Stanbridge University’s Vocational Nursing Program Ranked #1 in California for Seventh Consecutive Year 

Stanbridge University’s Recognition 

NursingProcess.org ranked Stanbridge University’s Orange County and Los Angeles Vocational Nursing programs #1 among its 20 Best LVN Programs in California for 2026.¹ This announcement marks eight years that Stanbridge has held the publication’s top position, from 2019 through 2026.³ 

The recognition year after year reflects consistent performance within NursingProcess.org’s published ranking methodology, which considers several factors that contribute to the quality of a VN program.² 

For readers researching vocational nursing education, the recognition provides an additional source of information to consider alongside state approval, curriculum, NCLEX-PN outcomes, clinical education, program schedules, costs, and student support services. 

How NursingProcess.org Ranks VN Programs 

Because the goal of NursingProcess.org’s annual rankings is to help readers research LPN and LVN programs across the United States, in order to qualify for its state and city rankings, a vocational nursing program must first be approved by the appropriate state nursing board.² 

For its 2026 rankings, NursingProcess.org evaluates eligible programs using four main areas: 

• Academic quality: 30% 
• First-time NCLEX-PN pass rates from the previous four years: 30% 
• Affordability: 20% 
• NursingProcess.org editorial team ratings: 20%² 

Academic quality incorporates factors such as enrollment rate, graduation rate, and student-to-faculty ratio. NursingProcess.org reports that it gathers information from sources including state nursing boards, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other published college rankings, ratings, and reviews.² 

Because every ranking organization uses its own methodology, rankings are most useful when you understand what the organization measures and consider the results alongside official program information. 

Seven Consecutive Years at #1 

While each year’s ranking reflects how a program performs for that particular year, maintaining the same position over several ranking cycles provides additional insight into a program’s consistency in the areas the ranking evaluates. 

“Maintaining the #1 ranking for seven consecutive years reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as our commitment to delivering a high-quality nursing education,” said Yasith Weerasuriya, President of Stanbridge University. “The recognition demonstrates the consistency of our Vocational Nursing program and our continued focus on preparing graduates for successful careers in healthcare.”³ 

Although rankings and other external recognitions are only part of the picture of a program, alongside its accreditation, curriculum, hands-on training, licensure outcomes, and costs, these independent recognitions can be a useful starting point in evaluating a program.  

Stanbridge University’s Vocational Nursing Program 

Stanbridge University offers the Associate of Occupational Science in Vocational Nursing program at its Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego campuses. The program is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) at all four locations.⁴ 

The curriculum combines nursing coursework with laboratory learning and supervised clinical education. Students develop foundational knowledge and practical skills related to patient care while preparing to pursue vocational nursing licensure. 

Courses are delivered through on-campus, online, and blended learning environments. Laboratory instruction takes place on campus, while clinical rotations take place at approved partner healthcare facilities.⁴ The program also incorporates preparation for the Next Generation NCLEX-PN throughout the curriculum through practice testing, review activities, and other academic resources.⁴ 

How Long is the Vocational Nursing Program? 

Stanbridge University offers both full-time and part-time Vocational Nursing schedules. 

The current program consists of 106.5 quarter credit hours and is designed to be completed in approximately: 

• 17–19 months for the full-time program 
• 26–28 months for the part-time program⁴ 

These timelines include federal holidays and term breaks. Actual completion time may vary depending on cohort scheduling and individual academic progression.⁴ 

Full-time and part-time schedule availability may also vary by campus and start date. Therefore, you should review the current program page or speak with an admissions representative for the most recent scheduling information. 

Stanbridge University’s NCLEX-PN Pass Rates 

NCLEX-PN results are another factor you may consider when researching vocational nursing programs. Stanbridge reports three-year NCLEX-PN licensure pass rate averages of 94% for Orange County and 92% for Los Angeles for 2023–2025. Riverside reported a 96% annual rate for 2025. Individual outcomes vary.⁴ ⁵ 

When comparing pass rates, consider the reporting period, number of testers, campus, and whether the figure represents an annual or multi-year result. For a deeper explanation, you can also read What Is an NCLEX-PN Pass Rate and Why Does It Matter? on the Stanbridge University blog. 

What Hands-on Learning is Included? 

Vocational nursing education combines academic nursing knowledge with practical skill development. Stanbridge University’s program includes laboratory instruction, high-fidelity simulation, Nursing Skills Laboratories, and supervised clinical rotations.⁴ During these experiences, you can practice applying nursing concepts in structured learning environments before and during supervised patient care experiences. 

Each of these types of hands-on training plays a different role in developing your nursing skills. During a skills laboratory, you may practice a specific nursing skill, such as administering a medication. Then, in a simulation environment, you will practice analyzing scenarios, using clinical judgment, and applying those skills where appropriate. Once you have laboratory and simulation practice, you will begin your clinical rotations, where you will apply what you have learned with real patients in actual healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed professionals. The NursingProcess.org ranking follows other recent recognition for nursing and healthcare education at Stanbridge University. 

In 2026, Niche ranked Stanbridge University #1 Best College for Nursing in California.³ Stanbridge University was also recognized as an Opportunity College in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications and included in Research.com’s 2025 Best Healthcare Degree Programs Ranking in America.³ 

Each organization uses its own methodology, so these recognitions measure different aspects of an institution or its programs. Together, they provide additional context for readers researching Stanbridge University and its healthcare education offerings. 

Ready to Learn More? 

Earning NursingProcess.org’s #1 California ranking for seven consecutive years represents continued recognition of Stanbridge University’s Vocational Nursing program within the publication’s methodology.¹ ² 

If you are exploring vocational nursing education, you can review Stanbridge University’s Associate of Occupational Science in Vocational Nursing program for current information about curriculum, schedules, BVNPT approval, clinical education, NCLEX-PN outcomes, admissions requirements, and student support. For more information about the program and whether it’s a good fit for your goals, please reach out to one of our Admissions Representatives.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Footnotes

¹ NursingProcess.org 20 Best LVN Programs in California, 2026 https://www.nursingprocess.org/lvn-programs/california/ 

² NursingProcess.org LPN/LVN Program Ranking Methodology https://www.nursingprocess.org/lpn-programs-ranking-methodology/ 

³ GlobeNewswire, Stanbridge University’s Vocational Nursing Program Ranked #1 in California for Seventh Consecutive Year by NursingProcess.org https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/08/13/3344712/0/en/stanbridge-university-s-vocational-nursing-program-ranked-1-in-california-for-seventh-consecutive-year-by-nursingprocess-org.html 

⁴ Stanbridge University Associate of Occupational Science in Vocational Nursing Program https://www.stanbridge.edu/program/vn 

⁵ Stanbridge University Licensure and Certification Pass Rates https://www.stanbridge.edu/pass-rates