The Top Nursing School in San Diego, CA
Explore the best nursing schools in San Diego, learn about the kinds of online and hybrid programs available, and find the top option for your career goals.
The benefits of working in the nursing profession are broad and substantial. They include a high-demand career with great pay, job security with diverse opportunities, and plenty of potential for advancement. And we haven’t even touched on the satisfaction that comes with doing a job that so positively impacts the lives of others. Before you can join the ranks of the nursing profession, though, you’ll need a nursing degree.
If you live in San Diego and are thinking about launching or advancing your career in nursing, we’re here to help get you going. Among other things, this guide introduces you to the many online nursing school options available to students in the San Diego area. Below you’ll find details (admission and curriculum requirements, delivery methods, completion times, program costs, and more) on several current online degree programs as well as information on the potential salaries and job opportunities awaiting you once you’ve earned your degree.
Sound good? Then let’s get started on the search for the right online degree program for you from one of the top nursing schools in San Diego. Read on to discover the school that made the top of our list for having everything you could need.
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, California
Private
National University
National University is a private, non-profit school with several campuses in Nevada and California, including its main campus in San Diego. National also offers a substantial number of accredited online and hybrid degree programs that include this Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Generic Entry (California). This BSN program consists of 180 quarter credits of coursework in both general education and nursing courses.
Didactic nursing coursework is facilitated synchronously online, requiring attendance during the day. To supplement this online coursework, students attend clinical labs in-person on National University’s San Diego campus. The program is available at NU’s Los Angeles and Fresno locations as well. General education courses are offered online, many in an asynchronous format. Students can transfer in a substantial number of previously earned credits. LVNs and medics may also be able to challenge some nursing courses by exam or be considered for equivalency. The current tuition rates for BSN students are set at $407/quarter unit for nursing courses and $370/quarter unit for all other courses. Classes start on a monthly basis throughout the year.
San Diego State University
The RN to BS in Nursing program at San Diego State University is delivered in a primarily online format and is designed for current nurses looking to bolster their credentials and careers. The course of study consists of 35 credits — 26 credits of nursing coursework and 9 credits of general education coursework. Students complete in-person clinical experiences at assigned practice sites to supplement and apply their online training. Completion time varies from student to student, but typically hovers around 15 months. Students with a bachelor’s degree in another major may be able to waive the program’s general education requirements and earn their BSNs in as few as 12 months. Start dates are available each January and August.
Admission requirements include an ADN degree or nursing diploma (with a minimum 3.0 GPA); completion of a number of anatomy, physiology, critical thinking, and statistics courses; and other general education coursework. A registered nurse license is also required, but students who are eligible for RN licensure pending passage of the NCLEX-RN exam can begin their BSN studies prior to doing so. The current estimated total tuition cost is $13,000.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in San Diego
There are many nursing programs in San Diego to accommodate students at different levels of education and nursing experience. No matter your professional nursing goals, one of the nursing programs available in San Diego is likely to meet your needs.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in San Diego
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN is ideal for those who want to become RNs as quickly as possible. The ADN pathways allows you to become a registered nurse in roughly two years.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with this Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
With its advanced nursing focus, a BSN offers greater opportunities for career advancement. Training in theoretical nursing, leadership, and general education subjects provide the background needed for nursing leadership positions.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs are for students who already have bachelor’s degrees in a field unrelated to nursing. Because students get credit for previous college courses, they can finish their BSN in an accelerated manner, often in less than two years.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with this Program
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Direct-entry programs allow individuals with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees to become RNs. Given the advanced training available, these programs are best suited for those who want to work as advanced practice registered nurses, such as nurse anesthetists, nursing midwives, and nurse practitioners.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in San Diego for Current Nurses
LVN to RN and LVN to BSN Programs
The LVN to RN or LVN to BSN programs bridge the gap between vocational and registered nurses. These programs are for LVNs who want to become RNs or take the first step toward advanced practice nursing.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs normally enroll nurses with ADNs. A BSN is often necessary for supervisory functions or for moving into specialized RN roles.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
RN to MSN programs allow RNs to move into advanced practice. Generally speaking, incoming students have associate degrees they can add to and earn an MSN degree. Some RN to MSN programs allow students to also earn BSN degrees.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in San Diego
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Traditional MSN programs allow RNs to become APRNs. Incoming students usually have BSNs. Those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields can utilize the direct-entry MSN academic pathway.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with This Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctorate nursing programs (DNP) serve as the pinnacle of nursing knowledge. A DNP is typically for aspiring nurse practitioners who need more specialized training or training in a subject relating to clinical nursing practice, like informatics or executive leadership. PhD programs are ideal for nurses looking to shift careers into research or academia.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Many of the nursing programs in San Diego offer post-graduate nursing certificates. These certificates provide training in a nursing specialization. Many students earning a post-graduate nursing certificate are practicing APRNs looking to focus their practice areas.
