Top BSN Nursing Programs in California

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California needs nurses, and a BSN degree can be your path toward a meaningful, in-demand career. Whether you’re new to the field or already working as an LVN or RN, a BSN degree often leads to higher pay and leadership roles.

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California is home to more than 10 percent of the registered nurses working in the United States. As the demand for competent and compassionate nursing professionals exceeds the supply, there couldn’t be a better time to enter California’s nursing field. While an associate degree in nursing gets you in the door, a bachelor’s degree in nursing boosts your career options when competing for higher-paying jobs and new responsibilities.

This guide highlights several paths toward earning your BSN degree. From traditional in-person BSN degrees to online bridge programs for current RNs with an associate degree or LVNs, the best programs provide the theoretical learning and hands-on training you need to qualify for top nursing positions. In addition to spotlighting today’s top online and campus programs across the state, the guide also looks at California’s nursing job market, supplies you with some helpful financial aid resources, and answers key questions you likely have. Keep reading for a closer look at BSN programs in California, see what they can do for your career, and find the one that’s best for you.

Ranking of the Top CA Online BSN Programs

Online BSN programs in California offer the flexibility needed to earn a BSN degree while keeping up with your personal and professional responsibilities. A popular academic option for adult students, online programs mirror their in-person counterparts in course content but allow you to complete much of the coursework at your own pace. Additionally, you still are required to complete hands-on clinical work, giving you the practical experience needed when entering the field.

Like in-person options, online BSN programs in California strive to develop competent, ethical, and socially responsible nurses. While California schools don’t often offer traditional BSN tracks in a distance-learning format, it’s common for schools to offer LVN to BSN and RN to BSN bridge programs online in California. Many programs provide the bulk of the required general education and core nursing classes online. Whether your degree is online, hybrid, or in-person, students complete clinical practicum work in person. Take a look at the list below to see which schools made our list of the top online and hybrid programs this year.

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Public

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Public

3

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Public

4

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Public

5

California Baptist University

Riverside, California

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Private

6

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, California

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Private

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Key Benefits of Earning a BSN Degree in California

BSN programs in California prepare you for a career that’s informed by competent and professional nursing care. Whether you’re interested in a traditional BSN track or an online BSN bridge program, the best programs help satisfy licensure requirements and supply essential hands-on clinical learning experiences. We’ve highlighted three key benefits of earning a BSN degree in California.

Benefit #1

Increased job options and earning potential

While you can certainly earn your RN license and enter the nursing field with just an associate degree in nursing (ADN), BSN programs in California have the potential to lead to expanded job opportunities and increased salaries. A BSN degree challenges you with rigorous coursework and additional clinical experience that an ADN won’t provide.

Benefit #2

It’s meaningful work

Nurses in California rake in the country’s highest average salaries, but it’s a safe guess that they’re not in it for the money. While a nursing career does provide a relatively good wage, it’s dedication to helping others that drives nursing professionals. If you’re interested in a career centered around providing compassionate care to the sick and injured, a BSN nursing program in California could be a great academic option.

Benefit #3

Prepares you for graduate-level nursing programs

Without a BSN degree, your future academic aspirations will be stunted. A BSN program in California not only augments your career opportunities but also allows you to keep the door open for future master’s or doctoral work. A BSN is an excellent choice for nursing students interested in future leadership positions.

Program Checklist: Qualities to Look for in a BSN Program in California

From online to in-person, the best BSN programs in California boast three essential characteristics: they’re state-approved and nationally accredited, they prepare you for your licensure exam, and they provide you with meaningful clinical opportunities. Read on to see why these attributes are essential when finding the BSN program in California that suits your needs.

State Approved and Nationally Accredited

When considering a BSN program in California, it’s critical that the program is nationally accredited and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. With this oversight you can be confident that you’re paying for a quality nursing education. Additionally, it means that your instructors, the courses, and the learning objectives meet the rigorous standards of nursing professionals. The best programs are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Prepare you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam

For students without RN licensure, one of the most practical benefits of a great nursing program is effective preparation for your licensure exam. The best programs offer far more than test prep; however you won’t be able to put your hard-earned skills to use without a license.

Emphasize Hands-on Clinical Experiences

Whether you’re an online or on-campus student, hands-on clinical learning is essential when preparing students for a career in nursing. The best programs have robust working relationships with medical institutions. In addition to being a necessary part of a nursing degree, clinical experiences can also lead to job opportunities.

Types of BSN Programs in California

Traditional BSN

Traditional BSN programs typically cater to students with no prior nursing experience. These programs usually take four to five years to complete and provide students with the theoretical and clinical skills needed to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. In addition to nursing coursework, students also complete general education courses that satisfy the requirements for an undergraduate degree.

Examples of California Nursing Schools with This Program

UCLA School of Nursing

California State University—Long Beach

Accelerated BSN

Designed for students who have earned an undergraduate degree in a different field, accelerated BSN programs focus solely on the theoretical and clinical nursing education needed to earn licensure. Because these students have met undergraduate general education requirements, they often complete accelerated nursing tracks in as few as two years.

