Nursing Schools in Sacramento, California

If you're considering of becoming a nurse in California, Sacramento is a city that has a lot of education opportunities as it stands out for its renowned nursing schools and flexible programs. 

The city caters to different career paths and educational goals, from community colleges to prestigious universities. Whether you aspire to become a registered nurse (RN), pursue advanced nursing degrees, or specialize in a particular area of nursing, nursing schools in Sacramento, California have diverse offerings to meet your needs. 

Read more about these schools and programs, what it's like to study in this city, and some answers to frequently asked questions.

Nursing Schools in Sacramento

1. American River College

American River College (ARC) is a community college in Sacramento, California, renowned for its comprehensive nursing programs. The college offers a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) certificate, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, and an LVN to RN bridge program.

With a focus on affordability and accessibility, ARC aims to provide its nursing students with a strong foundation in nursing care and clinical skills. The college's dedicated faculty and modern simulation labs contribute to a supportive learning environment, nurturing nursing students to become competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. 

• LVN: 30-unit option program, LVNs can take the NCLEX but students taking this path to RN licensure won't receive a degree
• ADN: 24 months, offers morning, evening, and weekend clinical experiences, cost around $7,000  
• LVN to RN: 12 months, students progress to the RN program during the third semester

2. California State University, Sacramento 

California State University, Sacramento, commonly known as Sacramento State, emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and cultural competency to prepare graduates for diverse nursing roles. With experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, nursing students benefit from comprehensive training combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

The university's partnerships with prominent regional healthcare institutions offer students ample clinical opportunities, enabling them to work with diverse patient populations and hone their nursing skills.

• BSN: 29 units required for pre-clinical, 61 units for major, 120 total credit units for program completion
• RN to BSN: To earn a BSN, a minimum of 120 units is needed, including 30 units taken at Sacramento State, with additional units required for unfulfilled GE requirements and upper division Nursing major courses.
• MSN: 7 courses, 22 units required
• LVN to RN: 30-unit full-time, non-degree program

3. Sacramento City College

Sacramento City College's Nursing School offers a comprehensive and reputable program for aspiring nurses in Sacramento, California. As part of the Los Rios Community College District, the nursing school provides a well-established Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become registered nurses (RNs).

The program boasts accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The college also offers an LVN program.

• LVN: 3 semesters in length, in-person, costs approximately $4,200
• LVN to RN (ADN): 3 semesters with full-time and part-time option available, hybrid, costs approximately $6,100

4. Samuel Merritt University - Sacramento 

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has a Sacramento campus offering nursing programs for aspiring healthcare leaders. Students benefit from hands-on experiences and personalized attention, preparing them for various nursing roles.

SMU's Sacramento campus is known for its high-quality clinical education, offering students diverse opportunities to work with experienced healthcare professionals in various healthcare settings. The university's commitment to academic excellence and cutting-edge research ensures that nursing students receive a transformative education, empowering them to positively impact healthcare. 

• BSN
  • Accelerated BSN: spans for 12 months, tuition fee for full-time is $89,128 per annum and for part-time it's $1,714 per unit
• RN to BSN: 20 month program, part-time, up to 70 transfer credits, total estimated cost of the program is $33,416 
• MSN Programs
  • Case Management: 27 months, on-campus mode of learning, 90 semester units, first four semesters are full-time and can be part-time after the fourth semester, $1,647 per unit
  • Clinical Leadership Education:  five semesters, hybrid program, tuition fee for full-time student is $17,000 per semester 
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 39 months, on-campus mode of learning, tuition fee is $1,647 per unit

5. UC Davis

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is a nationally recognized nursing education and research institution. The school offers a range of nursing programs, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) program, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, and Graduate certificates.

UC Davis' nursing programs are characterized by innovation, excellence, and a commitment to patient-centered care. The school's faculty comprises leading nursing scholars and practitioners, providing students access to cutting-edge research and mentorship. With a focus on interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice, UC Davis prepares nursing graduates to lead and advance healthcare practice, making significant contributions to the nursing profession and healthcare community. 

