The Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

California State University-Fullerton offers one of the best LVN-to-BSN (licensed vocational nurse-to-bachelor of science in nursing) programs in California. The program is open to DACA students and undocumented immigrants, provided that they have an individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN). 

Cal State Fullerton's LVN-to-BSN program typically enrolls 20 qualified applicants each year. It does not require or accept letters of recommendation. Students must enroll full time and complete coursework with their cohort. The program provides clinical placement within a 50-mile radius of campus. Second language fluency or military status give students an advantage with admissions.

• Program(s): LVN-to-BSN
• Campus: Fullerton, CA
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $8,613 per year for full-time, California residents; $16,929 per year for full-time, out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: 60 college-level credits; 3.25 GPA; CSU prerequisite courses and labs; current and unencumbered California LVN license; social security number or ITIN
• Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.6%
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $86,042 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard

California State University-San Marcos' LVN-to-BSN accepts only four students each fall. Learners enter the regular BSN program as second-year students. Applicants must complete a nursing skills assessment for admission during the May before the fall term and receive a 100% score on skills and math. They must also complete the pre-nursing core or equivalent. 

• Program(s): LVN-to-BSN
• Campus: San Marcos, CA
• Type: Public 
• Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $5,742 per year for California residents; $15,246 per year for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: Current and unencumbered LVN license; completion of pre-nursing core curriculum or equivalent with 2.75 GPA; IV certification
• Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.7%
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $88,074 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard

Azusa Pacific University's LVN-to-BSN program is available at the Victorville, San Bernardino, or Monrovia campuses. The program emphasizes Christian values in nursing. Programs follow a cohort model, with cohorts starting in the fall, spring, or summer. The school welcomes veterans and is a designated Yellow Ribbon University and a silver-level Military Friendly® School. Students may not transfer nursing credits from community colleges, though general credits can transfer.

• Program(s): LVN-to-BSN
• Campus: Victorville, San Bernardino, or Monrovia, CA
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $825 per unit
• Admission Requirements: 49 units of credit (up to 70 units may transfer) with "C" grades; current California LVN license; collegiate-level communication skills; microbiology and human anatomy with labs; general, organic, and biological chemistry with at least 2.7 GPA and no course lower than a 2.0 GPA; college algebra; two references; current CPR with AED for healthcare providers
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.8%
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $89,570 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard

California State University-East Bay offers a pre-licensure program for students with an LVN license. Current Cal State East Bay full-time students, first-time local transfer students without a bachelor's degree, and honorably-discharged members of the military receive priority admission. The program notes that students outside these priority groups are not likely to receive admission. Students with second-language fluency and healthcare experience receive some preference. 

• Program(s): LVN-to-BSN
• Campus: Hayward, CA
• Type: Public 
• Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $8,613 per year for California residents; $15,741 per year for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: Prerequisite courses with a 3.0 GPA and all grades at "C" or higher; 70% TEAS Exam overall score and minimum 65% English and reading; current and unencumbered California LVN license (for LVN admission)
• Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months (pre-licensure) 
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes

National University's nursing classes start monthly, and students complete one course at a time. Learners apply to both the university and the nursing program. Designed for working students, NU offers evening, weekend, and online courses. In-person programs are available at the San Diego, Los Angeles, and Fresno campuses. Service members and their families receive discounted tuition. 

• Program(s): LVN-to-BN
• Campus: La Jolla, CA
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $388 per quarter credit
• Admission Requirements: General education and nursing prerequisite courses with 2.75 cumulative GPA; "C" grade in all prerequisite courses
• Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
• On-Campus Requirements: No
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.9%
• Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $84,367 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard