Acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) in California are among the highest-paid nurses in the country. Responsible for caring for patients with urgent and often complex healthcare needs, ACNPs play an essential role within the healthcare delivery system.
The first step in becoming an ACNP is choosing a degree program that aligns with your goals. To help you make the right choice, the following guide highlights the best California acute care NP programs. It also provides valuable details to help you decide and successfully apply.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best acute care nurse practitioner 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.
At a Glance: The Top 4 Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
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 acknowledge student priorities and how well they prepare nurses for practice. 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 and whether you need to fill any gaps in your experience or education before applying.
Specializations
ACNPs typically specialize in either adult-gerontology or pediatric practice. Look for a program that offers your preferred specialization. Some programs also offer additional specialization options if you wish to work with a different patient population.
Program Curriculum
It's crucial to select a program that offers a curriculum that aligns with your goals. Make sure the curriculum aligns with your work and family needs. You should also be comfortable with the course delivery format.
Clinical Experience
Clinical rotations are integral to any nursing program and required for both in-person and online degree programs. Every program handles clinical placements differently, though. Find out whether you can arrange a clinical placement close to home and whether the program provides placement assistance.
Some clinical preceptors may charge an honorarium, which can add to the cost of school.
Accreditation is critical, as completing an accredited nursing program is a requirement for licensure in California. Accreditation also indicates that the program curriculum meets the standards of nursing education and will adequately prepare you for practice.
Program Length
Most master of science in nursing (MSN) programs require at least two years of full-time study. However, when you're trying to balance work, family, and school responsibilities and are on a budget, longer programs that require more credits may be more challenging to manage.
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 in terms of course delivery and format supports your success. Find out the format of the online nursing program and whether it offers nursing courses asynchronously or on a schedule. Consider the specific technology requirements too.
Featured Online NP Programs
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.
Not only does choosing an accredited program ensure a quality education, it:
- Allows you to apply for a nurse practitioner license in California
- Ensures you qualify for employment as a nurse practitioner in California healthcare facilities
- Ensures you can apply for a doctoral nursing program should you pursue a terminal degree in nursing
- Ensures your eligibility for federal financial aid to cover school costs
Learn More About the Best Acute Care NP Programs and Schools in California
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 Top Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California of 2023
University of California-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Top Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California of 2023
California State University-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- 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
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Top Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California of 2023
University of California-San Francisco
- San Francisco, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Top Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California of 2023
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
How Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in California Work
Online nursing programs differ from in-person ones; acute care nurse practitioner programs offer students flexibility and the ability to further their careers on their schedules, for instance. If you are working full time, the ability to complete coursework when it's convenient might allow you to maintain a better work-life balance.
Some online programs require students to attend scheduled lectures and discussions, but overall, expect asynchronous courses with work you complete independently.
All nursing education programs include an in-person clinical component for online nursing students to provide hands-on training. Online students typically complete their clinicals at a facility near their home or current workplace. Nursing programs usually assist with finding suitable placements.
Applying to an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program in California
Every California acute care nursing program has its own admission requirements, such as test scores, experience, 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, prerequisite courses (typically statistics, research methods, physical assessments, and anatomy)
-
Admission Materials: Application, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, personal statement, letters of recommendation, writing sample, resume or curriculum vitae
-
GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher
Paying for an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program in California
A graduate degree is a significant investment of time and money but one that pays off with an increase in career opportunities and earning potential. However, you still need to consider how you will pay for your nursing education. Several factors can influence your ability to pay out of pocket, including tuition costs (which may be different for in-state vs. out-of-state students), whether you can continue working while going to school, and your financial situation.
Nurses can take advantage of various financial aid options for nurses to earn their MSN and become an ACNP. 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, loan forgiveness programs for nurses, and employer tuition assistance programs.
What Can You Do as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in California?
Acute care nurse practitioners in California provide advanced clinical care to patients in critical care settings. Most ACNPs work in hospitals as part of the care team in critical care, emergency, or trauma units. However, they can also work in other acute care settings, like urgent care or surgical care.
California ACNPs are well paid. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a mean annual wage of $151,830, which is higher than the national median wage of $120, 680 for nurse practitioners.
ACNPs specialize in either pediatrics or adult-gerontological care; some programs offer additional specializations. Their general responsibility is to care for patients with critical or acute illnesses, which includes making diagnoses, ordering tests, and prescribing medication.
However, they can also perform specialized, advanced life-saving procedures like intubations, central venous line insertions, and lumbar punctures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acute Care NPs
Can you become an acute care nurse practitioner online?
All online nursing programs include both classroom and clinical requirements. Some programs also have an on-campus residency component. So while you can complete most of the coursework remotely, you cannot become an acute care nurse practitioner entirely online.
What is the fastest way to become an acute care nurse practitioner?
An MSN is the minimum degree for an acute care nurse practitioner. If you do not have a bachelor's in nursing, the fastest route is to enroll in an RN-to-MSN program after 1-2 years of working in the field.
In either case, plan on 6-8 years of education and training to become a nurse practitioner.
Where do acute care nurse practitioners work?
Because they provide advanced care for the sickest patients, acute care nurse practitioners typically work in hospitals. More specifically, they work in intensive or critical care units, emergency rooms, or operating rooms. Some ACNPs work in physicians' offices, trauma centers, and outpatient clinics.
How much do acute care NPs get paid in California?
NPs in California are the highest paid in the U.S., according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The annual mean wage for NPs in the Golden State is $151,830.
Page last reviewed November 21, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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