As the largest group of health care professionals in the United States, nurses are essential to providing high-quality patient care. Nurses have also ranked as the most honest and trusted professionals in America by Gallup Research for nearly 20 years.
UC Schools of Nursing offer you rigorous preparation to improve the delivery of health care for patients through education, direct clinical care and research. They also provide a chance to provide greater access to quality care for Californians who have historically lacked that access.
UC Schools of Nursing graduate nurses who are grounded in patient care that is informed by research and combined with a focus on community improvement. If you are interested in nursing training that is compassionate, challenging and research-driven, we want to hear from you.
Becoming a Nurse
Prospective RNs can pursue one of four types of educational programs: a hospital-based diploma, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree or an entry-level master’s degree.
Those who complete a graduate program in advanced practice nursing are eligible to sit for the certification exam to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Leading California — and the Nation
Our nursing schools are among the best in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report and other rankings.
With a variety of degree options, our schools of nursing are designed to address future health provider workforce shortages across California and beyond.
UC Davis
#40 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s (tie)
#68 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice (tie)
UC Irvine
#26 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s (tie)
#59 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice (tie)
UCLA
#8 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s (tie)
#25 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice (tie)
UCSF
#4 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice (tie)
Starting a Health Career at UC
More than 70 percent of UC nursing graduates typically choose to practice nursing in California. Our graduates are equipped to work in a variety of settings: acute care hospitals, ambulatory care, skilled nursing, extended care and rehabilitation centers, home health and disease management. As a system with six highly respected academic health centers, we give nursing students many opportunities to advance their career within the UC family.
Using Research to Inform Patient Care
Research is an integral component of how we continually move nursing and patient care forward. Across our nursing schools, we offer both Ph.D. and DNP programs to allow you to choose your nursing and research focus. Research is also part of the lifeblood of the UC system. One in seven National Institutes of Health grants is typically awarded to the University of California.
See how University of California Health is challenging the status quo through innovative research