Best Accelerated BSN Programs in California: Online & Campus
Switch to a nursing career quickly with an accelerated BSN program (ABSN) in California. Learn how ABSN programs work, discover top schools, explore online and on-campus options, and more in this guide.
Interested in switching to a nursing career but not sure where to start? Accelerated BSN programs in California, often called ABSN programs, can fast-track your path to licensure, especially if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. With general education requirements complete, you can focus on building the nursing knowledge base needed in a fraction of the time it normally takes to earn a nursing degree.
This guide looks at how accelerated BSN nursing programs in California work, including admissions requirements and program content. It answers frequently asked questions, discusses costs and financial aid, and highlights several quality online and campus programs. You’ll find out how to get started in an accelerated BSN program in California designed for students who already have a bachelor’s in another field.
Best Accelerated BSN Programs in California
Three top-ranked BSN accelerated programs in California are profiled below to help jumpstart your search. We’ve vetted them using key criteria like affordability, curriculum, and student support to show you who stands out. Each school listed holds the accreditation and state-approval you need to obtain California licensure for working as a nurse.
Curriculum Components for Accelerated BSN Program in California
Most accelerated BSN programs follow a similar structure and use common curriculum elements. In general, expect to complete components like those detailed below. Each component builds the knowledge base and key skills needed to transition into nursing from another field.
1. Nursing Classes
Programs typically begin with a sequence of core nursing classes. A program with online or hybrid capabilities might offer these virtually. These courses establish knowledge foundations and introduce the nursing profession to those coming from other disciplines. They include instruction in evidence-based practice, mental health, patient recording-keeping, and health informatics.
2. Clinical Training
Upon coursework completion, you’ll move into the hands-on component of your program. For most accelerated BSN programs in California, this means in-person clinical training in supervised settings like hospitals, health clinics, community treatment centers. This component integrates theory and practice through the application of the skills and knowledge gained during coursework.
3. General Education Coursework
Accelerated BSN nursing programs in California also require general education classes in core areas like English writing and composition, critical thinking, communication, and mathematics. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can waive general education coursework requirements and focus immediately on nursing fundamentals.
FAQs About Accelerated BSN Programs in California
How long is an accelerated BSN program in California?
One of the great aspects of accelerated BSN programs in California is their fast-track to completion. Most bachelor’s degrees take around 4 years to complete, but California’s accelerated BSN programsoffer a path to completion in half that time. Individual timetables vary by school, but most students are eligible for licensure in 2 years. California State University, San Marcos, for example, graduates new nursing professionals in 24 months, while Concordia University-Irvine offers an even faster course of study lasting only about 15 months.
How many of my current bachelor’s degree credits can be transferred to my California accelerated BSN program?
Most accelerated BSN programs cater to students with significant college experience, including those with bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing field and those looking to change careers. As a result, most BSN nursing programs in California expect incoming students to possess a substantial amount of transfer credit if not an entire undergraduate degree that satisfies core prerequisites. Azusa Pacific University’s program, for example, requires 120-125 credits for graduation and accepts up to 74 transfer credits, preferably general education courses earned at a regionally accredited institution.
How much do ABSN programs in California cost?
Cost is a big factor in any higher education endeavor, especially for students earning a second degree and making a major career change, and understanding the expenses upfront helps you make a smarter decision. Fortunately, most accelerated BSN programs in California are relatively affordable, especially when considering the pay increase possible as a licensed nursing professional (more on that in a later section). You can use the list below to gain a general picture of the costs involved in pursuing an accelerated BSN.
California State Los Angeles
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Total Credits: 53
$595/credit
National University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Second Bachelor’s Degree (California)
Total Credits: 59
$370/credit
Concordia University Irvine
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Total Credits: 59
$895/credit
What are the admission requirements for accelerated BSN programs in California?
Most schools have admission requirements similar to those at Tseng College and Concordia University Irvine, which include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official academic transcripts indicating a competitive GPA
- A professional resume
- A written statement of purpose expressing program interest
- Evidence of course prerequisites (normally in science and human anatomy)
Specific admission details, including deadlines, vary by school. Contact program administrators for the most up-to-date information on what you need to supply with your application.
How do I know if an accelerated California BSN program is high quality?
