Brian PhilipsChoosing the right nursing program is one of the most important decisions for aspiring healthcare professionals. The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is widely recognized for its excellence in science, medicine, and healthcare innovation. Its Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing stands among the best in the country, offering rigorous programs that prepare students to become compassionate, highly skilled nurses and leaders in healthcare.
If you’re planning to apply to UC Davis Nursing now, this article covers everything you need to know — from the UC Davis nursing acceptance rate to detailed entry requirements, application tips, and more.
UC Davis Nursing Acceptance Rate
UC Davis is one of the most competitive universities in the University of California system. For Fall 2024, the university received nearly 99,000 applications and admitted around 41,000 students, which gives an overall acceptance rate of about 41.8%. However, when it comes to nursing, the competition is much tougher.
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing does not offer a traditional undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Instead, UC Davis focuses on graduate-level and entry-level nursing programs such as the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and PhD in Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership.
While UC Davis doesn’t publicly disclose its exact nursing program acceptance rate, sources and past student reports suggest that the acceptance rate for the MEPN program hovers around 30–37%, depending on the applicant pool. This means fewer than 4 in 10 applicants are admitted each year, underscoring the program’s selectivity.
Why UC Davis Nursing Is So Competitive
- Limited Class Size: The MEPN program admits only a small number of students each year to maintain high educational quality.
- Rigorous Standards: Applicants must meet strict GPA and prerequisite standards.
- Strong Clinical Partnerships: UC Davis has affiliations with top California hospitals, making seats even more competitive.
- Reputation for Leadership: The program emphasizes leadership, community service, and evidence-based practice, attracting highly motivated students from across the U.S.
In summary, while the general UC Davis acceptance rate is around 42%, the nursing acceptance rate is likely below 35%, depending on the year. Applicants should prepare for an extremely competitive admissions process.
UC Davis Nursing Requirements
Before applying, it’s essential to understand which UC Davis nursing program you’re targeting. The most common entry point for aspiring registered nurses is the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN). This program allows students with a bachelor’s degree in another field to become licensed nurses through an accelerated graduate-level curriculum.
Below are the detailed UC Davis Nursing requirements.
1. Academic Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate major can be in any discipline — from biology or psychology to business or education — as long as all prerequisite science courses are completed.
Minimum GPA:
- Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
- Prerequisite science GPA also must be at least 3.0.
Competitive applicants usually present GPAs above 3.5, especially in science and health-related courses.
2. Prerequisite Courses
All prerequisites must be completed before the application deadline. UC Davis does not accept “in-progress” prerequisites.
Typical prerequisite courses include:
- Human Anatomy with Lab
- Human Physiology with Lab
- General Chemistry with Lab
- Microbiology with Lab
- Statistics or Biostatistics
- Developmental Psychology (Human Growth and Development)
- Sociology or Cultural Anthropology
- Written and Oral Communication Courses
Each of these courses should be completed with a grade of C or better, though higher grades significantly strengthen your chances. UC Davis also recommends that anatomy and physiology courses be taken within the last five years to ensure your knowledge is current.
3. Clinical or Health-Care Experience
Applicants must document at least 1,000 hours of direct or indirect health-care experience. This can include volunteering, internships, paid employment, or shadowing in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or public health organizations.
Experience in patient care, community outreach, or health education is highly valued. UC Davis uses this requirement to ensure students have genuine exposure to the realities of health care and patient interaction.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required and must be submitted through NursingCAS, the centralized application portal. These letters should come from:
- College professors or academic advisors,
- Healthcare professionals (such as supervisors, nurses, or physicians), or
- Employers who can attest to your professional character, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Strong letters that highlight your compassion, dedication, and potential as a nurse can greatly enhance your application.
5. Personal Statement and Essays
UC Davis Nursing requires a statement of purpose and additional short essays that describe:
- Your motivation for becoming a nurse,
- Experiences that shaped your interest in healthcare, and
- How you align with UC Davis’s mission of promoting leadership, diversity, and equity in nursing.
Admissions officers look for authenticity, emotional intelligence, and clarity of purpose in your writing.
6. Interview Stage
Selected candidates are invited to an interview after the initial review. The interview assesses:
- Communication and interpersonal skills,
- Ethical reasoning,
- Emotional maturity, and
- Passion for patient care.
Being prepared to discuss your experiences and values clearly will make you stand out.
7. English Proficiency (For International Students)
International applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to prove language proficiency. UC Davis sets a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or an IELTS score of 7.0 overall.
8. No GRE Requirement
UC Davis does not require GRE scores for the MEPN or most graduate nursing programs. This makes the application process more accessible, focusing on academic and experiential merit instead.
