Nursing students have an abundance of options for nursing school. Many private institutions in California offer nursing programs to students who prefer the private school experience.
Keep reading to discover some of the top private nursing schools in California and learn more about their programs.
Top Private Nursing Schools in California
California is home to over 30 private colleges and universities with nursing programs. We've listed some of our top picks below in alphabetical order.
All nursing programs listed are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
1. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is a private evangelical university outside of Los Angeles. It hosts a large nursing program that offers multiple nursing degree options.
Incoming freshmen can choose to major in nursing with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This is a traditional four-year program for students with no nursing experience.
Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can enroll in the LVN to BSN pathway. Registered nurses (RNs) can take advantage of the RN to BSN program, which is available on campus and online.
Students can earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in multiple areas. This includes nurse practitioner specialties such as:
- adult-gerontology primary care
- family
- pediatric primary care
- psychiatric mental health
Two doctoral programs are also available: a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). All are offered online, and a BSN to DNP pathway is available.
2. National University
National University is a private university headquartered in San Diego and with a handful of campuses throughout the state. It's geared toward adult learners and offers many programs online.
Through National University, students can earn nursing degrees from the bachelor's through to the doctorate level.
Three bachelor's programs are offered in nursing:
- general entry nursing
- nursing as a second degree
- RN to BSN (available online)
Two master's programs are offered: a traditional Master of Science in Nursing and an online RN to MSN program. Both offer specializations in family nurse practitioner or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
Additionally, there are two doctoral programs available: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and an online Doctor of Nursing Practice in executive leadership.
3. Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University is a private Christian university in San Diego. Its School of Nursing offers several nursing degree programs.
At the bachelor's level, students without a nursing license can choose the traditional BSN program. Experienced students can take the LVN to BSN or RN to BSN pathways.
Similar pathways are available for the master's in nursing program. This program offers six specialty tracks:
- adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- pediatrics CNS
- women's health CNS
- nursing education
- healthcare leadership
- family nurse practitioner
Students can also earn their DNP in three areas: clinical nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner, and healthcare leadership.
4. UMass Global
UMass Global, formerly Brandman University, is a private branch of the University of Massachusetts. It has campuses throughout California and many online programs.
Students can take the RN to BSN program and earn their bachelor's degree in just one year of full-time study. Part-time tracks are also available.
Multiple nursing doctoral programs are also available. These include:
- BSN to DNP in family across the lifespan: for students with their RN license and BSN degree. This is an online program that can be finished in as little as 36 months.
- BSN to DNP in psychiatric and mental health: for students with their RN license and BSN degree. This is an online program that can be finished in as little as 36 months.
- post-master's to DNP: for licensed nurse practitioners who want to earn their doctorate. This is an online program that can be completed in as little as 20 months.
UMass Global also offers post-doctoral certificates in family across the lifespan NP and psychiatric and mental health NP for those with a DNP who want to add a specialty.
5. University of San Diego
The University of San Diego is a private Catholic university. Through its Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, it offers several graduate-level nursing degrees.
The master's entry program in nursing is for students who want to become nurses but hold bachelor's degrees in fields unrelated to nursing. It's a 21-month program that prepares students to pass the NCLEX.
The Master of Science in Nursing program is for students with BSN degrees and a valid RN license. It offers four specializations:
- adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist
- executive nurse leader
- nursing informatics
- nurse practitioner in adult-gerontology/family, family, pediatric/family, or psychiatric-mental health
Students wanting to further their education can also earn a DNP through either the BSN to DNP track or the MSN to DNP track, or a PhD in nursing.
FAQs About Private Nursing Schools in California
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about private nursing schools in California.
Should I Choose a Public or Private Nursing School?
There are pros and cons to both public and private schools. Public schools are usually less expensive and may offer a greater variety of program options.
Private schools are usually more costly but often offer smaller class sizes. If you're looking for an education with an influence from a particular religion, you'll want a private school.
Can I Earn a Nursing Degree Online?
Some colleges and universities, including a few listed above, offer upper-level and degree-completion programs for registered nurses completely online.
How Long Do Nursing Programs Take to Complete?
The length of a nursing program can vary depending on the degree you're earning, the specialty you choose, and if you have prior nursing experience.
Bachelor's programs traditionally take four years, but if you already hold your RN license, you may be able to finish your degree in a year.
Master's and doctoral programs have more variation, especially depending on your specialty. Master's typically take about two years, but doctoral programs can range from two to four.
Find a Private Nursing School in California
There are several excellent private nursing schools in California. Check out the ones above to get started today.
