Online LVN to BSN Programs in California: Top Schools
If you’re a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) could be your ticket to career advancement and higher pay. This guide walks you through some of today’s top online LVN to BSN programs in California, with information on admissions requirements, costs, completion times, salaries, career opportunities, and more.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareHealthcare Admin.Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv NursingWhy Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.
Inside LVN to BSN Programs in California
Online LVN to BSN programs in California offer tremendous benefits to working nurses in terms of time and cost savings. But “online” can mean different things to different programs. When vetting programs with online components, keep the following in mind:
- Approval and accreditation. Look for program approval by the California Board of Registered Nursing and programmatic accreditation by either the ACEN or CCNE.
- Delivery format. Online LVN to BSN courses of study combine online didactic coursework with campus-based skills labs and in-person clinicals. Online content delivery may be synchronous or asynchronous.
- Program length. Completion times can vary substantially from program to program.
- NCLEX-PN pass rates. A high pass percentage is a good indicator of a program’s quality.
- Student support services. Look for programs that feature a range of useful student services such as academic and career counseling, financial aid support, and clinical placement assistance.
To give you an idea of what to expect to find during your program search, here are spotlights of three exemplary online LVN to BSN programs currenty offered by California universities.
Azusa Pacific University
Students in Azusa Pacific University’s LVN to BSN program complete 72 credits of pre-licensure and bachelor’s level nursing coursework that, after transferring in 48 prerequisite credits, allows students to qualify for the NCLEX-RN and earn their bachelor’s in just two years of full-time study.
Students gain hands-on experience in clinical settings plus build experience with state-of-the-art technology, including simulators and virtual patients in skills labs attended on APU’s Monrovia, Inland Empire, or High Desert campus.
Program starts are available in the fall, spring, and summer.
Duration: Two years (three semesters)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $60,120 (est. total base cost)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current LVN license
- Official transcripts sent to APU’s Student Services Center (SSC) for all college credit, degrees, certificates, AP scores, or credentials earned prior to application to APU
- Minimum of 48 college or university semester units of transferable nursing prerequisite course requirements prior to the semester in which the student is requesting admission
- Two professional recommendations (from school or work)
- One-page statement of professional goals in nursing
- Résumé reflecting volunteer and paid work experience within the past three years
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Professional Nursing and Practicum
- Fundamentals in Nursing Practice
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Care of Adults and the Aging and Practicum
- Health Assessment
- Nutrition
- Professional Concepts in Nursing
- Statistics and Data Management for Nursing and Health Care
- Writing within the Discipline: Theoretical Frameworks in Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing and Practicum
- Nursing Management and Restorative Care of Adults and Practicum
- Pathophysiology
- Population and Community Health Nursing and Population and Practicum
- Nursing Care in Maternal, Newborn, and Women’s Health and Practicum
- Leadership and Management in Professional Practice
- Nursing Care of Children and Young Adults and Practicum
- Advanced Nursing Care of Adults and Practicum
- Nursing Research
- Applied Pharmacology
- Writing within the Discipline: Ethics and Issues in Health Care
Loma Linda University
The LVN to BS in Nursing program at Loma Linda University is offered primarily on the school’s Loma Linda campus. However, many non-nursing prerequisite and some program courses may be completed entirely online or include some online components.
The program places particular emphasis on student and patient wholeness, as well as faith-based education. As with all accredited LVN to BSN programs in California, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN leading to RN licensure.
Loma Linda’s LVN to BS in Nursing program is approved by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing and programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Duration: Approx. 30 months (not including prerequisites)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $114,600 (est. total tuition and fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum college cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 3.0
- All prerequisites with a “C” or better
- Application with personal statement
- Official transcripts from all college credits
- Pre-entrance exams (TEAS & Critical Thinking)
- Three letters of recommendation (2 from instructors)
Curriculum:
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Principles of Professionalism, Clinical Reasoning & Self-Care
- Nursing Informatics and EBP
- Religion
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Wellness & Health Promotion
- Biostatistics
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Adult Health Nursing
- Obstetrical & Neonatal Nursing
- Child Health Nursing
- Epidemiology for Nursing
- Health Trans & Post-Acute Care
- Critical Care Nursing
- Public Health Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Capstone Nursing Practicum
- Capstone Nursing Leadership
West Coast University
West Coast University (WCU) in Anaheim offers an LVN/LPN to BSN program with three flexible pacing options to accommodate students’ various needs:
- Accelerated Pace: Students can complete the program in 34 months across seven semesters.
