Concordia Nursing Program
Answer your callings with the nursing program at Concordia.
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Become a Compassionate, Competent Nurse
The nursing program at Concordia University Irvine combines faith, science, and hands-on practice to prepare you for a rewarding career in nursing. With a strong academic foundation, extensive clinical experience, and a 98% NCLEX pass rate, Concordia is recognized among the best nursing schools in California.
Whether you’re just starting your journey in a nursing school, preparing to switch careers through an accelerated nursing program, or pursuing graduate-level leadership as a family nurse practitioner, Concordia offers the right nursing degree to meet your goals.
Explore Our Programs
Find the nursing program that’s right for you and your career goals. Use our helpful program finder to search by keyword, degree level, and class format.
About Our Nursing Program
Concordia’s nursing program is designed to develop excellence in nursing care. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive as nurses who serve patients and communities with both expertise and empathy.
Our programs consistently prepare graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and launch careers in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations across the country.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Concordia University Irvine is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Success Rate
Concordia nursing students have a 95% NCLEX success rate.
Available Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Majors
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Minors
- Pre-Nursing
- Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway
Graduate Programs
- Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
Information Sessions
Attend an Information Session online to learn more about our program, the application process, financial aid, payment plans, and more.
Additional Information
Our Nursing Philosophy
At Concordia University Irvine, nursing is rooted in caring, compassion, and competence. Guided by the mission of the university as a Christian institution, our program integrates Dr. Jean Watson’s philosophy of caring with the standards set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Caring: We view nursing as a self-actualizing process that is essential in ministering to those who need care. Working closely with faculty role models, you’ll learn to see nursing as both a philosophical and scientific approach to caring for all those who seek healthcare, disease prevention and management, health promotion, and health education.
- Compassionate: Our courses and faculty interactions prepare you to deliver culturally sensitive nursing care in today’s diverse world. We encourage the holistic development of self in order to become socially responsive to the healthcare needs of all people.
- Competent: You’ll gain both a strong scientific foundation and the hands-on clinical experience to practice confidently. Graduates leave Concordia ready to lead, think critically, and advocate for patients while collaborating with healthcare teams in a variety of settings.
Nursing Pathways for Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel
Concordia University Irvine recognizes the training and expertise of military healthcare personnel. Applicants with experience such as Navy Hospital Corpsman, Air Force BMTCP or IDMT (4NOX1C), or Army Health Care Specialist (68W) will have their backgrounds reviewed individually to ensure the best and safest learning experience.
We currently offer three pathways:
- Pathway I – Second Degree, Accelerated BSN:
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in another field may apply to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Military experience, prior coursework, or healthcare positions may qualify you to challenge certain nursing courses. Applications are reviewed individually by a panel of faculty, admissions counselors, and military-trained professionals. - Pathway II – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
Applicants with an active California RN license and a BSN from an accredited school of nursing may apply directly to the MSN program. Admission requires official transcripts and the documents listed on the MSN application checklist. - Pathway III – Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):
- Licensed Vocational Nurses in California may apply to Concordia’s Nursing Program. Transcripts and work experience will be reviewed by the nursing administration. An LVN-to-RN course may be offered if a class of at least 15 qualified LVNs is established.
Meet our Faculty
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Cheryl Smythe-Padgham
Assistant Dean, Director of Nursing, School of Health and Human…
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Carol Holt
Professor of Nursing
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Caroline Rae
Associate Professor of Nursing
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Elizabeth Vega-Belluscio
Associate Professor of Nursing
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James Cottrell
Associate Professor of Nursing
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Cara Buenaventura
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Chelsea Entzel
Dean, School of Business and Economics
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Dina Neeman
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Elizabeth Vega-Belluscio
Assistant Professor of Nursing / Simulationist
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Heather Chatwin
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Jennifer Dahl
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Lizette Mationg
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Lynda King
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Nicole Machuca
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Sandra Watson
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Stephanie Woods
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Tiffani Natalini-Whitmore
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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Brian Tressler
Sr. Graduate Admission Counselor
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Carolyn Kobly
Graduate Admissions Counselor
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Henry Halim
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Jennifer Mallender
Ready to Explore Your Future and Faith?
Request more information to learn about our programs, financial aid options, and the Concordia student experience.