Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California: Top Schools

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.

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

Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California