- Evening and Weekend Pace: This option spans 39 months over eight semesters.
- Working Professional Pace: For LVNs in California who want to become RNs while they continue to work. This track spans 49 months across 10 semesters.
Students gain hands-on experience in simulation labs and practice both routine and emergency care with feedback from instructors. WCU officials help students secure clinical placements through the school’s network of partner hospitals and healthcare providers.
Additional support includes NCLEX-RN preparation, boot camps, tutoring, professional development, and job search assistance to ensure a smooth transition into a nursing career.
Duration: 34 (seven semesters)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $137,000 (est. total program cost including tuition, fees, books, and materials)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed enrollment agreement
- Current unobstructed LVN license
- HESI composite score of 76 or higher
- Admissions interview
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Professional Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Physical Assessment
- Medical Surgical Nursing-Promoting Wellness
- RN Skills Laboratory
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Mentally Ill and Practicum
- Nutrition in Health and Disease
- Expanding Family and Community and Practicum
- Developing Family and Community and Practicum
- Public Health Nursing and Practicum
- Research in Nursing
- Principles of Leadership and Management
- Disaster Management
- Issues and Trends in Nursing
- Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum
- Integration of Nursing Concepts
- Nursing Capstone
- Integration of Nursing Practices
FAQs for Online LVN to BSN Students in California
As you explore online LVN to BSN programs in California, you’ll likely have questions of your own about just how these programs work. To help in that regard, here are answers to five frequently-asked questions from prospective California LVN to BSN students like you.
What should I look for in an LVN to BSN program in California?
When researching LVN to BSN programs in California, start by ensuring the program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Proper programmatic accreditation is an absolute requirement for both RN licensure and most forms of student financial aid eligibility.
Other elements to consider in your program choice include:
- NCLEX-RN pass rate: A high pass rate indicates effective education and training.
- Online content delivery format: Gain a clear understanding of exactly what program content can be accessed online and how that content is delivered.
- Program length and cost.
- Access to valuable student support services.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LVN to BSN program in California?
For most students, yes. Practically all online LVN to BSN programs in California provide and accept financial aid in a wide range of forms, including:
- Scholarships and grants
- Student loans
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Work-study
- Tuition discounts
- Tuition deferment and installment plans
- VA benefits
Students can apply for federal financial aid, including grants and loans, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Additionally, there are lots of sources to explore for nursing scholarships and grants, including those offered by degree programs themselves. Another source is the California Department of Healthcare Access and Information.
Regardless of what you’re looking for in terms of funding help, a great place to start your search is with the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering for your LVN to BSN education.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LVN to BSN program in California?
Enrolling in an LVN to BSN program in California will enhance your nursing knowledge and skill set to prepare you for advanced responsibilities as a registered nurse. And, of course, to take the NCLEX-RN leading to state RN licensure.
Specific areas of knowledge and skills gained include:
- Leadership and management
- Evidence-based practice
- Advanced clinical assessment
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Communication and collaboration
- Advanced pharmacology
- Cultural diversity
All LVN to BSN programs include didactic coursework, skills labs and clinical placements, ensuring that students graduate with both the theoretical knowledge and real-world nursing experience needed to excel professionally across the full spectrum practice settings.
What is the difference between the terms LPN and LVN in California?
The titles Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) refer to the same nursing role. In other words, the LPN and LVN titles are interchangeable in terms of their job descriptions (scope of practice,duties, responsibilities, educational requirements to take the NCLEX-PN, etc.).
The difference between the two has entirely to do with geography. The LVN title is used in California and Texas, while the LPN title is used in all other U.S. states and jurisdictions.
What can I do after completing an LVN to BSN program?
Your first step after completing your LVN to BSN program is to apply for your initial state registered nurse license. In California, this is carried out online with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
Along with the online application, you’ll:
- Pay the license application fee
- Provide your fingerprints for a criminal background check
- Have your school submit the official transcripts for your LVN to BSN program
Once you’ve applied for your license and received your Authorization to Test from the BRN, you’ll next register for, schedule, and take the NCLEX-RN with PearsonVUE, the exam’s vendor.
