Point Loma Nazarene University Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
Point Loma Nazarene University BSN, MSN, and DNP in San Diego. First-time NCLEX-RN was 98.3% (Pass Rate). Compare admissions requirements in San Diego.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
PLNU’s School of Nursing combines faith-based, whole-person education with nearly 900 hours of clinical experience from the first semester and a 98.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate (class of 2023). An Early Entry pathway lets BSN students begin DNP (FNP or CNS) coursework before graduation. Confirm current deadlines and transfer options with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose PLNU
Point Loma Nazarene University, on the peninsula overlooking the Pacific in San Diego, California, offers a CCNE-accredited School of Nursing known for faith-based, whole-person education and strong clinical preparation. From the first semester, BSN students gain nearly 900 hours of hands-on clinical experience—a differentiator that prepares graduates for diverse settings.
Whether you are a first-year applicant seeking direct entry into the BSN, an internal or transfer applicant (subject to space and current policy), or an RN considering the online MSN with FNP or CNS tracks, PLNU offers pathways that balance technical skills with the human and spiritual dimensions of care.
PLNU’s most recently reported BSN graduating class achieved a 98.3% first-time pass rate. For context on how this compares to state and national averages, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report.
Five reasons students choose PLNU for nursing
📈 NCLEX performance
98.3% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the BSN class of 2023, as reported on the PLNU School of Nursing website.
🩺 Nearly 900 clinical hours
BSN students begin hands-on patient care from the first semester, with clinical experience in a variety of settings through the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium.
🎓 Early Entry to DNP
Begin MSN and DNP coursework before the end of senior year; complete the BSN, sit for NCLEX, then continue into the DNP with FNP or CNS certification.
💻 Faith-based, whole-person focus
Curriculum balances technical and physical skills with the human and spiritual aspects of nursing; faculty know students personally and support work-life balance.
🏥 San Diego clinical access
Rotations at Rady Children’s Hospital and consortium affiliates; background check and drug screening required per hospital agreements.
Nursing Programs Offered
PLNU’s School of Nursing offers a CCNE-accredited BSN and MSN; the baccalaureate, master’s, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Verify current program availability (including transfer and LVN-to-BSN, which were not accepting applications for 2025-26) on the PLNU nursing page and the California BRN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Pre-licensure BSN with first-year direct entry. Nearly 900 hours of clinical experience from the first semester. Prerequisites required; limited spaces. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Fully online with asynchronous coursework and optional synchronous sessions; one in-person class per semester at Liberty Station (San Diego) optional. Tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner; Pediatric CNS; Adult-Gerontology CNS; Adult-Gerontology CNS with Women’s Health. ADN to MSN pathway available. ~43 units; 500–750 direct patient care clinical hours.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – FNP or CNS
Early Entry from BSN: begin graduate coursework before the end of senior year; complete BSN and NCLEX, then continue into DNP with Family Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist certification. Faster than pursuing degrees separately.
PLNU stated it is not accepting applications into the three-year BSN or LVN-to-BSN programs for the 2025-26 academic year. Confirm current options on the official PLNU School of Nursing and admissions pages.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
PLNU’s Nursing B.S. class of 2023 achieved a 98.3% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, as reported on the PLNU School of Nursing website.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 98.3% (class of 2023) |
| Job Placement | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source | PLNU School of Nursing |
An official state average benchmark from the same California Board of Registered Nursing report was not provided in the sources reviewed for this guide. For the most current comparative data, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
PLNU 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 PLNU and the California Board of Registered Nursing—never as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether PLNU currently requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, 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 PLNU wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility steps, any CGFNS-type reports, and document translation requirements directly with the Board.
- 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 NU’s International Admissions team and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
PLNU’s nursing major has a limited number of spaces. First-year applicants must apply for Early Action (November 15 deadline) to be considered for nursing. Transfer and internal transfer applicants must complete all prerequisites before applying; selection is based on cumulative GPA and strength of the complete application, and an interview may be requested.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Prerequisites completed with minimum grade of C (2.0) in each; one repeat may be considered. No online prerequisites accepted for nursing.
- SON application (typically available late fall, due early spring). Priority: complete by February 1 preceding fall entry.
- Internal applicants: at least 15 semester units and two semesters at PLNU for priority.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (transfer/internal) | 3.0 cumulative |
| TEAS or other exam | Not publicly disclosed; verify with PLNU |
| First-year nursing | Early Action Nov 15 required |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Priority is given to PLNU internal applicants who complete prerequisites by the end of spring and apply by February 1. Transfer applicants are considered after internal; complete all prerequisites before applying. Confirm TEAS or other exam requirements on the official PLNU School of Nursing and admissions pages.
By applicant type
🎓 High school / first-year
Apply for Early Action (November 15). Fill out only the general PLNU undergraduate application. Admissions screens for motivation, critical thinking, math and science strength, and service orientation.
