Ontario Nursing School
3-Year BSN Program: Become a Nurse Faster With No Prerequisite Coursework
Classes begin May 4th
Why Our California Nursing School in Ontario Is Right for You
- #3 Best Nursing School in California by RegisteredNursing.org
- Earn your BSN in three years or less with qualified transfer credits!
- Flexible scheduling with gen ed night classes and a mixture of in-person, online, and blended nursing classes
- Your success is our priority: tutoring, open lab time, and academic support
- Small class sizes with personalized attention
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacnnursing.org). Visit RegisteredNursing.org for more information on their ranking methodology for the Best Nursing Schools in California.
Your Nursing Education Dream
Can Start Now
Our nursing program in Ontario, CA is designed with one goal: to prepare you for a future career in the health sciences as a registered nurse (RN). We strive for academic excellence through classroom teaching, hands-on simulations, and training in real-world healthcare environments to give you the nursing skills you need.
Graduate in Less Time With Eligible Transfer Credits
Get Hands-On Experience in Guided Labs
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation From Day One
What You Get from Arizona College of Nursing
Convenient Scheduling for Nursing School in Ontario
Looking for convenient scheduling for nursing school in Southern California? Our accredited three-year BSN program offers multiple start dates and evening gen ed night classes, plus online nursing program courses designed for working adults like you.
With convenient scheduling that includes blended learning and virtual classes, you can earn your nursing degree without putting everything on hold. Discover how our nursing program works with your busy schedule.
A Welcome Community for Providing Care
When you join our Ontario nursing school, you become part of a community in the nursing profession. Our student body includes aspiring nurse class students from Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and surrounding communities.
You’ll find yourself supported by dedicated faculty, mentors, and classmates who understand the challenges and rewards of pursuing a nursing degree in California’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Learn Hands-On Skills
Our nurse classes focus on practical learning so you’re prepared for clinical environments and a strong start in your nursing program career.
Southern California nursing school students build confidence through hands-on training in realistic clinical environments and labs. You’ll develop the skills to think critically, evaluate patients, and deliver patient care in fast-paced settings.
Support Resources and a Clear Admission Process
Among nursing schools in Ontario California, our nursing program keeps the application process clear and focused on nursing school students. We’ll guide you from your first inquiry to your final step so you can stay focused on your goals as a future nursing student.
You’ll have access to personalized nursing program support and resources to help you succeed through graduation. We can even help with NCLEX-RN exam prep!
Nursing Salary Potential in California
Registered Nurses in the Riverside California area earn a median annual wage of $130,160 per year. While new nursing program graduates typically start below the median, earnings often grow steadily with experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for RNs in Riverside range from $97,780 to $171,040 annually.
Updated May 2025. Source: O*NET Online
Nursing Practice in Clinical Rotations
During your BSN program, you’ll gain experience in clinical rotations. Similar to other nursing programs, you’ll partner with healthcare professionals that may include nurse managers, registered nurses, and clinical nurse specialists.
These nursing school experiences strengthen your clinical skills and expertise. Clinical rotations may provide insights into how nurse managers and RNs collaborate in real medical environments.
How Transfer Credits Work
As you consider nursing programs, at Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN), we understand that you want to get the most out of your previous education experience on your journey through nursing school. Students can progress through our BSN program of study in three years or less with qualifying gen ed transfer credits. Our academic advisors will work closely with you to review transcripts and transfer as many credits as possible.
AZCN Ontario Offers In-Person, Blended, and Online Nursing Courses
Move toward your nursing career with a program designed for both convenience and real-world preparation.
- Flexible learning format – Arizona College of Nursing – Ontario offers a mixture of in-person, blended, and online nursing classes to accommodate different learning styles and schedules
- Online classes for non-clinical coursework – Some non-clinical nursing courses are delivered fully online in asynchronous format, allowing you to learn on your own schedule
- Clinical training – Nursing courses with clinical components are conducted to ensure hands-on skill development
- Blended general education courses – General education requirements incorporate both night classes and virtual sessions for added flexibility
Nursing School Curriculum
From day one, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is built to prepare you for a thriving career as a registered nurse (RN). Our curriculum combines classroom teaching, hands-on labs, real-world clinical experience, and extensive NCLEX-RN exam prep to get you ready for a successful nursing career.
Sample Classes in Our BSN Curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Biology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Anatomy/Physiology I
- College Mathematics
- First Year Composition (Writing) I
- Human Pathophysiology
- Human Nutrition
- Critical Thinking in Clinical Decision-Making
- Pharmacology I
- Evidence-Based Practice I
- Community Health Nursing + Practicum
- Maternal Health Theory and Application + Practicum
- Transition to the Nursing Profession
- Professional Seminar (NCLEX-RN Preparation)
Complete NCLEX-RN Exam Prep
Our nursing school in Ontario, California is designed to start preparing you for the NCLEX-RN exam on day one. Instructors introduce students to NCLEX-RN-style questions and clinical judgment throughout our curriculum to get them comfortable. To learn more about testing format and study strategies, read our blog post Mastering the NCLEX: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparation.
