Dominican University of California Nursing Programs in San Rafael (2026)
Dominican University of California reported 78.23% first-time NCLEX-RN (2024/25). BSN in San Rafael. 2026 admissions, tuition.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Dominican stands out with direct entry into the BSN for first-year students (no separate upper-division application), a dedicated Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) program, and no TEAS requirement. More than 99% of first-year students receive financial aid, and the Bay Area offers strong clinical and career opportunities.
Overview & Why Students Choose Dominican
In San Rafael, just north of San Francisco, Dominican University of California offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing with direct entry for first-year and transfer students, more than 1,000 clinical and lab hours, and a dedicated pathway for internationally educated nurses. The Bay Area’s concentration of hospitals and health systems gives students access to diverse clinical experiences.
Whether you are a high school senior applying as a first-year student or a transfer with prerequisites completed, Dominican’s nursing program admits students directly into the BSN. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
For the 2024/2025 reporting period, Dominican’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 78.23% (124 first-time testers). For context on how this compares to state and national averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose Dominican
🎯 Direct Entry BSN
First-year and transfer students enter the nursing program directly; no separate upper-division application. Competitive GPA and prerequisites apply.
🌍 IEN Program
Dedicated track for nurses educated outside the U.S. who need to complete courses to practice in California and sit for the NCLEX.
🩺 Clinical & Simulation
More than 1,000 clinical and lab hours; state-of-the-art simulation labs and affiliated agencies across the Bay Area.
💵 Financial Aid
More than 99% of incoming first-year students receive financial aid. No application fee for most students; test scores not required for admission.
📜 No TEAS Required
Dominican does not require the TEAS exam for nursing admission, unlike many California BSN programs.
Nursing Programs Offered
Dominican University of California’s School of Health and Natural Sciences offers a pre-licensure BSN and specialized pathways for internationally educated nurses and military-trained healthcare personnel. The baccalaureate program is CCNE-accredited and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Intensive six-semester nursing program. First-year students complete two or three semesters of pre-nursing coursework, then enter the main program. Includes health assessment, fundamentals, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing research, and leadership; more than 1,000 clinical and lab hours. 4-year or 4.5-year degree tracks. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility and California Public Health Nursing Certificate.
Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN)
For nurses who earned their degree outside the United States and need to complete required courses before practicing as an RN in California and sitting for the NCLEX. Coursework is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Advanced Placement — Military
Individuals with military healthcare training may apply for advanced placement into the second semester of the traditional BSN program, contingent on space availability.
LVN 30-Unit Option
An LVN to 30-unit option is described in the academic catalog; confirm current availability with the Nursing Department.
MSN or other graduate nursing offerings are not detailed in the sources reviewed for this guide. For current graduate options, see the school’s official nursing page and catalog.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For the 2024/2025 reporting period (July 1–June 30), Dominican University of California’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for California-educated exam testers was 78.23% (124 first-time testers), as published by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (2024/2025) | 78.23% (124 first-time testers) |
| Job Placement at Graduation | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | California BRN Pass Rates |
NCLEX pass rates vary by cohort and year. Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest statistics with Dominican’s Nursing Department and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Dominican welcomes international students and offers a dedicated Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) program for nurses who earned their degree outside the United States. Exact requirements for English proficiency, credential evaluation, and California RN licensure vary; use the points below as a checklist and always verify with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Dominican requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam for undergraduate or IEN admission, and minimum scores.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: How foreign nursing education is evaluated (e.g., WES, CGFNS, or state-approved evaluators) and what must be submitted for the IEN program.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, any CGFNS or credential review requirements, and document translation rules with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs support F-1 or other visa types, financial documentation requirements, and how clinical placements align with visa status.
Requirements change. Verify everything with Dominican’s IEN program and the California Board of Registered Nursing. This is guidance only, not legal or licensing advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Dominican’s nursing program is competitive with a limited number of spaces. First-year and transfer applicants apply through the university application and declare Nursing. Meeting minimum GPA and prerequisite requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative and prerequisite GPA
- 500-word personal statement (why nursing, contributions to the profession)
- Letter of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Health clearance before entering clinical courses
- Resume optional but encouraged
- TEAS is not required
- Minimum 3.25 cumulative and prerequisite GPA
- Minimum grade of B in Human Anatomy and Human Physiology (first attempt)
- All prerequisite courses passed with 3.25 GPA; priority if all completed before applying
- Personal statement, letter of recommendation, health clearance
- Nursing sciences have a five-year recency requirement
Application deadlines
| Applicant | Term | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| First-year | Fall | February 1 |
| Transfer | Fall | March 1 |
| Transfer | Spring | September 1 |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| First-Year Minimum GPA | 3.5 |
| Transfer Minimum GPA | 3.25 |
| TEAS Required | No |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Priority is given to transfer students who have completed all prerequisites before applying. Prerequisite courses repeated to raise GPA are disregarded (exception: courses initially taken more than five years ago). Strong grades in anatomy and physiology matter. Your personal statement should clearly explain your motivation for nursing and the contributions you hope to make.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Apply by February 1 for fall entry. You need a 3.5 cumulative and prerequisite GPA. Submit the personal statement, recommendation, and health clearance. Consider the 4-year or 4.5-year degree track; review the prerequisite list in the catalog.
🔄 Transfer applicant
Declare Nursing on your Dominican application. Meet the 3.25 GPA and B-in-A&P requirement; complete as many prerequisites as possible before applying. Use the Transfer Course Equivalency Chart to confirm your courses satisfy requirements.
