Top Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
Credit: Courtney Hale / E+ / Getty ImagesAcute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) are essential to our healthcare system. An ACNP is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who cares for patients with serious, urgent, and complex health needs.
ACNPs who practice in California are among the country’s highest-paid nurse practitioners (NPs). Because of the breadth of care they provide — routinely treating hurt, distressed, and vulnerable people — the journey to becoming an ACNP takes time.
The first step in becoming an ACNP is choosing a degree program that aligns with your goals. ACNPs can choose from two specialty tracks: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNP) and acute care certified pediatric nurse practitioners (CPNP).
Learn about the best ACNP programs in California, including what to look for and how to apply. Discover what you can do as an ACNP in California.
Learn More About the Best Acute Care NP Programs and Schools in California
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of California - Los Angeles offers students in its California acute care nurse practitioner program the opportunity to specialize in areas, such as oncology for electives and for a portion of their clinical hours. While the degree requires that students have recently taken prerequisite coursework, these courses are available in the summer before the degree program starts for students who do not have these credits already or who did not take the courses recently enough.
Please be aware that students previously enrolled in a master of science in nursing are not eligible to apply. The program is not available as a post-master's certificate program.
Some or all of the hours from a master's program may apply toward a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program.
- Program(s): APRN - adult gerontology acute care
- Campus: Los Angeles
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $24,495 per year
- Admission Requirements: Statement of purpose; personal statement; resume or CV; three references; transcript; California RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 87.32%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $99,040 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate14%
- Students Enrolled44,589
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus
California State University - Los Angeles is one of the acute care NP programs in California that offers both a certificate for students with a master of science in nursing (MSN) and an MSN option. Post-master's student applications are compared only against other post-master's applications. The program is offered full time.
While the school's clinical placement office finds placements for students, students can locate their own. However, there must be a contract between the university and the organization.
Please note that if you do not have the required prerequisite courses, the university does not have room in its undergraduate enrollment. You must enroll at another organization.
- Program(s): APRN - adult gerontology acute care
- Campus: Los Angeles
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $6,792 per year for in-state residents; $16,296 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Degree program: 3.0 GPA, BSN or MSN; transcript(s); current and unencumbered California nursing license; coursework in inferential statistics; nursing research; health assessment (with a lab within the last five years). Certificate program: three professional references; essay; mandatory interview
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months for MSN; 12 for certificate
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $103,746 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled26,745
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-San Francisco
- San Francisco, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of California - San Francisco also offers both MSN degree and post-graduate certificate options for its California acute care nurse practitioner program.
The curriculum includes residencies in each term of the second year and group independent study. Students can choose a concentration in diabetes, genomics, health policy and public health, HIV care and prevention, leadership education in adolescent health, or rural health. Some concentrations require applications.
If you have a bachelor's degree in another discipline, you are eligible to apply, as long as you have an RN license and meet all other admission criteria.
- Program(s): Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Campus: San Francisco
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $24,495 per year
- Admission Requirements: Two years of experience as an RN in a hospital; bachelor's degree; 3.0 GPA or higher; RN license; transcripts (may submit unofficial transcript in application, but must submit official copy if admitted); undergraduate statistics course within the last five years (certificate students are exempt); goal and personal history statements; CV; at least four references
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 87.01%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $110,241 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,201
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
California Baptist University is the only private school in this list of top California acute care NP programs. Students with a master of science in nursing may apply for the certificate version of the program.
The program is designed for working nurses, with classes meeting in person one night per week, from 3:00-9:30 p.m., always on the same day of the week.
The school encourages students with a GPA below 3.0 to take additional courses, which will be included in their total GPA calculation. The GPA is calculated from the last 60 semesters or the total, whichever is higher.
- Program(s): Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Campus: Riverside
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $650 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Current and unencumbered California RN license; 3.25 or higher GPA for unconditional admittance, 3.0 for conditional admittance; three recommendations; resume; essay; background and health check; CPR certification; current California driving license and insurance; health insurance
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 83.78%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $111,769 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$33,930
- Out-of-state$33,930
- In-State$13,410
- Out-of-state$13,410
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled11,317
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Acute Care NP Program in California
We rank the best ACNP programs based on criteria that reflect the students’ priorities and how well the programs prepare nurses to work in acute care settings. The following metrics contribute to our rankings. As you evaluate different programs, consider the following points to determine which will best meet your needs and help you achieve your goals.
Admission Requirements
Reviewing admission requirements lets you know whether you qualify for the program. Before applying, know what experience and certifications you may need.
Specializations
AGACNPs and CPNPs are the two specialties available to ACNPs. AGACNPs work with adult and geriatric patients with acute or complex conditions. CPNPs work with patients with acute and chronic illnesses or injuries from birth to adulthood.
