UC San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing
The UCSF School of Nursing, located at 490 Illinois Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, stands as one of the premier institutions for nursing education, research, and leadership in the United States. Part of the renowned University of California, San Francisco, the School of Nursing has consistently ranked among the top nursing graduate schools nationwide, recognized for its commitment to advancing health and health equity through rigorous education, innovative research, and dedicated community service.
Founded in 1907, the UCSF School of Nursing has a rich history of shaping the future of nursing. The school is distinguished by its focus on graduate-level education, offering Master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. These programs are designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice, leadership roles in healthcare systems, policy development, and academic careers. The school does not offer a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), but it does provide pathways for registered nurses to advance their education and career through various bridge and post-licensure programs.
A hallmark of UCSF’s nursing education is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from being part of a world-class health sciences campus, working alongside colleagues in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and public health. This collaborative environment mirrors the realities of modern healthcare and fosters a comprehensive understanding of patient care, health systems, and community needs.
The curriculum at UCSF School of Nursing is grounded in evidence-based practice and the latest scientific knowledge. Students are trained to think critically, engage in clinical inquiry, and apply research findings to improve patient outcomes. The school offers a variety of specialty tracks within its graduate programs, including Adult-Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Nurse Midwifery, and more. Each track combines rigorous coursework with extensive clinical training at leading healthcare facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for advanced clinical roles.
Research is a central pillar of the UCSF School of Nursing. Faculty and students are engaged in cutting-edge research addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, including chronic disease management, health disparities, aging, palliative care, mental health, and community health. The school’s research centers and initiatives foster innovation and translation of discoveries into practice and policy. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects and collaborate with faculty who are leaders in their fields, further enhancing their education and professional development.
The UCSF School of Nursing is also deeply committed to advancing health equity and serving diverse communities. Its values are reflected in a strong focus on social justice, advocacy, and culturally competent care. The school partners with local and global organizations to improve health outcomes for underserved populations and to reduce health disparities. Community engagement is woven into the curriculum, with students participating in outreach, health education, and service-learning experiences.
Faculty at UCSF School of Nursing are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise, scholarship, and leadership. They bring a wealth of experience from clinical practice, research, and policy, and are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of nursing leaders. The student body is diverse, and the school fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where all students are encouraged to thrive.
Graduates of the UCSF School of Nursing are highly sought after, known for their clinical excellence, leadership, and commitment to improving healthcare. Alumni go on to distinguished careers in clinical practice, academia, research, administration, and policy-making. They are at the forefront of transforming healthcare to meet the needs of a changing world.
In summary, the UCSF School of Nursing is a leader in graduate nursing education, research, and service. It offers a dynamic and supportive environment for students to develop advanced skills, engage in impactful research, and become leaders who shape the future of healthcare. Its location in San Francisco, within a globally recognized health sciences university, provides unparalleled opportunities for learning, collaboration, and making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.