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Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California

Nalea Ko, MFANurseJournal Rankings Team
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Updated November 30, 2023
Looking for a higher salary and more professional autonomy as an RN? An MSN can get you there. Learn about the best RN-to-MSN programs in California.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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As a registered nurse (RN), you have the firsthand knowledge and experience that can translate into college credit. The best California RN-to-MSN (master of science in nursing) programs let RNs use their clinical nursing experience to earn a graduate degree faster than normal. Instead of the standard two years to earn an MSN, it takes RNs 18-24 months to complete coursework.

This guide explores how the best California RN-to-MSN programs can help you leverage a higher-paying career and teach you specialized advanced nursing skills.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs in California, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Featured Online MSN in Nursing Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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How Do California RN-to-MSN Programs Work?

MSN programs in California can advance the careers of the roughly 324,400 RNs working in the state. The program builds upon the nursing knowledge acquired while working in healthcare settings and through your education — whether you received an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

You can enroll in an online program or complete an in-person RN-to-MSN degree. This decision affects the program’s structure since online degrees offer live and/or recorded learning content suited for the busy lives of RNs. The online synchronous and asynchronous structure makes it easy to attend classes from anywhere in California.

As a fundamental component of every program, clinical rotations require you to do nursing rotations in person. Programs often take two years or slightly less to complete, depending on full- or part-time study. The length of each class, which can vary from 8-16 weeks, also influences when you graduate.

First, you complete a nursing core in subjects, such as advanced health assessments, healthcare policy and economics, and research methodology. Then you may focus your studies on an advanced specialty, like nursing leadership and administration or nursing informatics.

Applying to a California RN-to-MSN Program

Expect to find similar admission requirements across all California RN-to-MSN programs. For instance, incoming students usually need an RN license and a nursing degree. You may also need a minimum GPA and supplemental materials with your online application to get admitted into the top MSN programs in California.

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    Admission Materials

    Nursing programs want applications from candidates who have completed undergraduate statistics and hold either an ADN, a BSN, or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the completed application may include a resume, letters of reference, a statement of purpose, and transcripts.
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    GPA Requirement

    You often need a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for admittance into a California RN-to-MSN program.
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    Other Requirement

    Because California RN-to-MSN programs admit RNs, that means you also need direct clinical nursing experience.

Why Is California RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?

What is accreditation? Accreditation means an outside agency has reviewed the program and verified that it meets quality standards. For nursing programs, accreditation ensures that graduates can deliver quality and safe nursing care.

For this reason, you may not be able to get hired or qualify for certification exams if you do not graduate from an accredited MSN program in California. Without accreditation, you also may not be able to transfer college credits to another program.

Every MSN program in California featured in this guide is accredited from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Learn More About the Best California RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California

San Diego State University

  • Location-markerSan Diego, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate37%
  • Students Enrolled36,334
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California

California State University-Fullerton

  • Location-markerFullerton, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled42,051
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California

San Jose State University

  • Location-markerSan Jose, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled36,208
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California

California State University-San Bernardino

  • Location-markerSan Bernardino, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled19,689
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California

California State University-Fresno

  • Location-markerFresno, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate90%
  • Students Enrolled25,497
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes

Frequently Asked Questions About California RN-to-MSN Programs

Do RNs with an MSN make more money in California?

Yes. Careers that require a master’s degree, such as a nurse practitioner (NP), make more than RNs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in California made a median annual wage of $125,340 in 2021. Californian NPs earn a median annual salary of $149,910.

How long does it take to go from RN to MSN in California?

MSN programs in California take about two years to complete. Some take as long as 36 months, and others as few as 21 months. How much time you have to devote to your degree changes can affect that timeframe. For example, if you take courses on a part-time basis, this requires more time for program completion.

Can I skip my BSN and get my MSN?

Yes. California RN-to-MSN programs may admit nurses who hold an ADN. During the bridge program, you will take courses to complete your undergraduate education before completing advanced nursing theory courses and clinical rotations.

Is a California RN-to-MSN degree worth it?

California RN-to-MSN programs are worth it if you put in the effort. Graduates can pursue higher-paying roles as advanced practice registered nurses and gain specialized expertise in nurse anesthesia, midwifery, family nursing, and psychiatric mental health, among other specialties.


Explore Other RN-to-MSN Programs