Navigating your path from LVN to RN in Los Angeles comes with plenty of options—each with its own structure, timeline, and long-term impact on your career. Whether you’re aiming for speed, affordability, or a full bachelor’s degree, there’s a program that fits your needs.
Below is our Top 10 list of standout LPN to RN programs in the region, each with a unique approach to helping vocational nurses advance their careers.
- Stanbridge University: A full-time, tech-forward BSN program blending in-person, online, and VR-enhanced learning with hands-on labs and clinicals.
- Charles R. Drew University: Offers a quick, non-degree 30-unit option designed for California LVNs seeking RN licensure without pursuing a full degree.
- Santa Monica College: A structured, three-semester ADN program that awards a degree and includes clinical and lab training for broader career mobility.
- Pasadena City College: A competitive, degree-granting ladder program that places LVNs into the third semester of its ADN track.
- Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health: Provides both a full ADN option and a non-degree 30-unit route, with clinical training in LA’s public hospital system.
- West Coast University: An accelerated, 34-month LVN to BSN pathway with modern simulation labs and a robust support system—though at a high cost.
- Los Angeles Pierce College: An affordable, lottery-based ADN program with a strong clinical focus and weekday class/clinical schedules.
- Los Angeles Southwest College: Offers a military-friendly ADN bridge and a non-degree 30-unit option, with in-person instruction and varied clinical placements.
- East LA College: A cost-effective 30-unit certificate program tailored to California LVNs seeking direct RN licensure without earning a degree.
- Mount Saint Mary’s University: Provides a non-degree 30-unit LVN to RN pathway integrated into their pre-licensure nursing programs.
We’ve broken down each program in detail to help you weigh the pros and cons. Be sure to explore each one to find the right fit for your goals, schedule, and future plans.
Stanbridge University
Tech-forward, full-time BSN with flexible learning formats
Stanbridge University’s BSN program is a full-time, technology-integrated nursing degree designed for students ready to transition from LVN to RN. The program is available at three Southern California campuses—Los Angeles (Alhambra), Orange County (Irvine), and Riverside—and combines classroom instruction with online and blended learning, hands-on labs, and early clinical experience.
The program takes about 36–37 months to complete and includes 180 quarter credits. Students typically attend 3–4 days per week with didactic and lab sessions scheduled between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Clinical rotations can occur any day of the week, including weekends, and may start as early as 5:30 AM.
All nursing instruction meets California Board of Registered Nursing and CCNE standards. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate (2023–24). Unique features include virtual reality training, a cadaver lab, and eligibility for a free Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN-Ed) degree after BSN completion.
Students benefit from structured academic advising, tutoring, digital portfolio tools, and mock interview coaching. Admission involves an information session, entrance exams, transcript submission, an interview, and background checks. Class schedules are released two weeks before each term.
Stanbridge also supports students with federal financial aid, Cal Grants, and private loan options. Each student is paired with a dedicated Student Services Officer and Career Services Officer throughout the program.
Stanbridge stands out for its advanced simulation tools and structured student support, along with a high NCLEX pass rate. However, it’s a full-time commitment with rigorous scheduling, which may be a drawback for those needing part-time flexibility.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Not publicly listed; financial aid available including federal aid, Cal Grants, and private loans. |
| Duration | Approximately 36–37 months (180 quarter credit hours). |
| Class Format | On-ground, online, and blended (hybrid); includes labs and clinical rotations. |
| Class Schedules | 3–4 days per week; lectures and labs typically between 7:00 AM–10:00 PM; clinicals may start as early as 5:30 AM and occur any day of the week. |
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Non-degree path, California-specific licensure
This program is a fast-track, non-degree route for California-licensed LVNs who want to become RNs without earning an associate or bachelor’s degree. It’s a four-semester, 30-unit option that qualifies students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam—but only in California. Graduates are not awarded a degree and may face limitations transferring credits or pursuing advanced degrees later.
Classes focus on practical, advanced nursing care. Required courses include Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology or Pathophysiology, Psych-Mental Health Nursing, Geriatrics, and Transformational Leadership. Students must also complete Physiology and Microbiology with labs, totaling 30 units.
