Top BSN Nursing Programs in California
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.
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.
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, California
Public
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, California
Public
California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, California
Public
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, California
Public
California Baptist University
Riverside, California
Private
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, California
Private
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
| 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.
