Students interested in acquiring the training and degrees required to work in the nursing profession have several accredited nursing schools in Northern California to choose from. As a matter of fact, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to four of the highest-rated registered nursing programs in the state. These outstanding institutions are noted for not only the quality of education and training they provide to their students, but also for the consistently high level of medical research they conduct. In short, graduates from these schools are perfectly positioned to become tomorrow’s leaders in the medical industry.
Best Accredited Nursing Schools in Northern California
The Northern California nursing schools discussed in this article are all based in the Bay Area. This does not mean, however, that there are not also outstanding nursing programs offered in other parts of the state’s northern half. Sacramento State, in particular, is noted for its tremendous program that offers several different types of nursing degrees. The four schools discussed in this article, however, are consistently ranked among the top 10 nursing programs in California. A brief review of each follows.
University of California, San Francisco
In addition to topping most lists of best accredited nursing schools in Northern California, the UCSF School of Nursing is also ranked as one of the top four programs in the United States. Both in terms of graduate performance on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and ratings provided by prominent members of the health care community, UCSF represents the cream of the crop in nursing education.
San Francisco State University
One of the finest of the nursing schools from the CSU system, the San Francisco State University School of Nursing is renowned for its excellent advanced degree programs. Students are able to pursue both BSN and MSN degrees at the school, as well as Bachelor of Science for RN and APO (Advanced Placement Option for LVNs) degrees and study under one of the best faculties on the West Coast.
University of San Francisco
The third of three elite programs on the San Francisco Peninsula, the University of San Francisco College of Nursing has been one of the best accredited nursing schools in Northern California ever since it opened its doors in 1954. The school features both BSN and MSN degrees (both available through including online nursing classes as well), and in 2007 expanded its offerings to include the state’s first Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Other Accredited Nursing Programs in Northern California
Along with the four outstanding institutions covered in this article, Northern California is also home to several other noteworthy accredited nursing schools. As mentioned earlier, Sacramento State is widely regarded as having one of the best programs around and is typically ranked just outside the state’s top 10. Additionally, the Bay Area houses one of California’s best community colleges for nursing in the City College of San Francisco, Vocational Nursing Department. If you are thinking about attending any one of these accredited nursing schools in Northern California, you can rest assured that the degree you earn will open the door to a long, successful career in the medical field.
Recommended Nursing Schools in California!
Programs:
- MS in Nursing (RN Required)
- BS in Nursing (RN Required)
- MS in Nursing - Nursing/Health Care Education
- And more...
Programs:
- LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
- LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
- Paramedic to RN
- And more...
Programs:
- Nursing, MS
- Medical Assisting, AS
- Health Services Administration, AA (Online)
As a treating intern, you will gain first-hand knowledge of working in a clinical environment. You will have the opportunity to work at both our campus clinic and our off-site externships located at hospitals, clinics, and designated treatment sites. Working alongside acupuncturists, medical doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and fellow students, you’ll have the opportunity to treat different types of patients, and to put your classroom knowledge into practice.
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nursing
Programs:
- Diploma: Vocational Nursing
- Diploma: Nurse Assistant
- Diploma: Medical Assistant
Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Programs:
- Registered Nursing
- Medical Assisting
Programs:
- B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
- Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
- And more...
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
- Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
- Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
- And more...
American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.
Programs:
- Vocational Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy
Programs:
- AS in Vocational Nursing
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing
- Certificate in Medical Assisting
- And more...