Deciding to become a nurse practitioner (NP) in California comes with a litany of benefits, with the main advantage being the average salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs in California earn $151,830 annually, which is the highest among all other states.
NP employment in the state is also projected to grow by 55.5% between 2020-2030, making California an attractive state for starting your career as an NP.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best ADN-to-MSN (RN to NP) bridge programs, 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 NP Programs
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in a Nurse Practitioner Program in California
To choose the right California NP program, there are a variety of important factors to explore. While programs may have various similarities, elements such as admission requirements, specializations, accreditation, and program lengths can help you determine the program that works best for you. Review each program individually to determine if it is the right fit.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary from one institution to the next. Reviewing these prerequisites can tell you whether or not you meet the school’s expectations. You can avoid wasting time applying to programs whose admission standards differ from your background and experience.
Specializations
California NP programs require students to pick a specialization. However, not every school offers the same options. If you know the specialization you want to pursue, make sure the schools that interest you offer it.
For those who are unsure what to focus on, many programs offer the ability for students to explore their options.
Program Curriculum
Researching a program's curriculum will help you determine if the covered material connects to your academic goals. While courses may be similar among schools, some may offer different academic experiences, such as electives, that are of interest to you.
Clinical Experience
Although all NP programs require students to complete a clinical rotation, specific requirements may vary from one institution to the next.
Pay attention to when and how long the experience lasts to make sure it works with your schedule. You may also need to find your own site, as some NP programs may not set it up for you.
Accreditation
Accreditation signifies that the program provides a high-quality educational experience and properly trains its students. Accredited programs also offer benefits that non-accredited programs cannot provide, opening graduates to more employment opportunities and higher earning potential.
Program Length
Most NP programs in California take a similar amount of time to complete. However, that may fluctuate depending on your scheduling needs.
Schools may offer enrollment options for full-time students, part-time students, and those who need to hold a job during their studies.
School Graduation Rate
Colleges and universities often base their graduation rates on four-year, undergraduate programs, indicating they can successfully prepare their students within the typical four-year time period. These numbers still provide insight into the success of the institution, which often carries over into its graduate programs.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online learning often offers courses synchronously (in real-time), asynchronously (on your own time), or as a combination of the two. Schools may also require students to attend certain on-campus activities.
The more you understand a program's format, the easier it will be to decide which makes the most sense for your schedule and learning style.
Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?
Selecting an institution that offers an accredited program provides the following benefits:
- Accreditation highlights the program's high standards. Organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredit only programs that provide students with the highest quality preparation.
- Students in unaccredited programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
- Accredited programs do not always accept transfer credits from unaccredited ones.
- Doctoral programs often accept only applicants who hold a degree from an accredited institution.
- Employers prefer to hire graduates with a degree from an accredited program.
Learn More About the Best Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools in California
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California of 2023
Samuel Merritt University
- Oakland, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Samuel Merritt University started as a nursing program within a hospital. It is now an independent university with multiple campuses in California. The school emphasizes serving underserved populations. The program provides a list of potential local clinical placements, but students are responsible for finding their own.
The school offers a $10,000 scholarship to all new full-time students in its MSN - FNP program.
The online program is restricted to students in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.
- Program(s): MSN - FNP
- Campus: Oakland, CA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,560/credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN, current and unencumbered RN license, college-level statistics course, demonstrated interest in working with underserved populations, two references. Conversational fluency in another language is an asset
- Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-2): 85.45% (BSN), 80.58% (MSN)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $139,136
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California of 2023
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
The Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science offers an FNP course as either an MSN program or a post-master's certificate program. This private research university is dedicated to reducing health disparities.
The program has a unique structure among the top California NP programs. Each month, theoretical content is taught over one long weekend (Saturday through Tuesday), while the rest of the courses are available in-person or online. The first semester starts with 10 credits, while the remaining semesters have heavier course loads.
- Program(s): MSN - FNP or post-master's NP certification
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $601/credit and $5,000/semester
- Admission Requirements: BSN, 3.0 GPA, one undergraduate course in statistics with at least a C, at least one year of experience as an RN, three recommendations, proof of computer literacy, resume/CV, and personal statement
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-2): 80.33%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $112,296
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 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California of 2023
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Southern California's MSN - FNP program is available as a full-time or a part-time program. It explores the determinants of health care, including biomedical, cultural, and economic influences.
The program requires 784 clinical hours and four intensives. Like the other top NP programs in California, there are required on-campus intensives. Classes are held weekly in real time (synchronously). School staff help facilitate clinical placements in students' local communities. The program has 729 already-affiliated sites in 14 states.
Some students, including those with transcripts more than five years old, may be required to complete a 2-unit bridge in anatomy and physiology.
- Program(s): MSN - FNP
- Campus: Los Angeles, CA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $42,740/year
- Admission Requirements: BSN or MSN, 3.0 GPA, statistics course with at least a C, current and unencumbered nursing license, at least one year of experience as an RN, must reside within the United States when applying and while attending.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 21 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $163,225
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California Work
When compared to in-person programs, online NP programs in California are either entirely online or require minimal campus visits. On-campus requirements may include meeting with instructors, attending lectures, or completing labs.
Online programs offer courses that are synchronous, asynchronous, or both. Synchronous courses happen in real time, with students and instructors meeting at a set time.
Students enrolled in asynchronous courses complete the work on their own time through the use of podcasts, videos, web quests, and other online tools.
Although you may spend little to no time on campus, students still need to complete their clinical rotations in person. Some programs may help you set this experience up, while others expect students to find a placement on their own.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
Before applying to an NP program in California, your first step is to make sure you meet the institution’s acceptance requirements. While specific prerequisites can vary between programs, many accept applicants who meet the following general requirements:
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Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold an unrestricted and unencumbered California registered nurse (RN) license, an associate or bachelorâs degree in nursing from an accredited program, and at least one year of clinical experience.
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Paying for a Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
Factors that influence the cost of a California NP program include the length of the program, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition differences, online vs. in-person courses, part-time vs. full-time status, and whether you can work while studying. Luckily, there are financial aid opportunities for students that can limit their out-of-pocket expenses.
Students needing help in paying for their nursing degree can apply for scholarships, grants, and/or loans to reduce the cost of tuition. Scholarships and grants provide funds based on merit, need, or academic performance, while loans are borrowed money that must be paid back upon completion of the program.
What Can You Do as a Nurse Practitioner in California?
Starting in 2023, qualified NPs in California will be able to practice independently without the supervision of a physician. Independent practice allows them to prescribe medication, interpret the results of diagnostic tests, and develop and carry out treatment plans for their patients.
NPs also have a variety of specializations available to them as they pursue their nursing career in the state. Specialty areas include adult-gerontology, acute or primary care, emergency, family, neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, and women's health.
California NPs can also expect to earn an annual average of $153,830, which is significantly above the national average of $123,780. While the average NP salary in California is the highest in the country, NPs also need to consider the state's high cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions About NP Programs
Can you become a nurse practitioner online?
It is possible to complete many of the requirements to become an NP online. Some NP programs require a certain number of on-campus visits, and all NP candidates are required to complete their clinical rotations in person.
What is the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner?
You can become an NP in as little as six years. The process includes completing a two-year ADN program, 1-2 years of clinical experience, and finishing a 2-3 year MSN bridge program. This route requires nurses to enroll as full-time students.
Can nurse practitioners work independently in California?
Starting in 2030, NPs will be able to practice independently without the supervision of a physician after three years of a transition oversight period or 4600 clinical hours. Once they have completed this requirement, NPs will be allowed to prescribe medication and controlled substances, diagnose and treat, and interpret diagnostic tests.
How much do NPs get paid in California?
NPs in California earn $151,830, which is the highest salary for the position compared to all other states. The top three metropolitan areas in the state that offer the highest salary include San Jose/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara ($197,879), Napa ($184,700), and Vallejo-Fairfield ($180,380).
Page last reviewed October 24, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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