UC Davis Nursing Curriculum Overview
The Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) is a full-time, six-quarter (two-year) program designed to fast-track students toward becoming registered nurses (RNs).
Program highlights include:
- 91 total units combining classroom learning, simulation, and clinical rotations.
- Core topics such as nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, and leadership.
- Clinical placements in hospitals and community health centers across Northern California.
- Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and earn California Public Health Nurse certification.
Other UC Davis Nursing Programs and Their Requirements
1. Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA)
This program is ideal for RNs seeking advanced anesthesia training. Requirements include:
- A BSN or MSN from an accredited program.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in science coursework.
- At least one year of full-time critical care RN experience (about 2,080 hours).
- Three recommendation letters and an interview.
Graduates become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) — highly sought-after professionals in surgical and emergency settings.
2. Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
This program prepares nurses to provide primary care across the lifespan. Applicants must:
- Hold an active RN license,
- Have a BSN or MSN degree,
- Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA,
- Submit transcripts, recommendations, and personal essays.
The program emphasizes preventive care, chronic disease management, and family health promotion.
3. PhD in Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership
UC Davis’s PhD program develops researchers and leaders who influence policy and practice. Admission requires:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree,
- Minimum 3.0 GPA,
- Research interests aligned with the school’s focus areas, and
- Strong academic and professional recommendations.
The program takes approximately four years and culminates in a dissertation that advances the field of nursing science.
Factors That Influence Your Chances of Admission
Even if you meet all minimum requirements, UC Davis Nursing remains highly selective. Here are key factors that can improve your chances:
- High Science GPA: Excelling in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry signals academic strength.
- Relevant Experience: The quality of your 1,000+ hours of health care work matters as much as the quantity.
- Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well and can discuss your nursing potential.
- Compelling Personal Statement: Tell your story authentically. Highlight leadership, compassion, and resilience.
- Interview Readiness: Practice common nursing interview questions and stay calm under pressure.
- Alignment with UC Davis Mission: The school values diversity, leadership, and community service. Show how you embody these ideals.
UC Davis NCLEX Pass Rate and Career Outlook
According to the California Board of Registered Nursing, UC Davis graduates consistently achieve NCLEX pass rates of 83–93%, depending on the cohort. This indicates that UC Davis prepares its students exceptionally well for professional licensure.
Graduates of UC Davis Nursing programs are in high demand across California and beyond. Many go on to work in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and leadership positions. The school’s reputation and strong clinical partnerships give its alumni a competitive advantage in the job market.
How to Apply for UC Davis Nursing
Step-by-Step Process
- Research Programs: Visit health.ucdavis.edu/nursing to identify your desired program.
- Complete Prerequisites: Finish all required science and general education courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Gather Experience: Accumulate 1,000+ hours of relevant health-care exposure.
- Prepare Application Materials: Personal statement, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
- Submit via NursingCAS: UC Davis uses this centralized system for application processing.
- Interview: If shortlisted, prepare for a professional and values-based interview.
- Finalize Admission: Accepted students complete background checks, immunizations, and financial aid steps before enrollment.
Application deadlines: Typically fall between September and January, depending on the program cycle. Always verify exact dates on the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does UC Davis offer an undergraduate BSN program?
No, UC Davis currently does not offer a traditional BSN program. The MEPN is the entry-level pathway for non-nursing graduates.
2. Is the GRE required for nursing programs?
No. The GRE is not required for most UC Davis nursing programs, including MEPN, DNP, and PhD.
3. Can I apply while finishing my bachelor’s degree?
Yes. You can apply if your degree will be completed before the start of the program.
4. What are the tuition fees?
UC Davis nursing tuition for the MEPN program typically ranges between $50,000–$55,000 per year, depending on residency status and additional costs.
5. What if my GPA is below 3.0?
You can strengthen your application by retaking prerequisite courses, gaining more clinical experience, or applying in a future cycle after improving your grades.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Admission
- Start early. Plan your prerequisites and clinical experience at least one year in advance.
- Maintain strong academics. Aim for a 3.5+ GPA, especially in science courses.
- Network with professionals. Attend nursing information sessions or shadow nurses in your community.
- Craft a powerful essay. Highlight your motivation, leadership, and personal growth.
- Stay organized. Double-check application deadlines and requirements before submission.
Conclusion
The UC Davis Nursing Program remains one of California’s most respected and competitive pathways into the nursing profession. With an estimated acceptance rate below 35%, strict academic standards, and a focus on leadership and community service, it attracts some of the brightest future nurses in the country.
If you’re passionate about healthcare, patient advocacy, and innovation, UC Davis offers the perfect environment to launch or advance your nursing career. By preparing early, maintaining strong academics, and demonstrating genuine dedication to nursing, you can maximize your chances of joining this prestigious program.