Nursing Schools in California
There are currently 40 nursing schools in California that are accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACA). Prior to applying for a PhD in Nursing, going either the traditional route or by distance education (online PhD nursing programs), you can earn your prerequisite degree in any number of nursing schools in California. Our spotlight this week is the California University Los Angeles (CULA) School of Nursing, which currently offers an undergraduate degree (BSN) Bachelor of Science in nursing, a Master of Science in nursing for students with or without an RN license. CULA has actually partnered with the University of Michigan in creating the Bridges to Doctoral Program, a cooperative between both schools. The Bridges to the PhD in nursing program applicants must meet the following eligibility profile:
- Currently enrolled in the first year of a CSULA MSW or MSN program
- US citizenship or permanent resident status
- Interest in a career in conducting research on health disparities in Social Work or Nursing
- Membership in an underrepresented group, e.g. African America, Hispanic, Asian/ Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and American Indians
- Or Economically Disadvantaged students who have experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances or demonstrated financial need (based on completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA) OR having a disability.
- Minimum Undergraduate GPA of 3.2
Alternatively, if you are not ready or qualify for the Bridges program, the M.S. nursing program at CULA is tailed for students who hold a RN (registered nurse) license and the MSN is for students who do not. The MSN is specifically for students who already hold a BS degree in another discipline and are not licensed RNs. CULA has a small school of nursing, with roughly only 400 undergraduate students and 200 graduate level students. It is recognized by the California Board of Nursing and is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The following are graduate programs currently offered at the CULA School of Nursing:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Administration
- Psychological/Mental Health CNS
- School Health insurance
CULA offers four graduate nursing specialties including:
- Primary and acute adult
- Primary child
- Family care
- Psychological/mental health
Upon graduation, individuals must take and pass specific licensing examinations prior to working as a professional healthcare worker. The pass rate for nurses holding a BSN and sitting for the NCLEX (National Counsel Licensure Examination) was 93% (2010-2011) and is one of the highest ranking pass rates of all nursing schools in California. This represents 82 undergraduate (BSN) students who sat for the exam. Graduate nursing school test scores was also amongst the highest at Graduate student passing scores were also the highest in California, whereby 100% of the 21 individuals who sat for the exam also passed it. The lowest pass rate score was San Joaquin Valley College, in which the pass rate was only 54% in which 76 students sat for the exam. Undoubtedly, this is why this private college is not a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), whereas CULA is.
Nurses who are not looking to earn a degree, i.e. BSN, MSN, or PhD in Nursing can earn a graduate certificate at CULA in a number of nursing occupations including:
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Adult Specialty Certificate
• Adult Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
• Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric/Mental Health Certificate Program
• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Education Certificate Program
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certificate
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Whether you are ready to pursue a PhD in Nursing via the Bridges program, earn your MSN, or complete your BSN, CULA is one of the best nursing schools in California. Many professional nursing holding a MSN consider taking courses to earn a certificate in a specialty which they are currently employed or wish to transfer. Professional certificates are generally comprised of 7 courses. These courses may be transferable to another college program, should you wish to pursue your doctorate in nursing, such as a PhD in Nursing or DNP. It is always best to first consult with admissions to see whether or not these courses will be acceptable by your school.
CULA Best Nursing Schools in California was written by Brenne Meirowitz, BA, MA, MS.
©2011 Brenne Meirowitz & Online Nursing Programs, PhD in Nursing, & DNP Programs. All Rights Reserved.
