Stanbridge University Ranked #2 Best Career College/Nursing School in Orange County
Stanbridge University’s Orange County campus was ranked #2 Best Career College/Nursing School in The Orange County Register Best of Orange County 2025.1 The Orange County Register invites readers across the county to vote for their favorite local institutions in education, business, and community service. This recognition highlights Stanbridge as one of the best nursing schools in Orange County, celebrating its leadership in career-focused healthcare education, innovative simulation training, and student achievement across its programs.
What is The Orange County Register Best of Orange County award?
The Orange County Register’s Best of Orange County awards honor the region’s most respected businesses, schools, and organizations based on votes from local readers.
Presented annually, the awards recognize trusted institutions that make a lasting impact on the community. Being named the #2 Best Career College/Nursing School reflects Stanbridge University’s commitment to excellence in nursing and healthcare education and its continued service to students throughout Orange County.
Why was Stanbridge University recognized among the best?
Stanbridge University earned the #2 ranking for Best Career College/Nursing School for its excellence in preparing the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals.
The Orange County campus features innovative simulation labs, modern classrooms, and hands-on clinical experiences designed to reflect healthcare environments. Experienced faculty and dedicated student support teams help learners develop the clinical skills, confidence, and compassion needed to make a difference in their communities.
This award demonstrates the trust and recognition Stanbridge has earned from Orange County residents for its ongoing contribution to nursing and allied health education in Southern California.
Nursing Programs at Stanbridge University Orange County
Stanbridge University’s nursing programs combine classroom instruction with immersive, hands-on training to prepare students for meaningful careers in patient care.
- Approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
- 95% NCLEX-PN licensure pass rate (2023, Orange County campus)
- Offers hands-on clinical experience, innovative nursing simulation training, and flexible schedule options to support students balancing school, work, and personal commitments
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses (CBRN)
- 100% NCLEX-RN licensure pass rate (2023–2024, Orange County & Los Angeles campuses)
- Builds leadership and critical-thinking skills through high-fidelity simulation labs and clinical rotations with local partner hospitals and healthcare facilities
Healthcare Programs at Stanbridge University Orange County
In addition to its award-winning nursing programs, Stanbridge offers accredited allied health programs designed to prepare students for fulfilling careers in rehabilitation, therapy, and patient-centered care.
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
- Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- 97% NBCOT licensure pass rate (2024, Orange County campus)
- Features a comprehensive curriculum that integrates evidence-based learning, hands-on fieldwork, and community service initiatives through Stanbridge’s outREACH program
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
- Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
- 83% NBCOT licensure pass rate (2024, Orange County and Los Angeles campuses)
- Provides hands-on instruction in innovative labs, preparing students for community-based fieldwork and service initiatives that promote independence and quality of life for individuals in need
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
- Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
- 100% NPTE licensure pass rate (2024, Orange County and Los Angeles campuses)
- Offers immersive learning in innovative physical therapy labs and clinical placements across Southern California
How can I learn more about Stanbridge University in Orange County?
To learn more about what makes Stanbridge one of the best nursing schools in Orange County, you can schedule a meeting with an Admissions Representative or take a virtual campus tour. Explore program options, financial aid, and the application process to take the next step toward a career in healthcare.
Start your journey at one of the best nursing schools and career colleges in Orange County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stanbridge University’s Orange County campus is located in Irvine, California, near major Orange County cities including Costa Mesa, Tustin, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. Conveniently situated off the 405 Freeway, the campus serves students from across Southern California, offering easy access to hands-on training and clinical partnerships throughout the region.
Yes. Prospective students can schedule an in-person or virtual campus tour to explore facilities and learn more about available programs.
You can start your application online or meet with an Admissions Representative for step-by-step guidance through enrollment and program selection.
Yes. Stanbridge University is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and each program maintains specialized accreditation through agencies such as CCNE, ACOTE, CAPTE, and BVNPT.
Stanbridge’s Orange County campus achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate for BSN students (2023–2024) and a 95% NCLEX-PN pass rate for LVN students (2023), demonstrating the strength and quality of its nursing education.
Stanbridge University’s Continued Recognition
Stanbridge University offers healthcare degree programs across its Southern California campuses in Irvine, Alhambra, Riverside, and San Marcos. The university has been recognized for both academic excellence and workplace culture, including recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications as an Opportunity College and in Research.com’s 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs in America. Its Orange County campus earned the 2024–2025 ACCSC School of Excellence Award, and in 2025, Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce ranked Stanbridge among the top 5% of U.S. colleges for 10-year return on investment, based on earnings and tuition data from qualifying programs. Stanbridge is accredited by Investors in People (London) and certified as a Great Place to Work. Complete award listings and sources available at stanbridge.edu/awards.
Footnotes
1Source: Ocregister.com, Best of Orange County 2025: Education: Best Career College/Nursing School. Orange County campus only. https://archive.ph/1oIhm. As viewed on September 24, 2025.