University of California, Los Angeles Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
BSN, DNP, and PhD in Los Angeles at University of California, Los Angeles. First-time NCLEX-RN was 92.2% (BSN NCLEX-RN (CA BRN). Admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UCLA’s Joe C. Wen School of Nursing combines a top-ranked research university with direct access to UCLA Health—Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, and a broad network of clinical sites across Greater Los Angeles. Pre-licensure BSN and entry-level MSN (MECN) graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN; confirm the latest NCLEX outcomes with the California BRN and the school.
Overview & Why Students Choose UCLA
Located in Westwood, Los Angeles, the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing sits within one of the nation’s leading public research universities and alongside UCLA Health—a top-ranked academic health system. Students gain clinical hours at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, and across Greater LA’s diverse healthcare landscape.
Whether you are a first-time applicant to the four-year BSN, a second-degree seeker considering the Master’s Entry Clinical Nursing (MECN) program, or an RN or advanced practice nurse pursuing the Post BSN-DNP, PhD, or PMHNP certificate, UCLA offers pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral and post-master’s study. The school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
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 Los Angeles BSN was 92.16% (2024/2025, 51 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page. Confirm current outcomes with the school and the BRN.
Five reasons students choose UCLA
📈 NCLEX & Graduate Outcomes
California BRN reports 92.16% first-time BSN pass rate (2024/2025). MSN first-time pass rate 85.07% (67 test takers). Confirm latest rates with the BRN and school.
🏥 UCLA Health Clinical Access
Clinical placements at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, and UCLA Health partners across the region.
🎓 Research & Innovation
Research-intensive faculty and nursing science priorities; PhD program and opportunities to advance evidence-based practice and policy.
🌐 Entry & Advanced Pathways
BSN (4-year), MECN (2-year entry-level MSN), Post BSN-DNP (3-year), PhD (4-year), and PMHNP post-master’s certificate (predominantly remote).
📍 Los Angeles Healthcare Hub
Greater LA is a major healthcare and employment market; students benefit from diverse populations and strong regional demand for nurses.
Nursing Programs Offered
UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing offers pre-licensure and advanced programs. All programs are CCNE-accredited. Only programs explicitly offered by the school are listed below.
Bachelor of Science (BSN)
Four-year undergraduate program. Prepares students to sit for the Registered Nurse licensing exam or pursue graduate studies. On-campus.
Master of Science — Entry (MECN)
Two-year program for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Prepares graduates for careers as RN, Clinical Nurse Leader, or Public Health Nurse. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Post BSN-DNP
Three-year program for BSN-prepared RNs to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and become experts and leaders in advanced practice.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Four-year, research-focused program. Prepares nurse scientists to develop new knowledge, educate future nurses, and improve healthcare delivery and policy.
PMHNP Certificate
Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Predominantly remote, one-year. Addresses statewide shortage of psychiatric mental health providers.
Program list is from the official UCLA School of Nursing website. UCLA does not offer an RN-to-BSN or traditional accelerated BSN (ABSN) in the same form as some other schools; the MECN serves as the entry-level master’s pathway for second-degree students. Confirm current programs at nursing.ucla.edu.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (Student Outcomes)
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) pass rates for first-time CA-educated exam testers (annual period July 1–June 30), the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UC Los Angeles — BSN was 92.16% (2024/2025, 51 test takers). For UC Los Angeles — MSN, the first-time pass rate was 85.07% (2024/2025, 67 test takers).
| Program | Rate (Period) | Test Takers |
|---|---|---|
| UC Los Angeles — BSN | 92.16% | 51 (2024/2025) |
| UC Los Angeles — MSN | 85.07% | 67 (2024/2025) |
| Source | California BRN Pass Rates | |
NCLEX outcomes can change by cohort. Readers should confirm the latest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for UCLA with the California BRN and the UCLA School of Nursing. This guide does not compare to a state average unless that benchmark is from the same official BRN report.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
UCLA admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. Requirements vary by visa status, degree level, and whether you are seeking admission or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist and verify with UCLA and the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm whether UCLA 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 a state-approved evaluator and how UCLA wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN): For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other credential evaluation, and document/translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa support: Which programs support F-1 or other visa types and how clinical placements comply with visa rules. Check with UCLA’s Dashew Center and the School of Nursing.
Requirements change frequently. Always confirm with UCLA Admissions, the School of Nursing, and the California BRN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UCLA is one of the most selective universities in the nation. Applicants to the School of Nursing must submit the UC application and complete a supplemental application directly to the School of Nursing. Nursing must be listed as the first-choice major; applicants who list it as alternate are reviewed for their primary major only.
- UC application (opens August 1; filing period October 1–November 30)
- Nursing as first-choice major
- Supplemental application to the School of Nursing (deadlines and requirements on nursing.ucla.edu)
- UCLA only accepts applications for fall term; no early action or early decision
Application timeline (undergraduate)
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| UC application opens | August 1 |
| Filing period | October 1 – November 30 |
| Admission notification | Late March |
| Enrollment deposit / housing | May 1 |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA (UCLA first-year, overall) | 4.0 unweighted average (Fall 2025 profile) |
| TEAS / GRE | Confirm on School of Nursing admissions page |
| Supplemental application | Required for School of Nursing |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
UCLA uses comprehensive review: grades, rigor of curriculum, personal insight questions, and accomplishments beyond the classroom. For nursing, strong science and math preparation and a clear, genuine interest in nursing matter. Confirm current prerequisite and supplemental requirements at nursing.ucla.edu and UCLA Supplemental Applications.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-year applicant
Apply via the UC application with nursing as your first-choice major and complete the School of Nursing supplemental application. Focus on strong grades in a rigorous curriculum and meaningful personal insight responses.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
UCLA’s Master’s Entry Clinical Nursing (MECN) program is designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Check MECN prerequisites and application deadlines on the School of Nursing website.
🩺 RN or advanced practice seeking DNP / PhD / certificate
Post BSN-DNP, PhD, and PMHNP certificate have separate applications and requirements. Confirm deadlines and criteria with the UCLA School of Nursing graduate admissions.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UCLA tuition and fees are set by the University of California and vary by residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), program level (undergraduate vs. graduate), and campus fees. Nursing-specific fees may apply.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (In-State) | See UC / UCLA Registrar |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Out-of-State) | See UC / UCLA Registrar |
| Graduate Tuition & Fees | See UCLA Registrar and School of Nursing |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources |
| Financial Aid | FAFSA and California Dream Act; UC and UCLA aid programs |
Do not rely on estimates here for final amounts. For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official UCLA Finances and UCLA Registrar pages and the School of Nursing.
Complete the FAFSA (and California Dream Act if applicable) by the priority deadline. UCLA and UC offer need-based and merit aid. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other nursing-specific scholarships may be available; confirm with the School of Nursing and UCLA Financial Aid.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (BSN) | 92.16% (CA BRN 2024/2025, 51 test takers) |
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate (MSN) | 85.07% (CA BRN 2024/2025, 67 test takers) |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For the latest NCLEX outcomes, see the California BRN pass rates page. For job placement and alumni employer information, see the UCLA School of Nursing and UCLA Career Center.
Is UCLA the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, career goals, and learning style. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at UCLA and who might consider other options.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a top-ranked public research university with CCNE-accredited programs
- Seek clinical access to UCLA Health and Greater LA healthcare systems
- Are interested in research, PhD, or DNP pathways
- Prefer a large, diverse campus in Los Angeles
- Are second-degree seekers considering the MECN (entry-level MSN) pathway
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need a traditional accelerated BSN (ABSN) or RN-to-BSN program (UCLA offers MECN and Post BSN-DNP instead)
- Prefer a smaller cohort or lower-cost in-state option outside UC
- Want a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Cannot meet highly selective admission criteria
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Greater Los Angeles is one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States. UCLA nursing students benefit from UCLA Health, which includes Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, and a wide network of clinics and partners across the region.
| Facility / System | Details |
|---|---|
| UCLA Health | Academic health system; Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, and community practices. |
| Greater LA systems | Kaiser Permanente, Providence, Dignity Health, Cedars-Sinai, Keck Medicine of USC, LA County DHS, and many community hospitals and clinics. |
California continues to face strong demand for registered nurses. Clinical placements at UCLA Health and other LA-area sites give students exposure to diverse, high-acuity populations and improve employment prospects in the region. Confirm current placement sites with the School of Nursing.
