Stanbridge University Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
ADN and BSN in Irvine at Stanbridge University. First-time NCLEX-RN was 100% (2023/24). Compare admissions requirements in Irvine.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Stanbridge University offers a CCNE-accredited BSN (100% NCLEX-RN 2023/2024), California BRN-approved ADN, and BVNPT-approved LVN across four Southern California campuses. BSN graduates receive MSN-Ed at no cost and Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Manager Certificate. San Diego BSN is pending BRN approval.
Overview & Why Students Choose Stanbridge University
Stanbridge University offers accredited Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapist Assistant programs at campuses in Orange County (Irvine), Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego. The School of Nursing provides a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), California BRN-approved Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and BVNPT-approved Vocational Nursing (LVN) program, with a reported 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023/2024.
Whether you are aiming for a BSN, ADN, or LVN, Stanbridge emphasizes innovation and technology—including cadaver labs and virtual reality—plus practice tests, online mentorship, and subject-specific reviews to build confidence toward licensure. BSN graduates receive the MSN-Ed program at no cost and a Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Manager Certificate.
Stanbridge’s BSN program reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023/2024 (68 testers). The program at the San Diego campus is pending BRN approval and does not have current graduates yet. For context on state averages, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Five reasons students choose Stanbridge University
📈 100% NCLEX-RN (2023/24)
BSN program achieved 100% first-time pass rate; ADN also reported 100% for 2023/2024. Licensure support includes practice tests and mentorship.
✅ CCNE & BRN Approved
BSN is CCNE-accredited; BSN and ADN are California BRN-approved at OC, LA, Riverside. LVN is BVNPT-approved.
🩺 Innovation & Technology
Cadaver labs, virtual reality, simulation labs, and nursing skills labs across Southern California campuses.
🎓 MSN-Ed at No Cost
BSN graduates receive the MSN-Ed program at no cost and Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Manager Certificate.
🏅 Rankings
Orange County campus #3 Best Colleges for Nursing in California (Niche.com 2024); ADN ranked first in California by Registerednursing.org.
Nursing Programs Offered
Stanbridge University offers three nursing pathways: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN), and Vocational Nursing (LVN). Programs are delivered at Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego campuses with on-campus, online, and blended formats.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
180 quarter credit hours, approximately 36–37 months full-time. Approved by California BRN at Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside; San Diego campus pending BRN approval. CCNE-accredited. Includes cadaver labs, virtual reality, and clinicals at partner facilities throughout Southern California. BSN graduates receive MSN-Ed at no cost and Sigma Theta Tau Nurse Manager Certificate.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN)
California BRN-approved ADN; final cohorts at Orange County and Los Angeles graduated January 2023. Confirm current ADN availability and campus offerings with the university. Program featured simulation labs and virtual reality; ranked first in California by Registerednursing.org.
Vocational Nursing (LVN)
Approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Full-time and part-time schedules; Orange County achieved 95% NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2023 and was ranked #1 Best LVN Program in California (Nursingprocess.org 2024).
The BSN program at the San Diego (San Marcos) campus is pending BRN approval and does not have current graduates yet; therefore no annual licensure pass rates for that location. Confirm status at California BRN.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Stanbridge University reports NCLEX-RN licensure pass rates for the BSN and ADN programs. The BSN program (launched 2021 at OC, LA, Riverside) had its first graduates in 2024.
| Program | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN Pass % | N/A | N/A | 100% |
| BSN Testers | N/A | N/A | 68 |
| ADN Pass % | 96.43% | 90.70% | 100% |
| ADN Testers | 84 | 129 | 1 |
| Source | Stanbridge BSN; California BRN | ||
An official state average from the same California BRN report was not provided in the sources reviewed. Confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with Stanbridge and the California Board of Registered Nursing before relying on any single figure.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Stanbridge University may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by visa type and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN/LVN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with Stanbridge and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Stanbridge requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam for admission to the nursing program, and minimum scores.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or a state-approved evaluator and how Stanbridge wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document requirements with the California BRN. For LVN, check the BVNPT.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F-1 or other visas, financial documentation required, and how clinical placements align with your status.
Requirements change. Verify everything with Stanbridge Admissions and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Stanbridge University accepts applications on an open enrollment basis; all class starts are subject to change. The BSN admission process includes an online application ($50 fee), entrance exam (TEAS or Accuplacer), ATI Critical Thinking Exam, interview with program director or designee, and submission of official transcripts and resume.
- Complete online application (portal.stanbridge.edu, $50 fee); COVID-19 vaccination disclosure
- ATI TEAS: 70% or higher composite (proficiency level), version 6, passed within three years of acceptance; or College Board Accuplacer (Reading 250+, Sentence Skills 237+, Arithmetic 237+, Elementary Algebra 237+)
- ATI Critical Thinking Exam: minimum 68%
- Financial aid meeting; submit official transcripts and resume; interview with program director or designee
- If accepted: transfer of credit request, background check, financial aid deadline 14 days from acceptance or first meeting
Application timeline
Applications are accepted on an open enrollment basis. Example: New Student Orientation Week 03/09/26, First Day of Class 03/16/26 for Orange County, Riverside, and Los Angeles. Confirm current dates at Stanbridge BSN.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required (BSN) | Yes — 70%+ composite (or Accuplacer); ATI Critical Thinking 68%+ |
| Interview | Yes (program director or designee) |
Prepare for the TEAS or Accuplacer; retest is allowed after 60 days. Complete the Online Readiness Quiz if considering blended/online courses. Confirm ADN and LVN requirements on the respective program pages.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / transfer applicant
Apply for the BSN or LVN; meet TEAS/Accuplacer and Critical Thinking minimums. Strong science and math preparation helps. Schedule a virtual info session or campus tour.
