Inside Online RN to MSN Programs in California
This guide covers important basics and key details about RN to MSN programs in California. Below, we profile three bridge programs that can help you earn your MSN in a shorter amount of time. We also answer questions you may be asking about RN to MSN programs, and dive into what to know once you graduate.
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Spotlighting 3 Online RN to MSN Programs in CA
Earning your MSN is one of the best ways California RNs can advance their nursing careers. Earning the degree can lead to nursing roles with more responsibility and opportunities to change care policies and outcomes. Plus, it leads to more potential salary.
There are several RN to MSN bridge programs in the state that are hybrid, which means that there are some online classes that are part of the curriculum along with on-site and on-campus education. No matter how the format works, bridge programs were established so students could take a shorter time getting a master’s degree after earning an associate or bachelor’s degree.
We researched California’s RN to MSN programs to determine some of the most popular and high-quality ones, all to help you learn what to look for during your own school search.
University of San Francisco
The bridge course for a master’s degree in nursing at USF features didactic courses that can be completed online in an asynchronous format for maximum flexibility, while the practicum work takes place in person. This makes the program ideal for those who work full-time while getting their MSN. The program aims to teach nurses about specialty care, ways to improve safety and outcomes, and coordinate clinical teams for the best care possible. Licensed nurses with associate and bachelor’s degrees will find entry pathways to the program, as will nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Tuition is $28,800
Admissions Requirements:
- Have an active RN license
- Earned an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Submit personal statement and recommendation letters
- Provide transcripts
- Complete prerequisites
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Leadership in Healthcare
- Quality, Improvement, and Patient Safety
- Health Informatics
- Health Policy, Ethics, and Advisory
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West Coast University
West Coast University offers one of California’s most affordable online RN to MSN programs. Students can choose between a wide variety of specializations, including tracks to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, a family nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, and a psychiatric nurse. There are also specializations in nurse informatics and nursing leadership. These courses are 100% online, and there’s an option to complete practicums either online or in person. Many courses are offered asynchronously or at flexible times, so the coursework fits into a full-time nurse’s schedule. West Coast also offers mobile-friendly classes and assignments.
Duration: 20 months to 32 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Tuition ranges between specialties from $21,925 to $59,870
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate degree with 3.0 GPA or better
- Valid RN license
- Submit transcripts
- Provide letter of intent
Curriculum:
- Principles of Leadership for Healthcare
- Pathophysiology
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care
- Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
Western University of Health Sciences
The RN to MSN program at WUHS includes asynchronous online courses, intensive virtual seminars, and clinicals authorized at facilities in your community. MSN degrees at Western can be earned in different interest programs: administrative nurse leader, clinical nurse leader, and ambulatory care nursing. The goal of the program is to train nurses who can make a positive change in modern healthcare with a greater emphasis on quality and at facilities ranging from clinics to long-term care sites. A wide range of practice patterns, real-world skills, and specialties are part of a curriculum that is taught by facility with clinical experience.
Duration: Two to three years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Tuition is between $19,207 and $28,635 depending on specialty
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Associate degree in nursing
- Active RN license with one year of experience preferred
Curriculum:
- Leadership and Professional Role Transition
- Public Health and Population-Based Nursing Practice
- Advanced Health Systems
- Nursing Research
- Nursing Informatics
Student FAQs: RN to MSNs in California
There are bound to be some essential questions that need answering as you research the best RN to MSN bridge program for your needs. Below we go through some of the more common questions students like you are wondering about, from specific programs to what happens after graduation day.
What are the advanced licenses I need to practice, once I earn my MSN degree in California?
You can choose between a few advanced licenses, including Nurse Anesthetist (NA), Nurse-Midwife (NMW), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner (NP), and Public Health Nurse (PHN). The California Nursing Board requires you to renew your nursing license regularly, including after you complete your RN to MSN program, so this is when these licenses come into play. The only requirement for advanced license renewal is to graduate from a program that is recognized by the board for the specific specialization to which you are applying.
What should I look for in a quality RN to MSN program in California?
While everyone might have slightly different ideas of what makes a high-quality program, accreditation, test pass rates, and career placement stats are all important to check.Programs should be approved by the California Board of Nursing as well as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Also, look at high NCLEX-RN pass rates in recent years. Finally, look at career placement stats to learn what resources the program has to help you in your job search.
Is there financial aid for students in RN to MSN programs in California?
Yes, there are plenty of financial aid resources available to you, including the loans and grants that the state of California offers students with state residency who enroll in RN to BSN programs. The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) is responsible for allocating state-funded grants, scholarships, and loan repayment programs. HCAI provides these financial aid packages for those who agree to work in critically understaffed hospitals upon graduating. Along with state-funded aid, you may also be eligible for private nursing scholarships.
What are some of the new opportunities for me in the workplace when I earn an MSN?
Many programs include skills you wouldn’t have encountered in your RN programs, such as nurse supervision, healthcare management, and health ethics. Also, if you have a specialty attached to your MSN — such as informatics, education, or administration — it can make you hirable in contexts outside of a hospital or clinic, including academia or research.
Will I get a bachelor’s degree in nursing if I’m part of an MSN bridge program?
The short version of this question is simple: it depends on the program you’ve chosen. There are some colleges and universities that include the BSN degree in the entire program, so you earn that bachelor’s degree on the way to getting your MSN. Other programs do not have a BSN requirement and also don’t award BSNs. Also, check the admissions requirements with each program to learn if you need a BSN before starting it.
Career Comparison: California RNs vs. NPs
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | California | $83,510 | $133,990 | $194,240 |
| Nurse Practitioners | California | $86,190 | $164,050 | $227,310 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
| Nurse Practitioners | California | 21,500 | 34,100 | 12,600 | 58.60% | 2,500 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs in California
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fresno Pacific University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers a challenging yet supportive academic environment with faculty who have real-world clinical experience, enhancing practical learning.
- Courses are delivered in a blended format with convenient face-to-face classes one afternoon per week at the North Fresno campus, accommodating working nurses.
- Students join a diverse cohort of peers from varied life stages, fostering valuable networking and collaborative learning opportunities.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected San Francisco State University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at San Francisco State University offers clinical practice experiences throughout the two-year curriculum, ensuring hands-on advanced practice training for all students.
- The program requires and supports completion of a thesis or applied research culminating experience, enhancing students’ skills in evidence-based practice and nursing scholarship.
- Applicants benefit from dedicated application support, including early Cal State Apply submission with prompt SFSU ID assignment to streamline the dual application process via NursingCAS.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Stanislaus
- The RN-MSN Bridge program guarantees admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cohort upon successful completion of 6 bridge courses, streamlining progression without requiring a BSN degree.
- The program allows nurses with an associate degree and a non-nursing bachelor's degree to bypass the BSN, providing a direct pathway to an MSN-FNP specialization.
- Courses include specialized topics such as Palliative Care, Leadership & Management, and Population Health Nursing, offering focused advanced practice preparation within a compressed bridge format.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Channel Islands
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at CSU Channel Islands offers advanced nursing coursework focusing on evidence-based practice, policy development, advocacy, and informatics, preparing students for advanced roles in nursing.
- The program provides flexible learning with specialized Family Nurse Practitioner track courses designed to equip graduates for primary care across the lifespan.
- Regular virtual information sessions are held via Zoom, allowing prospective students easy access to program details and faculty engagement.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-San Bernardino
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers priority status in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) application process, providing a distinct advantage to students seeking advanced clinical roles.
- The program features doctorally prepared faculty with specialized expertise who serve as mentors and role models, enriching student learning and professional development.
- Students benefit from a hybrid course delivery model combined with diverse clinical rotation sites, ensuring flexible learning and comprehensive hands-on experience in various healthcare settings.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Point Loma Nazarene University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program includes 11 units of transition courses allowing ADN or diploma-prepared RNs to seamlessly join the MSN cohort, accelerating completion in as little as two and a half years.
- Students complete four to five practicum courses with 500-750 direct patient care clinical hours aligned with concurrent theory content, enhancing clinical competence and readiness for certification.
- The program offers four MSN specialty tracks, preparing graduates for national certifications and leadership roles, with a curriculum approved by both the California Board of Registered Nurses and accredited by CCNE.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Fresno
- The RN to MSN Bridge program guarantees admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cohort upon successful completion of bridge courses, providing a clear, accelerated pathway without requiring a BSN degree.
- Students receive priority status in the FNP application process, enhancing competitive advantage and streamlining entry into advanced practice nursing.
- The program allows completion of essential bridge courses online, accommodating working nurses’ schedules while integrating population health and leadership education.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-East Bay
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers priority status in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) application process, enhancing chances for advanced practice admission.
- The program provides flexible hybrid and online course delivery, allowing working nurses to pursue graduate education without disrupting their careers.
- Nursing faculty bring extensive clinical and organizational expertise, actively engaging in research and leadership within professional nursing organizations.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-San Marcos
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at CSUSM offers priority status in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) application process, giving students a competitive advantage for advanced practice admission.
- Students can complete key RN-BSN courses within the program without earning a separate BSN degree, accelerating their path to the MSN efficiently.
- The program provides a part-time completion option over four years, including summers, allowing working nurses to balance education with professional responsibilities.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Sacramento
- The RN to MSN Bridge program guarantees admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cohort upon successful completion of the six bridge courses, providing a clear pathway without needing a BSN degree.
- The program offers a flexible hybrid format, requiring on-campus presence only one day per week initially and less frequently thereafter, facilitating balance for working RNs.
- Courses like Leadership & Management and Palliative Care are embedded in the bridge curriculum, equipping students with advanced skills relevant for high-demand nursing roles.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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