3 Best BSN Programs in San Diego – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Thinking about becoming an RN in San Diego? A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will give you more control over your nursing career. San Diego healthcare employers prefer hiring RNs with BSNs because studies have shown that a high proportion of BSN-educated nurses on staff is linked with better patient outcomes. Pursuing your BSN in San Diego lays the educational groundwork for attaining an advanced practice degree if you ever decide to go back to school. Graduates of BSN programs in San Diego make $118,830 a year. Earning a BSN may be the best professional decision you’ll make as an RN. Everything you need to know about the 3 best BSN programs in San Diego for 2025 is below.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS

WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN PROGRAMS IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 3 Best BSN Programs in San Diego (Online & Campus) for 2025.

1. San Diego State University - San Diego


About San Diego State University: San Diego State University empowers BSN students to improve health across the diverse communities in San Diego and beyond. Known to offer one of the best BSN programs in San Diego, the school offers a conducive learning environment where inside and outside the classroom learning is fostered. A Hispanic-serving institution, the school takes pride in its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.


San Diego State University BSN Program Details: SDSU's BSN program equips you with the skills and knowledge required to offer culturally competent patient care. Grounded in liberal arts, the program aims at developing skills in critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and communication. Taking four years to complete, the program begins with pre-nursing courses in the freshman year, followed by nursing courses that begin in the sophomore year.


San Diego State University BSN Curriculum Details: The BSN curriculum comprises 120 credits. Combining clinical experiences with didactic courses, the curriculum offers a perfect balance of theoretical and practical training. After completing the general education courses, the BSN curriculum covers topics such as the fundamentals of microbiology, human anatomy, client assessment, fundamentals of nursing practice, and pathophysiology.

SDSU’s BSN curriculum also includes courses in information management, research & evidence-based practice, psychiatric mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, nursing care of the acutely ill, and community health nursing.


San Diego State University BSN Admission Requirements: Being one of the sought-after BSN programs in San Diego, admission into SDSU’s BSN is a competitive process. To apply as a freshman, you must complete high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the program requires you to have completed courses in algebra, biology, and chemistry with a minimum grade of B. To complete your application, you must submit all your transcripts.


Why Choose San Diego State University BSN Program

• San Diego State University’s BSN program takes pride in an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
• San Diego State University nursing school has more than 100 community partners across San Diego, including clinical, hospitals, schools, and healthcare agencies that provide BSN students with a broad range of clinical experiences.
• San Diego State University’s BSN students can explore exciting learning options in other countries. The school offers short-term programs, such as internships and seminars in other countries. BSN students can participate and gain a global outlook.


2. National University - San Diego


About National University: If you are interested in completing your BSN program in San Diego, then you must check out the BSN program offered by National University. Being a non-profit, the school offers high-quality, affordable BSN education. Moreover, with a holistic approach to education, here every BSN student is supported in professional as well as personal growth.


National University BSN Program Details: National University’s BSN prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and clinical reasoning skills, the program, includes courses in liberal arts and sciences to provide a strong foundation for nursing courses to build on. You can complete this program within three to four years.


National University BSN Curriculum Details: The BSN curriculum is well-rounded and includes courses that prepare you for your role as a registered nurse. The general education coursework requires you to take classes in human anatomy, human physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, statistics, and communication.

The nursing core courses cover topics such as nursing fundamentals, evidence-based knowledge, health assessment, health promotion, leadership & management, and the nursing care of individuals and families across the lifespan. The program also trains you in mental health nursing and community health nursing.


National University BSN Admission Requirements: This BSN program in San Diego reviews applications all through the year, so you can apply anytime. To be considered for admission, you must have a high school GPA of at least 3.0. Further, you must submit a TEAS score of at least 60. The school also requires you to have completed pre-requisite courses with a minimum of grade B.


Why Choose National University BSN Program

• National University’s BSN graduates will be part of a large alumni network of more than 220K graduates, who hold pivotal positions across the globe. The network allows BSN graduates to become members of National’s global community.
• National University’s BSN program offers military benefits to veterans, servicemen, and their dependents.
• National University’s BSN program consists of four-week or one-month-long courses. Therefore, you will be able to focus and complete one class at a time.


3. Point Loma Nazarene University - San Diego


About Point Loma Nazarene University: If you are seeking to enroll in one of the most respected BSN programs in San Diego, then you should learn about Point Loma Nazarene University’s BSN education. The school has earned an excellent reputation for the quality of BSN graduates it produces, little wonder that employees desire them for the well-rounded skill set they possess. Aside from this, the school offers a Catholic environment that grooms you to serve as a holistic caregiver.


Point Loma Nazarene University BSN Program Details: PLNU’s BSN program not only launches your nursing career but also sets the perfect ground for advanced studies in nursing. The program takes you from a non-nurse to a proficient registered nurse in a total of four years. This BSN covers all aspects of nursing, including the spiritual and human side along with technical nursing skills and knowledge. Understandably, program graduates work at some of the prominent healthcare centers in San Diego and across the state.


Point Loma Nazarene University BSN Curriculum Details: Rooted in evidence-based knowledge, the BSN curriculum comprises a total of 88 to 89 units. The curriculum consists of lower-division and upper-division coursework. The lower division requirements for the curriculum must be completed with a minimum grade of C before you move to upper division courses.

The lower division courses, which are the pre-nursing courses cover topics such as anatomy & physiology, microbiology, human development, chemistry, and statistics. Further, you learn about nutrition, pharmacology, and psychology. The upper-division courses, comprising nursing courses prepare you for the holistic nursing care of men and women across the lifespan. The curriculum also includes clinical courses that are concurrently offered with the didactic coursework.


Point Loma Nazarene University BSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for this BSN program, you must be a high school graduate who has a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, in your application, you must include your transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and two letters of recommendation. The program’s admission process is competitive, so it is preferred for you to apply early.


Why Choose Point Loma Nazarene University BSN Program

• Among all the other BSN programs in San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University’s BSN program stands out for offering extensive real-world practice, starting from the first semester itself. In fact, BSN students complete more than 1100 hours of clinical practice by the time they graduate.
• Point Loma Nazarene University’s BSN program is offered in small-sized classes. You’ll receive individualized attention and professors will know you personally. The intimate learning environment thus created helps you in reaching your academic as well as professional goals.
• Point Loma Nazarene University’s BSN program offers students several professional development opportunities. You can get involved in California Nursing Student’s Association or participate in the community classroom. The school also hosts the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International where promising BSN students can become members.


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