Student Experience & Campus Life
UCLA’s Joe C. Wen School of Nursing is part of the UCLA campus in Westwood, Los Angeles. The school emphasizes research, evidence-based practice, and innovation; it hosts an annual Nursing Science & Innovation Conference and supports student success through faculty mentorship and world-class facilities.
Nursing students benefit from simulation and clinical experiences through UCLA Health. The broader UCLA campus offers hundreds of student organizations, recreation, and academic support. Los Angeles provides diverse cultural, clinical, and employment opportunities for nursing graduates.
For details on simulation labs, student organizations, and campus life, visit nursing.ucla.edu and UCLA Student Life.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Los Angeles, CA (Westwood)
- Address
- 700 Tiverton Avenue, Factor Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Telephone
- (310) 825-7181
- Contact email
- See nursing.ucla.edu for program contacts
- Website
- www.nursing.ucla.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official UCLA School of Nursing website and download program information.
- Review prerequisite and supplemental application requirements for your target program (BSN, MECN, DNP, PhD, or PMHNP) on nursing.ucla.edu.
- If required, register for the TEAS or GRE—confirm current exam requirements on the School of Nursing admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for the School of Nursing or UCLA Undergraduate Admission.
- Reach out to current UCLA nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin outlining your personal insight questions (UC application) or personal statement (graduate programs).
- Note the UC application window (October 1–November 30) and any School of Nursing supplemental deadlines; set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UCLA a good school for nursing?
UCLA’s Joe C. Wen School of Nursing is a top-ranked, CCNE-accredited program offering BSN, MECN, DNP, PhD, and PMHNP certificate. According to the California BRN, the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UCLA BSN was 92.16% (2024/2025). Students gain clinical access to UCLA Health. Confirm current outcomes with the school and California BRN.
What GPA do you need for UCLA’s nursing program?
UCLA uses comprehensive review. The university reports a 4.0 average unweighted GPA for Fall 2025 first-year admits overall; nursing is highly selective. Confirm minimum and typical GPA with the School of Nursing and UCLA Undergraduate Admission.
Does UCLA require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS requirement for UCLA nursing was not specified in the sources reviewed. The School of Nursing requires a supplemental application in addition to the UC application. Confirm current exam requirements (TEAS, GRE, or other) on the official UCLA School of Nursing admissions page.
How competitive is admission to UCLA’s nursing program?
UCLA is one of the most selective universities in the nation. Nursing applicants must list nursing as their first-choice major and complete a supplemental application. The nursing acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed; verify criteria with the School of Nursing.
Does UCLA offer an accelerated BSN?
UCLA does not offer a traditional accelerated BSN (ABSN). It offers a four-year BSN and a two-year Master’s Entry Clinical Nursing (MECN) program for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to become RNs, Clinical Nurse Leaders, or Public Health Nurses.
What are the clinical placement sites for UCLA nursing students?
UCLA nursing students gain clinical experience through UCLA Health, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, and other LA-area partners. Confirm current sites with the School of Nursing.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for UCLA?
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), the most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for UC Los Angeles BSN was 92.16% (2024/2025, 51 test takers). For the latest data, see the California BRN pass rates page.
References
- California BRN — NCLEX-RN pass rates (first-time CA-educated exam testers)rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- UCLA School of Nursing (Joe C. Wen School of Nursing)nursing.ucla.edu
- UCLA Undergraduate Admission — First-Year & Supplemental Applicationsadmission.ucla.edu
- UCLA Finances / Financial Aiducla.edu/student-life/finances
- NCLEX data from California BRN. Tuition and policies: verify with UCLA Registrar and School of Nursing.
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 (including California BRN pass rates).
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 NCLEX data change; always verify with UCLA and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy