DEGREES

Top ABSN Programs in Los Angeles in 2024

Written By: Chaunie Brusie

BSN, RN

9 Min Read Published August 23, 2024

How to Earn an ABSN in Los Angeles
ABSN Programs in Los Angeles
What to Expect
Working as an RN in LA
Next Steps
FAQs

If you’re an aspiring nurse in Los Angeles with a bachelor's degree, an accelerated BSN might be the right path for you. This guide to ABSN programs in Los Angeles, California lays out all your program options.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

How to Earn an ABSN in Los Angeles

To earn your ABSN, you’ll first need a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Then, you’ll need to apply to both a university and the university’s ABSN program (some schools require separate applications for both).

You’ll also want to be sure you have any prerequisites the program requires, like an admission test or recent chemistry and microbiology courses. After successful admission, you’ll be qualified to sit for the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse.

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ABSN Programs in Los Angeles

Want to attend nursing school in sunny LA? Los Angeles offers several ABSN programs that have the convenience of being hybrid for students who need some online flexibility as they attend school. Here are two top choices for ABSN programs in LA.

1. California State University

Location: Los Angeles, California
Program Cost: $595 per credit hour
Program Length: 15 months
School Type: Public
Online Options Available? Hybrid

Apply the prior fall for a summer program start in June that lasts 15 months, and you could be on your way to a new job as an RN. The program only runs once a year, so it is competitive. There are several prerequisite classes, including critical thinking, human anatomy, microbiology, and chemistry – all with labs. Prospective students can also attend virtual informational sessions for more information before deciding to apply.

2. Mount Saint Mary’s University

Location: Los Angeles, California
Program Cost: $23,799
Program Length: 12 months
School Type: Private
Online Options Available? Hybrid

40 students are admitted into Mount Saint Mary University’s ABSN program each term, and the school says students can expect to spend approximately 40 hours a week working on-site for clinicals or in coursework. Weekend work is also required, and there are 11 prerequisite classes needed for application, so prospective students are encouraged to check with the admission team to ensure all qualifications are met.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

What to Expect in an ABSN Program in Los Angeles

Like other ABSN programs in the country, the programs in Los Angeles are competitive and fast-paced. However, both of the programs are hybrid, which is good for students with busy schedules who don’t want to fight LA traffic every day.

Los Angeles ABSN Tuition

Tuition for ABSN programs in Los Angeles costs between $23,779 and $31,535. Your tuition will vary depending on the program’s location, public vs. private school status, and in-person vs. online attendance.

Admission Requirements

Each university has its own specific admissions standards. However, every ABSN program in Los Angeles requires a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Other common admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in Los Angeles include:

Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Prerequisites (e.g., Statistics or Anatomy & Physiology)
Personal statement
TEAS examination
Letter(s) of recommendation
Transcripts
Application fee
Admissions interview
Resume/CV

How Hard Are Los Angeles ABSN Programs?

Los Angeles boasts some of the top ABSN programs nationwide. With only two programs and small class sizes, admission to these schools is extremely competitive. The curriculums are challenging, and the fast pace makes it important to devote your full effort and attention to your studies.

Despite the challenges, earning an ABSN in Los Angeles has its perks. With high wages, great weather, and well-known hospitals, Los Angeles is a great place to work and learn.

How Long is an Accelerated BSN Program in Los Angeles?

Accelerated BSN programs in Los Angeles typically take 12 to 15 months to complete. These programs have a set progression plan that students must follow to graduate.

Working as a Nurse in Los Angeles

BSN Salary in Los Angeles

The median annual RN salary nationwide is $86,070 or $41.38 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). RNs in Los Angeles earn well above this average, bringing in $121,440 annually or $58.39 an hour.

ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for BSN nurses is $62 an hour, while ADNs earn $31 an hour.

Career Outlook

Los Angeles is home to 123,940 registered nurses. The BLS reports that all RN jobs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2023, faster than the average for all other occupations. This growth equates to 177,400 openings for registered nurses each year.

BSN Jobs in Los Angeles

Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals. Other possible job locations include:

Ambulatory healthcare services
Government agencies
Academia
Medical and aesthetic spas
Outpatient clinics
Long-term care facilities
Private practice
Surgery centers
Urgent care centers
Retirement facilities
Mental health facilities

Next Steps

With a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can achieve your dream nursing career with a timely and affordable ABSN program in Los Angeles. These degrees allow qualified non-nurses to enter the workforce in 12-15 months at a fraction of the cost of traditional BSNs

Accelerated nursing programs in Los Angeles offer hybrid options, multiple start dates, and hands-on practice in clinical settings. If you're ready to become a nurse in LA, these programs may be exactly what you need.

For more information on earning an ABSN, check out these resources:

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

FAQs

How many ABSN programs are in Los Angeles?
- There are currently two accredited ABSN programs in Los Angeles.
How much do ABSN programs in Los Angeles cost?
- ABSN programs in Los Angeles range in price from roughly $23,779 and $31,535., depending on the program.
How long are ABSN programs in Los Angeles?
- ABSN programs last 12-15 months in Los Angeles.
How many nurses are in Los Angeles?
- Currently, there are 332,560 registered nurses employed in Los Angeles.
How much do nurses in Los Angeles make?
- Nurses in Los Angeles earn roughly $121,440 annually.