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San Diego BSN Degree Programs

NurseJournal Staff
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Updated December 6, 2022
    There are various schools in San Diego, California, where you can obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). Over one million people live in this city and there are around 111,000 students.
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    Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

    Aerial view of San DiegoCredit: Steve Proehl / The Image Bank / Getty Images

    There are various schools in San Diego, California, where you can obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Over one million people live in this city and there are around 111,000 students. Around 60% of those students study at a school that offers a nursing program.

    Nursing graduates have very good prospects in San Diego. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 25% growth in demand for nurses by 2018, which is well above the national average. Currently, almost 10% of all the nurses in California work in San Diego. This demand is also reflected in salaries, which average at $83,560 per year, again above the national and state average.

    In the past, prospective nurses would choose to complete an associate’s degree in nursing, which would allow them to take the NCLEX-RN examination to be able to enter the nursing workforce. Although this is still a popular route, many health care employers have made a commitment to improving the educational standard of their workforce. As a result, they are looking specifically at nurses who hold a BSN degree instead. This has led to an increase in RN to BSN programs as well, to support those who do already have their associate’s degree, but it also means an increasing number of students is studying directly towards their bachelor’s from leaving high school.

    If you wish to obtain a BSN degree, it is important that you choose the right school for your needs and requirements. It is recommended that you contact at least three different schools and look into their particulars before deciding which one to enroll with. Below are the three best BSN programs in San Diego for you to consider.

    1
    Kaplan University
    LocationSan Diego, CA

    The BSN program at Kaplan University has been designed for those students who already hold a registered nurse (RN) license. The program is delivered online, allowing students to study around their other commitments. The main focus of the course is on leadership. Kaplan University is one of the most popular schools in San Diego for the BSN degree, with the majority of students being enrolled here. However, they do not offer a direct entry BSN degree and only focus on those students who have already obtained an RN license and some work experience in the field.

    • Campus: San Diego, CA
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $28,350
    • Minimum time commitment: 18 months
    • Online availability: Yes
    • Degree Requirements: Current and valid RN license
    • Programs: RN to BSN program
    • School website: Tuition and Financial Aid
    2
    San Diego State University
    LocationSan Diego, CA

    At San Diego State University, students can take part in a full BSN degree program or, for those who already hold an RN license, in an RN to BSN degree program. Both programs focus on delivering a high quality workforce for the health care industry. Indeed, graduates from this university are in very high demand. Students are supported by a dedicated and committed faculty staff who have real life experiences and act as true mentors to their students.

    • Campus: San Diego, CA
    • Type: Public
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: Varies, please inquire
    • Minimum time commitment: 4 years for BSN, 2 years for RN to BSN
    • Online availability: No
    • Degree requirements: High school or GED, RN license if applicable, transcripts
    • Programs: BSN, RN to BSN
    • School website: Tuition and Financial Aid
    3
    Point Loma Nazarene University
    LocationSan Diego, CA

    The BSN degree program at Point Loma Nazarene University is designed to give students the opportunity to learn all the technical, academic and practical knowledge they need to become the best possible nurses. Additionally, they focus on the emotional and spiritual elements involved in nursing. The program is truly unique in the way it is delivered and graduates are in incredibly high demand across the state. Additionally, Point Loma Nazarene University also offers an LVN to BSN program, as well as an . Only very few schools offers the LVN to BSN program, and it is a true testament in the university’s favor that they are able to meet the demand for this particular educational opportunity.

    • Campus: San Diego, CA
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $30,800 per year
    • Minimum time commitment: 128 semester units
    • Online availability: No
    • Degree requirements: GPA of 3.0, prerequisite courses, LVN or RN certification if applicable, physical examination, immunization records, CPR, drug screening
    • Programs: BSN, LVN-BSN, RN-BSN
    • School website: Tuition and Financial Aid

    Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

    Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.