Concordia University-Irvine

Concordia University Irvine is a private Christian university founded in 1976. It is a smaller college, with a total enrollment of 1,918. However, it is part of the larger Concordia University System, which includes eight other colleges. The university offers 20 undergraduate programs and 50 specializations, along with nine graduate programs. The campus is in Irvine, which is one of the safest cities in the US, and it is located about 50 miles south of Los Angeles. The campus buildings are within a private residential community, with access to hiking trails and beautiful parks. The university has also ranked highly in various rankings, including the 2015 Money magazine list of schools that offer the best value.

Concordia University Irvine offers several nursing programs, including an accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, LVN to RN, and MSN program. The accelerated BSN requires students to have completed a BS or BA from an accredited institution. The campus where the nursing programs are offered recently underwent a major update, giving students access to a large skills lab, along with three simulation labs. The Park Place Campus provides students with a suitable environment to practice their nursing skills. However, the school does not work with local clinics or healthcare facilities.

Updated on: 08 Nov, 2025

Program Length & Format

15-month, full-time
options:
- on-campus in Irvine, California or
- hybrid in Rancho Cucamonga, California
Hybrid option includes online courses with in-person simulation labs
Three annual start dates: January, May, and August
765 clinical hours required, completed at clinical sites in Orange County and Los Angeles County

Admission Requirements

BS/BA degree in any discipline or minimum of 65 non-nursing college credits from a regionally accredited institution required
Maximum of 75 transfer units allowed from previous degree, including prerequisite courses
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, combining bachelor’s degree and post-degree coursework
Prerequisite courses must have minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) with minimum grade of C in each;
Science prerequisites require minimum grade of B- and must be completed within five years
No more than two of the four science prerequisites can be repeated once
Completion of minimum 100 patient care hours, with at least 75 hours completed prior to application submission
Patient care experience examples: CNA, EMT, Medical Assistant, Home Health Aide, Physical Therapy Aide

Prerequisites

Chemistry with lab (4 units)
Human Anatomy with lab (4 units)
Human Physiology with lab (4 units)
Microbiology with lab (4 units)
Human Nutrition (3 units)
Statistics - Mathematics (3 units)
General Psychology (3 units)
Lifespan Developmental Psychology (birth to death) (3 units)
Oral Communication (3 units)
Written Communication (3 units)
Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (3 units)
NTHL 101: Foundations of Christian Theology (3 units, must be completed at Concordia after acceptance)
NTHL 202: New Testament (3 units, must be completed at Concordia after acceptance)
Online science courses without hands-on labs are not accepted; home-kit lab courses are acceptable
Maximum of three prerequisite classes may be in-progress at time of application with proof of enrollment

Deadlines

Three admission cycles per year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Application review begins February for Fall, June for Spring
Fall 2025 deadlines:
- Irvine campus: June 2, 2025
- Rancho Cucamonga campus (hybrid): July 1, 2025
Spring 2026 deadlines:
- Irvine campus: October 1, 2025
- Rancho Cucamonga campus (hybrid): October 31, 2025
Rolling admissions model; applications reviewed as completed

Application

Online application submission required
Application fee: $50
Required documents: two letters of recommendation, healthcare hours verification form, statement of intent/personal essay, background check waiver form, prerequisite plan form, official college transcripts
High school transcripts required for First Degree program applicants
Applicants must complete any outstanding prerequisites and submit updated transcripts prior to program start
Admission interviews required by invitation only
Applications reviewed after submission of all materials

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition rate: $990 per unit
Total program cost estimated between $60,000 and $62,000 including tuition, books, uniforms, clinical fees, insurance
Pay-by-the-course tuition model based on enrolled units per semester

Clinical & Simulation Lab

765 clinical hours required during program
Clinical placements at partner sites in Orange County and Los Angeles County
Simulation labs held on-campus (Irvine) or hybrid site (Rancho Cucamonga) depending on program option

Contacts

Admissions phone numbers: (949) 214-3845, (949) 214-3842
Admissions email: [email protected]
Campus addresses:
- Irvine Spectrum Campus, 16355 Laguna Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92618
- Rancho Cucamonga ABSN Program Site, 10750 Fourth St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730