Program Length
Most APRN programs require at least two years of full-time study. However, since many nurses choose to get their degrees while working full-time, they may attend the program part-time. Depending on the schedule, completing the program could take 3-4 years.
School Graduation Rate
A higher graduation rate indicates that the school provides the resources and services to support students throughout the program. It can help you gauge your likelihood of finishing the program successfully.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Choosing a program that matches your needs can greatly impact your success. Depending on the program’s offerings, you can choose in-person, online, or a hybrid format.
If you opt for an online program, remember that not all online learning is created equal. Learn more about the online nursing program’s format, specifically whether the courses are asynchronous (recorded) or synchronous (live).
Consider specific technology requirements that you need to complete your courses. Ensure you have a solid internet connection and any required software (e.g., videoconferencing applications).
Why Is Acute Care NP Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing school accreditation means that an independent organization has evaluated the program to ensure it meets the standards for quality nursing education. Evaluators consider the program’s coursework, faculty, outcomes, and other factors to confirm that graduates are adequately prepared for nursing practice.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredit acute care NP programs. Choosing an accredited program ensures you receive a quality education and:
- Allows you to apply for a nurse practitioner license and certification in California
- Ensures you qualify for employment as an NP in California healthcare facilities
- Ensures you can apply for a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program should you pursue
- Ensures your eligibility for federal financial aid to cover school costs
How Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California Work
California’s online ACNP programs offer students a faster, more flexible schedule without compromising the quality of coursework. Students can choose their own pace and gain advanced nursing skills and responsibilities.
Online nursing programs differ from in-person ones because students can attend lectures and group meetings from anywhere.
While every student’s experience may vary, students can prepare for online school by researching the program’s start dates and curriculum so they can plan their schedules and establish a routine.
The number of clinical hours needed in an ACNP program may vary by state In California, APRNs must complete 500 clinical hours of supervised direct patient care, as established by the California Code of Regulations,
Clinical hours are mandatory and provide the hands-on experiences practitioners need to properly care for patients.
Most nursing education programs include an in-person clinical component for online nursing students. However, depending on the state, students can complete some clinical hours online through patient simulations.
California residents typically complete their clinicals at a facility near their home or current workplace. Out-of-state nurses may have to arrange clinicals in their state approved by the online program. The programs may assist with finding suitable placements.
Some online programs require students to attend in-person scheduled lectures and discussions, but overall, expect to attend courses with work you complete independently.
Applying to an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program in California
Typical admission requirements for a California ACNP include test scores, relevant experience, a minimum undergraduate GPA, and more. Once you’ve identified a program that aligns with your goals and experience, review the admission requirements and application process to ensure you meet the deadlines and submit the correct materials.
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program, current valid registered nurse (RN) license
- Admission Materials: Completed application, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, personal statement, letters of recommendation, writing sample, resume or CV
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher
Paying for an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program in California
Paying for an ACNP degree is a significant investment. Pursuing higher education is only getting more expensive, creating a national challenge in the nursing community and beyond.
Several factors can influence your ability to pay out of pocket, including tuition costs (which may differ for in-state vs. out-of-state students), application, certification, and miscellaneous fees.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement; however, they may only cover a portion of your tuition. You may also have to pay out of pocket first, and then your employer will reimburse you.
Nurses can also take advantage of various financial aid options to earn their ACNP degree. Individual programs typically offer merit and need-based scholarships and grants, and you can apply for federal financial aid programs that provide grants and loans.
Other options include private grant and scholarship programs for nurses, and loan forgiveness programs. Some nursing loan forgiveness programs fully pay your tuition, fees and other educational costs. After graduation, you must work in a critical nursing or facility shortage area for a few years.
What Can You Do as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in California?
In 2023, California NPs were granted full practice authority, which means they can practice at their full scope without a supervising or collaborating physician.
ACNPs in California can assess, diagnose and treat patients with acute and chronic illnesses. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the top diagnoses treated by AGACNPs are:
- Hypertension
- Heart Failure
- Diabetes
The top diagnoses treated by CPNPs are:
- Abdominal pain
- Migraines
- Otitis media (ear infections)
ACNPs in California provide advanced clinical care to patients in acute and critical care settings. According to the AANP, the top clinical settings for AGACNPs are:
- Hospital inpatient units
- Hospital outpatient clinics
The top clinical settings for CPNPs are:
- Outpatient clinics
- Private group practices
- Hospital inpatient units
California has one of the highest salaries for ACNPs.The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average annual wage of $161,540.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACNP Programs
Yes. You can become an acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) online. However, programs involve direct, supervised, in-person clinical hours at selected facilities.
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