Academic Programs | UCLA School of Nursing (2024)

Bachelor of Science(this includes freshman and transfer)

The BS Prelicensure program is designed to prepare students for a career in professional nursing practice. This is a traditional, four-year program beginning in the freshman year. A limited number of transfer students are accepted annually. Graduates of the BS program are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to belicensed as a registered nurse (R.N.) and may apply for thePublic Health Nursing Certificatefrom the California Board of Registered Nursing. The BS program is a UCLA-certified capstone major. During the last clinical course in the fourth year, each student plans and implements a clinically-based Scholarly Project designed to improve the system of care provided to patients and their families.

Students successfully completing the BS degree also acquire an educational foundation for entry into the master's program that prepares nurses for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and administrators in primary and acute care.

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Master of Science in Nursing - Master's Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN)

The UCLA School of Nursing has an option within the Master of Science in Nursing degree program that is designed to prepare individuals with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline for a career in nursing. This two-year pre-licensure program includes summer enrollment between the first and second years. Those who complete the program are granted the Master in Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and are eligible to take theNational Council Licensing Examination(NCLEX) to belicensed asregistered nurses(RN). They are then prepared to practice nursing at the bedside in a hospital setting.

Graduates of the program may also apply for aPublic Health Nursing Certificatefrom the California Board of Registered Nursing.

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Master of Science in Nursing - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

The School of Nursing offers a two-year course of graduate study leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) designed to prepare registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing for advanced practice. The MSN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse/Post-licensure program prepares nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists for the national certification examinations in the specialty that they are admitted into.

Advanced practice specialties offered through the UCLA School of Nursing include:

  • Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Population
  • Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Population
  • FamilyPopulation
  • Pediatric Population

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A DNP is a doctorally prepared, advanced practice nurse and a clinical expert and leader on the translation of evidence-base practice to improve health outcomes on a systems level. The DNP degree program is a clinical practice program for working professional nurses. You will integrate competencies foradvanced nursing practice roles in clinical practice, leadership, health policy and education, as well as further develop your scholarship capacity in evidence-based practice.

Highlights:

  • Translate research into clinical practice
  • Elevate your executive leadership skills
  • Influence patient outcomes and population health
  • Earn your doctorate in less thantwoyears
  • Continue working full-time throughout theprogram
  • Clinical practicum andDNP Scholarly Projectcan be performed at your workplace

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The UCLA School of Nursing (SON) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program with the goal in developing the foundation of knowledge upon which the practice of the profession is based. The UCLA SON PhD program aims to develop nurse scientists who can conduct research and generate theory that incorporate the influence of the biologic, psychosocial and physical environments on health and healthcare.Areas of focus and interest include, but are not limited to: health of diverse and vulnerable populations, older adults and persons with chronic and communicable diseases.

Doctoral graduates serve as leaders who educate, influence practice, advance science, optimize healthcare delivery and influence healthcare policy worldwide.

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UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program

The UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program curriculum is competency-based and aligned with the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) core and population specific competencies which include: scientific foundations, leadership, quality, practice inquiry, technology and information literacy, policy, health delivery system and ethics. The curriculum is built upon a framework which supports trainee knowledge, skills and attitude for development of the PMHNP role. This is supported through didactic content and a workplace-based clinical internship. The curricular framework and descriptions are:

  • PMHNP role development: To build excellence in practice as a PMHNP
  • Interprofessional collaboration: To support communication and collaboration across professions
  • Structural competency: To create healthcare professionals who understand the effect of social inequity, racism and limited access to mental healthcare on individuals and communities
  • Self-reflective practice:To gain awareness of self, others and situation in the context of professional identity and role development

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If you are interested in receiving more information, please fill out theProspective Applicant Interest Formor use theQR Code.

Unsure about which Program is appropriate for you?

See the School of Nursing Programs Pathways map.

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Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the UCLA School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education(http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

All programs of study are approved by the Academic Senate of the University of California and the California Board of Registered Nursing. Curricular oversight and periodic reviews are conducted by the UCLA Academic Senate's Undergraduate and Graduate Councils. UCLA holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Academic Programs | UCLA School of Nursing (2024)

FAQs

Academic Programs | UCLA School of Nursing? ›

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is considered the preferred entry level to registered nurse practice by healthcare institutions and professional organizations.

