5 Tips to Find the Best Nursing School Near You (and Why Westcliff’s College of Nursing in Corona is Your Perfect Fit)
If you’re dreaming of a rewarding career in nursing, choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. You need a program that gives you real-world training, expert mentorship, and a supportive environment where you can thrive.
Westcliff University’s new College of Nursing in Corona, California, was designed for future healthcare leaders like you. Whether you’re just starting your college journey or making a career switch, these five essential tips will help you find the best nursing school.
1. Look for Extensive Hands-On Experience
Nursing isn’t just about studying—it’s about applying knowledge in real-life situations. That’s why a great nursing school immerses you in hands-on training, ensuring you graduate with confidence, not just credentials.
For example, at Westcliff’s College of Nursing in Corona, you’ll gain real-world experience through:
- ✅ High-tech simulation labs that mimic real patient scenarios
- ✅ Interactive case studies and technology-driven learning
- ✅ Clinical placements with local hospitals and healthcare providers
And, with the ATI Engage suite included in your tuition, you’ll get to swap outdated textbooks for interactive, real-world learning that trains you to think, act, and lead as a nurse. By the time you step into your first clinical role, you’ll already have experience tackling real-world challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
“Nursing is fundamentally about applying knowledge in real-world settings. Our students graduate with a clear understanding of what’s ahead—because we’ve prepared them for it,” says Erica Martinez, DNP, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC, Executive Director of Nursing at Westcliff.
2. Choose a Program That Matches Your Path
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or already have a degree but want to shift into nursing, finding the right program for your background is key.
Westcliff’s College of Nursing offers two career-driven programs:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A three-year, year-round program perfect for first-time students.
Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM): Designed for career-changers who already hold a degree in another field but want to transition into nursing.
No matter where you’re starting, Westcliff provides a direct, streamlined path to becoming a licensed, practice-ready nurse.
3. Learn from Nurses Who Have Been in Your Shoes
Your professors should be more than just educators—they should be experienced nurses who know exactly what it’s like to be in your position.
At Westcliff, you’ll learn from professionals who have spent years on the frontlines of healthcare.
Take Associate Dean of Nursing Academics Joy Kiat-Floro, who has more than 30 years of international nursing experience, including launching the first women’s and children’s hospital in Qatar. Her mentorship helps students develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
Add to that Dr. Martinez’s unique perspective as both an educator and a practicing rapid response nurse, and you get a leadership team that truly understands what it takes to succeed in the field. They’ve been in your shoes, faced the challenges, and built careers rooted in skill and compassion—now, they’re here to help you do the same.
“The best nurses never stop learning,” says Joy. “At Westcliff, we’re not just teaching students—we’re shaping the future of healthcare.”
4. Find a Campus That Feels Like Home
Let’s be real—you’ll spend a lot of time on campus, so it should be a place where you feel comfortable, supported, and inspired.
Westcliff’s College of Nursing in Corona, Calif. is:
Centrally located right off the 15 freeway, minutes from shopping, restaurants, and parks in the Dos Lagos area.
Equipped with high-tech simulation labs, beautiful study lounges, and bright science classrooms that prepare you for real-world nursing.
Deeply connected to the community, with clinical partnerships at local hospitals and clinics so you can train close to home.
Westcliff is committed to your success inside and outside the classroom, offering resources like tutoring, academic advising, career coaching, and mental health support.
5. Choose a School with a Strong Reputation
You want a nursing school that has credibility and a history of helping students succeed.
Westcliff University has been a recognized leader in career-focused education for more than 30 years. Its expansion into nursing was designed to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Southern California.
- ✅ Accredited through the prestigious WSCUC
- ✅ State-of-the-art simulation and training technology to prepare you for the NCLEX exam
- ✅ A mission to develop confident, compassionate, and highly skilled nurses
“We want hospitals and clinics to know that when they hire a Westcliff nurse, they’re getting someone who is ready to lead with skill and compassion,” says Joy Kiat-Floro.
Start Your Nursing Career in Corona, California
Finding the best nursing school isn’t just about location—it’s about choosing a program that prepares you for success in every way.
With a student-first approach, hands-on learning, and an expert faculty invested in your future, Westcliff University’s College of Nursing in Corona is ready to help you take the first step.
Want to learn more? Visit Westcliff’s College of Nursing website and start your journey today!