Concordia University Irvine: BSN, ABSN & MSN Review (2026)
BSN, ABSN, and MSN in Irvine at Concordia University Irvine. First-time NCLEX-RN was 95.12% (Pass Rate). Admissions requirements and accelerated BSN for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Concordia Irvine’s nursing programs are housed at the Concordia–Spectrum Campus in Irvine, with over 20,000 square feet of dedicated nursing teaching space in a biotech and healthcare hub. The 15-month ABSN is available in Irvine or as a hybrid option in Rancho Cucamonga, and the university offers pathways for veterans and military-trained healthcare personnel.
Overview & Why Students Choose Concordia Irvine
Concordia University Irvine is a private Christian university in Orange County, California, with nursing programs housed at the Concordia–Spectrum Campus in Irvine—a dynamic biotech and healthcare sector hub. The School of Nursing offers an Accelerated BSN and a Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) track, both accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree and want to switch to nursing in 15 months or you are an RN ready to become a family nurse practitioner, Concordia Irvine provides focused pathways with a faith-based, caring, and competent approach to nursing education.
For the 2024/2025 reporting period, the California Board of Registered Nursing reported Concordia University Irvine’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate as 95.12% (123 first-time testers). For context on how this compares to state averages, consult the official California BRN pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose Concordia Irvine
📈 NCLEX Performance
95.12% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (2024/2025) per California BRN, with a 99.23% rate the prior year.
🏥 Spectrum Campus Facilities
Over 20,000 square feet of dedicated nursing teaching space and 90,000+ sq ft of classrooms and labs in a biotech and healthcare hub.
⏱️ 15-Month ABSN
Accelerated BSN in Irvine (campus) or Rancho Cucamonga (hybrid) for students with a bachelor’s or 65+ non-nursing credits.
🎖️ Veterans & Military Pathways
Multiple pathways for veterans and military-trained healthcare personnel to enter the nursing programs.
🩺 MSN-FNP Track
Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner focus; prepares graduates for primary care and AANP/ANCC certification.
Nursing Programs Offered
Concordia University Irvine’s School of Nursing offers pre-licensure and graduate options. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Pre-Nursing Minor
Prepares you for the BSN via a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a Pre-Nursing minor; can lead to eligibility for the ABSN. Both degrees can be completed in as little as 5 years.
Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway
Not a degree program; helps undergraduates of any major earn early acceptance into the ABSN. Declare intent in your first semester at Concordia.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
15-month program for those with a bachelor’s degree or 65+ non-nursing credits. Campus-based in Irvine or hybrid in Rancho Cucamonga. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
Prepares graduates for primary care across the lifespan and for nursing leadership or advanced roles. Eligible for AANP or ANCC certification. Program completed in 36 months (9 semesters).
LVN to RN Certificate
For California LVNs who need the minimum units required by the State of California to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Concordia Irvine offers multiple pathways for veterans and military-trained healthcare personnel to be admitted to the nursing programs. See the university’s Veterans Resource Center and nursing pathways page for details.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For the 2024/2025 reporting period (July 1–June 30), the California Board of Registered Nursing reported Concordia University Irvine’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate as 95.12% (123 first-time testers).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 95.12% (123 first-time testers) |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2023/2024) | 99.23% (130 first-time testers) |
| Source | California Board of Registered Nursing |
Pass rates can change by cohort. For the most current NCLEX data and state comparisons, consult the official California BRN pass rates page and the school’s nursing website.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Concordia University Irvine admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; the exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa type, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Concordia Irvine and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Concordia Irvine requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, or another exam, and minimum scores for ABSN vs. MSN-FNP.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how the university wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other evaluations, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, required financial documentation, and how clinical placements fit your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Before you rely on any single blog, video, or forum post, verify everything with Concordia Irvine’s admissions team and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Concordia Irvine’s nursing programs use a separate application process from general university admission. Admission is selective; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- Bachelor’s degree or at least 65 non-nursing college credits
- Prerequisite coursework as specified by the school (verify current list on the official ABSN page)
- Application and supporting materials by program deadline
MSN-FNP has its own requirements; contact Graduate Admissions for current criteria.
Application timeline
ABSN cohorts start in January, May, and August. MSN-FNP has specific start terms. Deadlines and notification dates are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed; confirm with the nursing program or Graduate Admissions.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Not publicly disclosed |
| Interview Required | Not publicly disclosed |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Attend an Info Night (ABSN or MSN-FNP) to learn about the application process, financial aid, and payment plans. Have your prerequisite course list and transcripts ready. For the ABSN, highlight any healthcare exposure or second-degree motivation in your materials.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / pre-nursing applicant
Consider the Pre-Nursing minor or Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway to position yourself for early acceptance into the ABSN. Focus on strong grades in sciences and complete the required prerequisites.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
The 15-month ABSN is designed for you. You need a bachelor’s degree or 65+ non-nursing credits. Choose the Irvine (campus) or Rancho Cucamonga (hybrid) option based on your location and schedule.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
The MSN-FNP prepares you for primary care and advanced practice. Contact Graduate Admissions for current GPA and application requirements. Veterans and military-trained healthcare personnel have dedicated pathways.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Below are key tuition figures from the Concordia University Irvine catalog for 2025–2026. Private tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ABSN Tuition | $990/unit |
| ABSN Student Success Fee | $60/semester |
| ABSN Student Service Fee | $110/semester |
| ABSN Skills Lab Fee | $450 (one-time) |
| ABSN Health Assessment Fee | $150 (one-time) |
| MSN Tuition | $795/unit |
| MSN Graduate Student Success Fee | $60/semester |
| Housing (main campus, traditional undergrad) | ~$4,195/semester (Quads/Sigma/Rho) |
| Financial Aid | Complete the FAFSA; confirm school code and nursing-specific aid with the university |
Total program cost depends on units required. Fees (e.g., software, clinical tracking) may apply. For a current, detailed breakdown, visit the official Concordia Irvine Tuition and Fees and the Bursar page.
