Guides for future nurses
Practical, data-backed guides on choosing a program, preparing for entrance exams and getting licensed. Written by the SEAPHE editorial team, reviewed by a practicing RN, BSN, and tied to public data.
Featured guide · Choosing a program
How to Choose a California BSN Program
A nurse’s checklist for comparing BSN programs on licensure outcomes, accreditation, completion and true cost.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · Reviewed by a practicing registered nurse (RN, BSN) · 4 min read
From the data
50
BRN-approved BSN programs in California
89.0%
first-time NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates, 2024–25
All guides
ADN vs. BSN: Which Nursing Degree Is Right for You in California?
Community college or university? What the pass-rate data says, and how RN-to-BSN pathways change the math.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · RN-reviewed · 9 min read
TEAS vs. HESI A2: Key Differences and Which Exam to Take
How the two entrance exams differ, what sections to expect, and how to plan your study time.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · RN-reviewed · 8 min read
What Is a Good NCLEX Pass Rate?
How to read pass rates, why cohort size matters, and the red flags worth asking a program about.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · RN-reviewed · 6 min read
Entry-Level Master’s (ELM) Programs, Explained
Already have a bachelor’s in another field? How ELM programs work and who they suit.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · RN-reviewed · 7 min read
ACEN vs. CCNE: Does Nursing Accreditation Matter?
When national accreditation matters for grad school and jobs, and when it doesn’t.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · RN-reviewed · 6 min read
Articles: rankings and comparisons
Data-driven articles built from BRN data and schools' own published figures.
CSU Nursing Programs Compared: Pass Rates, Seats, Cost and Impaction
All 17 CSU pre-licensure BSN programs side by side, from BRN data and the CSU impaction matrix.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 7 min read
Best Nursing Schools in California, Ranked by NCLEX Pass Rate
Top BSN, ADN and ELM programs by five-year first-time NCLEX-RN results, plus the leaders in each region.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 7 min read
SDSU Nursing Acceptance Rate: What San Diego State Actually Publishes
No official rate exists. Here are SDSU’s applicant counts, average scores, minimum offer scores and Fall 2027 rules.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 5 min read
California RN Programs With No Waitlist: What the BRN Data Shows
Only 23 respondents reported a waitlist in 2024–25. How programs select students instead, and how to check a school.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Nursing Schools in Los Angeles: Every RN Program Compared
All 44 BRN-approved RN programs in LA County with NCLEX pass rates, seats and listed cost.
SEAPHE Editorial Team · Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 8 min read