Learn more about accelerated BSN programs in California

Examples of California Nursing Schools with This Program

California State University—Fullerton

California State University—Los Angeles

RN to BSN

RN to BSN programs are designed as an academic track for individuals who graduated from an accredited ADN and hold—or are eligible to hold—a current California RN license. Students take additional theoretical nursing coursework followed by clinical experiences such as critical care, pediatric care, and special populations. Students typically complete these programs in 18 months.

Examples of California Nursing Schools with This Program

California State University—Long Beach

San Diego State University

LVN to BSN

This academic track is designed for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) interested in advancing their career by earning a bachelor’s degree and RN licensure. Typically about two years to complete, LVN to BSN programs allow students to meet remaining undergraduate general education requirements while tackling additional nursing training such as professional nursing, mental health nursing, and advanced clinical practicums.

Learn more about LVN to BSN bridge programs in California

Examples of California Nursing Schools with This Program

California State University—Stanislaus

Azusa Pacific University

Online BSN Programs in California

Online BSN programs in California offer a flexible and affordable academic option for students interested in entering the nursing field. Just like in-person nursing programs, online options provide you with the coursework and clinical experience needed as you prepare to enter the field. This academic option is beneficial for adult students juggling personal and professional obligations. Keep reading to learn more about online BSN programs in California.

Learn more about online BSN programs in California

Direct-Entry BSN Programs in California

Direct-entry BSN programs in California offer ambitious high school seniors with a passion for nursing an excellent opportunity to dive straight into their chosen career path. These competitive programs enable incoming college freshmen to start their nursing education right from get-go.

Examples of California Nursing Schools with This Program

California State University, Fullerton

University of San Francisco

FAQs About BSN Programs in California

How long does it take to earn a BSN in California?

The cost of your California-based BSN program varies from school to school. Public schools and private institutions often have dramatically different tuition rates. Plus, in-state tuition is typically less expensive than out-of-state rates. While your BSN degree is a significant investment, scholarships, grants, and work-study options are available to help offset the cost. We’ve highlighted tuition data for three popular California BSN programs—review the schools to see how much your program might cost.

How much do BSN programs in California cost?

The cost of your California-based BSN program varies from school to school. Public schools and private institutions often have dramatically different tuition rates. Plus, in-state tuition is typically less expensive than out-of-state rates. While your BSN degree is a significant investment, scholarships, grants, and work-study options are available to help offset the cost. We’ve highlighted tuition data for three popular California BSN programs—review the schools to see how much your program might cost.

UCLA

BS degree in Nursing

Total Credits: 180

Total cost: $5,556/ year)

California State University—Los Angeles

Nursing, BS

Total Credits: 120

$18,468/year

Azusa Pacific University

Traditional BSN

Total Credits: 120

$51,090/year

What are the admission requirements for accelerated BSN programs in California?

General admissions requirements for BSN programs in California rely heavily on your academic performance during high school. More competitive programs like UCLA require that math and science courses like algebra, biology, and chemistry are completed with a grade of B or better. Additionally, BSN bridge programs require that applicants hold an LVN or ADN degree. Here are some standard admissions requirements for California BSN programs:

  • High school transcripts
  • Minimum GPA
  • Personal essay
  • Resume detailing extracurricular activities and work experience
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Background check
  • Drug screen

Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my BSN program in California?

As long as you’re willing to do the legwork, there are many financial aid options for BSN students in California. Federal and private loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs can all help offset the cost of your undergraduate degree. College Board, SallieMae, and Finaid all offer helpful scholarship information.

Additionally, professional organizations like the California Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association-California often provide financial assistance to students in need. The California Board of Registered Nursing is also an excellent resource for scholarship information.

Make sure to check out our nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide when you’re considering your financial aid options.

Job Outlook & Salary Details for BSN Nurses in California

Now that you've learned about nursing education, you're probably wondering if there’s a good return on investment. The good news is, RNs in California make a healthy living. In fact, across the state, registered nurses earn an average salary of $133,990, with earnings ranging from $83,510 to $194,240. However, the exact amount depends on where you work. In Napa, you can earn between $110,770 and $206,510, with an average salary of $170,200. Conversely, professionals in Merced make an average salary of $120,930. Those in the 10th percentile of earners make $87,920 per year, while those in the 90th percentile earn $146,600. There will be significant job growth across the country. In the United States, over the next 10 years, there will be 193,100 new jobs added annually, representing a 5.60% increase. In California, there will be a 12.90% increase, which equates to 23,420 new jobs annually. For more information, review the data below.

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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.

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.

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James Mielke, BA AUTHOR

James Mielke is a freelance writer currently based in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to higher education topics, other areas of research and writing include food history, cooking, dining, and golf. After COVID-19 hastened the end of his line-cooking-as-grad-school-for-food-writing experience, he has spent the last handful of years as a full-time freelancer. He regularly contributes to multiple higher education-centric pages, including EduMed. In addition to higher education topics, he has contributed to Eaten Magazine, Food Republic, The Midwesterner, Golfweek, and the Courier-Journal. James has a history degree from Belmont University and is an unapologetic fan of the Grateful Dead.

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