This option is best for LVNs who want to become RNs quickly and plan to stay in California. The university strongly encourages applicants to attend an information session to understand the limitations of this pathway and ensure it’s the right fit for their career goals.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Not specified on the website; contact the university for current tuition. |
| Duration | Four semesters. |
| Class Format | In-person. |
| Class Schedules | Not specifically listed; schedule details available during information sessions. |
| Website | https://www.cdrewu.edu/academics/college-of-nursing/lvn-to-rn-30-unit-option/ |
Santa Monica College
Degree-awarding, structured multi-semester program
Santa Monica College offers an LVN to ADN pathway designed for licensed vocational nurses who want to become registered nurses with an Associate in Science Degree. Unlike California’s 30-unit non-degree option, this program results in a degree and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN with broader mobility across states and educational pathways.
The curriculum lasts for three semesters of full-time required nursing courses, including Adult Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal Newborn, Pediatric Nursing, and Nursing Leadership—paired with hands-on lab components. Prerequisites include Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and English, and all must be passed with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Nursing 19 at SMC must also be completed before admission.
Applicants must hold a valid California LVN license and have at least one year of direct patient care experience. Admission is competitive, and the college requires an entrance assessment and counseling sessions prior to acceptance. Total estimated program cost is $2,000–$3,000.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Estimated $2,000–$3,000 for the entire program |
| Duration | Three semesters after prerequisites are completed |
| Class Format | In-person with clinical and lab components |
| Class Schedules | Not specified online; varies by semester—contact Health Sciences Department |
| Website | https://www.smc.edu/academics/academic-departments/health-sciences/nursing/lvn-adn.php |
Pasadena City College
Degree-granting, structured transition program
Pasadena City College’s LVN to RN Career Ladder program is a three-semester pathway that allows Licensed Vocational Nurses to become Registered Nurses while earning an Associate Degree in Nursing. Upon graduation, students receive a Certificate of Achievement and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
The program starts with Nursing Role Transition (N210) and places students in the third semester of the ADN track. Required courses include Adult Health Nursing, Mental Health, Maternal and Pediatric Nursing, and Nursing Leadership, all with clinical and lab components. Prerequisites include Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and English, all with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Applicants must have a valid California LVN license, complete a readiness exam (TEAS) with a minimum score of 62, and meet health and background requirements. The program is rigorous and structured, and completing general education courses before entry is strongly recommended to reduce academic pressure during the program.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Estimated total cost is approximately $3,400 for tuition (72 units at $46/unit). Additional expenses include textbooks (~$2,000), ATI package ($575 per semester), uniforms, equipment, health screenings, background checks, and licensing fees, bringing the total estimated cost to around $7,000–$10,000. |
| Duration | Three semesters (approximately 12–18 months), depending on start date and course scheduling. |
| Class Format | Combination of in-person lectures, skills labs, and clinical rotations. |
| Class Schedules | Clinical sessions: 8–12 hours/day, 2 days/week Theory classes: 1–3 days/week Some days may require up to 12 hours of combined instruction. |
| Website | Pasadena City College LVN to RN Program |
Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health
Full-time, public college with county hospital clinicals
This program offers two distinct LVN-to-RN pathways. Option I is a degree-granting, three-semester track where students earn an Associate of Science in Nursing and become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Option II is the non-degree 30-unit option, intended only for California licensure and does not result in graduation from the college.
In Option I, students complete 23 nursing units (10 theory, 13 clinical), including courses like Nursing Pharmacology, Intermediate and Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, and Leadership and Gerontology. Option II consists of 22 nursing units and excludes general education coursework.
Classes run full-time, Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clinical experiences are held at major L.A. County hospitals, including LA General, Olive View-UCLA, and Harbor-UCLA. Prerequisites must be completed before applying, and the application process is competitive, based on a point system. Graduates of Option I are considered official college alumni; Option II completers are not.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Tuition and fees are detailed in the college’s Tuition and Fee Schedule. |
| Duration | Option I: 75 units; Option II: 30 units. |
| Class Format | Full-time, in-person classes. |
| Class Schedules | Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. |
| Website | https://dhs.lacounty.gov/college-of-nursing-and-allied-health/home/school-of-nursing/ |
West Coast University
Accelerated BSN path with hands-on clinicals
West Coast University’s LVN to BSN program in Los Angeles is a full-time, 7-semester pathway designed to help licensed vocational nurses earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 34 months. The curriculum totals 120 credits, including 9 units of advanced placement for prior LVN training.
