California offers a wide range of advanced nursing programs designed for registered nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and are ready to take the next step toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). With growing demand for primary and specialized care providers across the state, BSN to NP programs provide a structured pathway to advanced practice, licensure, and national certification.
What Is a BSN to NP Program?
A BSN to Nurse Practitioner (NP) program is a graduate-level educational track designed for registered nurses (RNs) who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and want to advance into a nurse practitioner role. These programs build on your existing nursing knowledge and prepare you for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure and national certification.
Depending on the institution, BSN to NP programs lead to either a:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Coursework typically includes advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and population-specific clinical training. These elements are designed to meet eligibility requirements for national NP certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
BSN to NP programs are an ideal next step for nurses who want to expand their clinical responsibilities, provide specialized care, and increase their autonomy in practice. To learn more about how these programs are structured, including common prerequisites, timelines, and outcomes, visit this overview of BSN to NP programs.
Common NP Specializations Offered
Most BSN to NP programs in California allow students to choose a nurse practitioner track based on the population or care setting they want to serve. These specializations determine the clinical focus of your training and the type of patients you’ll be qualified to treat after certification.
Here are some of the most common NP specializations available through California-based programs:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Prepares graduates to provide primary care across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. One of the most widely available and flexible NP tracks.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in individuals and families. Prepares students to work in behavioral health settings, including outpatient clinics and inpatient units.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): Trains NPs to care for infants, children, and adolescents, typically in primary care or specialty pediatric settings.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP/AGACNP): Offers two distinct tracks for working with adult and older adult populations—either in primary care (AGPCNP) or in hospital-based, acute care settings (AGACNP).
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Specializes in reproductive and gynecologic health, prenatal and postpartum care, and wellness across a woman’s lifespan.
When comparing programs, it’s important to select a specialization that not only aligns with your interests and career goals but also matches the health care needs of the communities you hope to serve.
What to Look for in a California-Based BSN to NP Program
Choosing the right BSN to NP program in California involves more than just finding a reputable school. You’ll want to evaluate how each program supports your professional goals, fits your schedule, and aligns with licensure and certification requirements—especially within the state of California.
Here are key factors to consider:
Accreditation
Ensure the program is accredited by one of the two national nursing education accrediting bodies:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
In addition, verify that the program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). This approval is essential for licensure as a nurse practitioner in the state.
Delivery Format
Programs in California may be offered in a variety of formats, including:
- On-campus: Traditional classroom experience, usually with nearby clinical placements
- Online: Offers didactic coursework remotely, though still requires in-person clinical hours
- Hybrid: Combines online coursework with scheduled on-campus intensives or labs
Make sure the format aligns with your lifestyle, especially if you’re working while pursuing your degree.
Clinical Placement Support
Strong clinical placements are critical for hands-on training. Look for programs that:
- Provide placement assistance or have partnerships with local hospitals and clinics
- Offer clinical sites in underserved or rural areas, if relevant to your career interests
- Clearly outline how many supervised hours are included and where they will take place
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Options
Flexibility matters, especially for working nurses. Some programs allow you to:
- Enroll full-time and complete the program in as little as two years
- Choose a part-time schedule and extend your timeline while continuing to work
Make sure the program offers the pacing that works best for your professional and personal commitments.
Path to Certification
Confirm that the program prepares you to sit for the national NP certification exam in your chosen specialty. Most programs align with requirements set by:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
By focusing on these elements, you’ll be better positioned to choose a program that meets California’s licensure standards and supports your transition to advanced practice.
Top BSN to NP Programs in California
California is home to a wide range of BSN to NP programs offered by both public and private institutions. This list highlights BSN-to-NP pathways that offer comprehensive and relevant curriculum design, preparing graduates for clinical excellence and leadership in a variety of advanced practice settings.
Programs were selected based on the quality and structure of their curriculum, as well as the academic reputation of the institutions offering them. All featured schools are recognized for their strong graduation rates and commitment to high academic standards. As always, the best program for any student depends on individual goals, interests, and circumstances. This list offers a useful starting point, but prospective students should explore each option in more detail by visiting official program websites and speaking with admissions representatives.
California State University–Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Offered in partnership with the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia (KPSA)
- Three-year, full-time program for nurses with a BSN
- Leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a concentration in Nurse Anesthesia
- Combines academic coursework and clinical training in a sequential structure
- Graduates are prepared for advanced practice roles in anesthesia and leadership positions in clinical and professional settings
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA
Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner), DNP (Online)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Designed to prepare providers for primary care roles across the lifespan, with an emphasis on whole-person care
- Offered in a hybrid format; includes required on-campus sessions each quarter for seminars, labs, and exams
- Program includes at least 1,000 clinical and project hours, with placements arranged in California’s Inland Empire
- Full-time completion in 3 years and 9 months; part-time option available (5 years)
- Applicants must hold a BSN, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a California RN license prior to enrollment
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Graduates are eligible for national FNP certification
Samuel Merritt University
Oakland, CA
Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Online DNP program designed for nurses pursuing advanced primary care practice
- Offers both full-time (32 months) and part-time (39 months) completion options
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice, holistic and preventive care, and leadership in addressing health disparities
- Delivered in a sequential curriculum format tailored for working professionals
- Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Small class sizes with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and individualized mentorship from practicing NPs
- Graduates are prepared to lead in clinical, educational, and policy-making roles
University of California–Davis
Sacramento, CA
Doctor of Nursing Practice — Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP)
- Three-year, full-time hybrid DNP program offered by the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing
- Combines mostly asynchronous online learning with four mandatory on-campus immersions in Sacramento
- Prepares students for FNP certification and leadership roles focused on health equity, innovation, and policy advancement
- Clinical rotations arranged by the university with efforts to place students near their California residence
- Includes a scholarly project practicum in the third year
- Program emphasizes culturally inclusive care and primary care for underserved communities
- Accredited and designed to develop advanced practice providers ready to lead and innovate in primary care
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
BSN to DNP NP
- BSN to DNP program designed to prepare nurses for advanced clinical and leadership roles
- Offers Family Nurse Practitioner and dual NP options, including Adult-Gerontology/FNP and Pediatric/FNP
- Ranges from 78 to 83 units; available full-time or part-time
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice, person-centered care, and healthcare quality improvement
- Graduates are eligible for national certification through ANCC (FNP-BC) or AANPCB (FNP-C)
- Delivered on-campus in a supportive academic environment with close faculty mentorship
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Family Nurse Practitioner, DNP
- Designed for BSN- or MSN-prepared RNs seeking to become Family Nurse Practitioners
- Program duration: 4 years for BSN entry, 3 years for MSN entry
- Offers a dual degree option combining the FNP DNP with a Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Hybrid format with year-round courses and in-person teaching weekends (Fridays and Saturdays)
- Clinical placements facilitated by the university; includes required practicum and DNP project
- Emphasizes social justice, health systems leadership, and evidence-based care
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Graduates are eligible for national certification through ANCC or AANPCB
Tips for Comparing Programs
With many BSN to NP programs in California to choose from, narrowing down your options requires a thoughtful comparison of features that impact cost, accessibility, and long-term licensure outcomes. Here are a few practical tips to guide your evaluation:
1. Compare Tuition per Credit Hour
Start by identifying the cost per credit hour for each program, but don’t stop there. Be sure to:
- Look for hidden fees related to lab intensives, technology, or clinical placements
- Calculate the total program cost based on required credit hours
- Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities offered by each school
2. Ask About Clinical Placement Support
Securing clinical hours can be a major hurdle, especially for online or hybrid programs. Ask:
- Does the program assist with clinical placements or are students responsible for finding their own?
- Are there established partnerships with hospitals or clinics in your area?
- How many supervised clinical hours are included, and in what types of settings?
3. Check Online Access for Out-of-State Students
If you’re considering a California-based online program but reside out of state:
- Confirm whether the school accepts students from your state
- Ask about restrictions on clinical placements outside California
- Make sure the program aligns with licensure requirements in your state, if you plan to move
4. Confirm Licensure Alignment
Each state has its own nurse practitioner licensing rules. For California-based programs, verify:
- The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the AANP or ANCC certification exams
- The curriculum meets the requirements for the specialty certification you plan to pursue
By keeping these considerations in mind, you’ll be better equipped to select a program that fits your needs both now and in your future practice as a nurse practitioner.
FAQ
Can I complete a BSN to NP program entirely online in California?
While many California-based programs offer online coursework, most BSN to NP programs are not 100% online due to the clinical training requirements. Expect a hybrid format that includes online didactic classes combined with in-person clinical hours and, in some cases, periodic on-campus intensives.
How long do BSN to NP programs typically take?
Program length varies depending on the degree and enrollment status:
- MSN programs typically take 2 to 3 years
- DNP programs may take 3 to 4 years
- Part-time options can extend the timeline by a year or more
The exact duration depends on your chosen specialization, course load, and whether you continue working while enrolled.
Is it better to pursue an MSN or go straight into a DNP?
It depends on your career goals. An MSN is the fastest route to becoming an NP, while a DNP offers additional training in leadership, policy, and evidence-based practice. Some nurses prefer to start with an MSN and return later for a DNP, while others choose a direct BSN-to-DNP pathway to streamline their education.
Do BSN to NP programs help with licensure or certification preparation?
Yes. Accredited programs are designed to meet the educational requirements for:
- APRN licensure in California
- National certification exams through the AANP or ANCC, based on your chosen specialty
Many programs also offer exam preparation resources, faculty guidance, and support with licensure applications.
Exploring Your Options
Choosing the right BSN to NP program in California starts with identifying accredited, BRN-approved options that align with your career goals and learning preferences. Whether you’re pursuing an MSN or DNP, selecting the right specialization, format, and clinical support structure is key to a successful transition into advanced practice.
Be sure to:
- Visit program websites for current curriculum and tuition details
- Speak with admissions advisors to understand timelines and placement processes
- Verify program approval through the California Board of Registered Nursing and national certifying bodies
With thoughtful planning, you can find a nurse practitioner program that fits your schedule, supports your certification goals, and prepares you for advanced patient care in California.