After taking and passing the exam, you’ll be notified by the BRN who will issue your RN license. Now, all that’s left is to land your first job as a working California registered nurse.
Also, keep in mind that your BSN degree can serve as stepping stone to continuing your nurse education on the graduate level by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or even a nursing doctorate.
Salary and Career Comparison: LVNs vs. RNs
BSN-educated registered nurses typically earn higher salaries and have broader career opportunities than their ADN-only counterparts. That’s because their advanced educations prepare them for more complex (and higher-demand) nursing and leadership roles.
According to long-term (2022-2032) projections reported on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Projection Central website, the number of LVN jobs in California is projected to increase by 17.8%, while the number of RN jobs in the state is projected to grow by 12.9%. These figures are substantially higher than the projected 5.3% for LPNs/LVNs and 5.6% for RNs in the nation overall for the same period.
You can find both LVN and RN salaries in California below.
| California | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses |
| 10th Percentile | $61,500 |
| Median | $75,610 |
| 90th Percentile | $96,790 |
| California | |
| Occupation | Registered Nurses |
| 10th Percentile | $83,510 |
| Median | $133,990 |
| 90th Percentile | $194,240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Registered Nurses |
| Curr. Jobs | 3,172,500 |
| Proj. Jobs | 3,349,900 |
| New Jobs | 177,400 |
| Growth % | 5.60% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 193,100 |
| United States | |
| Occupation | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses |
| Curr. Jobs | 655,000 |
| Proj. Jobs | 689,900 |
| New Jobs | 34,900 |
| Growth % | 5.30% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 54,400 |
| California | |
| Occupation | Registered Nurses |
| Curr. Jobs | 333,700 |
| Proj. Jobs | 376,900 |
| New Jobs | 43,200 |
| Growth % | 12.90% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 23,420 |
| California | |
| Occupation | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses |
| Curr. Jobs | 78,100 |
| Proj. Jobs | 92,000 |
| New Jobs | 13,900 |
| Growth % | 17.80% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 7,830 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online LVN to BSN Programs in California
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,787 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Stanislaus
- California State University Stanislaus' LPN to BSN Bridge program offers a flexible online RN-BSN option with asynchronous coursework designed to accommodate working nurses' schedules, enabling seamless integration of work and study.
- The program provides an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway that allows LPNs to advance efficiently toward their BSN degree, leveraging prior nursing experience for faster completion.
- Students benefit from strong clinical partnerships offering diverse hands-on experiences in various healthcare settings, enhancing practical skills and job readiness post-graduation.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,787 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,987 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-East Bay
- Cal State East Bay’s LPN to BSN Bridge program offers competitive admission with distinct LVN-BSN pathway options at two campuses, providing flexibility for students.
- The program includes extensive clinical experiences through partnerships with local hospitals and community health agencies, ensuring strong practical training and high clinical placement rates.
- Graduates are eligible to apply for the California Public Health Nursing Certificate, enhancing their credentials and career opportunities in public health nursing.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,987 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $23,675 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Azusa Pacific University
- Azusa Pacific University's LVN to BSN program uses a cohort model that promotes peer collaboration while providing hands-on clinical experiences with advanced simulation technology.
- The program is delivered at regional locations, ensuring access to high-quality education and experienced faculty-practitioners who integrate ethics and faith into nursing practice.
- Students graduate prepared for leadership in healthcare, benefiting from evidence-based training and a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the evolving healthcare environment.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $23,675 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,344 Avg. Aid Amount
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-San Marcos
- California State University San Marcos’ LVN to BSN program offers a direct pathway for LVNs seeking their first bachelor’s degree as a transfer student, enabling a streamlined transition without requiring a prior RN license.
- The program is designed to recognize and build upon existing LVN credentials, providing an efficient completion track with faculty experienced in guiding licensed vocational nurses through the BSN curriculum.
- CSUSM’s nursing school supports strong connections to clinical placement sites, increasing students’ opportunities to gain relevant hands-on experience vital for successful licensure and job readiness upon graduation.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,344 Avg. Aid Amount
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Undergraduate Bridge Program 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*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 and #3-5 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
Keep Learning
Inside Online RN to MSN Programs in California
Online ABSN Programs in California: Finding a School
Online MHA Programs in California: Compare Top Schools