What is the best degree for nursing school? ›

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is considered the preferred entry level to registered nurse practice by healthcare institutions and professional organizations.

What are the hardest courses in nursing school? ›

Nursing is not an easy course to take. Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology all have a well-deserved reputation for being challenging to pass. Likewise, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chemistry, Maternal and Child Health Nursing, or even Psychology may be particularly challenging for some students.

What GPA do most nursing schools require? ›

GPA requirements depend on the type of nursing program you want to apply for, but most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, due to the competitive nature of nursing programs, most schools prefer a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA.

What school had the best nursing program? ›

According to the U.S. News & World Report methodology, the top bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs in the U.S. for 2023-2024 are: Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Emory University (Atlanta)

What is a 2 year nursing degree called? ›

Associate in Nursing (ASN)

You can become a registered nurse (RN) in just two years with your associate degree in nursing (ASN). RNs are the first line of care in many healthcare settings, and they are in increasingly high demand as healthcare organizations strive to accommodate a growing patient population.

Is a 2 year nursing degree worth it? ›

Is Getting an RN Associate Degree Worth It? An ADN can be worth pursuing if you want to become a registered nurse and begin working in the field as soon as possible. It's the quickest path to working as a registered nurse and provides you with the real-world skills you'll need to provide excellent patient care.

Which state is the hardest to become a nurse? ›

The Buckeye State actually takes the cake as the longest state to get licensed in, on average, and with attractive Midwestern cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, many nurses in the surrounding states (and beyond) go through Ohio's long licensure process.

What is the hardest type of nurse? ›

Most stressful nursing specialties
  • Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. The ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment. ...
  • Emergency room nurses. ER nurses face stress levels that are similar to what first responders experience. ...
  • Neonatal ICU nurses. ...
  • Operating room nurses. ...
  • Oncology nurses. ...
  • Psychiatric nurses.
Dec 1, 2023

What is the hardest test in nursing? ›

Passing the NCLEX is essential to begin your nursing career, but it is also one of the most challenging exams you will ever take.

What is the easiest nursing school to get into? ›

Nursing Schools with High Acceptance Rates in the US
SchoolLocationAcceptance Rate
University of MaineOrono, ME96%
University of Southern Indiana | USIEvansville, IN96%
University of Southern Mississippi | Southern MissHattiesburg, MI96%
Wright State UniversityDayton, OH96%
6 more rows
Apr 10, 2024

Is a 2.7 GPA good for nursing school? ›

While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. Keep in mind that this does not mean you would receive a lesser nursing education with these programs.

Is a 3.3 GPA bad for nursing school? ›

A good GPA for nursing school will depend on the program that you're applying for. Schools like UPenn and University of Michigan Ann Arbor's average admitted GPA is between 3.8-3.9, while some schools average closer to 3.5 or 3.6. Generally speaking, a good GPA stands at a 3.7 or higher.

What major is best for nursing? ›

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This level of nursing degree is linked to better patient outcomes and prepares students for comprehensive nursing roles.

What's the pay difference between an RN and a BSN? ›

RN Vs. BSN Salary
IndustryRN SalaryBSN Salary
Hospitals$76,000+$82,000+
Physician's Offices$66,000+$72,000+
Home Healthcare$70,000+$76,000+
Nursing Care Facilities$66,000+$72,000+
1 more row
May 3, 2024

What was the hardest class in nursing school? ›

Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. “It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed,” says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.

What is the best nursing field to go into? ›

Top Nursing Specialty Career Choices to Consider
  1. 1 | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ...
  2. 2 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) ...
  3. 3 | Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) ...
  4. 4 | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) ...
  5. 5 | Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) ...
  6. 6 | Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) ...
  7. 7 | Nurse Administrator.

What graduate degree should I get for nursing? ›

Advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs, typically hold a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Both focus on the clinical side of care. Nurses interested in academia or research can also opt for a Ph. D.

What is the best major before nursing school? ›

The most popular majors for these students are: Kinesiology, Public Health, Human Development, Nutrition (all in the College of Health), Psychology, Anthropology, or Spanish (in the College of Liberal Arts).

Which course is best to become a nurse? ›

While most nurses enter the field with an associate or BSN degree, APRNs with a pediatric focus who have their MSN or doctor of nursing degree will find the highest demand for their services.

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