California State University, Northridge

CSUN’s nursing education is designed for both traditional students and career changers, offering a "standard" BSN pathway as well as a highly competitive 15-month Accelerated BSN (A-BSN) for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The curriculum is comprehensive, requiring 120 units for the traditional BSN and 58 units for the A-BSN professional sequence. Core competencies focus on evidence-based practice, health assessment, and leadership in complex urban environments. At the graduate level, CSUN offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with specialized tracks for Nurse Educators and Nurse Leaders, catering to the demand for advanced nursing expertise in the workforce.

The program is anchored by the Nursing Simulation Laboratory (Sim Lab), a high-fidelity environment that replicates acute care settings such as ICUs and emergency rooms. Here, students work with computerized manikins that can be programmed to display a wide range of physiological symptoms, providing a risk-free space to master critical thinking and psychomotor skills. Beyond the lab, CSUN students complete extensive clinical rotations at top-tier facilities including Adventist Health, Kaiser Permanente, and VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. These experiences ensure that graduates are well-versed in the "continuum of care" required for the diverse populations of Los Angeles. As of early 2026, the program remains fully accredited by the CCNE and is recognized for its high on-time graduation rates and immediate job placement for its graduates.

Compared to other California State University campuses, CSUN is distinguished by its self-support A-BSN model through the Tseng College, which offers multiple start dates throughout the year (Spring, Summer, and Fall). Admission is highly selective, requiring a minimum 3.21 GPA for second-degree applicants and a "C" or better in all science prerequisites (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry) completed within the last seven years. Notably, CSUN does not require the TEAS exam for its A-BSN applicants, focusing instead on academic history and personal interviews.