Students complete both general education and core nursing courses like Pharmacology, OB/Pediatrics, Public Health Nursing, Leadership, and Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing. Courses are paired with clinical rotations at local hospitals and simulation labs to build confidence and practical skills.
Classes are on-campus in North Hollywood. The program includes support services like NCLEX prep, career services, and tutoring. Admission requires a current California LVN license, a minimum HESI score of 76 (or qualifying SAT/ACT/TEAS scores), and an interview. Financial aid is available. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN licensure.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Estimated total program cost ranges from $137,206 to $142,992, depending on start date and course load. |
| Duration | 34 months (7 semesters full-time) |
| Class Format | In-person instruction with simulation labs and clinical rotations |
| Class Schedules | Full-time; exact weekly schedule varies by term; new academic terms begin approximately every 10 weeks |
| Website | https://westcoastuniversity.edu/programs/lvn-to-bsn/los-angeles |
Los Angeles Pierce College
Affordable, lottery-based entry with strong clinical focus
Los Angeles Pierce College offers an Advanced Placement LVN to RN program that prepares licensed vocational nurses to become registered nurses. This program awards an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing upon completion and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission is determined by lottery and is based on completion of prerequisite courses, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and passing the TEAS exam with a score of at least 62%.
The class sequence includes theory and clinical instruction in psychosocial health, psychiatric care, and advanced adult nursing, totaling 17 required nursing units. Students must also complete general education and college graduation requirements, which may be taken before or during the nursing coursework. The program is known for its affordability—approximately $7,000 for the entire two-year period—and offers a strong clinical component with 25 to 30 hours of supervised hands-on training each week in local healthcare facilities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Approximately $7,000 total for the two-year program |
| Duration | 2 years (including prerequisites and nursing coursework) |
| Class Format | In-person lectures and clinical rotations |
| Class Schedules | Clinicals and classes typically held weekdays; 25–30 hours/week commitment |
| Website | https://www.lapc.edu/academics/pathways/stem/nursing/lvn-to-rn |
Los Angeles Southwest College
Bridge program with military-friendly option
Los Angeles Southwest College offers two LVN to RN pathways: the Advanced Placement LVN/Military to ADN Program and the Non-Degree “30-unit” option. The advanced placement track lets eligible LVNs or military-trained healthcare workers enter directly into the second semester of the ADN program, completing a total of 28 units over three semesters. Courses include Medical-Surgical Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, OB/Pediatrics, and a senior seminar.
Students must have a current California LVN license and at least one year of work experience. A passing score on the TEAS exam (62% minimum) and successful completion of a challenge exam and skills evaluation are also required. Military applicants must provide documentation of relevant training.
The 30-unit option, while allowing RN licensure in California, does not award a degree or graduation recognition. Both tracks admit students on a space-available basis and include required clinical hours, health clearances, and liability insurance.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Approximately $7,000 total; includes tuition, uniforms, supplies, and fees |
| Duration | 3 semesters (Advanced Placement program); varies for 30-unit option |
| Class Format | In-person classroom instruction with clinical rotations |
| Class Schedules | Start in Fall or Spring; depends on space availability and placement results |
| Website | https://www.lasc.edu/academics/aos/nursing/lvn-rn-bridge |
East LA College
Affordable 30-unit non-degree path
East Los Angeles College offers a 30-unit LVN to RN certificate program that allows licensed vocational nurses to qualify for the NCLEX-RN without earning an associate degree. This option is designed for LVNs who want a streamlined, affordable path to becoming a registered nurse in California, though it may limit licensure options in other states.
The program includes courses in pharmacology, psychiatric nursing, and advanced medical-surgical nursing. Students are waived from earlier nursing courses based on their LVN license and begin with second-year coursework. Required prerequisites include physiology, microbiology, and a prerequisite chemistry course, all with labs and a minimum grade of “C.” Entry into the program also requires a current California LVN license and a meeting with the program director to review transcripts.
This path does not confer an associate degree and students are not considered program graduates, but it does offer a direct route to RN licensure for those who qualify.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Approximately $7,000 total (including tuition, books, uniforms, and fees). |
| Duration | Typically 3 semesters (no degree awarded). |
| Class Format | In-person classes with required lab and clinical components. |
| Class Schedules | Not specified; students should contact the nursing department for current schedule availability. |
| Website | https://www.elac.edu/academics/pathways/hs/nursing-dept/lvn-rn |
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Non-degree RN pathway with licensure eligibility
Mount Saint Mary’s University offers a 30-unit non-degree LVN to RN option for California-licensed vocational nurses. Students complete 26 units of prescribed courses, which make them eligible to take the California NCLEX-RN, though they will not earn a degree or graduate from the BSN program. This program is offered through any of the university’s pre-licensure nursing tracks and may limit practice options outside California.
