Loma Linda University School of Nursing: BSN, MSN & DNP Review (2026)
BSN, MSN, and DNP in Loma Linda at Loma Linda University School of Nursing. First-time NCLEX-RN was 98% (NCLEX First-Time Pass). Compare tuition and admissions requirements in Loma Linda.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Loma Linda’s whole-person, faith-based education and guaranteed clinical placement at seven partner facilities—including 570 clinical hours at a Level 1 Trauma Center ICU—set it apart. The 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 98% first-time Next Gen NCLEX pass rate reflect a program built for hands-on, mission-driven nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose Loma Linda
Located in Loma Linda, California—between San Bernardino and Riverside in the Inland Empire—Loma Linda University School of Nursing has educated nurses since 1905 through a faith-based, whole-person care model. Students gain guaranteed clinical placement at seven partner facilities and 570 clinical hours at a Level 1 Trauma Center ICU.
Whether you are a first-time college student, an RN advancing with an MSN or DNP, or a nurse seeking a PhD, Loma Linda’s School of Nursing offers BSN, RN-to-BS, MSN, DNP, and PhD pathways—all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and WASC.
Loma Linda reports a 98% first-time pass rate on the newly released Next Generation NCLEX. For context on how this compares to state and national averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rate report.
Five reasons students choose Loma Linda
📈 NCLEX Performance
98% first-time pass rate on the Next Generation NCLEX, with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio for focused preparation.
🏥 Guaranteed Clinical Placement
Seven partner facilities and 570 clinical hours at a Level 1 Trauma Center ICU—rare for undergraduate programs.
🩺 Whole-Person, Faith-Based Education
Mission-driven curriculum integrating spirituality and health; oldest nursing school in the Loma Linda University system (since 1905).
💻 RN to BS & Graduate Options
Fully online RN to BS track; MSN, DNP, and PhD programs with NP and leadership concentrations. Ranked #2 in California DNP programs.
👥 Small Cohorts & Support
Cohorts of 56–60 students; 70–75% of nursing students receive financial aid. Robust academic support and mission/service opportunities.
Nursing Programs Offered
Loma Linda University School of Nursing offers pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral-level study. All programs are CCNE-accredited; programs accredited through 2027.
BS in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
2.5 years full-time. Guaranteed clinical placement at seven partner facilities; hands-on learning and expert simulation. Cohorts of 56–60. LVN to BS advanced placement may be offered.
RN to BS
Fully online for working RNs with an AS-level license. Web-based modalities, flexible scheduling, part-time option. Admissions requirements and prerequisites vary slightly from the regular track.
MSN — Nurse Practitioner & Other Tracks
MSN with concentrations including Neonatal NP, Family NP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health; also Nursing Administration and Nurse Educator. Campus and hybrid options.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Ranked #2 in California DNP programs. Leadership, research, and whole-person care focus. MS to DNP, Leadership DNP, and Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP options.
PhD in Nursing
Research-focused doctoral program for advanced knowledge, skills, and leadership in nursing scholarship.
Loma Linda offers information sessions for prospective students. Graduate program sessions (e.g., MS to DNP, MSN Administration, Nurse Educator) are listed on the School of Nursing website.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Loma Linda University School of Nursing reports a 98% first-time pass rate on the Next Generation NCLEX for its BSN programs, as stated on the School of Nursing website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate (Next Gen NCLEX) | 98% |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | Loma Linda University School of Nursing |
For the most current NCLEX statistics and state comparisons, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rate report and the School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Loma Linda University admits international students and California licenses internationally educated nurses, but the **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 Loma Linda and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether Loma Linda requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, 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 university wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS-type reports, 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. Before you rely on any single blog, video, or forum post, cross‑check everything with Loma Linda’s International Admissions team and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Loma Linda’s nursing program is limited-access and competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The School of Nursing has a separate application process from general university admission.
- Completion of high school or equivalent
- Minimum college cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0; all prerequisites with C or better
- Pre-entrance exams: TEAS and Critical Thinking
- Three letters of recommendation (2 from instructors)
- Application with personal essay; official transcripts from all college credits
- Interview (not all applicants who meet minimums can be invited due to time constraints)
- Volunteer or work experience in hospital/clinical setting recommended
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Applications Open | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2027 | Feb 1, 2026 | Jul 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | Jul 1, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (Cumulative & Prerequisite) | 3.0 |
| TEAS Required | Yes (and Critical Thinking exam) |
| Interview Required | Yes (invitation not guaranteed for all who meet minimums) |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Recommended (volunteer or work in hospital/clinical setting) |
The admissions committee weighs GPA, TEAS/ACT scores, math and science grades, the interview, and the amount of credit earned at Loma Linda. Earning more coursework at Loma Linda (rather than transferring) can strengthen your application. Prepare thoroughly for the TEAS exam—it carries significant weight.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Apply to Loma Linda as a pre-nursing major. Focus on strong grades in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and math during your first two years. Healthcare volunteer work or shadowing will help confirm your interest before applying to the upper division.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
Loma Linda does not currently offer an accelerated BSN (ABSN), so you would enter the traditional BSN pathway after prerequisite coursework. Highlight any healthcare-adjacent experience. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and RN license, the online RN to BSN or MSN may be more appropriate.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
Loma Linda’s fully online RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are designed for working nurses. RN to BS has slightly different admissions requirements; MSN typically expects a 3.0 nursing GPA. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals in your materials.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Loma Linda University publishes estimated cost of attendance by program. Below are figures for the BSN program (academic year 2026–2027).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BSN Year 1 (9 months) — Tuition & Fees | ~$43,703 |
| BSN Year 2 (9 months) — Tuition & Fees | ~$41,691 |
| BSN Year 3 (6 months) — Tuition & Fees | ~$23,822 |
| Books, Materials, Supplies (estimated) | Varies by year (e.g., ~$2,765 Year 1) |
| Living Expenses (food & housing) | Not publicly disclosed in single figure; see official cost of attendance |
| Nursing Students Receiving Financial Aid | 70–75% |
Amounts are estimated and may vary. Living expenses, transportation, and other costs depend on housing choice and enrollment. For the current, detailed cost of attendance (including living expense options), see the official Nursing, BS page or the PDF cost of attendance.
Complete the FAFSA and confirm Loma Linda’s school code on the university financial aid page. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other scholarships may be available; the school offers scholarships (e.g., $500–$3,000 after completing one quarter) for qualifying students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 100% (Spring 2024) |
| Job Offers at Graduation (BSN) | 98% |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about specific employers hiring Loma Linda nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services page at nursing.llu.edu.
Is Loma Linda 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 Loma Linda and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited, faith-based whole-person nursing education
- Value a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small cohorts (56–60)
- Want guaranteed clinical placement and Level 1 Trauma Center ICU experience
- Are working RNs seeking online RN to BS, MSN, or DNP programs
- Are interested in mission trips and service-learning
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program
- Need the lowest-cost public tuition option
- Prefer a secular-only environment
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN pathway
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Loma Linda sits in the Inland Empire between San Bernardino and Riverside, with Loma Linda University Health operating a major medical center and children’s hospital. The region is a significant healthcare hub for Southern California, with strong demand for nurses.
| Context | Details |
|---|---|
| Loma Linda University Health | Academic medical center and children’s hospital; primary clinical partner for the School of Nursing. |
| Seven partner facilities | Guaranteed clinical placement across seven partner sites; 570 clinical hours at Level 1 Trauma Center ICU. |
| Inland Empire | San Bernardino and Riverside counties; diverse populations and strong regional demand for nurses. |
Students gain exposure to a Level 1 Trauma Center ICU and diverse settings through guaranteed placements. California’s demand for RNs remains high; confirm current placement sites with the School of Nursing.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Loma Linda University School of Nursing provides state-of-the-art simulation labs and virtual reality training for nurse practitioners and nurses. The school emphasizes whole-person care and mission opportunities, including mission trips and service learning.
Cohorts of 56–60 students support a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus is in Loma Linda, California, between San Bernardino and Riverside, with access to Loma Linda University Health for clinical and employment opportunities.
Information sessions and events (e.g., MS to DNP, MSN Administration, Nurse Educator) are listed on the School of Nursing website for prospective students.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Loma Linda, CA
- Address
- 11060 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, US
- Telephone
- (909) 558-4923
- Contact email
- [email protected] (undergrad); [email protected] (graduate)
- Website
- nursing.llu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Loma Linda Nursing website and download the current program brochure and student handbook.
- Review the pre-nursing prerequisite course list in the Loma Linda Undergraduate Catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If you have not taken the TEAS and Critical Thinking exams, register and prepare. Both are required for BSN admission; confirm current requirements on the official nursing admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for a Loma Linda admissions counselor or the School of Nursing advising office.
- Reach out to current Loma Linda nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (BSN applicants).
- Check the deadline for your target quarter (e.g., Jul 1 for Winter; Oct 1 for Spring) on the official nursing admissions page and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loma Linda University a good school for nursing?
Loma Linda University School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and reports a 98% first-time pass rate on the Next Generation NCLEX, a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and guaranteed clinical placement at seven partner facilities including 570 hours at a Level 1 Trauma Center ICU.
What GPA do you need for Loma Linda’s nursing program?
Minimum college cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0 for the regular BSN track. All prerequisites must be completed with a C or better.
Does Loma Linda require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. Loma Linda requires pre-entrance exams (TEAS and Critical Thinking) for BSN admission. Scores must be submitted by the application deadline for your target quarter.
How competitive is admission to Loma Linda’s nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Not all applicants who meet minimum requirements can be invited for an interview. Selection is competitive.
Does Loma Linda offer an accelerated BSN?
The BS in Nursing is a 2.5-year full-time program. An online RN to BS track is available for working RNs. LVN to BS advanced placement may be offered.
What are the clinical placement sites for Loma Linda nursing students?
Loma Linda guarantees clinical placement across seven partner facilities, including 570 clinical hours at a Level 1 Trauma Center ICU. Confirm current site names with the School of Nursing.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Loma Linda?
Loma Linda reports a 98% first-time pass rate on the Next Generation NCLEX for its BSN programs. For state comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rate report.
References
- Loma Linda University School of Nursing — programs and NCLEXnursing.llu.edu
- Loma Linda University — Nursing, BS program and cost of attendancellu.edu/academics/programs/school-nursing/nursing-bs
- Loma Linda University School of Nursing — Contactnursing.llu.edu/about/contact
- Loma Linda University — Cost of attendance 2026–2027 (BSN)llu.edu (PDF)
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
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