I had many instructors that helped me feel more competent and confident in my nursing skills. I truly appreciate their wisdom, advice, and kindness.
Joyce University offers accredited nursing programs available to California residents through distance education. Pre-licensure pathways are intended to prepare graduates to apply for RN licensure by examination; eligibility for California licensure is determined on a case-by-case basis by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Whether you’re starting fresh with no prior college experience or making a career change with a non-nursing degree, our distance education programs combine online learning with in-person clinical training that is conducted outside of California.[4]
Our distance nursing programs allow you to complete your didactic coursework online, giving you the flexibility to learn from home or anywhere with a reliable connection. Throughout your program, you’ll participate in dynamic simulation immersions at our state-of-the-art Simulation Center in Draper, Utah, while completing direct-care clinicals in real patient-care settings arranged outside the State of California.[4]
Our online platform brings nursing education to life through engaging lectures, group discussions, and real-time faculty interaction. Depending on your program, coursework may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously. Students also have access to live tutoring—available both virtually and during on-site learning experiences.
Pre-licensure students will build foundational nursing skills through hands-on and virtual training that bridges theory and practice and participate in simulation immersions at our high-fidelity sim center in Utah. Direct-care clinicals will take place in-person under the supervision of experienced clinical faculty at clinical sites located outside California.[4]
At Joyce University, you’re supported every step of the way. From your first class to graduation, you’ll have access to faculty mentors, dedicated support teams, free tutoring, and career services. Whether you’re learning online or visiting campus for simulations, you’ll always be part of a connected, student-focused community.
How Our Hybrid Online Nursing Programs Work For CA Residents
At Joyce University, our hybrid nursing programs combine the flexibility of online learning with essential hands-on training conducted outside the State of California.[4] Through this learning model, you’ll complete your didactic coursework virtually using an interactive platform that includes lectures, group discussions, and collaborative projects.
For students enrolled in the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Accelerated BSN (aBSN) programs, this online learning is paired with immersive skill development in both simulated and real-world settings, all of which require travel outside of California.[4]
As a student in our online nursing programs, you’ll complete your direct-care clinicals at healthcare facilities located outside the State of California under the direction and supervision of skilled clinical faculty and healthcare staff. These on-ground experiences allow you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real patient care settings.[4] California students complete a minimum of 500 direct patient care clinical hours.
Distance-Education Nursing Pathways Available to California Residents
At Joyce University, our nursing programs are available to California residents who are starting their nursing education or transitioning from another field. Our hybrid model pairs online coursework with in-person training that takes place outside the State of California.[4] Eligibility for California RN licensure is determined by the CA Board of Registered Nursing on a case-by-case basis.[1] No matter your background, Joyce University provides the structure, training, and support to help you complete your program.
Our Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares you for licensure as a registered nurse in as little as 20 months. There are no prerequisites required for admission.
20 months
69 credit hours
No prior course prerequisites required.
Gain the knowledge and skills to start a career and pursue a pathway to leadership with a BSN.
3 years
120 credit hours
No prior course prerequisites required.
Our accelerated BSN is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Transfer existing college credits to earn your BSN in as few as 20 months.
20 months
85 credit hours
There are no course prerequisites to apply.
Ideal for working nurses, our online RN to BSN program was designed to expand your nursing skills and increase your earning potential quickly so you can get back to work in a little over one year.
4 semesters
51 credit hours
There are no course prerequisites to apply.
Expand your skills and advance your career with a Master of Science in Nursing. Our online MSN program is designed to prepare you for nursing leadership in as little as 1 year.
1 year
32 credit hours
There are no course prerequisites to apply.
At Joyce University, we believe every nursing student should have access to a high-quality education. Our Financial Aid team will work with you one-on-one to explore available options, including federal loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, to help you build a plan that fits your goals.[2]
Learn more about Financial Aid
We’re proud to offer scholarship opportunities that help make your nursing degree more affordable. Joyce University provides scholarships for new students and alumni, along with tools and guidance to help you explore additional grant and funding options, so you can stay focused on your education.
Starting your nursing education is a big decision, and we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Our Admissions team provides personalized support throughout the enrollment process, guiding you through requirements, deadlines, and next steps so you can get started with ease.
See all Admissions Requirements
As part of our online nursing programs, you’ll travel to the Joyce Johnson Center of Simulation in Utah for immersive, hands-on training sessions. These lab experiences give you the chance to practice clinical skills in a realistic setting before entering direct patient care. While on campus, you can also take time to explore the scenic beauty and vibrant culture of Salt Lake City.[4]
Learn more about Student Life at Joyce
Joyce University’s nursing programs are institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the pre-licensure nursing programs are accredited by ACEN and CCNE, both of which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutional and programmatic accreditation are distinct from state regulatory approval and do not by themselves qualify a graduate for licensure in any specific state, including California.[1]
Our nursing programs are designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN examination. Through focused curriculum, hands-on and virtual training, and dedicated academic support, we help students build the knowledge and competencies the exam measures; Joyce provides the courses needed to meet the requirements set by the California Board of Registered Nursing to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Because licensure requirements vary by state and can change over time, we encourage California students to confirm current requirements directly with the California Board of Registered Nursing before applying for licensure.
