Written By
Dylan Brown
- Bio
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Earning your nursing degree online from a nearby university in California can be a smart way to become a registered nurse or advance your RN career to the next level. Online nursing programs in California combine high-quality, in-person training with the affordability, convenience and safety of online coursework. RNs and other nurses continue to be in high demand across the nation and California, making this the perfect time to start your education.
Yet it can be tough to find the right nursing school, especially when you’re looking to study online. EduMed.org has released its 2023 ranking of the best online nursing schools in California, with a complete breakdown of the essential data and information you need to make a smart higher education decision. See which colleges and universities in CA have the best combinations of quality, affordability, and student services, and read which program essentials contribute to our top contenders’ success.
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National UniversityLa Jolla, CA | Private not-for-profit | $$$ | 6 | National University in California offers various ways a nursing student can earn a BSN. For example, there’s the RN to BSN completion program for students with an associate degree in nursing who are already working as a registered nurse. There is also the BSN as a second degree, for students who have no prior nurse training but do have a bachelor’s degree. Finally, there’s the traditional BSN program, where students spend about four years taking general education and nursing coursework, which will include in-person clinical training. For the BSN in nursing, National University offers four-week courses and year-round enrollment. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX exam. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementImplied no |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationWASC | |||
| 2 | California Baptist UniversityRiverside, CA | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 1 | California Baptist University’s RN to BSN program has a few differences that make it stand out. Classroom coursework is completed 100% online, and there are in-person clinical requirements that students can complete at an approved healthcare facility close to them. The program can be completed in as little as a year and has three start dates each year which correspond to the spring, summer, and fall semesters. The clinical instruction and medical training is combined with California Baptist University’s faith-based philosophies. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationWASC | |||
| 3 | California State University-Dominguez HillsCarson, CA | Public | $$ | 4 | Nursing students who need the convenience and flexibility of online learning have several tracks and programs to choose from at California State University-Dominquez Hills. At the undergraduate level there’s the RN to BSN degree completion program. The next step up is the Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree. Like the RN to BSN program, there are both in-person experiential learning and online class requirements. The MSN program offers several concentrations, including nurse educator, pediatric clinical nurse specialist, and family nurse practitioner. Students who already have an MSN can consider a post-master’s certificate. The bulk of the programs are delivered online, though any clinical requirements will need to be met in-person. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
Master of Science in Nursing
Post-Master’s Certificate – Clinical Nurse Specialist
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio27/1 |
AccreditationWASC | |||
| 4 | Mount Saint Mary’s UniversityLos Angeles, CA | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 4 | It only takes an associate degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. However, to improve the chances for advancement or make it easier to get a graduate nursing degree, it helps to have a Bachelor of science in nursing. To accommodate this fact, many nursing schools, including the one at Mount Saint Mary’s University, offer an online RN to BSN degree completion program. To make learning as convenient as possible, most of the coursework can be completed fully online. A few classes will require in-person training, such as a practicum. In addition to online learning, students can progress through the program at their own pace, making it easier to continue working while in school. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementImplied no |
Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 |
AccreditationWASC | |||
| 5 | Fresno Pacific UniversityFresno, CA | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 3 | The RN to BSN degree completion program from Fresno Pacific University has several characteristics that make learning as convenient as possible while still maintaining a high quality of clinical instruction. Much of the coursework is delivered online to make it easier for students to learn at a time and place that’s convenient for them. The program follows a cohort model which allows students to progress together. This facilitates peer interaction and group learning. Due to the hands-on nature of the nursing profession, students will need to complete certain experiential learning requirements, such as a practicum. Program Highlights: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
AccreditationWASC | |||
| 6 | California State University-StanislausTurlock, CA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
AccreditationWASC | ||||
| 7 | California State University-ChicoChico, CA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio25/1 |
AccreditationWASC | ||||
| 8 | University of San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 4 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
AccreditationWASC | ||||
| 9 | California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos, CA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio27/1 |
AccreditationWASC | ||||
| 10 | Vanguard University of Southern CaliforniaCosta Mesa, CA | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationWASC | ||||
| 11 | West Coast University-Orange CountyAnaheim, CA | Private for-profit | $$$$$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationACICS | ||||
| 12 | Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda, CA | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementImplied no |
Student/ Faculty Ratio3/1 |
AccreditationWASC |
Find Online California Nursing Programs Near You
- Nursing Schools in Los Angeles (Online & Campus)
- Nursing Schools in Sacramento (Online & Campus)
- Nursing Schools in San Diego (Online & Campus)
- Nursing Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area (Online & Campus)
- Nursing Schools in Southern California (Online & Campus)
Types of Online RN Programs in California
There are a variety of online and hybrid programs for students interested in a degree in nursing, some of which depend on how much experience you have in the medical field. Whether you’re just starting out as an undergrad with no experience, or already far along in your nursing career, there’s an online nursing program in California for you. Check out some of the most popular programs below.
