UCLA School of Nursing
Los Angeles, CA
Quick Facts
1949
Founded
650+
Enrollment
12%
Acceptance Rate
95%
NCLEX Pass Rate
About UCLA School of Nursing
The UCLA School of Nursing is one of the most respected nursing programs on the West Coast. Located in the heart of Los Angeles within the prestigious University of California system, the school combines rigorous academic training with extensive clinical partnerships across the UCLA Health network and other major healthcare systems in Southern California. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge simulation labs, interprofessional education, and a faculty of nationally recognized nurse scientists and clinicians.
UCLA's nursing programs emphasize evidence-based practice, health equity, and cultural competency, reflecting the diverse patient populations of Los Angeles and beyond. The school's research programs focus on areas including cardiovascular health disparities, vulnerable populations, symptom management, and digital health innovation. Graduates leave prepared not only for immediate clinical practice but also for leadership roles in healthcare.
Degree Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A four-year pre-licensure program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and entry into professional nursing practice. The BSN curriculum includes foundational sciences, nursing theory, and extensive clinical rotations at UCLA Medical Center and affiliated facilities.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Graduate-level programs for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse educators. Specialty tracks include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The terminal clinical degree in nursing, preparing advanced practice nurses for the highest level of clinical leadership. The DNP program emphasizes evidence translation, health systems improvement, and organizational leadership.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). UCLA School of Nursing has maintained continuous CCNE accreditation for its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence and adherence to national standards.
Campus & Online Options
UCLA School of Nursing is primarily an on-campus program. The BSN, MSN, and DNP programs require in-person attendance for lectures, labs, and clinical rotations. Clinical placements are arranged throughout the UCLA Health system and partner hospitals across greater Los Angeles. The school does not currently offer fully online pre-licensure programs, though some graduate-level coursework may incorporate hybrid elements.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
For California residents, undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $14,300 per year. Out-of-state students pay approximately $44,800 per year. Graduate program tuition varies by degree and ranges from $16,000 to $32,000 per year for residents.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
UCLA offers a range of financial aid options including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Nursing-specific scholarships are available through the School of Nursing, the UCLA Financial Aid office, and external organizations. Many students also utilize the federal Nurse Corps Scholarship Program and state-funded workforce development grants.
Admissions Overview
Admission to the UCLA School of Nursing is highly competitive. The BSN program admits a limited cohort each fall through a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, clinical experience, community involvement, and personal statements.
Application Deadline
November 30 for fall admission
Requirements
- Minimum 3.5 GPA in prerequisite courses
- Completion of all prerequisite science and humanities courses
- Personal statement addressing nursing career goals
- Letters of recommendation from academic or clinical references
- Healthcare experience (volunteer or paid) strongly recommended
- TEAS exam score (competitive range: 85th percentile or above)
Student Life
UCLA offers a vibrant campus life in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Nursing students have access to student organizations including the National Student Nurses Association chapter, simulation lab open hours, tutoring and mentoring programs, and interprofessional learning events. The campus provides housing options, recreation facilities, and a wide range of cultural and social activities. Los Angeles itself offers unmatched diversity in dining, arts, outdoor recreation, and professional networking opportunities.
Great for Future Travel Nurses
UCLA School of Nursing produces graduates who are exceptionally well prepared for travel nursing careers. The clinical training at UCLA Medical Center, a Level I trauma center and nationally ranked hospital, exposes students to high-acuity patients and complex care scenarios that mirror the demands of travel nursing assignments at top facilities. Graduates gain experience in ICU, ER, perioperative, and specialty units, which are the highest-demand areas for travel nurse placements. The school's emphasis on adaptability, evidence-based practice, and working within interdisciplinary teams translates directly to the skills travel nurses need to succeed in new environments every 13 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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