🔄 Considering LVN first
Stanbridge’s LVN program offers full-time and part-time options and was ranked #1 Best LVN Program in California. After licensure, you can pursue ADN or BSN elsewhere.
🩺 Already an RN
Stanbridge BSN graduates receive MSN-Ed at no cost. For other RN-to-MSN or DNP options, confirm with the university.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fee figures for Stanbridge University’s nursing programs were not available in the sources reviewed for this guide. For a full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, living costs), see the university’s official tuition and financial aid pages and schedule a financial aid meeting as part of the application process.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (BSN / ADN / LVN) | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Fees & living costs | Not publicly disclosed; see Stanbridge Financial Aid |
| Application / exam fees | Application $50; entrance exam $40 (TEAS or Accuplacer) |
| Financial aid | Financial aid meeting required as part of admission; complete process within 14 days of acceptance if eligible. |
Tuition and fees can change. For a current breakdown, visit the official Stanbridge University website and the Financial Aid section, or schedule a virtual meeting with the Financial Aid team.
Stanbridge encourages applicants to attend a Financial Aid Meeting as part of the admissions steps. Complete the FAFSA and confirm eligibility. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (BSN 2023/24) | 100% (68 testers) |
| NCLEX-RN (ADN 2023/24) | 100% (1 tester); prior years 90.70%–96.43% |
| Graduation / employment rates | See Stanbridge program pages (BSN graduation/employment rates) |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For graduation and employment rates and employers hiring Stanbridge nursing graduates, see the BSN program page and career services.
Is Stanbridge University the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and location. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Stanbridge and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a CCNE-accredited BSN or BVNPT-approved LVN in Southern California
- Value technology-enhanced learning (cadaver labs, virtual reality, simulation)
- Prefer multiple campus options (Orange County, LA, Riverside, San Diego)
- Are interested in MSN-Ed at no cost after BSN graduation
- Can meet TEAS or Accuplacer and interview requirements
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN (program has on-campus and blended components)
- Are seeking DNP or PhD in Nursing (Stanbridge offers BSN, ADN, LVN; MSN-Ed for BSN grads)
- Prefer a public community college or low-cost pathway only
- Must attend San Diego only (San Diego BSN pending BRN approval, no graduates yet)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Stanbridge campuses in Orange County (Irvine), Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego place students in approved partner facilities throughout Southern California. The region includes major health systems, community hospitals, and clinics with strong demand for RNs and LVNs.
Clinical rotations may be scheduled Monday through Sunday, with shifts up to 8.5 or 12.5 hours. Students are notified of class schedules two weeks prior to class start. Confirm current placement sites with Stanbridge.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Stanbridge University offers campus tours and virtual meetings in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego. The BSN program uses on-campus, online, and blended formats; didactic and lab meetings are typically scheduled between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM PT, with 1–2 days of theory and 1–2 days of clinical instruction per term.
Student support includes award-winning student services, innovation and technology resources, and Stanbridge outREACH for community service. Visit stanbridge.edu for virtual tours, pass rates, and awards.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Orange County (Irvine), Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego
- Address (Irvine)
- 2041 Business Center Drive, Suite 107, Irvine, CA 92612, US
- Telephone
- (949) 794-9090
- Contact email
- Schedule virtual meetings via stanbridge.edu/contact
- Website
- www.stanbridge.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Stanbridge BSN (or ADN/LVN) page and attend a virtual info session.
- Review prerequisite and application requirements and compare them to your transcripts.
- Register for the ATI TEAS (70%+ composite, version 6) or Accuplacer and ATI Critical Thinking (68%+).
- Draft questions for Admissions and Financial Aid; schedule one-on-one virtual meetings.
- Take the Online Readiness Quiz if you are considering blended or online courses.
- Complete the online application (portal.stanbridge.edu, $50 fee) and submit required documents.
- Check class start and orientation dates for your target campus and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanbridge University a good school for nursing?
Stanbridge offers CCNE-accredited BSN, California BRN-approved ADN, and BVNPT-approved LVN programs. The university reported a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023/2024 (BSN). Orange County campus was ranked #3 Best Colleges for Nursing in California (Niche.com 2024).
What GPA do you need for Stanbridge University nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Contact Stanbridge Admissions for current BSN, ADN, or LVN admission criteria and prerequisite expectations.
Does Stanbridge University require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. The BSN program requires ATI TEAS 70% or higher composite (or Accuplacer) and ATI Critical Thinking 68% minimum. Confirm requirements for ADN and LVN on the official program pages.
How competitive is admission to Stanbridge University nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Admission includes application, TEAS or Accuplacer, interview with program director or designee. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does Stanbridge University offer an accelerated BSN?
Stanbridge offers a full-time BSN (approximately 36–37 months), ADN, and LVN programs. Confirm current program options and any accelerated tracks on the university website.
What are the clinical placement sites for Stanbridge University nursing students?
Clinicals are at approved partner facilities throughout Southern California. Schedules are notified two weeks prior to class start. Confirm current sites with Stanbridge.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Stanbridge University?
Stanbridge reported 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023/2024 for the BSN program (68 first-time testers). San Diego BSN is pending BRN approval with no graduates yet. Confirm latest rates with the university and California BRN.
References
- Stanbridge University BSN Program — pass rates, admissions, schedulestanbridge.edu/program/bsn
- Stanbridge University — nursing, OT, PTAstanbridge.edu
- Stanbridge Pass Rates (NCLEX, NBCOT, NPTE)stanbridge.edu/pass-rates
- California Board of Registered Nursing — pass ratesrn.ca.gov
- CCNE accreditationccneaccreditation.org
- All other data as provided in inputs; any data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on unavailability in official 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 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy