The Top 20 BSN Programs in Mission Viejo, CA in 2026
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an excellent way to begin or advance your nursing career. A BSN degree opens up opportunities for leadership roles, higher salaries, and advanced nursing specialties. Mission Viejo, CA has over 15 accredited BSN programs to choose from, offering both traditional and accelerated tracks in convenient campus-based and online formats. This guide explores the top 20 BSN programs in Mission Viejo and surrounding areas based on cost, flexibility, career support services, and more to help you find your best fit!
1. Concordia University Irvine
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Location: Irvine, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN
- Format: On-campus & online
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships available
Concordia University Irvine‘s CCNE-accredited nursing program provides students with clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings in the Orange County area. The traditional BSN track immerses students in simulations and hands-on learning early, while working nurses can complete the online RN to BSN program in as little as 16 months. Concordia also offers an Accelerated BSN program option.
Standout Features
- Starts clinical rotations freshman year
- Interprofessional simulation center
- NCLEX pass rate over 90%
Visit Concordia University Irvine‘s Website
2. West Coast University
- Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- Location: Anaheim, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN
- Format: On-campus & online
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans
West Coast University is a private institution providing career-focused nursing education for over 110 years. Their BSN program options include a traditional track with flexible day and evening course schedules and a full-time 16-month Accelerated BSN.
Standout Features
- Starts clinicals first semester
- High-tech simulation labs
- Active student nursing association
Visit West Coast University‘s Website
3. California State University, Fullerton
- Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Location: Fullerton, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN, RN to BSN
- Format: On-campus & online
- Tuition: $$
- Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships
California State University, Fullerton offers an acclaimed traditional BSN program with early patient care experiences and an online RN to BSN completion program. Their nursing curriculum incorporates evidence-based practice, leadership development, and healthcare technology training.
Standout Features
- Starts clinicals sophomore year
- Renowned faculty
- Seamless transfer for ADN nurses
Visit California State University Fullerton‘s Website
4. Biola University
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Location: La Mirada, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans
Biola University‘s CCNE-accredited BSN program prepares values-driven nurses through academic rigor and clinical excellence. Experiential learning starts freshman year during local and international clinical rotations. Students also benefit from Biola‘s career development services.
Standout Features
- Freshman global health clinical option
- Cutting-edge simulation technology
- Robust career placement services
Visit Biola University‘s Website
5. California Baptist University
- Rating: 4.1 out of 5
- Location: Riverside, CA
- Program types: RN to BSN, Traditional BSN
- Format: Online & on-campus
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, military benefits
California Baptist University‘s RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as 12 months fully online. Their traditional BSN track immerses students in clinical rotations across community health clinics, hospitals, and simulation labs on-campus.
Standout Features
- Accelerated 5-week online course format
- Starts clinicals sophomore year
- Dedicated military & diversity centers
Visit California Baptist University‘s Website
6. Azusa Pacific University
- Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Location: Azusa, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN, RN to BSN
- Format: On-campus & online
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, military benefits
Azusa Pacific University offers multiple CCNE-accredited pathways to earning a BSN. The traditional track blends classroom learning and clinical rotations, while working nurses can pursue the online RN to BSN program.
Standout Features
- Starts patient care sophomore year
- Robust student life on suburban campus
- International service learning opportunities
Visit Azusa Pacific University‘s Website
7. Vanguard University
- Rating: 3.7 out of 5
- Location: Costa Mesa, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN, LVN to BSN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, FAFSA
Vanguard University‘s traditional BSN program options include a 16-month fast-track for qualified LVNs. Students benefit from the university‘s faith-based Nursing Christian Fellowship and career prep guaranteed graduate program.
Standout Features
- Immerses students in Orange County‘s healthcare networks
- Robust student academic support
- Guaranteed graduate school program
Visit Vanguard University‘s Website
8. West Coast University – Orange County
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Location: Anaheim, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN
- Format: On-campus & online
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans
West Coast University – Orange County offers traditional and Accelerated BSN tracks in a convenient location for nursing students in the Mission Viejo area. Their fast-paced 13-month ABSN program has five start dates annually.
Standout Features
- Starts patient care sophomore year
- Frequent ABSN start dates
- Active Sigma Theta Tau chapter
Visit West Coast University – Orange County‘s Website
9. Grand Canyon University
- Rating: 4.1 out of 5
- Location: Online
- Program types: RN to BSN
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, military benefits
Grand Canyon University offers an affordable online RN to BSN pathway with rolling admission dates ideal for working nurses. Their faith-based program can be completed in as little as 4 semesters fully online.
Standout Features
- Rolling admission dates
- Faith-integrative coursework
- Dedicated military division
Visit Grand Canyon University‘s Website
10. Saddleback College
- Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- Location: Mission Viejo, CA
- Program types: ADN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $
- Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships
Saddleback College offers an acclaimed nursing program leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Graduates have a 91-100% NCLEX passing rate and seamless transfer options to local RN to BSN programs.