• Graduate Certificate Programs: The graduate certificate program, focusing on specialized areas, is approved by the UC Davis Graduate Council. Two formats, UC GAC and UC Davis GAUC, utilize regular UC Davis courses for these certificate programs. It requires a minimum of 12 credit units. 
  • Health Professions Educator Graduate Academic Certificate Program
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Caregiving Graduate Academic Unit Certificate Program
  • Enhancing Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Healthcare
• MSN Programs: 
  • Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner Track: 24 month program
  • Master's Entry Program in Nursing: Also known as a full-time accelerated program, it is the quickest route to registered nursing licensure for adults who already completed an undergraduate degree in another course. 13-16 units per quarter is required.
• DNP Programs
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 36 months, hybrid
  • Nurse Anesthesia: 36 months, hybrid
• Ph.D.

Nursing Program Types in Sacramento

Many different types of nursing schools, certificates, and diplomas are available. However, the most common programs obtained by nursing professionals include:   

• LPN Programs: 12-18 months, leading to an LPN career.
• ADN Programs: 24 months, leading to an RN career.  
• BSN Programs: 48 months, leading to an RN career.  
• RN to BSN Programs: Nine to 48 months, leading to an RN career.  
• MSN Programs: 48 months, leading to APRN careers.  
• DNP Programs: 48-60 months, leading to APRN and administration careers. 

Studying Nursing in Sacramento

Studying nursing in Sacramento, California, offers aspiring healthcare professionals a unique and enriching experience. Here's what to expect: 

• Renowned Nursing Schools: Sacramento is home to several renowned nursing schools and universities that offer top-notch nursing programs. These institutions are known for their excellence in nursing education and research, providing students with access to experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge resources to support their learning. 
• Clinical Opportunities: Sacramento's healthcare landscape is diverse and robust, offering nursing students various clinical opportunities. Students can gain hands-on experience in leading medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and specialty facilities. The city's healthcare network allows students to interact with diverse patient populations and experience various medical specialties, contributing to their holistic development as nursing professionals. 
• Cultural Diversity: Sacramento is a culturally diverse city, and nursing students have the opportunity to interact with patients from various backgrounds and cultures. This exposure enhances students' cultural competency and communication skills, which are essential for delivering patient-centered care and promoting positive health outcomes. 
• Emphasis on Evidence-Based Practice: Nursing programs in Sacramento often emphasize evidence-based practice, ensuring that students are equipped with the latest research and best practices in healthcare. Students learn to integrate evidence into their nursing care, preparing them to provide safe, effective, high-quality patient care. 
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Nursing education in Sacramento encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. Students may have opportunities to work with physicians, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, fostering teamwork and a holistic approach to patient care. 
• Networking Opportunities: Sacramento's healthcare industry offers nursing students ample networking opportunities. Students can connect with healthcare professionals, potential employers, and mentors through clinical rotations, internships, and industry events. Building these connections can enhance job prospects and career growth after graduation. 
• Community Engagement: Many nursing schools in Sacramento prioritize community engagement and service. Students often participate in health fairs, outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities, giving them a sense of social responsibility and the chance to positively impact the local community. 
• Supportive Learning Environment: Nursing schools in Sacramento are committed to providing a supportive learning environment. Faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students succeed by offering academic support, mentorship, and counseling services, fostering a positive and nurturing educational experience. 
• Career Opportunities: Sacramento's healthcare sector is a significant employer in the region, providing ample job opportunities for nursing graduates. The city's thriving healthcare network ensures that nursing students have many career paths after completing their education. 
• Quality of Life: Beyond academics, studying nursing in Sacramento offers an attractive quality of life. The city boasts a comfortable climate, numerous outdoor recreational activities, cultural events, and a welcoming community, providing students with a well-rounded experience outside their studies. 

Studying nursing in Sacramento presents an exciting and fulfilling educational journey. With a focus on academic excellence, diverse clinical experiences, and a supportive environment, nursing students in Sacramento are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern healthcare and embark on successful and rewarding nursing careers. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I apply to nursing school in Sacramento?

Each nursing school has its application process, but generally, you would need to submit an application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and possibly take an entrance exam like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) exam.

What are the licensing requirements for nurses in California?

To become a licensed nurse in California, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) or NCLEX-PN (for Practical Nurses) after completing your nursing program.

Explore valuable resources for identifying and prioritizing NCLEX questions at this link: https://allnurses.com/resources/next-gen-NCLEX-RN-identifying-prioritization-delegation-r8/

Can I work while attending nursing school in Sacramento?

Balancing work and nursing school can be challenging due to the demanding nature of nursing programs. However, some students may work part-time or find flexible job opportunities.