California State University Los Angeles: ADN, BSN & ABSN Review (2026)
California State University Los Angeles reported 98.44% first-time NCLEX-RN (NCLEX Pass Rate (2019). ADN, BSN, and ABSN in Los Angeles. Compare admissions requirements and accelerated BSN in Los Angeles.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Cal State LA’s Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing sits in one of the nation’s largest healthcare markets. With BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN (including four NP tracks), and DNP options, the school serves over 400 baccalaureate and about 200 graduate students and is fully accredited by CCNE and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose Cal State LA
In the heart of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles offers nursing students access to one of the largest and most diverse healthcare markets in the United States. The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing (PACSON) transforms lives and fosters healthy communities through CCNE-accredited programs from pre-licensure BSN through DNP.
Whether you are a first-time college student, a second-degree seeker considering the Accelerated BSN, or an RN advancing with an MSN or DNP, Cal State LA offers pathways at every level. The school reports over 400 baccalaureate and approximately 200 graduate students, with faculty prepared across a wide variety of clinical specialties.
Cal State LA reported a 98.44% NCLEX pass rate for 2019. For the most current rates and state comparisons, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose Cal State LA
📈 NCLEX & Accreditation
Reported 98.44% NCLEX pass rate (2019). Fully accredited by CCNE and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
🏥 Greater LA Clinical Access
Clinical placements across greater Los Angeles and Southern California in institutional and community-based settings.
🎓 Full Program Ladder
BSN (Basic, ABSN, ADN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN), MSN (Education + four NP tracks), and DNP (Direct Care and Indirect Care).
💵 Public Value
CSU system tuition: in-state undergraduate full-time roughly $7,500/year; graduate and DNP rates published on the university fee schedule.
🌍 Mission & Diversity
Mission emphasizes cultivating students’ unique talents and diverse life experiences to serve the populations of greater LA and the nation.
Nursing Programs Offered
The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing offers pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral-level study. All programs are CCNE-accredited and meet California Board of Registered Nursing requirements.
Basic Pre-Licensure BSN
Face-to-face instruction with in-person classes and clinical sites. Typically 3 years (6 semesters) of nursing coursework after prerequisites. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Approximately 70 slots per cohort; application via NursingCAS (opens Oct 1, deadline in January).
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
For students who hold a baccalaureate degree in another field. Accelerated path to BSN and RN licensure. Application procedures and start terms are published on the school’s ABSN application page.
ADN to BSN / RN to BSN
For registered nurses who have completed an ADN or equivalent. Completes the baccalaureate degree and prepares for generalist professional practice and leadership roles.
MSN — Nursing Education
Prepares RNs with BSN for roles in nursing education in academic and clinical settings.
MSN — Nurse Practitioner Tracks
Four options: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health (FPMHNP). Prepares graduates for advanced practice and certification.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Direct Care and Indirect Care tracks. Requires MSN from CCNE- or NLN-accredited program; national certification required for Direct Care, recommended for Indirect Care. 1,000 clinical hours in practicum. Minimum 3.0 GPA.
Cal State LA also offers an MSN option for entry-level students (no RN license) who hold a baccalaureate degree in another field. Confirm current offerings and requirements on the school’s graduate nursing page.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Cal State LA reported a 98.44% NCLEX pass rate for 2019, as noted on the school’s nursing welcome page and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX Pass Rate (Reported) | 98.44% (2019) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | California BRN Pass Rates · Cal State LA Nursing |
An official state average from the same California BRN report was not provided in the sources reviewed for this guide. For the most current NCLEX statistics and comparisons, confirm with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Cal State LA admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa category, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Cal State LA and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Cal State LA requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or a state-approved evaluator and how the university wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, credential evaluation (e.g., CGFNS), and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Verify everything with Cal State LA’s International Admissions and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Cal State LA’s nursing program is highly competitive. Approximately 70 BSN slots are available for roughly 700 applicants each year. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applications for the pre-licensure BSN are submitted via NursingCAS.
- Cumulative and prerequisite GPA of at least 3.25 (3.60 competitive)
- TEAS score minimum 70% on all four subtests (80%+ competitive)
- Eight prerequisite courses completed before application
- Application opens October 1; deadline in January (confirm exact date on NursingCAS and school website)
Application timeline
| Program | Application | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| BSN (Pre-licensure) | NursingCAS | January (opens Oct 1) |
| ABSN / Graduate | See school website | Varies by program |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed (~70 slots, ~700 applicants) |
| Minimum GPA | 3.25 cumulative and prerequisite (3.60 competitive) |
| TEAS Required | Yes (70% min; 80%+ competitive) |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
With far more applicants than seats, a strong GPA and TEAS score are essential. Complete all eight prerequisites with the best grades possible and aim for 80% or higher on all TEAS subtests. Submit your NursingCAS application as soon as the cycle opens and confirm deadline and required documents on the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing and Cal State LA admissions pages.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school / transfer applicant
Complete the eight prerequisite courses with a 3.25+ GPA (3.60+ for competitiveness). Take the TEAS early and prepare to score 80% or higher on all sections. Healthcare volunteer or shadowing experience can strengthen your application.