To qualify, applicants must hold a current LVN license and complete coursework in physiology and microbiology. Students must also provide health clearances, CPR and fire safety certification, and pass a background check. Required nursing courses include medical-surgical and psychiatric nursing, as well as a role transition course. Evaluation is done prior to clinical rotations to assess remediation needs.
This pathway may appeal to LVNs seeking a direct, licensure-focused route without pursuing a full degree. Clinical and academic evaluations help tailor support during the program.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Not publicly listed; contact MSMU for current tuition and fees |
| Duration | Varies; complete 26 units to qualify for RN licensure |
| Class Format | In-person |
| Class Schedules | Based on course availability; daytime schedules on campus |
| Website | https://www.msmu.edu/departments/nursing/undergraduate-programs/lvn-to-rn-/ |
Our Thoughts
Choosing the Right LVN to RN Program in Los Angeles
With so many options for LPN to RN bridge programs in the Los Angeles area, your best choice depends on your specific goals, timeline, budget, and learning preferences. Here’s how these programs compare, along with some important factors you can’t find online that you should explore through direct contact.
🔍 If You Want the Most Affordable Path
Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College, and East LA College all offer public-school affordability, with total program costs typically under $10,000—even when factoring in books, uniforms, and licensing fees. These are structured programs that lead to degrees, making them good options for long-term flexibility.
⚡ If You Need to Finish Quickly
Charles R. Drew University and East LA College both offer California’s 30-unit non-degree option. These paths are the fastest to RN licensure, but they come with long-term trade-offs. You won’t earn a degree, which can limit job options, mobility across state lines, or entry into BSN or MSN programs later.
🧑💻 If You Need Flexibility or Tech-Enhanced Learning
Stanbridge University stands out for its tech-driven experience. With blended learning, virtual reality training, and early clinical exposure, it’s a good option for students who want immersive, hands-on learning. It’s a full-time program, though—if you need part-time, look elsewhere.
🎓 If You Want a Degree + Long-Term Mobility
Programs like Santa Monica College, Pasadena City College, and Los Angeles County College of Nursing offer associate degrees, giving you more flexibility if you want to transfer credits or go back to school later. These programs are structured and respected in the region.
🏥 If You Want Strong Clinical Experience
Los Angeles County College of Nursing gives you direct access to LA’s major public hospitals—like LA General and Harbor-UCLA. You’ll gain real-world experience in busy environments, which can make you more confident and job-ready by graduation.
🎓 If You Want a BSN Instead of an ADN
Stanbridge University and West Coast University are your BSN options. These are longer and more expensive paths, but they also open the most doors—especially for leadership, education, or advanced nursing roles. Just make sure you’re prepared for the cost: West Coast’s total tuition exceeds $130,000, while Stanbridge’s cost isn’t listed publicly but is expected to be high.
✅ What You Can’t Learn Online—But Should
We’ve compiled as much information as possible to help you compare programs, but to really make a confident choice, you should:
- Talk to admissions and current students. See how helpful and respectful they are. Their tone and attitude matter—it reflects the culture of the school.
- Ask about instructor quality and engagement. Some programs have standout faculty who mentor deeply; others may rely on adjuncts or large lectures.
- Inquire about student support. Do they offer tutoring, mental health counseling, mentorship, and career prep? Some schools excel here—Stanbridge is a strong example.
- Look at class sizes and learning environments. Smaller groups often lead to more personalized learning and better support during clinicals.
- Ask about alumni success. Where do grads work? How soon after graduation? This is one of the best indicators of a program’s real-world value.
📌 Final Thoughts
Think critically about whether you want a quick path, a degree, or a BSN. If you’re staying in California and want speed, a 30-unit option might work. If you’re aiming for long-term growth, a degree path like those at SMC, PCC, or Stanbridge may be the better route.
Whichever program you choose, reach out directly to ask tough questions, visit the campus if possible, and speak to students or grads. The school that makes you feel respected, supported, and prepared—that’s the right one for you.