University of California Davis Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
University of California Davis in Sacramento: DNP and PhD for licensed RNs. Graduate nursing admissions and 2026 requirements.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UC Davis does not offer a traditional BSN. The Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) is the entry path for non-nurses: an 18-month full-time MSN that leads to RN licensure. If you want a research-intensive, graduate-only nursing school at a top UC health system in Sacramento, the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing is a strong fit.
Overview & Why Students Choose UC Davis
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis is a graduate nursing school housed within UC Davis Health in Sacramento. It does not offer a traditional or accelerated BSN; the entry-level path for non-nurses is the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), an 18-month full-time MSN that leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
If you already hold a bachelor’s in another field and want to become an RN via a master’s degree, or if you are an RN seeking a DNP or PhD, UC Davis offers MEPN, DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia), PhD in Nursing and Health Care Leadership, and a PMHNP postgraduate certificate—all at a major UC health system.
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UC Davis (MEPN) was 89.13% (2024/2025, 46 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
Five reasons students choose UC Davis nursing
🎓 MEPN — Entry-Level MSN
18-month full-time program for non-nurse bachelor’s holders; leads to MSN and NCLEX-RN eligibility. Ranked by U.S. News.
🏥 UC Davis Health
Nursing school is part of UC Davis Health in Sacramento, with access to UC Davis Medical Center and regional clinical partnerships.
🔬 DNP & PhD
DNP-FNP (hybrid), DNP Nurse Anesthesia, and PhD in Nursing and Health Care Leadership for advanced practice and research.
🧠 PMHNP Certificate
Post-master’s UC PMHNP certificate for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner preparation.
📍 Sacramento Hub
Sacramento is a major healthcare and state-government corridor with strong demand for advanced practice and leadership roles.
Nursing Programs Offered
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis offers graduate-level nursing education only. There is no traditional BSN or RN-to-BSN; the entry path for non-nurses is the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN).
Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)
Full-time, 18 months (six consecutive quarters including two summers). For applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Leads to MSN and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Application review begins in November; decisions in February.
Doctor of Nursing Practice — Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP)
Three-year (36-month) full-time hybrid program for RNs with a bachelor’s degree. Online coursework, in-person immersions in Sacramento, and clinical rotations in California primary care settings. Application mid-September through January 5.
Doctor of Nursing Practice — Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA)
Doctoral program for certified registered nurse anesthetist preparation. Confirm current structure and deadlines on the school website.
PhD in Nursing and Health Care Leadership
Full-time academic doctoral program preparing nurse scientists, faculty, and health policy leaders. Accepting applications for 2026 cohorts.
UC PMHNP Postgraduate Certificate
Post-master’s certificate in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. For nurses who already hold an MSN.
UC Davis also offers MHS — Physician Assistant Studies through the same school; that is not a nursing program. Nursing program details and accreditation: verify on health.ucdavis.edu/nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UC Davis (MEPN) was 89.13% (2024/2025 annual period, 46 test takers). The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing is BRN-approved; MEPN graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (MEPN) | 89.13% (2024/2025) |
| Job Placement / Outcomes | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source | California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates |
NCLEX outcomes can change by cohort. Confirm the latest pass rates with the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing and the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) reports.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
UC Davis may admit international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. Exact requirements vary by visa status, country of education, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether UC Davis nursing requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam for MEPN or graduate programs, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how the school wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, and how clinical placements align with your immigration status, what financial documentation is required.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Before you rely on any single blog, video, or forum post, verify everything with UC Davis’s nursing admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing is competitive. Each program (MEPN, DNP-FNP, DNP-NA, PhD, PMHNP) has its own application cycle and requirements. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- MEPN: Bachelor’s degree (non-nursing), prerequisites, application opens fall; review begins November, decisions February.
- DNP-FNP: RN with bachelor’s; application mid-September through January 5.
- DNP-NA, PhD, PMHNP: Check program pages for current deadlines and requirements.
- GRE or other test requirements (not available in the provided inputs/sources)
Application timeline
MEPN: application review begins November, decisions in February. DNP-FNP: mid-September through January 5. Other programs: confirm on health.ucdavis.edu/nursing.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS / GRE Required | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
For MEPN, complete prerequisites with strong grades and submit a compelling narrative for career change. For DNP and PhD, emphasize clinical or research experience and alignment with the program’s focus. Contact the school’s admissions team for the current application packet and deadline for your target program.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 Second-degree / career-change (no nursing background)
MEPN is your entry path. You need a bachelor’s degree in another field and must complete program prerequisites. Application review begins in November; prepare early and highlight healthcare-related experience or motivation.
🩺 RN seeking DNP or PhD
DNP-FNP and DNP-NA are for RNs with a bachelor’s. PhD is for those pursuing research and academic careers. Confirm GRE and other requirements; apply by the program’s deadline.
🧠 MSN holder seeking PMHNP
The UC PMHNP postgraduate certificate is for nurses who already hold an MSN. Verify current application and clinical requirements on the school website.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UC tuition and fees vary by program (MEPN, DNP, PhD) and residency. Specific tuition figures for the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing were not available in the provided inputs/sources.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (In-State) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Fees (Program-Specific) | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Financial Aid | FAFSA; UC and federal aid; NURSE Corps and other scholarships may apply |
For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit health.ucdavis.edu/nursing and UC Davis financial aid.
Complete the FAFSA. UC Davis participates in federal and state aid programs. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other nursing-specific scholarships may be available; confirm with the school.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (MEPN) | 89.13% (CA BRN 2024/2025) |
| Job Placement | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For outcomes and placement information, see the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing and UC Davis Health career services, and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Is UC Davis the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, and career goals. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at UC Davis nursing and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Have a bachelor’s in another field and want an entry-level MSN (MEPN) leading to RN licensure
- Are RNs seeking a DNP (FNP or Nurse Anesthesia) or PhD at a UC health system
- Want to train at UC Davis Health in Sacramento with access to a major academic medical center
- Are interested in research, leadership, or PMHNP (post-master’s certificate)
- Can commit to full-time MEPN (18 months) or program-specific schedules
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Want a traditional four-year BSN or an RN-to-BSN (UC Davis does not offer these)
- Need a part-time or fully online pre-licensure option
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) only
- Prefer a smaller or non-research-focused school
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
UC Davis Health in Sacramento is a major academic medical center and the primary clinical partner for the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. The Sacramento region is a healthcare and state-government hub with strong demand for RNs and advanced practice providers.
DNP-FNP students complete clinical rotations in California-based primary care settings; MEPN and other students gain clinical experience through UC Davis Health and affiliated sites. Confirm current placement sites with the school.
Training at UC Davis Health gives students access to a Level I trauma center, comprehensive cancer center, and diverse patient populations. California’s demand for nurses and nurse practitioners remains high; Sacramento is a major employer for new graduates.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing is part of UC Davis Health in Sacramento. Nursing students learn and train in the health system environment, with access to simulation, clinical placements, and interprofessional education. The school emphasizes leadership, research, and systems change.
Program-specific student organizations, research opportunities (e.g., ReACH for PhD students), and newsletter updates (e.g., Momentum) are highlighted on the school website. For the latest on student life and facilities, visit health.ucdavis.edu/nursing.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Sacramento, CA (UC Davis Health)
- Address
- 2570 48th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, US
- Telephone
- (916) 734-2145
- Contact email
- See school website for admissions and program contact
- Website
- health.ucdavis.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing site and review the program that fits you (MEPN, DNP-FNP, DNP-NA, PhD, PMHNP).
- Review prerequisites and application requirements for your target program and compare them to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the GRE or other exam; confirm current requirements on the program or admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for the UC Davis nursing admissions team.
- Reach out to current or former MEPN or graduate students on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin your personal statement or application narrative (MEPN and graduate programs).
- Check the application deadline for your target program and set reminders (e.g., MEPN review in November; DNP-FNP deadline January 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UC Davis a good school for nursing?
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis is a graduate nursing school offering MEPN (entry-level MSN), DNP-FNP, DNP Nurse Anesthesia, PhD, and PMHNP certificate. It is part of UC Davis Health in Sacramento and has been recognized in U.S. News rankings. Confirm current NCLEX outcomes and accreditation with the school and California BRN.
What GPA do you need for UC Davis nursing?
Minimum GPA for MEPN and other programs was not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources. Check the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing admissions pages for current requirements.
Does UC Davis require the TEAS or GRE for nursing?
TEAS/GRE requirements were not available in the provided inputs/sources. MEPN and graduate programs may have different exam requirements; confirm on the school’s admissions and program pages.
How competitive is admission to UC Davis nursing program?
Acceptance rate for the nursing programs is not publicly disclosed. MEPN and doctoral programs are selective; verify current selection criteria and deadlines with the school.
Does UC Davis offer an accelerated BSN?
No. UC Davis does not offer a traditional or accelerated BSN. The entry-level path for non-nurses is the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), an 18-month full-time MSN that leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. There is no RN-to-BSN at UC Davis nursing.
What are the clinical placement sites for UC Davis nursing students?
UC Davis nursing is part of UC Davis Health in Sacramento. Clinical placements typically include UC Davis Medical Center and California-based primary care and health systems. Confirm current sites with the school.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for UC Davis?
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UC Davis (MEPN) was 89.13% (2024/2025, 46 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
References
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davishealth.ucdavis.edu/nursing
- UC Davis Nursing — Academics and programshealth.ucdavis.edu/nursing/academics/programs
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX and outcomesrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. Items marked “Not publicly disclosed” reflect unavailability in 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 relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy