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San Jose is home to some of the best accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) programs in California. With its close proximity to major hospitals and medical centers in the Silicon Valley region, San Jose offers unparalleled opportunities for nursing students to gain hands-on clinical experience at state-of-the-art healthcare facilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 9 ABSN programs in San Jose, providing an overview of each program, details on admissions requirements, program length and format, tuition fees, and more. Whether you are looking to launch a career in nursing or advance your existing nursing skills, read on to discover which San Jose ABSN program is the right fit for you.
1. San Jose State University Valley Foundation School of Nursing
San Jose State University’s Valley Foundation School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in California and the nation. The accelerated BSN (ABSN) program allows students with a bachelor’s degree in another field to transition into nursing in just 15 months.
The full-time program combines classroom lectures with over 900 hours of clinical rotations at hospitals and healthcare facilities across the Bay Area. Students also have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and facilities on SJSU’s campus.
Program Length:
- 5 semesters
- 64 unit nursing curriculum
- Can be completed in 15 months of full-time study
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed bachelor‘s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completed science prerequisites
- SAT/ACT scores
- CSU graduate entrance writing requirement
Tuition and Fees:
- Estimated total program cost is $75,000 to $85,000
- Includes tuition, books, supplies, licensing exams, background checks, immunizations, CPR certification, etc.
The program prides itself on its selective admissions process, high NCLEX-RN exam pass rates, and excellent reputation among Bay Area healthcare employers. Graduates of the ABSN program are primed for rewarding nursing careers across diverse healthcare settings.
Profile:
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- NCLEX Pass Rates: Over 95% pass rate among first-time test takers
- Program Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Visit the San Jose State University Valley Foundation School of Nursing Website
2. Unitek College – San Jose Campus
Unitek College is a private nursing school with several campuses across Northern California, including a campus in San Jose. The accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in just 12 to 24 months.
The ABSN program curriculum covers topics like medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, community health, leadership, research and evidence-based practice. Students complete around 960 hours of clinical rotations across a variety of healthcare settings.
Program Length:
- Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months
- Part-time options allow completion in 18 or 24 months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or 90+ college units
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Completion of prerequisite courses
Tuition and Fees:
- Estimated total cost of $50,000 to $70,000
Unitek College has a high job placement rate and offers career counseling and resume guidance to help graduates successfully transition into RN roles after completing the ABSN program.
Profile:
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- NCLEX Pass Rates: 84% first-time pass rate
- Program Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Visit the Unitek College Website
3. National University – San Jose Campus
National University offers an accelerated online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that allows students to earn their BSN degree in just 15 months. The program is designed for those who hold a bachelor‘s degree in another field and is offered at National University‘s San Jose campus location. While classes take place online, students complete hands-on clinical rotations at partner hospitals and clinics in the region.
The challenging curriculum covers topics like anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, nursing leadership, public health policy and evidence-based nursing practices across the lifespan. Students gain over 1,000 hours of clinical experience across medical-surgical, critical care, mental health, pediatrics and other specialty areas.
Program Length:
- 5 semesters
- Completed in 15 months with full-time enrollment
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- No minimum work experience required
- Must complete prerequisite courses
Tuition:
- Estimated total tuition is $50,000 to $60,000
With small class sizes capped at just 16 learners, students receive individualized support and guidance from nurse educators. Upon completion of the program, graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the nursing workforce as registered nurses.
Profile:
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: Not publicly reported
- Program Rating: Not publicly available
Visit the National University Website
4. Evergreen Valley College
Evergreen Valley College is a public community college located in San Jose that offers an accelerated associate degree nursing (AADN) program. This affordable 21-month program allows students to take evening classes and clinical rotations, making it an accessible option for working professionals seeking to transition into registered nursing roles.
The curriculum provides clinical experience across acute, long-term care, and community health settings. Students gain hands-on skills in nursing practices, patient assessment, use of medical equipment, pharmacology, pathology and more. Graduates earn an Associate in Science degree and can obtain RN licensure by passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Credits can also be transferred to a BSN program.
Program Length:
- 6 semesters
- Can be completed in 21 months with year-round, part-time enrollment
Admissions Requirements:
- High school completion
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Passing entrance exam score
Tuition and Fees:
- Estimated total cost is $7,000 to $9,000
Evergreen Valley College has transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities, allowing graduates to continue their nursing education. The program maintains positive relationships with local healthcare employers for clinical placements and job opportunities.
Profile:
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
- NCLEX Pass Rates: 95% first-time pass rate
- Program Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Visit the Evergreen Valley College Nursing Website
5. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – San Jose Campus
Gurnick Academy operates several private allied health schools in California, including a San Jose campus that offers an accelerated BSN degree program. This intensive 12-month ABSN program is perfect for students who have already earned a bachelor‘s degree in a non-nursing field.
The full-time program covers nursing theory, evidence-based practices, pharmacology, biology, lifespan developmental psychology and other essential subjects. Students complete roughly 1,000 hours of clinical rotations across multiple healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and community health organizations.
Program Length
- 4 semesters
- Can be completed in 12 months with full-time enrollment
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor‘s degree from accredited US university
- Competitive GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Complete all nursing prerequisite courses
Tuition:
- Estimated total cost ranges from $55,000 to $65,000
Gurnick Academy has over 40 years of experience in healthcare and nursing education. The school offers job placement assistance to graduates through resume and interview preparation.
Profile:
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- NCLEX Pass Rates: 91% first-time pass rate
- Program Rating: Not publicly available
Visit the Gurnick Academy Website
6. Cal State University East Bay – Concord Campus
California State University East Bay‘s nursing program is offered at both the Hayward and Concord campuses, putting an accredited ABSN program within reach for many San Jose residents. This 16-month full-time program admits only one small cohort of students each year, allowing for specialized attention from nursing faculty.
The accelerated program curriculum covers medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, mental health, obstetrics, community health nursing and nursing leadership development. Students gain valuable real-world experience during clinical rotations at healthcare organizations across the Bay Area.
Program Length:
- 4 semesters
- 16 months of full-time study
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor‘s degree with 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Complete necessary prerequisites
- Submit test scores and essays
- Pass background check
Tuition and Fees:
- Estimated total cost is $60,000 to $70,000
Graduates of the ABSN program have successfully transitioned into nursing roles across a variety of healthcare settings and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam after completing studies.
Profile:
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: Over 90% first-time pass rate
- Program Rating: Not publicly available
Visit the CSU East Bay Nursing Website
7. Samuel Merritt University – San Mateo Campus
Samuel Merritt University offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at its San Mateo campus, providing the renowned nursing education of this Oakland-based institution to students in the San Jose region.
This 15-month full-time ABSN program includes 1,170 hours of clinical rotations across leading Bay Area hospitals and healthcare facilities. The rigorous curriculum covers medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternity and newborn care, community-based nursing, mental health nursing and nursing leadership.
Program Length:
- 5 semesters
- 15 months of full-time, year-round study
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor‘s degree with 3.0 minimum GPA
- Complete all nursing prerequisites
- Submit test scores, essays, letters of recommendation
- Pass background check
Tuition:
- Estimated total cost ranges from $105,000 – $115,000
Samuel Merritt University has an excellent reputation regionally and nationally, attributed largely to its selective admission process and high caliber nursing education. Graduates consistently demonstrate excellence on the NCLEX-RN exam.
Profile:
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: Over 90% first-time pass rate
- Program Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Visit Samuel Merritt University Website
8. Carrington College – San Jose Campus
Carrington College operates 17 campus locations in California, including a San Jose campus that offers an accelerated ASN degree program. This affordable 21-month program prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue entry-level registered nursing positions.
The full-time program covers anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, nursing skills, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatrics, gerontology and other essential nursing topics. Students complete 650 hours of hands-on clinical experience in patient care settings under supervision of nurse preceptors.
Program Length:
- 90 weeks
- 21 months of full-time study
Admissions Requirements:
- High school graduation or equivalent
- Complete college prep coursework
- Pass background check
Tuition and Fees:
- Estimated total cost ranges from $35,000 – $45,000
Carrington College has decades of experience in healthcare education and maintains positive employer relationships to assist graduates with job placement support. Most graduates pursue RN roles, but some transfer into BSN programs.
Profile:
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: Not publicly shared
- Program Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars
Visit Carrington College‘s Website
9. Foothill College
Located in Los Altos Hills, Foothill College offers an accredited associate’s degree nursing program that can serve as an affordable ABSN option. This 5-semester program blends on-campus labs and lectures with hands-on clinical training at leading Silicon Valley medical centers and healthcare facilities.
Students gain a comprehensive foundation covering topics like critical thinking, evidence-based practice, patient care skills, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology. Upon completion, graduates can obtain RN licensure by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Many graduates continue their studies to earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree.
Program Length:
- 5 semesters
- 22 months of year round, part-time study
Admissions Requirements:
- High school completion or equivalent
- Complete necessary prerequisites
- Pass entrance exams and assessments
Tuition and Fees:
- Estimated total cost is $7,000 to $10,000
Foothill College has transfer admission agreements with many universities and an excellent reputation amongst Bay Area healthcare employers who frequently hire graduates.
Profile:
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- NCLEX Pass Rate: Over 85% pass rate
- Program Rating: 4.2 out 5 stars
Visit Foothill College‘s Nursing Website
When researching ABSN programs in the San Jose area, it’s important to closely compare factors like cost, admission requirements, program length, accreditation, reputation, graduate outcomes, and more.
Here are some key questions to consider when determining which accelerated BSN program is the best match:
Cost of Attendance
- How much is the total estimated program cost including tuition, fees, books, supplies etc.?
- What financial aid options are available?
- Can I afford the program without taking on too much debt?
Admissions Criteria
- What are the minimum GPA and entrance exam requirements?
- Do I meet all prerequisite course requirements for admission?
- Is the program highly competitive to get into?
Format and Location
- Is the program offered fully online or in a hybrid format?
- Does the program schedule fit with my work and personal obligations?
- Is the campus location convenient for me to commute to?
Accreditation and Reputation
- What nursing accreditations does the program hold?
- Do graduates have high first-time NCLEX pass rates?
- Does the program have positive reviews from current students and alumni?
Support and Outcomes
- What academic and career support services are offered?
- Does the program have good relationships with healthcare employers?
- Do graduates readily find nursing jobs after completing the program?
Choosing the right accelerated BSN program requires careful consideration of these factors in relation to your individual academic background, career goals, and financial situation. Be sure to thoroughly research each program using publicly available data as well as connecting with admissions counselors and current students to guide your decision-making process.
An accelerated BSN program allows you to transition into the nursing profession at a rapid pace, launching your career as a registered nurse in as little as 12 to 24 months. These intensive programs are perfect for motivated students who already hold a bachelor‘s degree in another subject and have completed necessary nursing prerequisites.
The need for nurses and healthcare professionals continues growing rapidly across the United States. Registered nursing roles offer immense opportunities for career advancement, specialization, travel nursing, and leadership development. Nurses also earn very competitive salaries – the average national salary for RNs is over $80,000 annually.
With excellent ABSN programs available across San Jose, you can prepare to enter this high-demand field and start making a meaningful impact through patient care in less time than a traditional 4-year BSN degree. Investing into an accelerated program now can pay invaluable dividends over the course of your rewarding nursing career.