Best Online MSN Programs in California

West Coast University's online MSN-FNP program prepares nurses for advanced primary care roles through flexible 8-week terms. This 53-credit, CCNE-accredited program requires two on-site intensives and 540 clinical hours, with completion in 20-32 months. Admission requires a BSN with 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and one year of RN experience. No entrance exam is required. The curriculum focuses specifically on Family Nurse Practitioner training, covering advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and family primary care across all ages to prepare for national certification.

• Online program with flexibility.
• 53 total credit hours.
• Accelerated pace: 20 months.
• Working professional pace: 32 months.
• Two on-site intensives required.
• 540 precepted clinical hours.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• 8-week terms available.
• Tuition from $40,345 to $41,610.
• Technology fee: $2,500 to $4,000.

This online MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP program at West Coast University prepares nurses to provide primary care to patients aged 13 through older adulthood. The 49-credit curriculum includes two on-site intensives and offers accelerated (20-month) or working professional (32-month) pacing. CCNE-accredited, it requires a BSN with 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and one year of direct patient care experience. No entrance exam is required. The program covers advanced topics including telehealth and prepares graduates for ANCC or AANP certification.

• Online program delivery.
• Accelerated pace: 20 months.
• Working professional pace: 32 months.
• 49 total credits.
• Two on-site intensives required.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification.
• BSN required for admission.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.

West Coast University's online MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP program prepares nurses for critical care roles with a 50-credit curriculum including 12 MSN core and 38 APRN track credits. The CCNE-accredited program requires two on-site intensives and offers 20- or 32-month completion options. Admission requires a BSN with 3.0 GPA, valid RN license, and one year of ICU experience. No entrance exam is required. This online program focuses on acute care settings, includes telehealth training, and prepares graduates for national certification exams.

• Online delivery format.
• 50 total credit hours.
• Two on-site intensives required.
• Accelerated pace: 20 months.
• Working professional pace: 32 months.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• Requires BSN for admission.
• 3.0 minimum GPA required.
• Valid RN license needed.
• One year ICU experience required.

The online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP program at West Coast University prepares nurses to provide mental health care across all ages. This 53-credit program includes two on-site intensives and offers 20- or 36-month completion options. CCNE-accredited, it requires a BSN with 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and one year of RN experience. No entrance exam is required. The curriculum covers psychiatric conditions, treatment, therapy management, and telehealth, preparing graduates for PMHNP-BC certification with 540 clinical hours.

• Online program delivery.
• Two on-site intensives required.
• 53 total credit hours.
• Accelerated pace: 20 months.
• Working professional pace: 36 months.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• Prepares for PMHNP-BC certification.
• Requires BSN with 3.0 GPA.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• One year RN experience required.

West Coast University's online MSN Nurse Educator program prepares nurses for teaching roles with a 30-credit curriculum covering teaching principles, curriculum design, and assessment strategies. Completion options range from 8 to 24 months with flexible pacing. This CCNE-accredited program requires a BSN with 3.0 GPA and active RN license. No entrance exam is required. Students access coursework 24/7 and complete clinical hours locally, preparing for roles like clinical educator or faculty member with precepted clinical experience.

• Online program delivery.
• 30 total credit hours.
• 8-month accelerated plus option.
• 12-month accelerated pace.
• 24-month working professional pace.
• CCNE-accredited nursing program.
• 8-week course terms.
• 24/7 course access.
• $680-$700 per credit tuition.
• $20,400-$21,000 total tuition.

• Online program format.
• Three pace options available.
• 30 total credit hours.
• CCNE-accredited nursing track.
• 8-week course sessions.
• 24/7 access to coursework.
• Precepted clinical hours included.
• Clinical placements team support.
• Tuition per credit $680-$700.
• Total tuition $20,400-$21,000.

• Online program format.
• 30 total credits required.
• CCNE-accredited nursing program.
• Three pacing options available.
• 8 to 24 month completion times.
• Tuition per credit $680-$700.
• Total tuition $20,400-$21,000.
• Technology fees $1,000-$3,000.
• Program supply fees $525.
• BSN with 3.0 GPA required.

