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