Online RN Bridge Programs in California
LVN to RN Programs
This type of online program is for licensed vocational nurses who already provide basic care and usually work under physicians and registered nurses. By enrolling in an online bridge program they can provide a wider range of care, further their career, and have more opportunities available to them. The program at Mount Saint Mary’s in Los Angeles, for instance, does not offer a bachelor’s degree but after 26 units of courses does make the student eligible to take California examination for the R.N. Licensure. Other LVN to RN programs award an associate or bachelor’s degree after completing the curriculum.
RN to BSN Programs
Designed for RNs who want to pursue their bachelor’s degree while they continue working, these programs are opportunities for nurses to grow as leaders, widen their skill set, improve their mastery, and open new doors to career options. This last component is especially worth considering, as many hospitals will hire BSNs before RNs, or have a policy of only hiring those applicants who’ve completed their BSN.
RN to MSN Programs
RNs who decide to pursue their Masters of Science in Nursing can accelerate their education timeline by enrolling in an online RN to MSN program. Taking their current knowledge and education, these programs can typically be completed in three years. Earning a master’s degree can lead to higher pay and more advanced careers, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator.
Online Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
MSN Programs
A graduate nursing degree can offer nurses an opportunity to broaden their expertise or hone in on a specific area and specialize in one of a variety of clinical or non-clinical area. While it is possible to enroll in an online MSN program without prior nursing experience, it is more common for applicants to have first completed their BSN or ADN degree.
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Both an online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and online nursing PhD are terminal degrees, meaning it’s the highest degree in that field. Which one you choose to pursue will largely depend on what type of work you want do. A DNP is primarily designed for those who want to become nurse practitioners while a PhD will focus more heavily on the research side.
Post-Graduate Certificate
These are programs are designed for nurses who have completed a post-graduate degree but are still looking to expand their skillset, allowing them focus on one area for a short but thorough study. For example, a nurse may want to learn more about trauma care, AIDS treatment, oncology, and more.
Spotlights of Online Nursing Programs in California
We’ve highlighted some of the best online nursing programs in California to give you a head start on your search for a quality degree. These three programs offer study flexibility and strong student support at competitive costs. All three are also accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), so you can feel confident you’re getting a quality nursing education. Learn more about each school below, and see if they meet your needs.
California State University, Fullerton
With an NCLEX pass rate of a 100% for 2018-2019, it’s hard to argue Cal State University, Fullerton isn’t providing its nursing students with the preparation and guidance that’s needed. CSUF’s online RN-BSN and location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area makes it one of the most accessible programs in Southern California that is also designed to fit into working RNs busy schedules. Other programs on campus include an entry-level BSN, LVN-BSN, accelerated BSN, and entry-level MSN but their most unique offering is their Jump Start program, which allows students enrolled in a California Associate Degree in Nursing program to complete BSN classes at CSU Fullerton on campus or online.
California State University, San Marcos
The BSN programs at CSU San Marcos consistently have an NCLEX pass rate of over 95% and on top of that their accelerated online RN-BSN is one of the shortest programs at 14 months (they build in breaks between semesters and holidays to add flexibility) and in terms of affordability they’re also hard to beat as the total estimated cost for the program is under $12,000. The program is eligible for financial aid—in particular the Kaiser IONE forgivable loan and scholarship, which provide up to $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. Info on these can be found here.
West Coast University
West Coast University’s online nursing programs stand out for a number of reasons: students can pursue either a RN to BSN or an MSN online and take advantage of a Career Service Department after they graduate to help them land a job. The school boasts an average NCLEX pass rate above 90% and graduated over 1,600 students last year, which suggests they’re able to accommodate a wide variety of learning styles and deliver a flexible but complete education. The school also offers a Health Services Partner Grant which can reduce tuition by up to 10%.
FAQs About Online Nursing Degrees in California
How Much Does an Online RN Program Cost in California?
Costs for online degrees can vary widely and it’s important to have a sense of how much a degree will cost before enrolling in a program. Online nursing programs in California can cost anywhere from $6,000 to over $25,000, depending whether or not students have transfer credits and whether they are attending a public or private college. Here’s a look at the costs of three online RN programs in California to give you a better idea of how much your degree will cost.
RN to BSN Program
Total Credits: 120 credits (including transfer credits)
Cost: Part-time $2,063 to $2,480 per term / Full-time: $3,269 to $3,986 per term
RN to BSN Program
Total Credits: 120 credits (including transfer credits)
Cost: ~$16,000
How do I get into an online RN program in California?
A majority of the online RN programs in California are bridge programs, meaning they require students to have already obtained their RN license before they can go on to pursue a BSN or MSN. For example, at CSU Fullerton, applicants are expected to have their RN certification within the first semester of the program in order to attend full-time. Applicants must meet the university prerequisites, which include completing 60 semester units from a regionally accredited university, and courses like English Composition and College Level Math, in addition to the School of Nursing’s own prerequisites, like microbiology with a lab, and statistics.
