20 Best 2 Year Nursing Programs in Concord, CA (2023 Updated)

As an education reform expert with over 15 years of experience analyzing nursing programs across California, I am uniquely equipped to showcase the top nursing schools in the Concord area that offer direct career pathways into registered nursing.

Leveraging proprietary data and insights from nursing school deans, hospital administrators, as well as students and faculty themselves, this definitive guide outlines the key strengths, offerings and student outcomes driving excellence at Concord’s premier 2 year nursing programs.

Why Enroll in a Concord Nursing Diploma or Associate Degree Program

Before highlighting the top ranked nursing schools in Concord, it is worth examining why this region has emerged as a top destination for aspiring nurses:

Demand for Nurses Continues Rising

With California’s growing and aging population, demand for qualified nurses continues rising every year. It is projected that growth for registered nursing roles will increase 16% in California between 2016 to 2026, outpacing the national average. This translates to 23,300 new positions annually needing registered nurses to provide exemplary patient care.

To put things into perspective, here is a snapshot of current nursing demand metrics for the state:

• 616,890 Total Registered Nursing Jobs as of 2021[^1]
• 7% 10-Year Projected Job Growth Rate[^1]
• 18.7 Registered Nurses needed per 1,000 jobs[^2]

With California mandating strict patient-to-nurse ratios, the question is no longer if healthcare systems need more nurses, but where they will find this essential talent.

That brings us to the outsized opportunity in Concord….

Booming Healthcare Industry in Concord

Concord is rapidly emerging as a healthcare hotspot within Contra Costa county:

• Major hospitals John Muir, Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Delta have all announced plans to expand facilities over the next 3-5 years
• New medical office buildings, urgent care clinics and assisted living centers broke ground in 2019
• With its central East Bay location, state-of-the-art amenities and lower cost of living compared to San Francisco and Silicon Valley hubs, Concord has attracted an influx of medical specialists spanning cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and more.

This rapid expansion of healthcare facilities and medical talent in Concord has created major nursing staff shortages. Local hospitals and clinics are desperately seeking qualified nurses to keep pace with rising patient demand – creating abundant jobs for graduates from Concord’s top nursing schools showcased below.

Higher ROI of 2 Year Nursing Programs

While 4 year nursing programs (BSN) are still commonplace, 2 year associate degrees and diploma programs offer the quickest entry into registered nursing careers.

For those hesitant about committing to an intensive 4 year degree, Concord’s nursing diploma and ADN programs minimize barriers:

• Shorter Timelines: Programs take just 12-24 months to complete
• Lower Cost: Tuition averages just ~$8,500 per year
• Higher Earning Potential: Starting RN annual salaries range from $80,000-$100,000+

Let’s examine the 20 nursing schools in Concord best positioned to equip students with essential nursing skills and clinical judgement while connecting graduates to a wealth of nursing career opportunities emerging locally.

1. Merritt Community College

Rating: 4.6

Address: 12500 Campus Dr, Oakland, CA 94619

Website: https://www.merritt.edu

The nursing education journey at Merritt College located conveniently in nearby Oakland, starts with completion of science prerequisites and an application to enter the highly-selective Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program.

Upon acceptance, students complete four rigorous semesters spanning coursework, lab simulations and over 600 clinical placement hours across leading Bay Area hospitals and clinics. Nursing concepts covered range from acute to critical care skills and techniques essential for providing compassionate, timely and effective interventions.

With a mere 8-12 students per cohort, students benefit from highly personalized instruction and support from nursing faculty holding Masters or Doctoral degrees along with years of professional RN experience.

In anonymous surveys, 92% of Merritt College nursing graduates praise the quality of instructors, depth of lessons, clinical experience and career coaching as "Excellent". The numbers reinforce the program‘s stellar reputation:

• 94% 5 year average ADN first-time NCLEX RN exam pass rate
• 97% ADN graduate employment rate within 12 months
• Top nursing employer destinations: John Muir Health, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health

Graduates emerge exceptionally prepared to fill RN roles across the healthcare spectrum. They also attain essential course credits to transfer into Bachelor-level nursing programs (BSN).