Here’s just a few of the ways we prepare you for the NCLEX-RN
Clinical Partnerships at Our Nursing School in California
In the final year of our practical nursing program, students spend most of their time in clinical rotations, training in real-world healthcare environments. Hands-on experience with patients and medical professionals is one of the most powerful ways to learn. We make it a priority for our students. We’ve partnered with healthcare providers in California to provide students with opportunities for clinical experience and nursing research by working with nurse leaders.
Visit Our BSN Program Curriculum Page For More Details.
Finally, a nursing school near me in Southern California!
We strive to be one of the best nursing schools in California, helping students achieve their nursing career dreams. Our nursing degree program proudly serves the entire Ontario area, including Riverside, San Bernadino, Fontana, and Rancho Cucamonga. Our college campus is conveniently located less than 30 minutes from Riverside and San Bernadino.
Additional hours available upon request.
Our Nursing Program in Ontario
At Arizona College of Nursing, we know nursing students. You dream of becoming a nurse, but your life is already extremely busy, so you ask yourself how you can make getting a nursing degree happen.
We have tailored our courses to match your busy life. During the first four semesters of general education classes, they are held in the evenings and each course is completed in just eight weeks. New sessions start six times per year, so you are not restricted to starting school in just Fall or Spring. Start when the timing is right for you.
Our nursing campus is located in Ontario, California — right off the I-10, east of Los Angeles County and northeast of Orange County. We’re just 15 minutes from Chino, 15 minutes from Pomona, and 25 minutes from Riverside.
Stop by our nursing school to learn more about our three-year BSN degree program. Visit our Ontario Campus Life page for more information on our nursing program and student life in the Ontario area.
Initial Approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing
Learn How Our California Nursing School Faculty and Leadership Bring Practice to the Classroom
Our faculty and leadership have real-world nursing experience and want to help equip you for a successful career. With mentorship and hands-on guidance in in-person labs and simulations, you can apply what you’re learning to advanced nursing practice scenarios.
Meet Our Ontario Nursing School Leadership
Julie Jordan
Dean of Nursing
Throughout my career, I found that I was naturally drawn to teaching whether it was precepting new graduates, supporting struggling students, or helping colleagues grow in confidence and competence. I realized that my greatest impact was not just on the care I provided directly, but on the nurses I helped develop. Education allows me to multiply that impact.
I truly believe nursing is more than a profession, it is a calling. For me, stepping into nursing education was a natural extension of that calling. It allows me to combine clinical expertise, leadership, and mentorship to ensure that future nurses are not only clinically prepared, but compassionate, ethical, and resilient. After three decades in healthcare, I feel a deep responsibility to pass on the knowledge, standards, and values that have guided my career.
What sets Arizona College of Nursing apart from other California nursing programs is our unwavering commitment to student success without compromising academic rigor. We hold ourselves and our students to high standards while providing structured support, early intervention, and consistent faculty engagement. Our educators are accessible, invested, and focused on outcomes, not just course completion, but true competency and readiness for practice.
We are also very intentional about our clinical partnerships and oversight of the student experience. Our placements are carefully aligned with program outcomes to ensure graduates are prepared to practice safely and confidently in California’s complex healthcare environment. Our focus is not simply on enrollment or graduation, it is on producing competent, ethical, and practice-ready nurses who will positively impact the communities they serve.
At the Arizona College of Nursing, Ontario campus, nursing students have access to comprehensive academic and clinical support. We provide tutoring, academic coaching, a structured NCLEX-RN preparation program, skills labs, simulation experiences, and early intervention strategies to ensure students receive timely assistance and remain on track for success.
In addition, students benefit from structured clinical preparation, accessible faculty mentorship, advising, and wellness resources that support both professional and personal growth. Our focus is to create a supportive environment where students feel confident, prepared, and equipped to meet the demands of nursing practice.
Ranked #3 Best Nursing School in California
LVN Advanced Standings (CA Only)
Arizona College of Nursing provides an LVN advanced standing option in the program. Eligible applicants may apply for LVN advanced standing given they meet the following criteria: Maintenance of an active unencumbered LVN/LPN license from a jurisdiction recognized by the National Council of state board of nursing and all other admission requirements of the program. This option allows students the opportunity to earn proficiency credits for up to eight credit hours in the program.
Nursing Transfer Credit (CA Only)
Students are eligible to obtain credit for previous education or for other acquired knowledge in the field of nursing through equivalence, challenge examinations, or other methods of evaluation.
FAQ at our Ontario Campus
Browse below to learn about nursing concepts or click on the following link to view the most frequently asked questions at our Ontario nursing school. To find a nursing school near you, visit our Campus Locations page.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Arizona College of Nursing – Ontario is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). All Arizona College of Nursing campuses are also institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) school is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about one to two years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurse (RNs) and physicians.
