Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is home to one of the largest healthcare systems in the country, creating a sustained and critical demand for well-trained nursing professionals across hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.
The city offers a comprehensive range of nursing programs, from top-ranked university-based master’s and doctoral degrees to career-focused vocational nursing (VN) programs and affordable community college associate degree pathways. The UCLA School of Nursing ranks among the top 10 in the nation for its master’s programs, while Cal State LA’s graduate program is ranked 41st nationally.
Prospective nursing students must carefully consider their career goals, program structure, clinical training opportunities, and long-term aspirations when choosing the right educational pathway.
Top 25 Nursing Schools in Los Angeles
1. UCLA School of Nursing
UCLA offers one of the nation’s premier nursing programs, ranked 8th for its master’s programs and 25th for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in the latest U.S. News rankings . As a public school, it offers full-time DNP tuition at $38,811 per year for in-state students and $51,056 for out-of-state students.
The school has an application fee of $135 for U.S. residents and a DNP acceptance rate of 45.6% with 40 full-time faculty members and 268 total nursing enrollment . UCLA offers Master’s, Ph.D., and DNP programs with both full-time and part-time study options .
2. California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)
Cal State LA’s Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing ranks 41st nationally for its master’s program in the latest U.S. News rankings, making it one of only two public universities in Los Angeles County included in this prestigious listing . The program offers a Master of Science in Nursing with nursing education and nurse-practitioner options in adult-gerontology acute and primary care, family, and family psychiatric/mental health.
The school offers full-time master’s tuition at $23,856 per year for in-state and $24,864 for out-of-state students, with 17 full-time faculty and 118 graduate nursing students. Since fall 2012, Cal State LA has offered a joint DNP program through a consortium with Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Long Beach.
3. Azusa Pacific University
This medium-sized private not-for-profit university offers five nursing degree programs in a large suburb, graduating 826 nursing students in a recent year, with a mix of 614 Bachelor’s degrees, 198 Master’s degrees, and 14 Doctoral degrees.
The school has a student-teacher ratio of 23:1 and enrolls 6,272 students overall, providing a faith-based educational environment for nursing students . Azusa Pacific offers comprehensive nursing education across multiple degree levels for aspiring healthcare professionals.
4. California State University, Fullerton
As a very large public university, CSU Fullerton offers three nursing degree programs and graduated 363 nursing students recently, with 292 Bachelor’s degrees, 51 Doctoral degrees, and 20 Master’s degrees .
The university has a student-teacher ratio of 40:1 and enrolls 43,662 students, making it one of the largest nursing education providers in the region. CSU Fullerton offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with 51 graduates recently, preparing nurses for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles.
5. California State University, Long Beach
CSU Long Beach offers six nursing degree programs and graduated 306 nursing students in a recent year, earning 174 Bachelor’s degrees, 69 Certificates, and 63 Master’s degrees.
The very large public university has a student-teacher ratio of 37:1 and enrolls 42,003 students, providing extensive clinical training opportunities in the Long Beach area . The school also offers Nursing Education programs for students pursuing teaching and leadership careers in nursing .
6. California State University, Dominguez Hills
This large public university offers five nursing degree programs and graduated 219 nursing students in a recent year, with 165 Bachelor’s degrees and 54 Master’s degrees.
The school is located in a small city setting within the greater Los Angeles area, providing accessible nursing education to a diverse student population . CSU Dominguez Hills emphasizes preparing nurses for community-focused healthcare roles in underserved populations.
7. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
This very small private not-for-profit university offers seven nursing degree programs and graduated 241 nursing students in 2024, earning 157 Master’s degrees, 39 Bachelor’s degrees, 34 Certificates, and 11 Doctoral degrees.
The school has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and enrolls 852 students, focusing on serving underserved communities and promoting health equity in South Los Angeles . Charles R. Drew offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with 11 graduates in a recent year.
8. Mount Saint Mary’s University
This small private not-for-profit university offers Nursing Education programs and graduated 3 students with Master’s degrees recently. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 19:1 and enrolls 2,312 students, providing a supportive learning environment for aspiring nursing educators. Mount Saint Mary’s emphasizes preparing nurses for leadership and teaching roles in the healthcare field.
9. American University of Health Sciences
This very small private for-profit university offers Nursing Education programs and graduated 2 students with Master’s degrees recently. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 and enrolls 473 students, offering focused programs for students pursuing specialized nursing careers. The university emphasizes health sciences education with a practical, career-focused approach to nursing.
10. Los Angeles Pierce College
Pierce College offers the most cost-effective path to becoming a Registered Nurse, with an average total program cost of approximately $6,000 for four semesters . The school boasts exceptional NCLEX pass rates of 96.77% for 2024/2025 and 100% for 2023/2024.