A state-approved and accredited program indicates a program is of high quality. State approval through the California State Board of Nursing, which establishes nursing standards, means you can proceed to licensing upon graduation without any additional steps. Proper accreditation, overseen by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, indicates a program is high-quality. Earning a BSN from a program with accreditation adds industry-wide value and recognition to your degree.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my accelerated BSN program in California?
Some accelerated BSN programs in California offer financial aid for new and returning students in the form of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans. State entities like the California Board of Nursing and the Department of Health Care Access and Information provide financial aid opportunities and resources for BSN students as well. Also check with potential employers or other nursing stakeholders for any incentive programs. See our financial aid and nursing scholarship guides to start your search for available financial aid opportunities.
Inside Look at Online ABSN Programs in California
Hybrid and online BSN programs in California work much like other healthcare programs, but they have online opportunities usually offered within the early stages of study before clinicals begin. These online courses allow you to complete coursework entirely online through synchronous and asynchronous learning tools. Some programs require in-person attendance for lab components, while others use innovative simulations accessible in virtual learning environments. Even taking just some classes online makes it much easier to integrate your studies with other commitments.
These programs are not 100% online. After you finish coursework, you still must complete in-person clinical training to prepare for real-world work conditions. This gives vital hands-on experience before proceeding to licensure, examination, and employment. Navigate to our main online accelerated BSN program page for more information on how these online BSN programs work.
Examples of Quality Online Accelerated BSN Programs in California
What’s Next After Your Accelerated BSN Program in California
After graduation, you’re ready to take the NCLEX exam and pursue licensure as a nurse in California. The California Board of Register Nursing sets the requirements and eligibility criteria for this process. Before applying for your initial license, you must register for and pass the NCLEX exam, an industry-wide assessment administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing that every new nursing professional must pass. Once you have your results, you can submit a licensure application that includes the following materials:
- Official academic transcripts
- Fingerprint authorization (including applicable fees)
- A passport-size photo
- A request for accommodations form (if applicable)
- Any additional information required by the nursing board
The nursing board normally processes applications within a few weeks, but official licensure can take 1-2 months.
Career & Salary Outlook for BSN Nurses in California
As part of an accelerated BSN program, you’ll have your eye on your future (and quickly approaching!) opportunities — and, in California, those opportunities are plentiful, with the registered nurse job growth rate in the state coming in at double the nationwide rate, at 12.9% and 5.6%, respectively. You’ll also likely receive a salary higher than what you could find in other, nearby states, like Arizona, thanks to California’s median RN annual salary coming in at $133,990 (those in the 10th percentile make $83,510 or below and those in the 90th percentile make $194,240 or more). Of course, where in the state you work will influence your salary to some degree. The highest median salaries are found in Yuba City (where the median salary exceeds $239,900), while the lowest median salaries are found in El Centro, at just under $111,000. See data for other locations across California in the tables below.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $83,510 | $133,990 | $194,240 |
| Bakersfield, CA | $81,510 | $125,350 | $168,100 |
| Chico, CA | $101,440 | $136,250 | $162,940 |
| El Centro, CA | $87,000 | $110,980 | $145,060 |
| Fresno, CA | $97,010 | $131,390 | $181,210 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $43,050 | $129,000 | $170,140 |
| Merced, CA | $87,920 | $120,930 | $146,600 |
| Modesto, CA | $100,240 | $131,060 | $201,750 |
| Napa, CA | $110,770 | $170,200 | $206,510 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $84,520 | $123,570 | $169,310 |
| Redding, CA | $96,970 | $131,160 | $160,180 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $90,840 | $127,070 | $173,430 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | $101,670 | $157,810 | $207,920 |
| Salinas, CA | $102,320 | $135,130 | $161,060 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $98,350 | $132,750 | $168,810 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $119,010 | $181,240 | $221,840 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $119,220 | $179,210 | $211,380 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $98,000 | $133,700 | $184,310 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $97,390 | $133,700 | $182,540 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $100,710 | $128,300 | $157,120 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $101,600 | $147,010 | $210,580 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $99,150 | $136,090 | $191,850 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $107,840 | $187,080 | $225,970 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | $89,400 | $124,390 | $162,450 |
| Yuba City, CA | $239,000+ | $239,000+ | $239,000+ |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