California State University-San Marcos offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration for working RNs. This part-time program prepares students to deliver comprehensive healthcare across all age groups through a curriculum focused on health assessment, diagnosis, and disease management. The program costs $34,251 and includes 49 units with weekly campus visits. No entrance exam is required for this online/hybrid program. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, California RN licensure, and one year of nursing experience, with graduates eligible for ANCC credentialing.

• Part-time MSN program
• Total program cost $34,251
• Family Nurse Practitioner specialization
• 49 total program units
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• California RN licensure needed
• One year nursing experience
• ANCC credentialing exam eligible
• Cohort-based learning model
• Campus visits one day weekly

At California State University-San Marcos, the hybrid MSN program features a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for working registered nurses. This part-time program prepares graduates for advanced practice roles through cohort-based learning with weekly campus visits. The total cost is $34,251, and no entrance exam is required for this online/hybrid program. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, and one year of nursing experience. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient care and prepares students for ANCC credentialing exams.

• Part-time MSN program
• Two specialization tracks
• Total cost $34,251
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year nursing experience
• Cohort-based learning
• ANCC exam preparation
• Campus visits weekly
• Small class sizes
• Median salary $113,930

California State University San Marcos offers an online MSN program with a Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration, preparing nurses for leadership roles in clinical settings. Students can choose population-focused tracks including Adult/Gerontology, Pediatrics, or Advanced Public Health. The program includes 500 hours of advanced field study and no entrance exam is required for this fully online program. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams and careers in healthcare delivery, education, and specialized nursing practice.

• Two program pathway options
• 500 clinical field study hours
• Multiple concentration tracks
• Part-time program design
• National certification preparation
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Advanced research methods
• Healthcare policy focus
• Diverse specialization options

The online MSN program at California State University San Marcos features a Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult/Gerontology concentration for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Flexible pathways include RN-to-BSN-to-MSN and direct MSN entry options. The program requires 500 clinical hours and no entrance exam is required for this fully online program. Admission requires a nursing bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA. Graduates complete coursework in advanced health assessment and pathophysiology, preparing them for national certification and leadership positions with emphasis on evidence-based practice and cultural competence.

• Online and part-time options
• Multiple nursing concentrations
• 500 clinical practice hours
• National certification preparation
• Advanced practice specializations
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Comprehensive graduate core courses
• Leadership and research focus
• Cultural competence emphasis

California State University San Marcos' online MSN program offers a Clinical Nurse Specialist - Pediatrics concentration for healthcare professionals seeking advanced practice roles. This part-time, flexible program includes 500 clinical hours and focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, and cultural competence. No entrance exam is required for this fully online program. The Pediatrics concentration equips nurses to deliver expert care to children across developmental stages, with graduates eligible for national certification after completing advanced assessment and pathophysiology training.

• Part-time flexible program
• 500 clinical practice hours
• National certification eligible
• Advanced pediatric nursing focus
• Evidence-based curriculum

• Part-time program options
• Three concentration paths
• 500 hours clinical field study
• National certification preparation
• Accredited nursing program
• Advanced health assessment courses
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Online and campus learning
• Advanced research methods
• Healthcare policy focus

National University's online MSN-FNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive healthcare across all age groups. This hybrid program combines online coursework with immersive clinical experiences, requiring 180-240 clinical hours. Accredited by CCNE, it features year-round enrollment with 4-week course formats and prepares graduates for ANCC/AANP certification. The program requires a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and does not require an entrance exam. It emphasizes culturally sensitive, patient-centered care through evidence-based practices in health promotion and disease prevention.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• 4-week course format
• Year-round enrollment availability
• Online with clinical immersions
• 180-240 clinical practice hours
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP certification
• Requires BSN degree
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Multiple specialization courses
• Advanced physical assessment training

National University's online MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program with Lifespan concentration prepares nurses to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across all age groups. This hybrid program can be completed in approximately 19 months through flexible online and in-person learning. Accredited by CCNE, it focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders including psychopharmacological management. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and does not require an entrance exam or application essay. Graduates are prepared for board certification and gain expertise in evidence-based mental health services.

• Hybrid learning format
• Lifespan mental health focus
• 19-month completion time
• No application essay required
• Board certification preparation
• Advanced clinical training
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Accredited by CCNE
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Clinical practicum experience

National University's online MSN-Nursing Informatics program prepares nurses to leverage technology in healthcare delivery through a hybrid format. This CCNE-accredited program blends advanced nursing practice with health information technology, equipping professionals to transform patient care through data-driven strategies. Students gain skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating health information systems within interdisciplinary teams. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and technological innovation to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety. It does not require an entrance exam and offers flexibility for working nurses.

• Hybrid learning format
• Interdisciplinary health IT focus
• CCNE-accredited program
• Interprofessional education approach
• Advanced nursing technology skills

National University's online RN to MSN Pathways program with Family Nurse Practitioner specialization allows registered nurses with an associate or diploma to earn an MSN without needing a BSN. This fully online program can be completed in 12-21 months with minimal on-campus requirements. Accredited by WSCUC and CCNE, it features one-on-one faculty advising, board certification review, and practicum in clinical settings. Admission requires a nursing diploma or associate degree with a 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license. The program does not require an entrance exam and offers flexible course lengths.

• Online program
• 12-21 months completion
• Family Nurse Practitioner specialization
• Minimal on-campus requirements
• Board certification review
• One-on-one faculty advising
• Practicum in clinical settings
• No BSN required
• Accredited by WSCUC and CCNE
• Flexible course lengths

Point Loma Nazarene University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced teaching roles through a faith-integrated curriculum. This hybrid program requires no entrance exam and offers asynchronous online coursework with optional synchronous sessions, allowing completion in 2-2.5 years. Students benefit from small class sizes of 15-20, personalized mentoring, and competitive tuition at $820 per unit. The program requires one year of RN experience and includes 500-750 clinical hours, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in nursing education.

• Fully online asynchronous format
• Optional synchronous online classes
• 2-2.5 year completion time
• $820 per unit tuition
• 4 APRN specialty tracks
• 500-750 clinical hours
• Classes of 15-20 students
• One in-person course option
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• Requires 1 year RN experience

Point Loma Nazarene University's hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration equips nurses to provide comprehensive care across patient populations without requiring an entrance exam. This online program features asynchronous coursework with optional synchronous sessions and can be completed in 2.5 years. Students gain hands-on experience through 500-750 clinical hours and are eligible for national certification through ANCC or AANP. With competitive tuition of $820 per unit and start dates in Summer and Fall, this program is designed for working nurses with at least one year of RN experience seeking advanced practice roles.

• Fully online asynchronous format
• 2.5 years program length
• $820 per unit cost
• 500-750 clinical hours
• National certification eligible
• Option for in-person classes
• One year RN experience required
• 43-54 total graduate units
• Summer and Fall start dates
• Optional synchronous sessions

This online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences prepares nurses for comprehensive primary care across all age groups. The program offers multiple entry pathways including RN to MSN, BSN-entry MSN, BSN-entry DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate options. Featuring online coursework with one required on-campus clinical intensive for hands-on skills practice, students complete structured practica with preceptors. The curriculum emphasizes health promotion, diagnosis, treatment, and ethical patient-centered care. No entrance exam is required for admission, which requires a nursing background. Start dates are available in January, May, and September, with financial aid and scholarships available.

• Online coursework format.
• One required on-campus intensive.
• Multiple program pathways available.
• RN to MSN: 59 credits.
• BSN-entry MSN: 50 credits.
• BSN-entry DNP: 71 credits.
• Post-Graduate Certificate: 31 credits.
• Practicum hours required.
• Clinical intensive with simulations.
• Focus on health promotion.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This program prepares nurses for advanced mental health care roles including assessment, diagnosis, medication management, and therapeutic interventions. Featuring online coursework with one required virtual clinical intensive and extensive practicum hours, it's designed for working professionals. No entrance exam is required for admission, which requires a BSN or ADN with nursing experience. The CCNE-accredited program offers flexible start dates in September, January, and May, with tuition grants available including a $2,500 PMHNP grant.

• Online program format.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• CCNE accredited.
• BSN or RN entry pathways.
• 55 credit hours for BSN entry.
• 754 practicum contact hours.
• One virtual clinical intensive.
• Flexible start dates available.
• Tuition grants offered.
• Personalized faculty mentorship.

This online MSN Nurse Educator program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences prepares BSN nurses for teaching roles in academic and clinical settings. The 36-credit program includes practicum experiences in local communities and focuses on curriculum design, teaching methods, and foundational education theories. No entrance exam is required for admission, which requires a BSN and active nursing license. The CCNE-accredited program offers flexible study plans for working professionals, with completion typically within two years. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional learning and practical application of educational principles.

• Online program delivery.
• Nurse Educator concentration.
• 36 total credit hours.
• Includes practicum courses.
• Requires BSN for admission.
• Active nursing license needed.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Interprofessional learning environment.
• Optional campus immersions.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences offers an online MSN with a Nurse Executive concentration for BSN-prepared nurses seeking leadership roles. This 36-credit program focuses on healthcare administration, strategic planning, and organizational development, including 290 practicum hours. No entrance exam is required for admission, which requires a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program. Typically completed in six trimesters over two years with acceleration options, the CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for management positions like director or chief nursing officer. Tuition grants such as the $2,500 Nurse Leadership Grant are available for eligible students.

• Online program format.
• Nurse Executive concentration.
• 36 credit hours required.
• 290 practicum hours included.
• BSN entry only.
• Six trimesters duration.
• Acceleration options available.
• CCNE accredited.
• No professional licensure.
• Optional on-campus immersions.

This online MSN Nurse Informaticist concentration at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences prepares BSN nurses for leadership roles in healthcare technology. The 36-credit program blends nursing science with informatics, covering clinical data analytics, system design, and information management to improve healthcare quality and safety. No entrance exam is required for admission, which requires a BSN and active nursing license. Featuring practicum experiences in local communities and flexible study plans for working professionals, the program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice. The CCNE-accredited curriculum focuses on technology application in nursing care and leadership skill development.

• Online delivery format.
• 36 total credit hours.
• Nurse Informaticist concentration.
• Includes practicum courses.
• BSN and license required.
• Accelerated study plans available.
• Interprofessional learning environment.
• Focus on healthcare technology.
• Clinical data analytics covered.
• System life cycle analysis.

California Baptist University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across patient lifespans. This hybrid program focuses on biopsychosocial healthcare needs, emphasizing individual, family, and group psychotherapy techniques. Students develop expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and managing psychiatric disorders through rigorous didactic and clinical training. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, one year of RN experience, and an active RN license. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. Graduates are eligible for national certification and equipped to work collaboratively with patients experiencing complex mental health challenges.

• Hybrid program format
• 53-76 total program units
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year RN experience needed
• 29 concentration units
• National certification eligible
• Active RN license required
• Clinical practicum included
• Multiple clinical experiences
• Advanced psychopharmacology training

California Baptist University's online Nursing Informatics Post-Masters program equips advanced practice nurses with cutting-edge skills to transform healthcare technology. This hybrid program integrates nursing science with data management and information technologies, preparing students to leverage digital tools for enhancing patient care and clinical decision-making. Designed for experienced RNs, the program requires a master's degree in nursing, an active RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. Graduates emerge as expert informatics nurse specialists, prepared to bridge clinical practice with technological innovation through practical, evidence-based learning.

• Post-Masters Nursing Specialization
• Hybrid Program Format
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• 17 Total Credit Units
• Active RN License Needed
• National Certification Eligible
• Integrates Nursing and Technology
• Practicum-Based Learning
• CPR Certification Required

California Baptist University's online Entry-Level MSN program helps non-nursing bachelor's degree holders transition into nursing. This fully online program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and master's-level nursing roles through a 102-108 unit curriculum over 10 semesters. The program costs $815 per unit and requires completion of prerequisites with a C or better. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The curriculum blends nursing theory with a biblical worldview and includes clinical practicums in diverse healthcare settings. Concentrations include Nurse Educator, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Organizational Leadership, with a focus on evidence-based practice and leadership skill development.

• 102-108 total units.
• 10 semesters program length.
• $815 per unit cost.
• Online program format.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Prerequisites with C or better.
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
• Clinical practicum hours required.
• Three concentration options.
• Holistic nursing perspective.

Stanbridge University's online Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in education (MSN-Ed) prepares experienced BSN-prepared nurses to become educators in academic and clinical settings. This 100% online program, delivered through the Edverum platform, offers flexible scheduling ideal for working professionals and can be completed in approximately 13-14 months. The 45-quarter credit curriculum focuses on nursing education, covering theoretical foundations, curriculum design, teaching strategies, and evidence-based practice. A 140-hour practicum provides hands-on experience. No entrance exam is required for admission, but applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license and a BSN degree. The program emphasizes developing skills to educate future nursing professionals.

• 100% online program.
• 13-14 months duration.
• 45 quarter credit hours.
• Designed for working nurses.
• Flexible scheduling available.
• Edverum learning platform.
• 140-hour practicum required.
• BSN degree required.
• RN licensure required.
• Financial aid available.

Concordia University-Irvine's online Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid format that combines asynchronous online coursework with two on-campus intensives. This 36-month program requires 48 units and 750 clinical hours, preparing graduates for FNP certification in a field with 40% projected growth by 2031. The curriculum covers comprehensive primary care from pediatrics to geriatrics, with clinical placements available throughout Southern California. No entrance exam is required for admission. Tuition is $795 per unit, and the first cohort begins in March 2025.

• 36-month completion time
• 48 total program units
• $795 per unit tuition
• 750 clinical training hours
• Fully online asynchronous courses
• Two on-campus intensives
• First cohort starts March 2025
• Clinical placements in Southern California
• Covers pediatrics to geriatric care
• State-of-the-art simulation labs

California State University-Channel Islands offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration. This CCNE-accredited program combines online coursework with summer on-campus intensives, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership development, and cultural competency. The curriculum prepares graduates for educator roles in academic or clinical settings through advanced nursing courses. This online program does not require an entrance exam.

• Hybrid MSN program
• Two concentrations available
• CCNE accredited program
• Summer on-campus intensives
• Advanced nursing core courses
• Nurse Educator track paused
• Academic/clinical preparation
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership skill development
• Cultural competency emphasis

California State University-Channel Islands provides a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. The program features online coursework in 16-week sessions, preparing students for national certification through comprehensive clinical training. Students develop advanced skills in primary care across diverse populations, with experienced faculty guiding their preparation for doctoral studies. This online program does not require an entrance exam.

• Family Nurse Practitioner track available
• Online course delivery
• 16-week session format
• National certification preparation
• Advanced nursing skills development
• Comprehensive core courses
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Life span primary care preparation
• Experienced nurse educator faculty
• Prepares for doctoral studies

Homestead Schools offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program focused on preparing nurses for advanced roles as educators in clinical and academic settings. The 37-credit curriculum emphasizes nursing theory, research, health policy, and ethical practice, with 967.5 total clock hours including a clinical practicum and capstone project. This flexible program does not require an entrance exam, but admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, California residency, and computer literacy. The online format allows working professionals to balance studies with their careers while developing critical thinking through evidence-based projects and supervised clinical experiences.

• 37 academic credit hours.
• 967.5 total clock hours.
• Online and residential options.
• Focus on nurse educator roles.
• Clinical practicum included.
• Capstone project required.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• California residency required.
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
• Computer literacy needed.