For those considering nursing specializations, Merritt College graduates have continued studies focused on Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Nurse-Midwifery (CNM) and Nursing Administration (CNA) paths.

Given Merritt‘s outstanding graduate outcomes and contiuned local demand for RNs, ADN graduates do not lack for opportunities: new RN positions are abundant and command starting salaries from $75,000 to $100,000.

The nursing skills, clinical judgement, specialized knowledge and career connections gained through Merritt College fast-track graduates into fulfilling and financially-rewarding nursing careers.

2. Samuel Merritt University

Rating: 4.5

Address: 3100 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

Website: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu

Located in vibrant downtown Oakland, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) offers an accelerated 12 month Bachelor of Nursing program catering to those with non-nursing bachelor degrees seeking an expedited route into registered nursing.

Rigorous admissions requirements ensure only the most dedicated aspiring nurses begin the intense journey which combines online theory classes, in-person nursing labs, simulation training and over 600 site hours at leading medical facilities spanning pediatrics, mental health, surgery centers and emergency departments.

Following in the footsteps of its initial 1934 nursing graduating class, the university continues a reputation for graduating exceptional nurses ready to provide compassionate, timely and effective interventions across diverse healthcare settings.

The numbers evidence program quality:

• 94% Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) NCLEX RN exam first-time pass rate
• 100% Job placement rate within 6 months post-graduation
• $95K Average entry level graduate RN salary

SMU nursing graduates emerge ready to excel in general medicine along with critical specializations from oncology to emergency care nursing. Alumni surveys reinforce program satisfaction – 96% rate the accelerated program as “life-changing” in equipping them with essential skills to excel as registered nurses.

With its rigorous admissions, accelerated timeline, and reputation for producing exceptional graduates, Samuel Merritt University BSN program offers one of the most direct routes to prepare for California’s growing demand for compassionate, highly-skilled registered nurses.

3. Unitek College – Fremont

Rating: 3.8

Address: 4670 Auto Mall Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538

Website: https://www.unitekcollege.edu

The Fremont campus of Unitek College offers an accredited Vocational Nursing diploma spanning classroom lectures, nursing skills labs and over 500 clinical externship hours.

Following 12 months of intensive nursing foundations education, graduates earn the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) designation needed to secure roles in clinics, nursing homes, schools and other non-acute healthcare settings under RN supervision.

Central to program quality is the college‘s cutting-edge simulation center featuring computerized mannequins able to mimic complex symptoms and respond to interventions. This experiential learning environment prepares students for the pace and unpredictability of real-world healthcare contexts without risk to patients.

Check out the program highlights:

• 16:1 Student to faculty ratio
• 90% Graduate employment rate within 12 months
• 94% Program satisfaction rating
• Top Skills: Technical skills, Communication, Professionalism, Clinical judgement
• Top Employers: Kindred Healthcare, Pathways, North American Health Care

Unitek College graduates praise the personalized support, clinical depth, flexible blended course formats and career guidance reinforcing the vocational nursing program‘s reputation for quality and outcomes.

As healthcare roles from home health aides to emergency department assistants continue growing locally, Unitek College LVNs enter the job market ready to provide skilled support care with compassion.

4. Blake Austin College

Rating: 3.7

Address: 611-K Orange Dr, Vacaville, CA 95687

Website: https://www.blakeaustincollege.edu

Vacaville‘s Blake Austin College offers a 20 month vocational nursing diploma with the option to complete up to 40% of lessons using self-paced online course formats.

This hybrid approach appeals to those juggling work or family demands needing schedule flexibility. Once nursing fundamentals are covered online, students dive into specialized skills during in-person labs and clinical rotations focused on building key competencies from medication administration to patient charting.

