Top Nursing Schools in the Los Angeles Area

The Los Angeles region hosts several nationally ranked nursing programs across public and private institutions. Here are five standout options.

1. UCLA School of Nursing

• Ranking: #1 nationally (U.S. News & World Report)
• Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
• Highlights: Research powerhouse, Westwood campus, UCLA Health clinical partnerships.

2. USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work & Nursing

• Ranking: #2 nationally
• Programs: BSN, MSN (multiple specialties), DNP, PhD
• Highlights: Strong community health focus, telehealth innovation, Children's Hospital LA affiliation.

3. CSULB College of Health & Human Services

• Program: BSN (CCNE-accredited)
• Focus: Critical thinking, collaboration, patient-centered care.
• Value: Public university tuition; strong local hospital placement network.

4. Mount Saint Mary's University School of Nursing

• Program: BSN (CCNE-accredited)
• Focus: Holistic care, ethics, leadership; women's university with co-ed graduate programs.
• Settings: Two LA campuses (Chalon, Doheny).

5. Samuel Merritt University (Oakland campus; LA cohort sites)

• Program: BSN (CCNE-accredited)
• Focus: Evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, cultural competence.
• Note: Private health-sciences university; accelerated options available.

Choosing Tips

• Verify current NCLEX-RN pass rates (all above 90%).
• Consider clinical rotation sites matching your specialty interest.
• Factor in cost, commute, and program format (traditional vs. accelerated).