The Associate Degree Nursing program includes clinical experience of 25 to 30 hours per week at local hospitals and health agencies, and is accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing. The program also offers LVN to RN transition options for licensed vocational nurses .
11. Career Development Institute, Inc. (CDI School of Nursing)
CDI offers a Vocational Nursing program designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles with small class sizes and personalized attention . The curriculum combines classroom coursework with skills lab training and supervised clinical experience in real healthcare settings.
CDI’s graduates have achieved strong NCLEX-PN licensure pass rates, performing consistently above the state average over a five-year period, and the school was recognized by the Los Angeles Times for its return on investment among community and career colleges .
12. American Career College – Los Angeles
American Career College offers a Vocational Nursing program that blends classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations to build foundational nursing knowledge and confidence.
The program includes supervised clinical experience in healthcare facilities and demonstrates strong licensure exam performance according to school-reported data . The school provides flexible scheduling options including day and evening/weekend cohorts to accommodate working students.
13. Annenberg School of Nursing
Annenberg School of Nursing offers a Vocational Nursing program with a strong emphasis on clinical readiness, combining classroom instruction, lab activities, and supervised clinical experience.
The program has demonstrated high first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates over multiple years according to BVNPT data, reflecting a solid preparation model . The school’s fast-paced 12-month program prepares students for immediate entry into the nursing workforce.
14. Angeles College – Los Angeles
Angeles College provides a Vocational Nursing program centered around practical training and patient-focused care through a blend of classroom sessions and supervised clinical rotations.
Students gain experience working in a variety of healthcare settings while developing critical thinking and hands-on competencies . The program emphasizes licensure exam readiness and workforce preparation.
15. Glendale Career College
Glendale Career College’s Vocational Nursing program emphasizes applied learning and patient care fundamentals, with students progressing through clinical skills courses followed by structured clinical training.
Faculty support students in developing core competencies required to work as Licensed Vocational Nurses in hospitals and community facilities . The program prepares graduates for licensure and entry-level nursing practice.
16. Concorde Career College – North Hollywood
Concorde Career College offers a Vocational Nursing program that integrates nursing theory with supervised clinical experience in healthcare settings.
Students learn nursing fundamentals in the classroom and apply them under instructor guidance, preparing them for licensure and positions in hospitals and community facilities. The program serves students in the San Fernando Valley area.
17. North-West College (Greater Los Angeles Campuses)
North-West College operates Vocational Nursing programs at multiple campuses serving the greater Los Angeles area, combining classroom learning with clinical training and real-world application.
Students build essential patient care skills and prepare for licensure requirements through supervised clinical rotations . The school’s multiple locations provide accessible training options throughout the region.
18. Marian College – Los Angeles
At Marian College, the Vocational Nursing program focuses on clinical preparedness and individualized instruction, with classroom learning complemented by hands-on lab and clinical work.
The school emphasizes practical skills and professional conduct while preparing students for the licensure exam . Marian College serves students in the Van Nuys and Los Angeles areas.
19. National Career College
National Career College offers a Vocational Nursing program in Panorama City with hands-on clinical experience, NCLEX-PN preparation, and extended supervised patient care hours.
This accelerated program is designed to prepare students for licensure through comprehensive theory and clinical exposure, providing individualized support throughout the training process. Students benefit from focused career preparation in a supportive environment.
20. Angeles Institute
Angeles Institute provides a Vocational Nursing program that emphasizes small learning environments, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and focused support to get students career-ready in under a year. The program offers an additional career-focused option for students interested in practical nursing training in the Los Angeles area.
21. Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles City College offers a Nursing program through its public two-year institution, with undergraduate tuition at $1,238 for in-state and $10,572 for out-of-state students. The college has a graduation rate of 29% and enrolls 14,611 students with a student-faculty ratio of 30:1. The school provides accessible nursing education in East Hollywood.
22. Los Angeles Valley College
Los Angeles Valley College offers nursing programs through its public two-year institution in Valley Glen, with undergraduate tuition at $1,238 for in-state and $10,572 for out-of-state students. The college has a graduation rate of 32% and enrolls 15,999 students with a student-faculty ratio of 28:1 . The school provides affordable nursing education in the San Fernando Valley.
23. Los Angeles Harbor College
Los Angeles Harbor College offers nursing programs through its public two-year institution in Wilmington, with undergraduate tuition at $1,238 for in-state and $10,568 for out-of-state students. The college has a graduation rate of 36% and enrolls 9,463 students with a student-faculty ratio of 27:1. The school provides accessible nursing education in the Harbor area.
24. Los Angeles Southwest College
Los Angeles Southwest College offers nursing programs through its public two-year institution in Los Angeles, with undergraduate tuition at $1,238 for in-state and $10,572 for out-of-state students. The college has a graduation rate of 34% and enrolls 5,371 students with a student-faculty ratio of 22:1. The school serves the South Los Angeles community with affordable nursing education.
25. Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College offers nursing programs through its public two-year institution in Los Angeles, with undergraduate tuition at $1,238 for in-state and $10,572 for out-of-state students. The college has a graduation rate of 35% and enrolls 12,519 students with a student-faculty ratio of 26:1. The school provides practical nursing training with a focus on technical skills development.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Programs Offered | Approx. Tuition | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UCLA School of Nursing | Master’s, Ph.D., DNP | $38,811/year (in-state DNP) | #8 Master’s ranking, top public nursing school |
| 2 | Cal State LA | Master’s, DNP | $23,856/year (in-state Master’s) | #41 Master’s ranking, five specialty options |
| 3 | Azusa Pacific University | BSN, MSN, DNP | Varies | Private faith-based, 826 graduates Recently |
| 4 | CSU Fullerton | BSN, DNP, MSN | Varies | 363 graduates, DNP program with 51 students |
| 5 | CSU Long Beach | BSN, MSN, Certificates | Varies | 306 graduates, Nursing Education programs |
| 6 | CSU Dominguez Hills | BSN, MSN | Varies | 219 graduates, community health focus |
| 7 | Charles R. Drew University | MSN, BSN, DNP, Certificates | Varies | Health equity focus, 241 graduates Recently |
| 8 | Mount Saint Mary’s University | Nursing Education | Varies | Private university, small supportive environment |
| 9 | American University of Health Sciences | Nursing Education | Varies | Small private for-profit, career-focused |
| 10 | Los Angeles Pierce College | ADN, LVN to RN | ~$6,000 total | 96.77–100% NCLEX pass rates |
| 11 | Career Development Institute | Vocational Nursing | Varies | LA Times ROI recognition, strong pass rates |
| 12 | American Career College | Vocational Nursing | Varies | Multiple start dates, flexible schedules |
| 13 | Annenberg School of Nursing | Vocational Nursing | Varies | High first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates |
| 14 | Angeles College | Vocational Nursing | Varies | Practical training and patient focus |
| 15 | Glendale Career College | Vocational Nursing | Varies | Applied learning emphasis |
| 16 | Concorde Career College | Vocational Nursing | Varies | Theory and supervised clinical experience |
| 17 | North-West College | Vocational Nursing | Varies | Multiple campus locations |
| 18 | Marian College | Vocational Nursing | Varies | Individualized instruction focus |
| 19 | National Career College | Vocational Nursing | Varies | Accelerated program in Panorama City |
| 20 | Angeles Institute | Vocational Nursing | Varies | Simulation labs, under one year completion |
| 21 | Los Angeles City College | Nursing | $1,238/year (in-state) | Public community college, East Hollywood |
| 22 | Los Angeles Valley College | Nursing | $1,238/year (in-state) | Public community college, Valley Glen |
| 23 | Los Angeles Harbor College | Nursing | $1,238/year (in-state) | Public community college, Wilmington |
| 24 | Los Angeles Southwest College | Nursing | $1,238/year (in-state) | Public community college, South LA |
| 25 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College | Nursing | $1,238/year (in-state) | Public community college, technical focus |
Success Tips for Application
Start by identifying your career goals and choose a program that aligns with your aspirations, whether you seek a university degree for advanced practice or a vocational program for direct workforce entry.
For university programs, focus on achieving a strong GPA and competitive entrance exam scores; Pierce College’s ADN program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA in core sciences and TEAS 7 exam scores on the first attempt.
For vocational nursing programs, verify that the school is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) to ensure eligibility for the NCLEX-PN exam.
Research NCLEX pass rates, as they are strong indicators of program quality; Pierce College reports 96.77-100% pass rates.
Consider the cost differences between private and public institutions, as public community colleges like those in the Los Angeles district offer tuition at approximately $1,238 per year for in-state students.
For RN programs, look for those accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Finally, attend nursing program open houses, such as those offered by Pierce College, to learn more about program requirements and clinical opportunities.
Closing
Los Angeles offers a rich and diverse nursing education landscape, from nationally ranked university programs like UCLA and Cal State LA to cost-effective community college ADN programs and career-focused vocational nursing schools . The demand for nurses in the region remains robust, with healthcare systems throughout Los Angeles County depending on well-trained nursing professionals at all levels.
Whether you aspire to become a nurse practitioner with a master’s degree, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a registered nurse through a community college program, or a licensed vocational nurse through a career-focused school, there are exceptional options available in Los Angeles.
When choosing a program, prioritize proper accreditation, review licensure exam pass rates, carefully weigh tuition costs, and consider the clinical training opportunities available.
By thoroughly researching each option and preparing a strong application, prospective students can find a nursing program in Los Angeles that fits their needs and sets them on a rewarding path in the vital and growing healthcare field.