Whether you’re just starting out or building on prior healthcare experience, Joyce offers both prelicensure and post-licensure programs and pathways designed to meet you where you are. With three start dates each year, all of our nursing programs combine online coursework with real patient-care experiences, helping students graduate with the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce prepared.
I had many instructors that helped me feel more competent and confident in my nursing skills. I truly appreciate their wisdom, advice, and kindness.
Elevate Your Education at Joyce’s Simulation Center
Take a virtual tour of Joyce University and explore the hands-on training that sets our nursing programs apart. At the Joyce Johnson Center of Simulation near Salt Lake City, pre-licensure students develop critical clinical skills using advanced, high-fidelity patient mannequins and realistic simulated hospital environments. These immersive skill immersions help prepare you for direct patient care with confidence.
Experience it for yourself! Take a virtual tour to see what makes Joyce University a great place to learn and grow.
Discover how Joyce University’s hybrid nursing programs in California and beyond* can help you launch a successful career in healthcare. California residents may enroll in three of Joyce’s pre-licensure pathways through distance education: the 20-month Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), the 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Accelerated BSN (aBSN) for career changers, and two post-licensure programs, including our RN-BSN and Master of Science in Nursing pathways to advance your career to greater heights.
*Program availability varies by state—please check the program page or speak with an admissions advisor to confirm availability.
California Licensure Notification — 34 C.F.R. § 668.43(a)(5)(v) and (c)
For each Joyce University nursing program offered to California residents, Joyce University has made the following determinations regarding the California Board of Registered Nursing’s educational requirements for initial Registered Nurse licensure:
California licensure decisions are made by the California Board of Registered Nursing on a case-by-case basis under 16 C.C.R. §§ 1424 and 1426. Prospective and enrolled students intending to seek California licensure are responsible for independently confirming current requirements with the Board at https://www.rn.ca.gov. A comprehensive state-by-state disclosure for all Joyce University nursing programs is available at the Joyce University Professional Licensure Disclosure page. Questions about this disclosure may be directed to legal@joyce.edu.
California Student Tuition Recovery Fund STRF Eligibility — 5 C.C.R. §§ 71396, 71399, 76120, 76130, 76140, 76215, 76240, 71800(e)(11); Cal. Educ. Code § 94801.5
The California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) is a state-administered fund that relieves or mitigates economic loss suffered by California residents who were students at certain postsecondary institutions. Joyce University is registered with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) as an out-of-state institution pursuant to California Education Code § 94801.5, and as a condition of that registration is required to comply with all applicable STRF regulations.
California-resident students enrolling at Joyce University who meet STRF eligibility criteria will be assessed the required STRF fee. Eligible students are entitled to STRF protections in accordance with California law. Joyce University is required to collect and remit STRF assessments, maintain required student records to substantiate STRF reporting, and provide STRF disclosures as mandated by the California Code of Regulations, Title 5.
For more information about STRF eligibility and protections, contact the BPPE at 1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834; toll-free (888) 370-7589; or visit www.bppe.ca.gov.
California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education — Cal. Educ. Code §§ 94801.5, 94874(c)
Joyce University does not maintain a physical presence in California. Joyce University does not operate any campus, classroom, laboratory, or other instructional facility in California, and does not deliver in-person instruction within California.
Joyce University is registered with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) as an out-of-state institution. Because Joyce University has no physical presence in California, it is not required to obtain BPPE approval to operate as a postsecondary educational institution in California under Cal. Educ. Code § 94874(c) and is not BPPE-approved. Joyce University’s registered out-of-state status with BPPE does not constitute BPPE approval and does not confer eligibility for the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (see Section 5.2).
Required Travel for In-Person Components
Pre-licensure nursing students (ASN, BSN, and ABSN) residing in California must travel outside the State of California to complete required in-person components of the program, including simulation immersions and direct-care clinical experiences. These activities take place in states where Joyce University holds appropriate authorization or approval to conduct such activities.
Travel may occur at multiple points during the program, may involve car, air, or rail travel and overnight stays, and is at the student’s expense. Joyce University does not reimburse or subsidize travel-related expenses. Travel costs are not included in tuition and are reflected in the program’s published Cost of Attendance. Make-up or rescheduled in-person activities may be assigned with as little as two (2) business days’ notice. Students should plan accordingly when arranging employment, childcare, and other personal commitments.
Detailed simulation and clinical scheduling information is available in the Joyce University Academic Catalog and through the Office of Clinical Education. Questions may be directed to legal@joyce.edu.
Student Complaint Resolution for California Residents — 34 C.F.R. § 668.43(b); NC-SARA Policy Manual § 6
California-resident students who have a grievance with Joyce University should first pursue resolution through Joyce University’s internal complaint procedures, which are published in the Academic Catalog and Student Handbook.
If an internal resolution is not reached, California-resident students enrolled in Joyce University’s online or distance education programs may file a complaint through the Utah SARA portal, as Joyce University’s home-state SARA portal entity, at https://ushe.edu/sara/. Complaints related to nursing licensure determinations may also be directed to the California Board of Registered Nursing at https://www.rn.ca.gov. Complaints related to consumer-protection matters involving California postsecondary institutions may be directed to the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at https://www.bppe.ca.gov.
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