Top Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California

Acute 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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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:

The top diagnoses treated by CPNPs are:

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:

The top clinical settings for CPNPs are:

California has one of the highest salaries for ACNPs.The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average annual wage of $161,540.