California offers a wide range of nurse practitioner (NP) programs to meet the state’s growing demand for advanced practice providers. With options spanning rural, urban, and underserved communities, students can find programs that align with their clinical goals and scheduling needs.
Whether you’re beginning your NP journey through an MSN program or exploring a doctoral path with a DNP, this guide is designed to help you identify NP programs in California that align with your goals, schedule, and specialization interests
What to Know About NP Programs in California
Licensure and Scope of Practice
California has expanded nurse practitioner authority under AB 890, allowing qualified NPs to practice more independently in specific settings. This legislative change enhances career flexibility and makes the NP role more appealing for those seeking clinical autonomy.
All NP programs in California must prepare students to meet the standards of the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and qualify graduates for national certification in their chosen specialty area.
Types of NP Programs Available
Students can choose from several academic pathways depending on their current credentials and career goals:
- MSN programs – A common entry point for RNs pursuing NP licensure.
- DNP programs – A terminal degree emphasizing clinical leadership and evidence-based practice.
- Post-Master’s Certificates – Designed for APRNs or RNs who want to add or change an NP specialization.
Popular specialties include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
For more details on each area, see this breakdown of types of nurse practitioners.
Program Formats
California NP programs are available in various formats to accommodate different learning styles and schedules:
- On-campus, hybrid, and fully online delivery models (clinical hours are always in person)
- Part-time and full-time options, ideal for working RNs and career changers
Program length and structure may vary based on prior education and chosen specialization.
Noteworthy Schools with NP Programs in California
California is home to many excellent nurse practitioner programs, but the five institutions below stand out for their accreditation, program variety, and statewide relevance. While this is not a ranked list, each school offers one or more respected NP programs in California with flexible formats and well-defined clinical pathways.
Loma Linda University
School of Nursing
Location: Loma Linda, California
Loma Linda University’s School of Nursing offers an expansive selection of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs with multiple nurse practitioner specialties. Students can pursue part-time, hybrid-format DNP tracks in Family, Psychiatric Mental Health, Neonatal, Acute Care Pediatric, Primary Care Pediatric, and both Acute and Primary Care Adult-Gerontology. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical training with a mission-driven, whole-person care philosophy rooted in the school’s Seventh-day Adventist values. LLU’s DNP programs emphasize hands-on experience—including over 500 clinical hours at a Level 1 trauma center ICU—and provide guaranteed clinical placements.
UC IRVINE
Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing
Location: Irvine, California
UC Irvine’s School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program that prepares advanced practice registered nurses for the highest levels of clinical leadership and patient care. Designed for nurses with a master’s degree or NP certification, the DNP program combines advanced nursing science, evidence-based practice, and a focus on health equity. The school emphasizes social, racial, and environmental justice across its curriculum and clinical training. With faculty leaders in research and a strong commitment to underserved communities, the program prepares graduates to address today’s complex healthcare challenges with compassion and innovation.
UC Davis
Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis
Location: Sacramento, California
UC Davis offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program that prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver patient- and family-centered, evidence-based care across diverse populations. The school also offers a UC PMHNP Certificate Program, a 12-month hybrid pathway designed to expand California’s psychiatric mental health workforce. Recognized nationally for its leadership, diversity, and community impact, the school emphasizes health equity, primary care, and innovation in clinical education through hybrid formats and interdisciplinary training.
University of San Diego (USD)
Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science
Location: San Diego, California
USD’s Hahn School offers BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways for aspiring nurse practitioners, along with post-master’s certificate programs. Specialties include Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner roles. Programs are designed for working professionals and feature HyFlex and on-campus options. The school emphasizes compassionate care, policy engagement, and advanced clinical training through its innovative simulation center and strong faculty mentorship.
University of San Francisco
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Location: San Francisco, California
USF offers Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializations, along with post-graduate NP certificates. The programs emphasize clinical training across 200+ Bay Area healthcare sites and reflect the school’s commitment to social justice and community health. USF provides advanced NP education through campuses in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County.
Tips for Choosing an NP Program in California
With so many options available, it’s important to evaluate NP programs based on more than just name recognition. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind when comparing schools:
- Verify Accreditation and State Approval
Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It should also be approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) to ensure eligibility for licensure and certification. - Choose the Right Specialization
Consider your long-term career goals and clinical interests. Whether you’re drawn to family practice, psychiatric care, or another focus, be sure the program offers the specialty track you need. - Evaluate Program Format and Flexibility
If you’re working while in school, look for part-time or hybrid/online options. Some programs also offer multiple start dates or accelerated formats. - Understand Clinical Placement Support
Ask whether the school assists with finding clinical sites or preceptors. This is especially important if you’re attending an online or hybrid program. - Check for Portability
If you plan to move out of California after graduation, confirm that your chosen program meets licensure requirements in other states. Not all programs are designed for nationwide portability.
FAQ
Are there online NP programs based in California?
Yes. Several California-based schools offer online or hybrid NP programs, often combining remote coursework with in-person clinical hours. Examples include the University of Southern California (USC), Pacific College, and Loma Linda University. Always verify that online programs are approved by the California BRN and provide support for clinical placement.
How competitive are NP programs in the UC system?
NP programs at University of California campuses, such as UC Davis and UC Irvine, tend to be highly competitive. These schools often prioritize applicants with strong academic backgrounds, relevant clinical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to serving California communities, especially in underserved areas.
Can out-of-state students attend California-based NP programs?
Some California programs admit out-of-state students, especially those offering online formats. However, licensure requirements and clinical placement availability may vary by state. Prospective students should confirm state authorization and clinical eligibility with each school’s admissions office.
Do California NP programs help with clinical placements?
Support varies by institution. While some programs provide preceptor matching or placement assistance, others require students to secure their own clinical sites. This can be a significant factor when choosing a program—especially if you’re new to the area or completing coursework remotely.
Exploring Your Options
As you research NP programs in California, consult the California BRN’s list of approved programs and visit each school’s website for the most up-to-date details. Reach out to admissions advisors to clarify clinical expectations, tuition, and delivery formats. Ultimately, the best program is the one that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and area of interest—not just the one with the biggest name.