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With a non-nursing degree, any of the accredited accelerated nursing programs in Los Angeles can transition you into the noble field of nursing- fast!
Working as an RN in LA has its perks- competitive pay, pleasant weather, a diverse population, top-notch healthcare facilities, etc.
We’ve compiled a list of the accelerated nursing programs in Los Angeles to get you started on this exciting yet new nursing chapter.
Read: Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?
3 Accelerated BSN Programs in Los Angeles, CA
1. Cal State LA Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, Cal State LA’s Accelerated BSN program might be perfect for you.
The Cal State LA ABSN program is a rapid-paced, full-time program that enables you to earn your BSN degree in just 15 months. It consists of 53 units of study.
Duration: 15 months
Format: In-campus
Location: Los Angeles, CA
The program admits students each June.
Opportunities for Further Education
Upon successful completion of the program, not only will you be awarded a BSN and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, but you may also have the chance to pursue an MSN degree- subject to meeting certain academic and school requirements
Prerequisites
These include Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs, Microbiology with a lab, Chemistry with a lab, Inferential Statistics, and a Critical Thinking course.
Tuition Fees
Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state resident, the tuition fees are the same for the Cal State LA ABSN program. Expect an approximate cost of $32,000 for the 15-month program.
For the most recent cost info, check directly on the program’s website.
2. Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The MSMU ABSN is an intensive program designed to be completed in one year through 3 consecutive semesters. With both summer and fall starts, the ABSN program is a reformat of the traditional BSN program.
Duration: 12 months
Format: In-campus
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Each term accepts only 40 students. This high-paced structure demands complete commitment from you, requiring up to 40 hours per week of lecture and clinical learning experiences, often including weekends.
So you really shouldn’t plan to work during this 12-month program.
Prerequisites
Prereqs include a range of science, psychology, sociology, nutrition, and communication subjects. Also, 3 courses related to community, global awareness and understanding, and women and gender must be finished before the start of the program.
Tuition Fees
The tuition for the MSMU ABSN program is currently set at a flat rate of $23,799 for 12-18 units per semester.
If your coursework exceeds 18 units per semester, there’s an additional cost of $1,983 per unit. For the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, check the university’s official page below.
3. Cal State Northridge Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Cal State Northridge ABSN program spans just 15 months or 4 consecutive semesters, helping you meet the NCLEX-RN licensure requirements within 58 units of study.
Duration: 15 months
Format: In-campus
Location: Northridge, CA (About 30 mins drive from LA)
Placements in the Greater Los Angeles Area
One of the key strengths of this program is the opportunity it provides for real-world experience. The university arranges for placements at various hospitals and clinical facilities across the greater Los Angeles area.
This broad network ranges from large, well-known hospitals to community-based clinics, ensuring you find the right fit. Interestingly, many students secure their first nursing roles at the very hospitals where they completed their clinical training.
Prerequisites
Before you kick-start your journey with the Cal State Northridge ABSN program, there are some prerequisite courses you need to complete.
These include Human Anatomy and Lab, Introductory Microbiology and Lab, Human Physiology and Lab, Introductory Chemistry I and Lab, and Introductory Statistics.
Tuition Fees
The total tuition for the Cal State Northridge ABSN program is approx $46,400. For the most updated information, always check the university’s tuition page.
Related: 10 Top ABSN Programs in California
2 Direct Entry/Entry Level MSN Programs in Los Angeles, CA
1. University of California Los Angeles Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse
Program Overview
The UCLA Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse Program (MENP) is a 2-year course designed to transform individuals with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline into proficient nursing professionals.
Duration: 2 years
Format: In-campus
Location: Los Angeles, CA
This comprehensive, full-time program unfolds right on the UCLA campus, providing you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich academic environment this renowned institution offers.
The Outcomes
Upon successful completion, not only will you receive a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), but you’ll also be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, a critical step in launching your nursing career.
But that’s not all. With your degree in hand, you can apply for a Public Health Nursing Certificate from the California Board of Registered Nursing, an additional qualification that broadens your potential career horizons.
Practical Experience: Diverse Clinical Rotations
The final year of the UCLA MENP involves an intense focus on leadership training and a clinical immersion experience in a hospital setting, where you’ll also spearhead a clinical nurse leadership project.
Clinical rotations start in the first winter quarter, placing you in one of UCLA’s many clinical partners each quarter.
They include the likes of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA, Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, St. John’s Health Center, etc.
These clinical experiences will take you to various hospitals across the community, introducing you to diverse healthcare settings and patient populations.
Your clinical rotations could even lead to job opportunities post-graduation, as many of their graduates have secured positions within these partner hospitals.
Prerequisites
Before you embark on this UCLA Direct Entry MSN program, a set of prerequisite courses is required. These courses, ranging from Chemistry to Statistics to Communication, ensure that you come equipped with the foundational knowledge necessary for the program.
Tuition
Tuition varies for residents and non-residents. For up-to-date information on the tuition and fees for this program, visit the UCLA tuition page.
UCLA MENP Acceptance Rate
The program accepts about 70 out of 500 student applications, effectively putting the acceptance rate at about 14%.
Clearly, admission is competitive, reflecting the program’s reputation and demand. It is one of the more prestigious accelerating nursing programs in LA.
2. Charles R. Drew University Entry Level MSN Track (ELM)
Program Overview
The Charles R. Drew University Entry Level Master’s in Nursing Track (ELM), is a research-focused program tailored for individuals keen on diving into the fulfilling nursing profession.
This 81-credit course, spread over 2 years, is accredited by CCNE and approved by the California Board of Nursing.
Duration: 2 years
Format: In-campus
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Second-Year Focus
In your 2nd year, expect a deep dive into nursing research, community health, and nursing issues/theory. This year culminates with a final clinical immersion experience, a preceptored course designed to give you an authentic taste of what a nursing career entails.
A Springboard to Licensure and Certification
Upon completion of the pre-licensure segment of the ELM program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you can apply for the Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) upon graduation, further enhancing your credentials.
Prerequisites
To ensure your readiness for the ELM program, you’ll need to complete a series of prerequisite courses. These subjects range from English and Sociology to more science-based courses like Anatomy and Microbiology.
Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for the program is around $95,431. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on tuition and fees, visit Charles R. Drew University’s student finance page.
Conclusion
Like in many parts of the US, Los Angeles is experiencing a demand for nurses, especially after the unprecedented strain that was placed on the healthcare system by the Covid-19 pandemic.
And while LA’s cost of living is high, the competitive pay you stand to earn factors in the costs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area earn about $125,350 annually.
Also, there are top healthcare facilities, such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and USC Keck Hospital, that will make your practice of nursing worthwhile. With any of the accelerated nursing programs in Los Angeles, you can begin a fulfilling & rewarding journey into the world of LA nursing care.
FAQ
Does UCLA have an accelerated BSN program?
No, UCLA does not have an accelerated BSN program. However, it has a Direct Entry MSN program called the UCLA Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse Program (MENP).
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
- If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.
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