Registered Nurses in the Riverside-San Bernadino-Ontario area of California have a median nursing salary of $130,160 per year.
As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience. To view our California nursing market outlook click here.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in California range from a low rate of $100,120 per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $208,880 per year for their nursing salary.
Updated 05/2025. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=91761
In CA, you may take the NCLEX-RN Exam every 45 days. Please keep in mind you must again pay Pearson and the California Board.
Source: https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-california/
A nursing assistant provides basic patient care and support, such as helping with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). An RN, on the other hand, typically has more advanced training and responsibilities, including developing and implementing patient care plans, administering medications, and performing complex medical procedures. RNs also oversee and coordinate care provided by nursing assistants and other healthcare staff.
Earning a BSN degree can open doors to more advanced roles and opportunities in the nursing field as an RN. Our BSN program in California is designed to provide the comprehensive education and clinical experience to help advance your career.
You can read more about our nursing college admissions requirements here. For detailed information about the nursing prerequisites for our BSN program in Ontario, please contact our admissions office. They can provide you with the specific details and answer any questions you may have about our application process.
Arizona College of Nursing has built a full support system to help you at every step of the program. Our student support resources include a student success coach, tutoring sessions, peer mentoring, faculty office hours, NCLEX-RN exam prep class, and more.
Contact our admissions team to learn more about how we support you throughout your nursing education. We’re committed to helping you pursue your goal of becoming an RN.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – Ontario is not a 100% online nursing program in California. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. At the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are offered asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a clinical component are held in person.
Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course formats at AZCN Ontario and how you can earn a BSN degree in just three years.
After completing your BSN degree and fulfilling California’s licensing requirements, many nursing career paths may become available to you in the Ontario area.
The following roles represent potential career directions for those who have completed BSN education, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtained proper state licensure. These roles span hospitals, community settings, specialized units, and leadership positions.
Hospital-Based Roles in California
Registered Nurse (RN) – The foundation of nursing practice, working in various healthcare settings.
Emergency Room Nurse – Providing urgent care in fast-paced emergency department settings.
ICU Nurse / Critical Care Nurse – Caring for patients with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive monitoring.
Labor and Delivery Nurse – Supporting mothers and newborns through the childbirth process.
OR Nurse / Perioperative Nurse – Assisting in surgical procedures and providing pre/post-operative care.
Specialized Care Roles in California
Pediatric Nurse – Focusing on the healthcare needs of children and adolescents.
Hospice Nurse/Palliative Care Nurse – Providing compassionate end-of-life and comfort care.
Home Health Nurse – Delivering care to patients in their homes, often following hospital discharge.
Forensic Nurse – Working at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system.
Nurse Manager & Administration Roles in California
Charge Nurse – Overseeing nursing operations for a unit during a specific shift.
Nurse Manager – Supervising nursing staff and handling administrative responsibilities. Learn more about becoming a Nurse Manager.
Utilization Review Nurse – Evaluating the necessity and efficiency of healthcare services.
Community & Public Health Roles in California
Public Health Nurse – Addressing community health needs through education and preventative care.
School Nurse – Providing healthcare services in educational settings.
Occupational Health Nurse – Focusing on workplace health and safety.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), registered nurses held about 3.3 million jobs in 2023, with the largest percentage (58%) working in hospitals. Other significant employment settings include ambulatory healthcare services (19%), government agencies (6%), nursing and residential care facilities (5%), and educational services (3%). Data last updated April 18, 2025. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3
Important Note: A BSN degree itself does not qualify individuals to work as registered nurses. Additional steps including passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining state licensure are required before pursuing these career opportunities.
The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurse licensure after you complete a BSN or ADN nursing program, while the NCLEX-PN is for practical/vocational nurse licensure after completing an LPN or LVN program. Both exams are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and are required for nursing licensure in the United States. For RNs in California, licensure allows for greater autonomy, higher-level clinical responsibilities, and more opportunities for career advancement compared to LPN licensure. Licensed practical nurses typically work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
The NCLEX exam is the licensing examination that you must pass to become a registered nurse and practice legally. Passing this exam demonstrates that you’ve met the minimum competency standards required for entry-level nursing practice. The NCLEX exam is a standardized test used across all states to ensure consistent nursing practice standards. Successfully completing it allows you to apply for your nursing license and begin your professional nursing career in California.
Arizona College of Nursing – Ontario
(909) 935-2744 info@arizonacollege.edu
3401 N Centre Lake Drive, Ontario, CA 91761
Accreditations
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacnnursing.org).
All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
*California NCLEX Pass Rate Data: https://www.rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
**National NCLEX Pass Rates: https://www.ncsbn.org/exams/exam-statistics-and-publications/nclex-pass-rates.page
***Job placement rate is for the 2024 calendar year as reported in the School Performance Fact Sheet filed with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)