Examples of San Diego Nursing Schools with This Program
How to Become an RN in San Diego: Licensing Requirements
The first step to becoming a registered nurse in San Diego is completing a nursing program that’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the state of California. The second step is applying to the California Board of Registered Nursing for an RN license. This requires passing a background check, submitting an application, and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. More details about the licensing requirements are available on our RN Licensing Information and Requirements in California page.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in San Diego
Can I earn my nursing degree in San Diego completely online?
Many programs, especially those for pre-licensure, have a practicum, clinical, or immersive in-person components but offer coursework online. A few graduate-level nursing programs in San Diego have curriculums that can be completed 100% online.
Will my online San Diego nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
For most healthcare employers, graduating from an accredited and board of nursing-recognized nursing program and having a valid registered nursing license is all that matters. Many employers actually expect at least some online coursework given the rapid growth and acceptance of distance learning.
Are online nursing programs in San Diego more affordable than campus programs?
Online nursing programs in San Diego have tuition rates comparable to traditional, on-campus programs. Distance learning tuition rates can be slightly lower, especially for those who might otherwise pay non-resident tuition rates. At a minimum, attending an online nursing school saves money in reduced travel costs to and from campus.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in San Diego
To help you pay for your education, a variety of sources offer grants, scholarships, and loans. These include state and federal governments, charitable organizations, corporations, and nursing schools. For financial aid options tailored for students in San Diego, visit the California Board of Registered Nursing and The San Diego Foundation. EduMed’s nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide provide additional resources.
How Much Can You Make as an RN in San Diego?
Now that you've learned about what training to become a registered nurse entails and gotten a glimpse of the different schools you can enroll in, you may be questioning how much you can make after graduation. This is especially true if you’re considering earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree because of the time and money investment in these program types. If you're wondering whether the money you spend on your education will be worth it, review the salary data below from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the San Diego-Carlsbad area, you can earn between $98,350 and $168,810 each year. On average, registered nurses here make $132,750. Keep in mind that if you want to relocate, the state figures are somewhat different. The agency also reports that in California, registered nurses make a range of $83,510 to $194,240. The average salary around the state is $133,990.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $83,510 | $133,990 | $194,240 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $98,350 | $132,750 | $168,810 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional San Diego Nursing Resources
National Student Nurses’ Association – Local Chapters
The NSNA prepares nursing students for licensure through mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy. It promotes skill development and advocates for the advancement of the nursing profession.
HHSA Nursing Administration – San Diego
The HHSA of San Diego is a local government organization working on behalf of professional nurses by improving standards of practice and updating nursing policies.
San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses
The San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses helps nurses in San Diego better serve Hispanic and underserved communities. Initiatives include promoting nursing education and community healthcare programs.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses has local chapters that partner with community leaders and other medical professionals to improve the standing and professional opportunities of critical-care nurses in San Diego and surrounding areas.
California Association for Nurse Practitioners – San Diego, North Chapter
The California Association for Nurse Practitioners represents the interests of nurse practitioners within the state of California. It focuses on promoting the profession and developing growth opportunities for nurse practitioners in San Diego and neighboring areas.
