RN Programs in Los Angeles with School Overviews

The Los Angeles area has 27 colleges that offer registered nursing programs. Learn about the degree and certificate programs, admission info and program requirements for three of these schools to make an informed education decision.

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Comparison of Los Angeles Registered Nursing Schools

Students who want to become registered nurses have the option of pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree. The Los Angeles area has several universities and colleges that offer registered nursing programs at both of these levels. Los Angeles City College and Los Angeles Southwest College both offer associate's degree programs in nursing. Students who want to obtain a nursing bachelor's degree in Los Angeles can enroll at California State University - Los Angeles.

Los Angeles City College Los Angeles Southwest College California State University - Los Angeles
Registered Nursing Programs Offered Associate in Science in Registered Nursing Associate of Science in Nursing,
LVN-RN Program
Bachelor of Science in Nursing,
RN-BSN Program
Related Programs Offered Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate,
Home Health Aide Certificate
N/A Master of Science in Nursing
School Type 2-year; public 2-year; public 4-year; public
Total Enrollment (2011) 21,028* 6,800* 21,284*
Campus Setting Large city Large suburb Large city
Tuition & Fees (2012-2013) $1,220 in-state, $6,160 out-of-state* $1,220 in-state, $6,160 out-of-state* $6,101 in-state, $17,759 out-of-state*
% of First-Year Students Receiving Any Form of Financial Aid (2011) 68%* 89%* 77%*
Acceptance Rate (2011) N/A - Open admissions N/A - Open admissions 69%*
Retention Rate (2011) 67% full-time, 38% part-time* 49% full-time, 34% part-time* 81% full-time, 60% part-time*
Graduation Rate (2011) 15% (8% transfer-out rate)* 6% (15% transfer-out rate)* 36% (4% transfer-out rate)*
Noteworthy Features an articulation agreement with CSU - LA to earn a BSN Program available for licensed vocational nurses RN-BSN transfer program
Distance from Downtown 4 mi. (8 min.) 12 mi. (21 min.) 5 mi. (10 min.)

Source: *NCES College Navigator.


Programs at Los Angeles City College

Los Angeles City College offers degree and certificate programs that can be completed within 6-36 months. Students can pursue programs in healthcare, computer/electronics, arts and entertainment, business, law and consumer studies. In addition to a nursing program, the health department features programs in dental technology, radiologic technology and psychology/human services.

Associate in Science in Registered Nursing

The registered nursing program at Los Angeles City College takes two years to complete, and students participate in clinical and theory courses four days per week. A clinical experience is also part of the coursework and allows students to gain experience in a hospital, nursing home or other healthcare facility. Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible for RN licensure.

Programs at Los Angeles Southwest College

Los Angeles Southwest College features 34 associate's degrees along with 47 certificate programs, and students have the option of pursuing careers or continuing their education at a 4-year institution. The college offers an Associate of Science in Nursing and a 30-unit option program for students who have their California vocational nursing license.

Associate's Degree in Nursing

Before applying to the associate's degree program, students must meet LASC's pre-admission requirements. These include a high school diploma or G.E.D. and general education coursework covering topics like anatomy and microbiology. Graduates of the associate's degree program take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain entry-level positions in the nursing profession.

Thirty-Unit Option for Licensed Vocational Nurses

Students who have already obtained their vocational nursing license in California may apply to LASC's 30-unit option program. Prerequisites for admission to the program include CPR certification, proof of professional liability insurance, successful completion of physiology and microbiology courses and a successful physical examination. Graduates of the 30-unit program take the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses.

Programs at California State University - Los Angeles

The College of Health and Human Services at California State University - Los Angeles features programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Education and training is available for students who want to pursue careers in nursing, social work, public health, nutritional science and gerontology. Additional departments offer programs in the arts, business, education, computer science and engineering and social sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires that students complete pre-licensure nursing courses before being admitted. Initial coursework focuses on anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry and psychology. Upper division requirements teach students about acute nursing, pharmacology, nursing leadership, case management and the health care system.

RN-BSN Program

The RN-BSN program is designed for licensed registered nurses who have already earned an associate's degree or diploma in nursing and want to earn a bachelor's degree in the field. Students in the program are only required to complete upper division coursework. These courses cover topics in family nursing, health assessment, pathophysiology, public health nursing, nursing management and nursing research.

More School Options

Some of the other schools in or near Los Angeles that offer registered nursing programs include Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health, Los Angeles Trade Technical College, East Los Angeles College and Glendale Community College.

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