🔄 Second-degree / ABSN applicant
Cal State LA offers an Accelerated BSN for students with a prior bachelor’s degree. Check the ABSN application procedure and deadlines on the school website. Highlight healthcare-adjacent experience and clear motivation for nursing in your materials.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
ADN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP pathways are for licensed RNs. DNP requires MSN from CCNE- or NLN-accredited program and minimum 3.0 GPA. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Cal State LA uses the CSU systemwide tuition and fee schedule. Below are approximate figures based on the university’s published fee schedule (e.g., Spring 2026); amounts may change.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Full-Time (6.1+ units) per Semester | ~$3,764 (tuition + fees) |
| Undergraduate Annual (2 semesters, in-state) | ~$7,528 |
| Graduate Full-Time per Semester | ~$4,571 (tuition + fees) |
| DNP per Semester | ~$9,119 (tuition + fees) |
| Non-Resident Tuition (additional) | $444 per unit |
| Fees & Living Costs | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources. See official Cost of Attendance. |
Tuition and fees are subject to change by the CSU Board of Trustees. For current amounts, housing, and financial aid, visit the official Cal State LA Student Fees and financial aid pages.
Complete the FAFSA and any Cal State LA-specific applications. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state/federal aid may be available. Contact the university’s One-Stop Financial Services for current options.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX Pass Rate (Reported) | 98.44% (2019) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For current outcomes and where graduates work, see the school’s nursing or career services page at calstatela.edu/hhs/nursing.
Is Cal State LA the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, career goals, and life circumstances. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Cal State LA and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited BSN, MSN, or DNP at a public CSU in greater Los Angeles
- Are seeking strong NCLEX preparation and California BRN-approved programs
- Want access to one of the nation’s largest healthcare job markets for clinicals and careers
- Are second-degree seekers interested in an Accelerated BSN option
- Value diversity and a mission focused on serving LA-area communities
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Prefer a smaller cohort (program has ~70 BSN slots with high demand)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Are looking for a PhD in Nursing (Cal State LA offers BSN, MSN, DNP)
- Want a lower-cost or less competitive admission profile
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Greater Los Angeles is one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States, with major hospital systems, county facilities, academic medical centers, and community health organizations. Cal State LA nursing students complete clinical rotations across institutional and community-based settings in the region.
Exposure to greater LA’s diverse patient populations and care settings prepares graduates for a wide range of RN and advanced practice roles. California continues to have strong demand for nurses; confirm current clinical partner sites with the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing is part of Cal State LA’s College of Health and Human Services. The school reports over 400 baccalaureate and approximately 200 graduate students, with full- and part-time faculty prepared across a wide variety of clinical specialties.
Nursing students complete face-to-face instruction and in-person clinical placements across greater Los Angeles. Campus life at Cal State LA includes student organizations, diversity initiatives, and access to the cultural and professional opportunities of the LA region. For details on simulation labs, student nursing associations, and campus resources, visit the school’s nursing website and current student handbooks.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Address
- 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032, US
- Telephone
- (323) 343-3000
- Contact email
- See nursing website for program contacts
- Website
- www.calstatela.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Cal State LA Nursing website and download the current program brochure and BSN/ABSN materials.
- Review the eight prerequisite courses and compare them to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS exam and aim for 80%+ on all four subtests. Confirm TEAS requirements on the school’s admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing or Cal State LA admissions.
- Reach out to current Cal State LA nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin outlining your personal statement or application materials.
- Note the NursingCAS opening (October 1) and January deadline; set reminders and complete your application early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cal State LA a good school for nursing?
Cal State LA’s Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and reported a 98.44% NCLEX pass rate (2019). The school offers BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs with strong clinical partnerships across greater Los Angeles.
What GPA do you need for Cal State LA nursing?
Minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA is 3.25; 3.60 is considered competitive for the pre-licensure BSN. Eight prerequisite courses must be completed before application.
Does Cal State LA require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. The BSN program requires the TEAS with a minimum score of 70% on all four subtests; 80% or higher is considered competitive.
How competitive is admission to Cal State LA’s nursing program?
Admission is highly competitive. The program has approximately 70 slots for roughly 700 applicants each year. Meeting minimum GPA and TEAS requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does Cal State LA offer an accelerated BSN?
Yes. Cal State LA offers an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in another field. The school also offers Basic Pre-Licensure BSN, ADN-to-BSN, and RN-to-BSN options.
What are the clinical placement sites for Cal State LA nursing students?
Clinical placements are at healthcare facilities across greater Los Angeles and Southern California. For a current list of partner sites, contact the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing or see the school’s nursing website.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Cal State LA?
Cal State LA reported a 98.44% NCLEX pass rate for 2019. For the most current rates and state comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page.
References
- Cal State LA Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing — Welcome, pass rates, programscalstatela.edu/hhs/nursing/welcome
- Cal State LA Student Fees (e.g., Spring 2026)calstatela.edu/finance-onestop/student-fees
- California Board of Registered Nursing — Pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- All other data as provided in inputs. Data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is unavailable in the official sources reviewed for this guide.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy