Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California: Top Schools
There’s a critical shortage of nurse practitioners (NPs) in California. If you’re a registered nurse in the state, now may be the time to make the move to NP. This guide breaks down some of the top online NP programs in California today. We also discuss admission requirements, course content, delivery formats, specialty options, and more.
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Types of Online NP Programs in California
Making the move to advanced nursing practice requires completing an advanced education program, which may take the form of a master’s degree, doctoral degree, or post-master’s certificate. California RNs have access to a number of online program options for each of these credentials.
When it comes to online NP programs, it’s critical to have a solid grasp of exactly how online content is delivered, since every program does it differently. Therefore, during your program search, be sure to consider the following:
- Mixture of online and in-person components: Online NP programs often present all of their didactic course requirements online. However, virtually all programs additionally include clinical practice experiences that must be attended in person, typically at medical facilities in the student’s or school’s local area.
- Synchronous vs. asynchronous: Online content may be delivered synchronously (requiring logging on and participating in live-streamed class sessions at specific times) or asynchronously (allowing students to access and complete coursework at any time fitting their own schedules.)
For more on how online NP programs work, here are descriptions of the three program types mentioned above, along with an example of a current program in California for each.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the most common route to becoming a nurse practitioner. Specialization is the key feature of online MSN programs in California, with popular NP specialties including, among others:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online MSN programs most commonly require applicants to hold a BSN degree and current RN licensure. There are, however, some programs with options for RNs with only a nursing associate degree or even a nursing diploma.
Online NP program lengths vary by the specific specialization and student’s chosen study pace, but most students will complete their studies in two to four years.
California State University Dominguez Hills – MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
- Duration: Three to four years
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: $4,032/semester
Post-Master’s Certificate
Post-master’s NP certificates provide advanced practice nurses a quick and affordable way to gain knowledge and skills in a new specialty or transition from a non-clinical role into a direct-care role without having to complete an entire degree program.
Online post-master’s NP certificate programs are offered in most, if not all, of the same specialties as MSN programs. And, like online MSN programs, online post-master’s certificate programs include in-person clinical practice experiences along with online didactic coursework.
Typical completion times for post-master’s NP certificate programs are 12 to 18 months full-time and 18 to 30 months part-time.
Touro University California – Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Duration: 12 to 18 months
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: $1,090/credit
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) has become a popular and growing alternative to the MSN for RNs seeking to become nurse practitioners at the highest practice level. DNP curriculums include NP specialty training similar to MSN programs, but additionally include coursework in evidence-based, practice, leadership, healthcare-related systems and policy, and more.
Online DNP programs, like MSN and post-master’s certificate programs, combine online didactic coursework with in-person clinicals. Both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP options are often available.
Typical program lengths are three to four years full-time and four to six years part-time.
California State University Long Beach – BSN to DNP
- Duration: Three years
- Mode: Hybrid
- Cost: $19,048/year (California residents); $32,368/year (out-of-state residents). Est. tuition and fees.
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FAQs About Online NP Programs in California
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in California?
The total time it takes to become an NP in California depends primarily on the educational path you take and the study pace you choose. Examples of typical time estimates include:
- Master of Science in Nursing: 2 to 4 years
- Post-master’s NP certificate: 1 to 2 1/2 years
- BSN to DNP: 3 to 6 years
- MSN to DNP: 1 1/2 to 4 years
You’ll need to add approximately three to six months for obtaining both national certification in your nursing specialty and California NP certification to the above time estimates to calculate your total time to becoming a working NP in the state.
What is the easiest NP program to get into?
First of all, there are no easy NP programs. They all require meeting substantial admissions requirements, including active RN licensure.
Notwithstanding this, if you identify as “easiest” a program with the highest acceptance rate, then you’ll likely be looking at a program in one of these three specialties:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Keep in mind, however, that this is a general observation based on the fact that admission into programs in these specialties tends to be less competitive due to:
- More programs in the specialty
- Higher demand for graduates
- Fewer prerequisites needed for admission
What is the difference between an NP and an APRN?
The terms Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse are often used interchangeably. But they’re not the same.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is an umbrella term used to identify any advanced practice nurse educated in an area of practice focused on a particular patient population. Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a type of APRN focused on direct patient care in one of a number of recognized specialties.
Another way of looking at it is that APRN often refers to the licensing/legal title used by state boards of nursing (including California’s), while NP typically refers to a specific nurse role and certification.
What is the quickest way to become a nurse practitioner?
The quickest way to become a nurse practitioner is through an accelerated NP program.
Accelerated NP programs substantially shorten completion times for earning a degree or certificate leading to NP certification. This is accomplished through the use of any of a number of program components, such as:
- Full-time study
- Heavier course loads
- Compressed semesters
- Year-round classes
- Shorter breaks between terms
Actual program lengths vary by credential type and specific program, but typical completion times are:
- Accelerated RN to NP (for non-BSN registered nurses): 2 1/2 to 4 years.
- Accelerated BSN to MSN-NP: 18 to 24 months.
- Accelerated BSN to DNP: 3 years.
- Post-Master’s NP certificates: 12 to 18 months.
Can I open my own practice as a nurse practitioner in California?
Yes, but only after meeting a number of strict requirements and obtaining the 104 Nurse Practitioner designation. There are two basic steps in the process:
- 103 NP (initial independent practice): A 103 Nurse Practitioner is authorized to practice without direct physician supervision or standardized procedures, but must work in a facility in which at least one physician is practicing. 103 NPs must be nationally certified and licensed as an NP in California, and must complete a transition to practice of 4,600 hours (approx. 3 years) of clinical practice experience and mentorship.
- 104 NP (full practice authority): A 104 NP is authorized to practice independently in any setting (including their own practice) without physician supervision, but may only practice within their professional training and specialty area. 104 NP certification requires working in good standing as a 103 NP for three years.
Licensing and Certification for California Nurse Practitioners
Working as a nurse practitioner in California requires first obtaining NP certification from the California Board of Registered Nursing. To be eligible for certification you must:
- Hold a current, active California RN license.
- Graduate from a state-approved and accredited advanced nursing practice education program, like the ones discussed in this guide.
- Hold national certification as an NP in one or more recognized specialties from any of a number of certifying bodies accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) or National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Once you’ve met the above requirements, you may apply online for state NP certification, which includes submitting:
- Complete application form
- Official graduate transcripts
- National certification verification
- Additional documentation (for non-California education programs)
Approval for certification typically takes 10 to 12 weeks.
Both California RN licensure and NP certification must be renewed every two years. Renewal requirements include paying the renewal fee and completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education.
Career Outlook for California Nurse Practitioners
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| California | 21,500 | 34,100 | 12,600 | 58.60% | 2,500 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| California | $124,330 | $166,610 | $234,800 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $129,890 | $165,460 | $209,170 |
| Chico, CA | $127,900 | $159,400 | $196,250 |
| El Centro, CA | $95,980 | $166,090 | $205,460 |
| Fresno, CA | $126,050 | $161,550 | $204,230 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $106,540 | $158,400 | $178,450 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $126,710 | $164,510 | $212,380 |
| Merced, CA | $92,010 | $153,100 | $176,310 |
| Modesto, CA | $105,890 | $164,790 | $209,930 |
| Napa, CA | $166,400 | $216,380 | $217,440 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $80,590 | $155,440 | $200,430 |
| Redding, CA | $127,190 | $154,370 | $180,130 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $99,990 | $162,470 | $207,990 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $100,660 | $164,520 | $231,900 |
| Salinas, CA | $127,020 | $168,270 | $216,840 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $104,150 | $162,030 | $229,850 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $140,910 | $220,330 | $239,200+ |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,020 | $225,730 | $239,200+ |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $127,970 | $156,840 | $204,050 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $121,990 | $159,090 | $204,280 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $129,030 | $171,150 | $203,790 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $104,400 | $164,630 | $228,850 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $124,450 | $161,010 | $213,870 |
| Vallejo, CA | $129,210 | $169,990 | $239,200+ |
| Visalia, CA | $100,640 | $156,740 | $202,140 |
| Yuba City, CA | $110,620 | $158,280 | $219,910 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
Finding the right online NP program in California isn’t easy, especially with so many options to choose from. To help you in your search, we’ve surveyed the current online NP program landscape in the state and ranked what we believe to be the best.
Our rankings make use of data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and takes into account several program factors, including:
- Accreditation
- Availability and number of online program options
- Access to financial aid
- Student to faculty ratio
- Access to quality student support services
For more on our rankings methodology, click the “About the Ranking” button below.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected San Francisco State University
- The SFSU RN-to-MSN Nurse Practitioner program offers small class sizes and personalized faculty advising, ensuring strong mentoring and peer support for balancing work, study, and life.
- Students pursuing the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration become eligible for California NP certification and national board certification, enabling independent practice and collaboration in diverse healthcare settings.
- The program is designed with flexible scheduling, including evening classes and clinical practicum during business hours, helping working nurses advance their careers without sacrificing job commitments.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 84% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of California-Irvine
- The UCI Nurse Practitioner program offers a compact and comprehensive three-year doctoral path with hybrid online and focused on-campus cohort sessions, allowing flexible yet immersive learning.
- Students benefit from clinical practice opportunities under expert NP faculty and access to UCI Health, the only faculty practice in the UC system, providing challenging, real-world experiences.
- The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration with UCI’s Schools of Medicine and Public Health, fostering leadership and holistic care skills for underserved and vulnerable populations.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 84% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-San Marcos
- California State University San Marcos' Nurse Practitioner program offers a part-time hybrid learning format, allowing working nurses flexibility to advance their careers while managing professional responsibilities.
- The program provides two specialized tracks—Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner—enabling students to tailor their advanced practice education to specific clinical interests.
- Students benefit from extensive clinical field experiences and preparation for national certification exams, including a minimum of 500 advanced field study hours in diverse healthcare settings.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 87% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of California-Davis
- The Nurse Practitioner program offers a hybrid format with primarily asynchronous courses and four mandatory on-campus immersions, allowing flexibility for working professionals while maintaining vital personal connections.
- The program arranges clinical rotations close to students' current California residences to support community-based practice and long-term service in students’ own communities.
- Faculty at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing bring multidisciplinary expertise and strong clinical and research leadership, enhancing student preparation for advanced nursing roles and leadership in health care.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 87% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected National University
- The Nurse Practitioner program offers accelerated completion options through post-master’s certificates that enable faster eligibility for national certification exams in specialized tracks like FNP, AGACNP, and PMHNP.
- Students benefit from extensive clinical placement support, including a required 660 clinical hours across specialty tracks, ensuring hands-on experience integral for advanced practice readiness.
- The program’s faculty expertise is complemented by Norwich University’s strong military and innovative online education focus, providing a unique leadership development environment for nurse practitioners.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 75% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of San Francisco
- The USF Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a hybrid model with year-round courses and flexible Teaching Weekends, enhancing accessibility and work-life balance for students.
- Students can pursue a dual degree option combining the DNP with a Master of Public Health (MPH), enabling them to earn two advanced degrees in five years for broader public health impact.
- The program emphasizes social justice and inter-professional leadership, preparing graduates to be agents of change in health care and advocates for diverse populations.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 75% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 92% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Southern California
- The Nurse Practitioner program offers personalized clinical placement support with a dedicated team securing diverse outpatient settings close to students’ communities.
- Students benefit from flexible pacing, choosing between a full-time five-semester track or a part-time eight-semester track to complete the program within 21 to 33 months.
- The curriculum integrates advanced biomedical and social factors with interprofessional collaboration training alongside physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and case managers for comprehensive care delivery.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 92% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Graduate Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for graduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of graduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-3 and #4-5 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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