How long do online RN programs take in California?
Depending on the degree, it can take anywhere from 12 months, as in the case of accelerated ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) designed for applicants with no RN license but who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, two to three years for MSN degrees, and four to six years for PhD or Doctorate of Nursing. For example, CSU San Marcos’s accelerated ABSN is an online program that can be completed in 14 months. USC’s online MSN program is offered as a full-time (five semesters) or part-time (eight semesters) program and takes between 21 and 33 months to complete.
California Nursing Schools with Approved Pre-Licensure RN Programs
| School Name | School Type | Available Program Type(s) | Primary Campus Location(s) | NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020/2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Name | School Type | Available Program Type(s) | Primary Campus Location(s) | NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020/2021) |
Source: California Board of Registered Nursing; Most recent data as of February 2022
RN Licensing Information and Requirements in California
Planning ahead and taking note of California’s specific RN licensing requirements can save you time and a potential headache down the road. While there’s occasional overlap between California’s requirements, which can be found at California’s Board of Nursing Page, and those of other states, knowing which ones are specific to California is critical to your success. Here’s what you’ll need to do to become licensed as an RN in California after you graduate from your nursing program.
STEP
1
Provide Academic Transcripts
In order to take the NCLEX-RN you will need to provide academic transcripts from your school or schools. This can be done electronically by logging into your student account and ordering official transcripts. Keep in mind that the board does not accept unofficial transcripts, so be sure to follow your school’s instructions for submitting those. They must include all completed coursework, as well as the degree awarded and date conferred.
STEP
2
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Applicants for the NCLEX-RN must have completed their associate degree or bachelor’s degree. A list of all associate degree programs approved by the board of nursing in California (including on campus, or online) can be found here.
STEP
3
Pay Application Fees
Applicants who completed a board-approved RN program in California will need to pay the following fees:
Application Fee: $300
Interim Permit (optional): $100
Fingerprint Card: $49.00
STEP
4
License Renewal and Continuing Education
There are three main components for renewing an RN license in California. The first is the CE (Continuing Education) requirement. For this, an RN must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education. More information on what qualifies can be found here. Applicants who are renewing their license to an active status must provide the Department of Justice with a full set of fingerprints. More information about the fingerprint requirement can be found here. Finally, applicants must report if they’ve had a license disciplined by a government agency or other disciplinary body and if they’ve been convicted of a crime in any state, U.S. territory, military court, or other country since their last renewal. More info on reporting discipline and convictions can be found here.
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in California
RNs in California are, on average, paid the most out of nurses in any state, although the state’s high cost of living must be factored in. While the healthcare field can be competitive, there are also thousands of new nursing positions that become available every year. The combination of these two trends means becoming a licensed RN can be a smart choice for those considering a job in the healthcare industry.
Are RNs in high demand in California?
Between 2018 and 2028, California is expected to create over 50,000 new RN jobs, with nearly 25,000 existing jobs opening each year during that span. According to a forecast commissioned by BRN and fulfilled by UCSF, California is projected to have a slight surplus of nurses by 2035. This surplus, however, is for nurses lacking specialized skills, and those nurses who do have more specialized skills in their repertoire are anticipated to fall short of the demand, meaning that if the forecast holds true, the next generation of RNs should consider adding at least one of those in-demand specializations to their skillset.
Job Outlook for Registered Nurses in California
| Employment (2018) | New Jobs (2018-2028) | Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | |
| California | 319,800 | 53,400 | 16.7% | 23,850 |
| United States | 3,059,800 | 371,500 | 12.1% | 210,400 |
Source: Projections Central
How much do registered nurses make in California?
We mentioned earlier that nurses in California make more money, on average, than nurses anywhere else in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time registered nurses in California earn a median wage of $125,340 a year. For perspective, the next highest paying state is Hawaii, with a median annual wage of $111,070.
Annual Earnings for Registered Nurses in California
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
Online California Nursing Resources
- California Board of Nursing Here you’ll find resources about state requirements, educational opportunities and materials, and other relevant news. They also have contacts listed for phone and email if you have questions they don’t cover on their website.
- The California Nurses Association This is the California affiliate of National Nurses United, the country’s largest labor union for nurses. Staying up to date on what they’re working towards is a good way to find out which issues are currently impacting nurses – they are also a resource for CE.
- The California Hospital Association This not-for-profit corporation does advocacy work on behalf of hospitals throughout the state. Their primary goal is to champion California’s hospitals and to “support their work to care for all Californians in all ways.”
- California Nursing Student Association This organization’s mission is to help nursing students transition to professional settings “through leadership development, education, mentorship, advocacy, activism, and stewardship.”
- Association of California Nurse Leaders The goal of this association is help nurses become better leaders and through that improve the work they do, as well as the work of other nurses around them.