🔄 Transfer / internal transfer
Complete all prerequisites (microbiology, anatomy & physiology, chemistry, psychology, algebra) with C or better before applying. GPA 3.0+ required. Transfer BSN and LVN-to-BSN were not accepting applications for 2025-26—confirm current options on the PLNU website.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
MSN is fully online with FNP and CNS tracks; ADN to MSN pathway available. Early Entry DNP (FNP or CNS) starts during the BSN. Confirm GPA and application requirements on the PLNU graduate nursing pages.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
PLNU is a private university; tuition and fees vary by program and enrollment. Below are representative figures from published sources; confirm current amounts on the official PLNU cost and financial aid pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (12–17 units/semester, 2025-26) | ~$23,750 per semester |
| MSN (per unit) | ~$890 per unit |
| DNP (per unit) | ~$890 per unit |
| RN to BSN (per unit) | ~$500 per unit |
| Fees, housing, books | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs; see PLNU cost of attendance |
| Financial Aid | FAFSA and PLNU scholarships; see pointloma.edu (financial services) |
Per-unit costs do not include additional fees or textbooks. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official PLNU Costs and graduate tuition pages.
Complete the FAFSA and check PLNU’s scholarships and financial aid options. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other nursing-specific aid may be available to qualifying students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 98.3% (class of 2023) |
| Job Placement | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
PLNU’s School of Nursing states that graduates are highly sought after in the San Diego community. For information about specific employers and job placement, see the school’s outcomes or career services page at pointloma.edu (nursing).
Is PLNU 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 PLNU and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a faith-based, whole-person nursing education with strong clinical hours from day one
- Are first-year applicants ready to meet the November 15 Early Action deadline
- Seek BSN then MSN or Early Entry DNP (FNP or CNS) in a supportive, small-cohort environment
- Value San Diego clinical access (e.g. Rady Children’s) and consortium placements
- Are RNs considering the fully online MSN with FNP or CNS tracks
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are transfer or LVN-to-BSN applicants when those pathways are closed (confirm current policy)
- Need the lowest possible tuition (PLNU is private; confirm current costs)
- Prefer a secular-only environment (PLNU is Christian, Nazarene)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
San Diego is a major healthcare hub with large hospital systems, specialty centers, and strong demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses. PLNU nursing students complete clinicals through the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, including Rady Children’s Hospital.
| Context | Details |
|---|---|
| San Diego / Southern California | Major hospital systems and medical centers; strong demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses. |
| PLNU clinical partnerships | San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium; Rady Children’s Hospital and other consortium affiliates. Background check and drug screening required per agreement. |
| Regional demand | California has strong demand for nurses; confirm current clinical placement sites with the PLNU School of Nursing. |
This concentration of facilities means PLNU students gain exposure to diverse clinical settings—from pediatric specialty care to adult and community health—within the San Diego region. California’s statewide RN demand remains strong.
Student Experience & Campus Life
PLNU’s main campus is on the Point Loma peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Diego. The School of Nursing emphasizes faith-based, whole-person education and close faculty mentorship; professors know students personally and support both academic success and a healthy work-life balance.
BSN students gain nearly 900 hours of hands-on clinical experience from the first semester using a variety of settings and technology. MSN students can take one in-person class per semester at the Liberty Station Campus (San Diego) or study fully online. For simulation labs, student organizations, and campus life details, confirm with the PLNU School of Nursing and student services.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- San Diego, CA
- Address
- 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, US
- Telephone
- (619) 849-2200
- Contact email
- nursing@pointloma.edu
- Website
- www.pointloma.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official PLNU Nursing BSN page and download the program brochure or catalog section.
- Review the prerequisite course list and compare it to your current transcripts; confirm transferability if applicable.
- If required, register for the TEAS or confirm exam requirements on the official PLNU admissions and School of Nursing pages.
- Draft a list of questions for a PLNU admissions counselor or the School of Nursing.
- Reach out to current PLNU nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate) or prepare for a possible interview (BSN).
- Note the November 15 Early Action deadline for first-year nursing applicants and February 1 priority for internal/transfer; set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Point Loma Nazarene University a good school for nursing?
PLNU’s School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and California BRN-approved. The BSN class of 2023 achieved a 98.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate. The program offers nearly 900 hours of clinical experience from the first semester and an Early Entry option into the DNP (FNP or CNS).
What GPA do you need for PLNU’s nursing program?
Transfer and internal transfer applicants need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each; one repeated prerequisite may be considered. First-year applicants are screened by PLNU admissions.
Does PLNU require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement for the BSN program was not explicitly stated in the sources reviewed. Confirm current requirements on the official PLNU School of Nursing and undergraduate admissions pages.
How competitive is admission to PLNU’s nursing program?
The nursing major has a limited number of spaces. Selection is based on cumulative GPA and strength of the complete application; an interview may be requested. Priority is given to PLNU internal applicants who meet deadlines and credit requirements. Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed.
Does PLNU offer an accelerated BSN?
PLNU offers a traditional BSN with first-year direct entry and an Early Entry pathway into the DNP (FNP or CNS), allowing graduate coursework before the end of senior year. Transfer BSN and LVN-to-BSN were not accepting applications for 2025-26; confirm current options on the school’s website.
What are the clinical placement sites for PLNU nursing students?
Students complete clinicals through the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, including Rady Children’s Hospital. Background check and drug screening are required per consortium agreement.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for PLNU?
PLNU’s Nursing B.S. class of 2023 achieved a 98.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate, as reported on the PLNU School of Nursing website. For the latest data and state comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- PLNU School of Nursing – BSN program and NCLEX pass ratepointloma.edu/undergraduate/programs/nursing-bs
- PLNU Graduate Studies – MSNpointloma.edu/graduate-studies/programs/nursing-ms
- PLNU Costs (undergraduate)pointloma.edu (costs)
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass rates and school approvalrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. Data points marked “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not available in the provided inputs/sources” 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 16, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy