center, and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Along with foundational courses, students will take courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, women's health, treating the critically ill, and nursing faithfully during this 4-year program. Along with the on-campus chapel, Vanguard has outreach programs, retreats and religious conventions.
