Take a look at California's most affordable and quick RN to BSN programs.

The golden state of California is an excellent place for registered nurses (RNs) to advance their education through an RN to BSN program. With an aging population, hospitals and other care facilities in the state are interested in hiring highly educated nurses who hold a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher. If you are a registered nurse and looking to advance your career, there's no better time to consider an RN to BSN program.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in California? RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top options to help you advance your nursing career. Our list highlights programs that offer flexibility, quality education, and support for working nurses. Whether you're aiming for higher pay or more job opportunities, these programs can help you reach your goals. Check out our rankings to find the right fit for you. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, CA - Public 4-Year - csustan.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

California State University-Stanislaus provides an online RN-BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their qualifications without pausing their careers. This program stands out for its adaptability, offering a curriculum that seamlessly integrates with the demanding schedules of healthcare professionals. It emphasizes the enhancement of clinical expertise and leadership abilities, preparing graduates for higher-level roles in nursing. The online delivery ensures accessibility across California, making it a prime choice for nurses seeking advancement. With no concentration specified, the program offers a broad foundation in nursing principles, ideal for those looking to diversify their skills.

  • Online RN-BSN program
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Professional advancement track
  • Flexible learning format
  • Builds on existing nursing credentials
#2

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA - Private 4-year - calbaptist.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

California Baptist University offers an online RN to BSN program designed to elevate registered nurses' careers with a blend of academic rigor and Christian values. This program stands out for its commitment to integrating faith with professional nursing practice, preparing graduates to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care. With a curriculum spanning 124 units, students benefit from clinical partnerships with leading hospitals and hands-on learning opportunities across multiple counties. The program, which spans 4-5 years, emphasizes critical thinking and patient care skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and beyond. Unique features include a Christ-centered approach and the distinction of being Riverside County's first nursing program.

  • 124 total program units
  • Clinical partnerships with major hospitals
  • Christian faculty and staff
  • First nursing program in Riverside County
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Clinical rotations in multiple counties
  • Evidence-based care focus
  • 4-5 year program length
  • Comprehensive prerequisite sequence
  • Hands-on learning approach
#3

National University

San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their nursing practice through an online format. This program stands out for its accelerated completion time of just 11 months, offering a curriculum that sharpens clinical expertise, fosters leadership, and enhances critical thinking. Ideal for working nurses, it allows for seamless integration of studies with professional commitments, thanks to flexible four- and eight-week courses and year-round enrollment. With no prerequisites, CCNE accreditation, and options like the California Public Health Nurse Certificate, it provides a robust foundation for career growth. Financial incentives, including a potential $4,800 transfer scholarship, add to its appeal.

  • 100% online program
  • Can complete in 11 months
  • No prerequisite courses required
  • Four- and eight-week classes
  • Start any month of year
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Potential $4,800 transfer scholarship
  • California Public Health Nurse Certificate option
  • 31.5 quarter units for NCLEX-RN
  • Hands-on leadership experience
#4

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA - Public 4-Year - csusm.edu

Bachelor's - ADN/RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

California State University-San Marcos provides an Online ADN/RN to BSN program tailored for California-licensed RNs aiming to elevate their nursing practice. This program stands out for its accelerated, part-time format, allowing completion in three semesters through six intensive 8-week sessions. It's crafted for those balancing work and study, offering a curriculum that bridges ADN education with BSN competencies. The program, delivered via Extended Learning, emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, making it a prime choice for nurses seeking advancement without pausing their careers. Highlights include its fully online delivery, structured for immediate application in healthcare settings.

  • Fully online program
  • Part-time, 3-semester track
  • 6 eight-week course sessions
  • For licensed California RNs
  • Offered through Extended Learning
#5

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA - Public 4-Year - csudh.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

California State University-Dominguez Hills provides an RN-BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to enhance their qualifications through an online format. This program stands out for its flexibility, catering to working nurses with asynchronous courses that fit around their schedules. Notably, it doesn't demand an RN license at enrollment, offering a rare advantage. The curriculum is rich, featuring 90 community health clinical hours and a health assessment seminar, aimed at broadening nurses' competencies. With tuition fees between $2,177 and $3,455 per semester, it's an affordable option for advancing one's nursing career without sacrificing work commitments.

  • Fully online asynchronous program
  • Minimum 2 semesters to complete
  • 90 community health clinical hours
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Accepts Advanced Placement credits
  • RN license not required before starting
  • Flexible semester-based progression
*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

An RN to BSN program is practically guaranteed to be quick and affordable. These fast-tracked options are designed to make nurses’ lives easier by building on their working experience and training to supplement the first few years of a traditional BSN program, which means you’ll save time and money getting your degree.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

By design, RN to BSN programs are meant to be fast-tracked options, still, there are some that are faster than others. In most cases, you can expect your BSN programs to take less than two years to complete, but you can find some that can be completed in a much shorter amount of time. Here are a few of the fastest RN to BSN programs available in the State of California.

SchoolDegree NameLength
Stanislaus State UniversityOnline RN to BSN10 months
West Coast UniversityOnline RN to BSN8 Months

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

They do, though they are often challenging to find. Your best chance at enrolling in a 6-month RN to BSN program will probably be outside the State of California. You’ll need at least an associate’s degree and a large number of transferable credits to be considered. You’ll also need to be prepared to commit to a fast-paced, intense curriculum.

Cheapest Online RN to BSN Options

Getting an affordable degree is often more important to students than receiving their degree quickly. Finding an “affordable” RN to BSN program in California will take some research as this state is one of the most expensive states to enroll in nursing school. However, you can be sure that you won’t be paying as much for your BSN as you would have if you were enrolled in a traditional BSN program. To help with your search, here are few of the cheapest options in California for RN to BSN programs.

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
California State University LARN to BSN$6,450 per semester
Sacramento State UniversityRN to BSN$7,484 per semester (Resident)

$19,364 (Non-resident)

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Once you narrow down the schools you are interested in applying to, you must ensure that you meet (or exceed) all the entrance requirements. These will vary depending on the school, but in general, you can expect to find the following:

  • Must hold an active CA registered nursing license
  • Must have graduated from a board-approved/accredited school of nursing
  • Cumulative GPA from an Associate's Degree in Nursing program of at least 2.5

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Once students meet the general education requirements for the program, they will begin the nursing-specific courses. Fresno State University's RN to BSN program, for example, offers the following nursing courses:

  • NURS 138: Bridge to Professional Nursing Concepts and Issues
  • NURS 145: Nursing Theories and Research
  • NURS 152: Advanced Leadership, Management, & Healthcare Systems
  • NURS 154: Applying Professional Nursing Principles

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in California

Streamlining the RN to BSN process has become the top focus of the healthcare field in California. To support the forward movement, there are around 35 different RN to BSN programs being offered throughout the state. Nurses in California will be able to make the transition to a degree program and take advantage of the benefits associated with having higher credentials. BSN nurses in the state look to earn on average $18,000 more yearly than an ADN colleague. Opportunities for career advancement at higher wages are awaiting qualified BSN nurses!

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Arcata, CA

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN), B.S.

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE Accredited Nursing Program
    • Hybrid Flexible Learning Format
    • Part-time Study Option
    • Rural Healthcare Focus
    • Public Health Nurse Certification
    • Small Cohort Learning
    • Online and In-person Courses
    • Community Health Fieldwork

Bakersfield, CA

California State University-Bakersfield

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online program with hybrid format
    • 120 total semester units required
    • Public Health Nurse certification
    • 90 on-site clinical hours
    • Fall semester cohort admission
    • Critical thinking skill development
    • Community health focused curriculum

Carson, CA

California State University-Dominguez Hills

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online asynchronous program
    • Minimum 2 semesters to complete
    • 90 community health clinical hours
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Accepts Advanced Placement credits
    • RN license not required before starting
    • Flexible semester-based progression

Chico, CA

California State University-Chico

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program delivery
    • 15-month completion timeframe
    • Designed for licensed RNs
    • Hybrid learning model
    • $11,400-$14,250 total cost
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • Advanced placement for ADN students

Fresno, CA

California State University-Fresno

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/clinical program
    • Builds advanced nursing skills
    • 21 total nursing units
    • Prepares for management roles
    • Minimal in-person clinical requirements
    • 2.75 minimum GPA required
    • Active CA RN license needed
    • Multiple admission cycles yearly

Fresno Pacific University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program (RN to BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 18-month cohort program
    • Minimum 2.4 GPA required
    • Active nursing license needed
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Multiple campus locations
    • 42 total required units
    • Professional role development focus
    • Healthcare leadership training

Fullerton, CA

California State University-Fullerton

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN Pathway

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Upper-division nursing degree pathway
    • Designed for licensed RNs
    • Hybrid program format
    • Distance learning option
    • Partnerships with community colleges
    • Seamless ADN to BSN transition

Hayward, CA

California State University-East Bay

  • Bachelor's - Post-Licensure

    Online Learning - Website

    • Mostly online program
    • Full-time or part-time options
    • For licensed RNs with ADN
    • Community health experience
    • Public Health Nursing Certificate eligible

La Verne, CA

University of La Verne

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN to BSN program
    • Three-semester completion
    • 90-hour public health practicum
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • Multiple prerequisite courses
    • 128 total semester hours
    • NCLEX results required
    • Pending CCNE accreditation

Loma Linda, CA

Loma Linda University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Nursing Degree
    • Flexible Full/Part-Time Options
    • Christ-Centered Faculty Approach
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
    • Scholarships $500-$3,000 Available
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Multiple Quarter Curriculum Options
    • Career Advancement Focus

Long Beach, CA

California State University-Long Beach

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN Completion

    Campus Based - Website

    • Multiple RN-BSN pathway options
    • In-person and online formats
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Enhances professional credentials
    • Part of respected nursing school

Los Angeles, CA

California State University-Los Angeles

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Approved by California Board of Nursing
    • One-year full-time program
    • CCNE Accredited program
    • Clinical sites in Los Angeles County
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing awarded
    • Limited annual application cycle
    • Supplemental admission criteria required

Northridge, CA

California State University-Northridge

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Three-semester online program
    • Designed for licensed RNs
    • Develops professional nursing leaders
    • Flexible course scheduling
    • Public Health Nurse certification option
    • Builds upon existing nursing knowledge

Redding, CA

Simpson University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN Track)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • One class at a time
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Career advancement opportunities
    • State-of-the-art curriculum
    • Professional skill development
    • Flexible class structure

Riverside, CA

California Baptist University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 124 total program units
    • Clinical partnerships with major hospitals
    • Christian faculty and staff
    • First nursing program in Riverside County
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Clinical rotations in multiple counties
    • Evidence-based care focus
    • 4-5 year program length

Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University

  • Bachelor's - Post-Licensure BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Two admission track options
    • Hybrid program format
    • Advanced nursing curriculum
    • Flexible extended education units
    • Community college pathway available

Sacramento, CA

California State University-Sacramento

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Public Health Nurse certificate option
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Career advancement opportunity
    • Designed for working RNs

San Diego, CA

National University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • Can complete in 11 months
    • No prerequisite courses required
    • Four- and eight-week classes
    • Start any month of year
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Potential $4,800 transfer scholarship
    • California Public Health Nurse Certificate option

San Diego State University

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science (RN-BS) in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-15 month program duration
    • Hybrid, mostly online format
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • 26 nursing course units
    • Assigned clinical sites
    • Up to 70 transfer credits
    • Comprehensive nursing curriculum
    • Advanced professional development

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University

  • Bachelor's - ADN-BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • ADN to BSN completion pathway
    • Emphasizes leadership and evidence-based practice
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Builds professional nursing competencies
    • Prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles

San Marcos, CA

California State University-San Marcos

  • Bachelor's - ADN/RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • Part-time, 3-semester track
    • 6 eight-week course sessions
    • For licensed California RNs
    • Offered through Extended Learning

Seaside, CA

California State University-Monterey Bay

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Active RN License Required
    • 3 Full-time or 5 Part-time Semesters
    • Hybrid Program Format
    • 30 Total Program Units
    • Community Health Focus
    • Partners with Local Agencies
    • Strengthens Leadership Skills

Turlock, CA

California State University-Stanislaus

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN-BSN program
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Professional advancement track
    • Flexible learning format
    • Builds on existing nursing credentials
*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.