🌍 Internationally educated nurse
Dominican’s IEN program is designed for you. Contact the Nursing Department and the IEN program for current requirements (credential evaluation, English proficiency, and California BRN steps).
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Dominican is a private university. Below are estimated cost figures for the 2024–2025 academic year. For the most current breakdown, always check the school’s official tuition and financial aid pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Annual) | ~$52,161 (2024–2025) |
| Total Cost of Attendance (On-Campus) | ~$72,626/year |
| Total Cost of Attendance (Off-Campus) | ~$76,028/year |
| First-Year Students Receiving Aid | More than 99% |
| Average Financial Aid (First-Year) | ~$15,793 |
| Fees, Housing, Books | See official Cost of Attendance page |
Tuition and fees change annually. Fees, housing, meal plans, and books are not fully broken out here. For a current, detailed Cost of Attendance, visit Dominican’s Undergraduate Tuition and Aid page.
Most students have no application fee, and test scores are not required for admission. Complete the FAFSA and contact the financial aid office. 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) | 78.23% (124 first-time testers) |
| Job Placement at Graduation | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
BSN graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and qualify for a California Public Health Nursing Certificate. Career settings include acute care, clinics, home care, school nursing, education, research, administration, community/public health, and palliative care. For placement and employer data, see the school’s nursing page or career services.
Is Dominican the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, and goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Dominican and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want direct entry into a BSN without a separate upper-division application
- Prefer no TEAS requirement and strong financial aid (99%+ first-year aid)
- Are internationally educated nurses seeking a structured pathway to California RN licensure
- Want a Bay Area campus with access to Bay Area clinical sites and simulation labs
- Value a smaller private university with focused nursing and health sciences
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need the lowest possible tuition (Dominican is private; cost is higher than many public options)
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) or fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Want an MSN or DNP from the same school (confirm current graduate offerings with Dominican)
- Prefer a large research university with a PhD in Nursing
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
San Rafael is in Marin County, north of San Francisco. The greater Bay Area is one of the nation’s largest healthcare and biotechnology hubs, with major systems including Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, UCSF Health, Stanford Health Care, and John Muir Health, plus county and community hospitals.
Dominican nursing students complete clinical experiences at a variety of affiliated agencies in the Bay Area. The region’s demand for RNs remains strong, and graduates are well positioned for jobs in acute care, ambulatory care, public health, and community settings.
Bay Area clinical placements expose students to diverse populations, high-acuity care, and leading health systems. For a current list of clinical partners, contact the Nursing Department.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing is housed in the School of Health and Natural Sciences. Students use state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs and collaborate with peers and faculty through Clinical Simulation Services. Theory classes are on the San Rafael campus; clinical experiences take place at affiliated agencies in the Bay Area.
The Nursing Department has an active chapter of Sigma Nursing Honor Society (Rho Alpha). Seniors and second-semester juniors with strong academic performance and faculty recommendations may apply. Sigma members have access to conferences, travel, and scholarship activities.
The campus is in San Rafael with access to San Francisco and the wider Bay Area for culture, recreation, and career opportunities.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- San Rafael, CA
- Address
- 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901, US
- Telephone
- (415) 485-3204
- Contact email
- nursing@dominican.edu · enroll@dominican.edu
- Website
- www.dominican.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Dominican Nursing website and review the degree tracks (4-year and 4.5-year) and prerequisites.
- Review the Transfer Course Equivalency Chart (if transferring) and compare your transcripts.
- Dominican does not require the TEAS; confirm on the admissions page that no other test is required for your applicant type.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the Nursing Department (nursing@dominican.edu).
- Reach out to current Dominican nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences.
- Begin your 500-word personal statement (why nursing and what contributions you see yourself making to the profession).
- Note your deadline: February 1 (first-year fall), March 1 (transfer fall), or September 1 (transfer spring) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dominican University of California a good school for nursing?
Dominican’s nursing program is CCNE-accredited and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. It offers direct-entry BSN, an Internationally Educated Nurses track, and 1,000+ clinical and lab hours. Confirm current NCLEX pass rates with the California BRN.
What GPA do you need for Dominican’s nursing program?
First-year applicants need at least a 3.5 cumulative and prerequisite GPA. Transfer applicants need at least a 3.25 cumulative and prerequisite GPA, with a minimum grade of B in Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Does Dominican require the TEAS exam for nursing?
No. Dominican University of California does not require the TEAS exam for admission to the nursing program.
How competitive is admission to Dominican’s nursing program?
Admission is competitive with a limited number of spaces. First-year applicants need a 3.5 GPA; transfer applicants need a 3.25 GPA and strong prerequisite performance. The acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed.
Does Dominican offer an accelerated BSN?
Dominican offers a traditional BSN (4-year or 4.5-year track) and an Internationally Educated Nurses program. An accelerated BSN (ABSN) is not listed in the provided sources; confirm with the school for current options.
What are the clinical placement sites for Dominican nursing students?
Clinical experiences take place at a variety of affiliated agencies in the Bay Area. The school uses state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs on campus. Contact the Nursing Department for a current list of placement sites.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Dominican University of California?
For the 2024/2025 reporting period, Dominican’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 78.23% (124 first-time testers), per the California Board of Registered Nursing. Confirm the latest rates at rn.ca.gov.
References
- Dominican University of California — Nursing (BSN)dominican.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/nursing
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- Dominican — Internationally Educated Nursesdominican.edu (IEN)
- Dominican Undergraduate Tuition and Aiddominican.edu (tuition)
- Dominican 2025–2026 Academic Catalog — Nursing BSdominican.smartcatalogiq.com
- All other data as provided in inputs. Items marked “Not publicly disclosed” are 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 the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy