Mount St. Mary’s University Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
BSN, Accelerated BSN (ABSN), and RN-to-BSN in Los Angeles at Mount St. Mary’s University. NCLEX-RN pass rate, admissions requirements, and accelerated BSN for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Mount St. Mary’s is home to the oldest BSN program in California and the Roy Adaptation Model, developed at the Mount by Sister Callista Roy. The Nursing Department emphasizes service to the “dear neighbor,” health equity, and social justice, with CCNE-accredited BSN and MSN programs and strong Los Angeles clinical partnerships.
Overview & Why Students Choose Mount St. Mary’s
Mount St. Mary’s University, in Los Angeles, California, is home to the oldest Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program in the state. For more than 70 years the Mount has combined liberal arts and sciences with a mission to serve the “dear neighbor,” particularly the most vulnerable. The Nursing Department is CCNE-accredited and ranked among Top 10 nursing schools.
Whether you are a first-time college student, a second-degree seeker considering the accelerated BSN, or an RN advancing with the online RN-to-BSN or MSN, Mount St. Mary’s offers BSN and MSN pathways built on the globally recognized Roy Adaptation Model, developed at the university by Sister Callista Roy.
The nursing curriculum is based on the Roy Adaptation Model, developed at Mount St. Mary’s by Sister Callista Roy, CSJ. This framework shapes how “Mount Nurses” are educated and is recognized worldwide.
Five reasons students choose Mount St. Mary’s
📜 Oldest BSN in California
Mount St. Mary’s has been educating nurses since 1951 and is the state’s oldest BSN program.
🎓 Roy Adaptation Model
Curriculum built on the Roy Adaptation Model, developed at the Mount by Sister Callista Roy—combining theory and hands-on learning.
🏥 Los Angeles Clinical Access
Located in LA, students gain clinical experiences across one of the nation’s largest and most diverse healthcare markets.
💻 Online & Hybrid Options
Fully online RN-to-BSN and hybrid MSN (Leadership/Administration, Nurse Educator) for working nurses.
❤️ Mission & Diversity
Commitment to health equity, social justice, and a student body that mirrors the diversity of the Los Angeles community.
Nursing Programs Offered
Mount St. Mary’s University Department of Nursing offers CCNE-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing and the post-graduate APRN certificate program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Traditional BS in Nursing (BSN)
24-month on-campus program with clinical rotations beginning in year two. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Oldest BSN in California.
Accelerated BS in Nursing (ABSN)
12-month intensive program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. On-campus.
RN to BSN
Fully online program for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma. Completable in three semesters.
LVN to BSN
Pathway for Licensed Vocational Nurses to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Accelerated MS in Nursing (MSN)
One-year program with two specialty tracks: Leadership and Administration, and Nurse Educator. Hybrid/online format for working nurses.
Mount St. Mary’s University offers a post-graduate APRN certificate program; it is CCNE-accredited. Contact the Nursing Department for current tracks and requirements.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for Mount St. Mary’s University is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. The university is ranked among Top 10 nursing schools; outcomes may be shared with applicants or on the school’s website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source | MSMU Nursing Department; California Board of Registered Nursing |
Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with Mount St. Mary’s University and the California Board of Registered Nursing. For context on how pass rates compare to state or national averages, consult the Board’s official reports.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Mount St. Mary’s University admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. 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 MSMU and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether MSMU 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 MSMU wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, any CGFNS or credential evaluation requirements, and document translation 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.
Requirements change frequently. Cross‑check everything with MSMU’s Office of Admission (or International Admissions) and the California Board of Registered Nursing. This is guidance only, not legal or licensing advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Mount St. Mary’s University nursing programs are selective. The Nursing Department and Office of Admission set requirements for the BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Confirm current criteria on the official MSMU website.
- Application to the university and, where applicable, to the nursing program
- Prerequisite coursework (specifics vary by program; check the Nursing Department)
- Minimum GPA, test scores (e.g. TEAS if required), and other materials as specified by MSMU
- For RN-to-BSN and MSN: unencumbered RN license and/or prior degree as required
Application timeline
Application deadlines and notification dates are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. Check the Nursing Department and Admission pages for current deadlines.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Not publicly disclosed; confirm with MSMU |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Reach out to the Nursing Department or admissions to clarify prerequisites, deadlines, and how selection works. For the ABSN, highlight your first degree and motivation for nursing. For RN-to-BSN and MSN, emphasize clinical experience and career goals.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school / first-time applicant
Apply as a pre-nursing or nursing-interest applicant. Focus on strong grades in sciences and math. Healthcare volunteer or shadowing can strengthen your profile.
🔄 Second-degree / ABSN applicant
Mount St. Mary’s offers a 12-month Accelerated BSN for students with a prior bachelor’s degree. Complete any required prerequisites and submit a strong application highlighting your motivation and any healthcare exposure.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
The fully online RN-to-BSN and the hybrid MSN (Leadership/Administration, Nurse Educator) are designed for working nurses. Emphasize your RN experience and how the degree aligns with your goals.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees for Mount St. Mary’s University nursing programs were not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. Private institutions set per-credit or annual rates that may differ by program (BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | Not publicly disclosed |
| Graduate (MSN) Tuition | Not publicly disclosed |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed |
For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official MSMU Financial Aid or tuition pages. Do not rely on estimates; confirm all figures with the university.
Mount St. Mary’s offers financial aid and may participate in federal and state programs. Complete the FAFSA and check the university’s financial aid office for nursing-specific scholarships (e.g. NURSE Corps) and military/veteran benefits if applicable.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about outcomes and employers hiring Mount St. Mary’s nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services and the MSMU Nursing Department.
Is Mount St. Mary’s 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 Mount St. Mary’s and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a CCNE-accredited BSN or MSN with a mission-focused, diverse community
- Value the Roy Adaptation Model and the oldest BSN program in California
- Are seeking an accelerated BSN (ABSN) or online RN-to-BSN / hybrid MSN
- Want Los Angeles clinical access and a Top 10–ranked nursing school
- Care about health equity, social justice, and serving vulnerable populations
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are looking for a DNP or PhD in Nursing (MSMU offers BSN and MSN)
- Prefer a large public research university with lower tuition
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN from start to finish
- Want a program outside the Los Angeles area
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Los Angeles is one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States, with major hospital systems, safety-net providers, and specialty centers. Mount St. Mary’s University is in central LA (10 Chester Place), giving nursing students access to a wide range of clinical placements across the region.
Greater Los Angeles has strong demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses. Students can gain experience in urban, community, and specialty settings. Specific clinical partners are not listed in the provided inputs; contact the Nursing Department for current placement sites.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Mount St. Mary’s emphasizes hands-on learning and theory grounded in the Roy Adaptation Model. The Nursing Department states that students mirror the diversity of the Los Angeles community and that the faculty are committed to health equity and social justice.
Programs offer a mix of traditional classroom and online learning; the RN-to-BSN is fully online and the MSN is hybrid. Campus life and student organizations are available; for details on simulation labs, clubs, and campus resources, visit the university and Nursing Department websites.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Address
- 10 Chester Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007, US
- Telephone
- (310) 954-4000
- Contact email
- See MSMU Admission for contact
- Website
- www.msmu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official MSMU Nursing Department website and download program information.
- Review prerequisite and application requirements for your target program (BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, or MSN) on the Nursing and Admission pages.
- If required, register for the TEAS or other exam. Confirm current test requirements on the official admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for the MSMU Nursing Department or Office of Admission.
- Reach out to current MSMU nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare application materials (BSN/ABSN applicants).
- Check application deadlines for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mount St. Mary’s University a good school for nursing?
Mount St. Mary’s University Department of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and is home to the oldest BSN program in California. The curriculum is based on the Roy Adaptation Model, developed at MSMU by Sister Callista Roy. The university is ranked among Top 10 nursing schools.
What GPA do you need for Mount St. Mary’s nursing program?
Minimum GPA requirements are not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. Contact the MSMU Nursing Department or Office of Admission for current requirements.
Does Mount St. Mary’s require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS and other test requirements for the BSN and ABSN are not publicly disclosed. Confirm current requirements with the MSMU Nursing Department or admissions office.
How competitive is admission to Mount St. Mary’s nursing program?
Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Admission is selective; contact the university for current competitiveness and selection criteria.
Does Mount St. Mary’s offer an accelerated BSN?
Yes. Mount St. Mary’s offers an Accelerated BS in Nursing (ABSN), a 12-month intensive program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
What are the clinical placement sites for Mount St. Mary’s nursing students?
Specific clinical sites were not available in the provided inputs. The university is in Los Angeles with access to major healthcare systems; contact the Nursing Department for a current list of clinical partners.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Mount St. Mary’s?
NCLEX-RN pass rate is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Confirm the latest outcomes with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- Mount St. Mary’s University Nursing Departmentmsmu.edu/departments/nursing
- MSMU Admissionmsmu.edu/admission
- MSMU Financial Aidmsmu.edu/admission/financial-aid
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)ccneaccreditation.org
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. 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