Standout Features
- National reputation for excellence
- High-tech simulation labs on campus
- Easy transition to BSN programs
Visit Saddleback College‘s Website
11. Hope International University
- Rating: 4.1 out of 5
- Location: Fullerton, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, military benefits
Hope International University offers a Biblical worldview-focused BSN program blending clinical rotations and compassion-centered patient care. Their Nursing Association helps students develop professionally.
Standout Features
- Interdisciplinary global health concentration
- Robust peer mentoring program
- Army/Airforce ROTC options
Visit Hope International University‘s Website
12. Concordia University Wisconsin
- Rating: 3.8 out of 5
- Location: Online
- Program types: RN to BSN
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $$
- Financial aid: Loans, scholarships
Concordia University Wisconsin offers flexible fully online coursework tailored for working nurses through their RN to BSN Completion Program. Students benefit from 24/7 tech support and academic advising.
Standout Features
- Accelerated 7 or 15-week courses
- Special tuition rates for nurses
- 24/7 technical support
Visit Concordia University Wisconsin‘s Website
13. Western University of Health Sciences
- Rating: 3.1 out of 5
- Location: Pomona, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN, Accelerated MSN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $$$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships
Western University of Health Science provides an accelerated route to advanced nursing practice through their 3-year traditional BSN with seamless transition to Master-level specialties.
Standout Features
- Seamless accelerated MSN pathway
- Specialized simulation centers on campus
- Small class sizes
Visit Western University of Health Sciences‘ Website
14. South Coast College
- Rating: 4.0 out of 5
- Location: Orange, CA
- Program types: LVN to RN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $$
- Financial aid: Loans, payment plans
South Coast College offers a fast-track LVN to RN program allowing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam in just over 1 year. Students take courses in new skills like critical thinking, leadership, research, and community health nursing.
Standout Features
- Convenient schedule options
- Extensive library resources
- Seamless transfer options
Visit South Coast College‘s Website
15. California University of Science and Medicine
- Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- Location: San Bernardino, CA
- Program types: Accelerated BSN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Loans, scholarships
The California University of Science and Medicine is a newer institution providing an intense accelerated BSN program and industry partnerships facilitating clinical skills. Graduates have continued to demonstrate exceptional NCLEX pass rates.
Standout Features
- 15-month accelerated timeline
- Cutting-edge simulation center access
- Extensive academic & career support
Visit California University of Science and Medicine‘s Website
16. Stanbridge University
- Rating: 4.1 out of 5
- Location: Irvine, CA
- Program Types: LVN to BSN, ADN to BSN, Traditional BSN
- Format: On-campus & online
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial Aid: Loans, scholarships
Stanbridge University offers accredited LVN to BSN, ADN to BSN, and pre-licensure BSN pathways, either online or at their Irvine campus location. All nursing students are supported with academic guidance, simulated clinical practice, and career development.
Standout Features
- Starts clinical rotations first year
- Choose full-time or flexible schedules
- Extensive hands-on simulation practice
Visit Stanbridge University‘s Website
17. West Coast University – Orange County
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Location: Santa Ana, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN
- Format: On-campus & online hybrid
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Scholarships, loans
West Coast University – Orange County offers traditional and Accelerated BSN programs blending online, lab, and in-person clinical training using expert faculty and simulation technology.
Standout Features
- BSN tracks take 15-24 months
- High-fidelity simulation training
- Extensive support services
Visit West Coast University – Orange County‘s Website
18. Santa Ana College
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Location: Santa Ana, CA
- Program types: ADN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: $
- Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships
Santa Ana College offers an ADN program preparing nurses to pass the NCLEX-RN and pursue a BSN. Students benefit from the college‘s Academic Success Center, Transfer Achievement Program, career guidance, and more.
Standout Features
- 91-100% NCLEX pass rate
- Seamless transfer options
- Comprehensive support services
Visit Santa Ana College‘s Website
19. Trinity Law School
- Rating: Unrated
- Location: Santa Ana, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN
- Format: On-campus
- Tuition: TBD
- Financial aid: TBD
Trinity Law School offers a budding pre-licensure traditional BSN program focused on whole person care, approved December 2022. The program admitted its first cohort in January 2023.
Standout Features
- Brand new 2023 BSN program
- Ethical legal issues in healthcare course
- Whole person care focused
Visit Trinity Law School‘s Website
20. American Career College – Anaheim
- Rating: 3.6 out of 5
- Location: Anaheim, CA
- Program types: Traditional BSN
- Format: On-campus accelerated
- Tuition: $$$
- Financial aid: Loans, scholarships
American Career College prepares nurses through an intensive 20-month traditional BSN blending simulations, labs, and clinical training across Southern California medical facilities.
Standout Features
- Accelerated 20-month program
- Clinical rotations at major hospitals
- Extensive simulation practice
Visit American Career College‘s Website
I hope this guide giving an overview of the top accredited BSN programs in Mission Viejo and surrounding areas provides a helpful starting point in exploring your options! Reach out to any of these excellent nursing schools today to learn more about program details and get started on the path to nursing career success.