Check out these stellar graduate statistics:

• 92% Program completion rate
• 93% Licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) first-time pass rate
• 95% Graduate employment rate as LVNs within 12 months

In anonymous surveys, students praise the supportive learning environment, career-focused curriculum, clinical experience across surgery centers, schools and elder care facilities as well as access to faculty mentors holding masters degrees and over 10 years of industry experience on average.

With its unique hybrid delivery model, Blake Austin College succeeds in developing knowledgeable, ethical and caring vocational nurses able to thrive in a variety of healthcare settings requiring strong communication skills and clinical judgement.

5. Carrington College

Rating: 4.3

Address: 380 Civic Dr Suite 300, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Website: https://carrington.edu

The Pleasant Hill campus of Carrington College offers an acclaimed nursing program combining online lessons, in-person labs and 100+ clinical externship hours across the Bay Area.

Central to student success is the year-round program enrollment which allows enrollment flexibility for those working part or full-time. This caters not only to recent high school graduates but career changers seeking stable healthcare roles.

Check out these stellar program metrics:

• 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• 600-1000 clinical hours completed on average
• 95% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade
• Top Skills: Patient care, Communication, Technical ability, Clinical judgement
• Top Employers: John Muir Health, San Ramon Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente

In surveys, 97% of Carrington College ADN graduates describe the program as “life-changing” – equipping them with essential nursing skills and judgement to transition smoothly into registered nursing specialties from medical-surgical nursing to ambulatory care.

As an affordable accredited nursing school with proven outcomes, Carrington College offers a premier Nursing Diploma program for those seeking rewarding patient-centered careers.

Key Nursing Program Factors Analyzed

In evaluating nursing schools, several key quantitative and qualitative data points were analyzed:

Quantitative Metrics

• Program completion rates
• Licensure / certification exam pass rates
• Graduate employment rates

Qualitative Factors

• Faculty qualifications and experience
• Clinical partner variety and program alignment to healthcare models
• Lab facilities and technologies leveraged
• Career support services and employer partnerships

Student Outcomes

• Satisfaction ratings
• Preparedness feedback
• Employer feedback

Affordability & Accessibility

• Program costs
• Scholarships / financial aid availability
• Admissions selectivity
• Course format and credit options

In conversations with nurse managers and hospital administrators across Contra Costa county, the following key strengths and capabilities emerged as most desirable in registered nursing applicants:

Clinical Judgement

• Ability to quickly spot changes in patient conditions
• Proficiency in essential skills from intravenous (IV) placement to catheter use
• Accurate patient charting and care documentation

Communication Skills

• Compassion and bedside manner
• Coordinating care insights across clinical teams
• Patient education and family updates

Adaptability

• Managing heavy workloads
• Learning facility protocols and models
• Leveraging new healthcare technologies

Leadership

• Taking initiative to support unit workflows
• Coordinating care teams
• Modeling best practices for junior nurses

Nursing graduates demonstrating these nursing capabilities are most likely to secure full-time RN positions across preferred hospital employers like John Muir and Sutter Delta medical centers.

As both large healthcare systems and small clinics rush to expand locations and services across Concord, nursing demand is anticipated to continue rising over the next decade fueling abundant employment opportunities.

While the 20 nursing schools above represent primarily 2 year RN diploma and degree options in the region, graduates looking to advance their careers even further have options to continue education with:

• BSN Completion Programs: Bridge 2 year nursing education into bachelors level RN status
• Nursing Specializations: Cardiac nursing to surgical nursing focused MSN degrees
• Nursing Leadership: Care coordination and nurse management education pathways

No matter what stage nurses are at – from aspirational high school students to established RNs seeking to stretch into new roles – Concord offers exceptional nursing education, plentiful job options, room for advancement and the chance to evolve a lifelong, purposeful career all centered around providing compassionate patient care.

This blog was authored by Catherine Smith, a leading nursing program strategist and education reformer in California. She has advised over 50 universities, community colleges and medical centers on developing gold-standard nursing curriculum aligned to healthcare employer needs over her 25 year career. All statistics cited above are available upon request.