Concordia Irvine offers pathways for veterans and military-trained healthcare personnel. See the Veterans Resource Center and nursing pathways. Complete the FAFSA. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 95.12% (123 first-time testers) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about employers hiring Concordia Irvine nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services pages at cui.edu/academicprograms/nursing.
Is Concordia Irvine the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and life circumstances. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Concordia Irvine and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a 15-month ABSN with a campus (Irvine) or hybrid (Rancho Cucamonga) option
- Already have a bachelor’s degree or 65+ non-nursing credits
- Prefer a faith-based, CCNE-accredited nursing education in Orange County
- Are veterans or military-trained healthcare personnel seeking nursing pathways
- Want to become a family nurse practitioner via the MSN-FNP track
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need a traditional four-year BSN from the start (Concordia offers Pre-Nursing/ABSN path)
- Want a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Are looking for a PhD in Nursing or DNP at this school (not offered in the sources reviewed)
- Prefer a large public research university with in-state tuition discounts
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Irvine and Orange County are part of a major Southern California healthcare and biotech hub. The Concordia–Spectrum Campus sits in this dynamic sector, with access to hospitals, health systems, and clinical sites across the region. California has strong demand for registered nurses and advanced practice providers.
Clinical placement sites for Concordia Irvine nursing students are not listed in the provided sources. Contact the School of Nursing for current partner facilities. Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area offer a wide range of hospitals and outpatient settings for clinical rotations.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing programs are housed at the Concordia–Spectrum Campus in Irvine, with over 20,000 square feet of dedicated nursing teaching space and more than 90,000 square feet of additional classrooms, offices, and labs. The campus is on a 6.6-acre lot in a biotech and healthcare sector hub, with a 690-space parking lot and parking structure.
Concordia Irvine is a private Christian university ranked among “Top Performers on Social Mobility” by U.S. News & World Report and serves over 5,000 students annually. The university offers events such as ABSN and MSN-FNP Info Nights to learn about the application process, financial aid, and payment plans.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Irvine, CA (Nursing at Concordia–Spectrum Campus)
- Address
- 16355 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, CA 92618 (Spectrum Campus); main campus 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA 92612
- Telephone
- (949) 854-8002
- Contact email
- info@cui.edu; Nursing: brian.tressler@cui.edu (949-214-3845)
- Website
- www.cui.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Concordia Irvine Nursing website and request information or attend an ABSN or MSN-FNP Info Night.
- Review the prerequisite course list for the ABSN or MSN-FNP and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS or other exam; confirm current requirements on the official admissions or nursing page.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor (e.g., Brian Tressler, Nursing: 949-214-3845, brian.tressler@cui.edu).
- Reach out to current Concordia Irvine nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin outlining your personal statement or application materials.
- Check application deadlines for your target cohort (ABSN: Jan/May/August starts; MSN-FNP: confirm with Graduate Admissions) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concordia University Irvine a good school for nursing?
Concordia Irvine’s nursing program is CCNE-accredited. The California BRN reported a 95.12% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024/2025 (123 first-time testers). The program offers a 15-month ABSN and MSN-FNP at the Concordia–Spectrum Campus in Irvine.
What GPA do you need for Concordia Irvine’s nursing program?
Minimum GPA requirements for the ABSN and MSN-FNP are not publicly disclosed. Contact Graduate Admissions or Nursing Admissions for current requirements.
Does Concordia Irvine require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement for the ABSN is not publicly disclosed. Confirm current requirements with Concordia Irvine Nursing or Graduate Admissions.
How competitive is admission to Concordia Irvine’s nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Admission is selective; verify current criteria and deadlines with the school.
Does Concordia Irvine offer an accelerated BSN?
Yes. Concordia Irvine offers a 15-month ABSN in Irvine (campus) and Rancho Cucamonga (hybrid). Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or at least 65 non-nursing college credits.
What are the clinical placement sites for Concordia Irvine nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not listed in the provided sources. The program is at the Concordia–Spectrum Campus in Irvine. Contact the School of Nursing for current clinical partners.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Concordia Irvine?
For 2024/2025, the California BRN reported Concordia University Irvine’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate as 95.12% (123 first-time testers). See the California BRN pass rates page for the latest data.
References
- Concordia University Irvine Nursing Programcui.edu/academicprograms/nursing
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- Concordia University Irvine 2025–2026 Tuition and Fees (catalog)catalog.cui.edu
- Concordia Irvine Bursarcui.edu/studentlife/bursar
- All other data as provided in our inputs. NCLEX data from California BRN. Any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” was unavailable in the sources reviewed.
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 relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy