RN to MSN Programs in California

View more online MSN programs currently taking applications.

Find Online Master of Nursing Programs in California

Many California Nursing programs offer two major pathways towards a Master of Science in Nursing: 1) Entry-Level MSN programs for graduates from non-nursing fields and 2) traditional MSN programs for those with nursing prerequisites (ADN, BSN, or RN license).

California requires that nurses complete an undergraduate nursing program that is officially approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing; the listing is extensive and continually changing as schools are re-evaluated, so confirming Board approval status before choosing an MSN program is recommended (a school that appears on the California website cannot be assumed to be state-approved unless explicitly stated).

Master's of Nursing Programs in California

The Board has approved twelve schools for graduate study. Three of the state-approved schools are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and two are accredited by The Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Following graduate study, Advanced Practice Nurses must obtain certificates in their specialty from a national certification organization accredited by the National Commission on Certifying Agencies or the American Board of Nursing Specialties.

View more online MSN programs currently taking applications.

Online MSN Programs in California

The following state-approved schools offer fully or partially online Master of Science in Nursing programs in California. All approved programs must include clinical components, which can often be completed within the student's geographical community under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Some schools offer support in obtaining this preceptor while others leave the responsibility to the student.

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa includes seven tracks within its Master of Science in Nursing program, but only two of these tracks offer the option of completing coursework online: Healthcare Administration and Leadership and Nursing Education. Students can opt for a fully online course or elect to attend some courses at one of Azusa's Southern California locations.

California State University, Fullerton

The MSN in Nursing Leadership can be completed in a campus-based or online format. Within the online format, all coursework is online but clinical work must be done in the last two semesters under a preceptor in the counties of Orange, Riverside, and Los Angeles. Online students will follow the schedule of the in-person class and will not have the freedom to set their own pace.

University of San Diego-Hahn School of Nursing & Beyster Institute for Nursing Research

Only the Family Nurse Practitioner program is offered. Most of the coursework is online, with the exception of two on-campus intensives. The program is designed to be completed in 5 terms for a full-time student and 8 terms for a part-time student. Students must log clinical hours with a variety of patient populations: Adults, Pediatric & Child-bearing, and Integrated Family Practice. USC provides assistance in finding clinical placements, and 784 clinical hours are required.

West Coast University - Orange County

This program offers a number of MSN degrees online in the following tracks: Advanced Generalist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Informatics, and Nurse Leader. Most programs typically take 2-3 years to complete, though accelerated options are available in some cases. 650 clinical hours are included in the FNP track.

Typical Curriculum for a Master's of Nursing

California offers a range of graduate programs designed for various experience levels. Graduates from non-nursing fields might consider an Entry-Level MSN program, which can provide both a graduate degree and an RN license within an accelerated 2-year track (bypassing the need to fulfill prerequisites like a BSN or RN license). Graduates of state-approved nursing undergraduate or certificate programs, on the other hand, can apply for a conventional MSN within a specialized track of their choice.

A full-time student can typically complete a Master of Science in Nursing degree in two years, though most schools offer a part-time option. Nursing programs generally require students to complete a core curriculum before delving into the nursing specialty of their choice. This core curriculum tends to cover topics relating to research methods, foundational theories of nursing roles (including ethical and legal considerations), nursing informatics, healthcare policy, pharmacology, epidemiology, and pathophysiology. Following these initial semesters of coursework, students will learn advanced material relevant to the track of their choice. The latter part of a Master's in Nursing will likely integrate practical clinical experience with classroom study, allowing students to both learn from and apply their skills to real-life situations.

All Accredited Schools with MSN Degrees in California

Nursing Licensure in California

After attending an ADN or BSN program recognized by the California Board of Nursing, applicants must earn a passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and then apply with the California State Board of Nursing for licensure to practice in California. California does stipulate a continuing education requirement of 30 contact hours for license renewal, combined with the prescribed number of Board-recognized courses. After completing their Master’s study, California nurses can apply with the State Board for a certificate as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

In order to be officially qualified to write prescriptions, Advanced Practice Nurses must complete an advanced pharmacology course through a nationally accredited nurse practitioner program. Nurses are also encouraged to seek accreditation from a California state-approved national certification institution associated with their specialty, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the National Board of Certification and Re-certification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), the National Certification Corporation (NCC), or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), potentially among others that can prove equivalency of quality.

Salary Information for Nurse Practitioners in California

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2018 the annual mean salary for nurse practitioners in California was $133,780 (substantially higher than the national estimate, which is $110,030). California registered nurses earned an annual mean salary of $106,950 (the national average was estimated to be $75,510) and nursing anesthetists earned $212,210 (compared to an estimated national average of $174,790). Nursing instructors in California earned an annual mean salary of $101,320, significantly higher than the national average of $81,350.