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. UC-trained nurses remain in California in high numbers. 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
#23 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
UC Irvine
#42 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
UCLA
#19 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
UCSF
#11 (tie) Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
Degree Programs Offered Across the UC System for Nursing
| UC Davis | UCI | UCLA | UCSF |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEPN (Master’s Entry Program in Nursing) | BS in Nursing Science | BS in Nursing | MEPN (Master's Entry Program in Nursing) |
| MS – Family Nurse Practitioner | MEPN (Master’s Entry Program in Nursing) with concentration in Community and Population Health Nursing (CPHN) | MSN – Masters Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN) | MS - Master of Science Program |
| MHS MS (Master of Health Services) – Physician Assistant Studies | DNP – Post-Master’s | MSN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) | MS in Health Care Administration and Interprofessional Leadership |
| PhD in Nursing | DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner | PhD in Nursing | Post-Master’s Certificate Program |
| PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science | DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice | UC Multi-Campus Psychiatric Mental Health NP Post-Master's | |
| DNP | |||
| PhD in Nursing | |||
| PhD in Sociology |
Our Schools of Nursing
UC Schools of Nursing offer a variety of programs — for students coming to nursing from another career to nurses looking to advance their education through doctoral programs.
UC Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing
The UC Davis School of Nursing advances health, informs health policy and improves quality of care and health outcomes. Research projects include a focus on family caregiving across the illness trajectory, healthy aging, using technology to support health, reducing health disparities, new models of care for serious illness and interventions to improve health.
UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing
The UCI School of Nursing has received over $17 million in research funding. Research done both locally and nationally spans the areas of oncology, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, mental health, caregiving and dementia, women’s health and nursing education. Our faculty and students spend more than 10,000 hours each year providing care to vulnerable populations, including people who are homeless, older adults, recent immigrants and people who have mental health disorders.
UCLA School of Nursing
The UCLA School of Nursing, one of the top rated schools of nursing in the country, prepares the next generation of nurses, scholars and researchers to advance public health, increase access to compassionate care and solve the most pressing health issues facing our state and nation. Powered by an accomplished faculty, rigorous instruction and innovative research, our graduates are not only prepared to serve, but prepared to lead.
UCSF School of Nursing
The UCSF School of Nursing consistently ranks among the nation's best nursing schools in academic excellence and research innovation. Through education, research and public service, the school advances human health and health equity. In 2021, the school ranked #1 among public recipients of National Institutes of Health funding and #3 overall nationwide. Its research projects center around health equity; community and population health; digital health, 'omics and data science; aging and life course; and symptom science.
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 PhD and DNP programs to allow you to choose your nursing and research focus. Research is also part of the lifeblood of the UCH 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