The Top MSN Nursing Programs in San Diego

Earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) can lead to an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career. Enrolling in an MSN program in San Diego comes with the added advantage of living and working in California’s second-largest city, located along the Pacific coast. Warm weather, miles of sandy beaches, and a laid-back attitude offer MSN candidates plenty of opportunities to relax and destress between classes.

An MSN allows nurses to take on more responsibility, work as nurse practitioners, and command higher earnings. Before applying to an MSN program in San Diego, check out our top-ranked degrees using metrics that we believe matter most to MSN candidates.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best MSN programs in San Diego, 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.

Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the best San Diego MSN programs.

MSN programs in San Diego meet accreditation requirements. Of the various nursing master’s degrees available, the one you choose should be based on how you intend to use your education. For example, you may focus on becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), researcher, or educator.

The coursework in a San Diego MSN program varies based on your specialty. Programs prepare the candidate for an advanced clinical, administrative, teaching, or leadership role in nursing. General skills include critical thinking and decision-making, skills necessary for any advanced practice role.

Fundamental coursework can include pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, statistics, pathophysiology, and physical assessment. Candidates may also take research courses to learn how to analyze medical research and design a research project.

Several MSN programs in San Diego offer students the opportunity for flexible scheduling. This allows candidates to work while in school but may slow the pace of the coursework and completion time.

The application process to the top MSN programs in San Diego may vary by school. Pay close attention to admission stipulations and complete each requirement. The following are often required for admission to San Diego MSN programs.

Graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). However, midwifery programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).

Accreditation assures the student of the program quality and supports the reputation of the educational institution with state nursing boards, employers, and professional organizations. Government grants and loans can only be used at accredited MSN programs.

To become board certified as a nurse practitioner, the candidate must have graduated from an accredited institution. Most employers are seeking APRNs from accredited programs, and these candidates have greater employment and advancement opportunities.

Your specific career goals and financial situation determine the answer to this question. The strong job market in San Diego is expected to grow in the coming years. However, the cost of education in California is also substantial, and the program typically takes two years to complete.

Advanced practice roles require an MSN and additional training. An MSN program in San Diego prepares you to become a nurse practitioner, administrator, researcher, health policy analyst, educator, and clinical nurse specialist, depending on the educational track you follow.

Your salary depends on your advanced practice role. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for a nurse practitioner in the San Diego-Carlsbad area is $13,240 and $96,650 annually for nurse midwives. However, you must also factor in the cost of living in the area, which is 47% higher than the national average.

San Diego offers mild weather, year-round sunny skies, and miles of coastline. Nurses can access employment options from among top healthcare facilities, including UC San Diego, Scripps La Jolla Hospitals, Sharp Memorial, and Kaiser Permanente. These benefits come with a higher cost of living, but an increased potential salary can help make up the difference.