Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in California

California State University-San Marcos offers a part-time hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for working RNs. This 49-unit program requires campus visits weekly and costs $34,251. The curriculum emphasizes health assessment, diagnosis, and disease management across all age groups, preparing graduates for ANCC credentialing exams. Admission requires a BSN with 3.0 GPA, California RN licensure, and one year of nursing experience. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's level program.

• 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

This hybrid Master of Science in Nursing program at California State University-San Marcos features a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. The part-time cohort-based program costs $34,251 and prepares students for ANCC exams through weekly campus visits. Admission requires a BSN with minimum 3.0 GPA and one year of nursing experience. The program focuses on comprehensive patient care in diverse healthcare settings without mentioning any required entrance exam for this master's level degree.

• 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

The BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program at California State University-San Marcos focuses on Family Nurse Practitioner preparation through a hybrid format. This 79-semester unit program includes 1000 clinical hours covering advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology alongside leadership training. Applications for Fall 2025 are accepted until May 31st. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this doctoral level program.

• Hybrid program format
• 79-semester units
• 1000 clinical hours
• Family Nurse Practitioner focus
• Advanced health assessment
• Leadership in healthcare
• Healthcare policy training
• BSN required for admission
• Fall 2025 start
• May 31st application deadline

California State University-San Marcos offers a BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid program requires 79 semester units and 1000 doctoral clinical hours, including 750 patient care hours. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, healthcare policy, and academic teaching skills through structured clinical experience. No entrance exam requirement is specified for this doctoral level program.

• Hybrid program with clinical focus
• 79 semester units total
• 1000 total doctoral clinical hours
• Two specialized practice tracks
• Evidence-based practice project required
• Advanced leadership preparation
• 750 patient care clinical hours

Point Loma Nazarene University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a hybrid program that combines online asynchronous coursework with optional in-person classes. Designed for working nurses with at least one year of RN experience, this 2.5-year program requires 500-750 direct patient care clinical hours and costs $820 per unit. The program prepares graduates for national certification through ANCC or AANP, with summer and fall start dates available. As a master's level program, entrance exam requirements are not explicitly stated in the provided information.

• 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

Point Loma Nazarene University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration that integrates faith and service into evidence-based practice. This program accepts both ADN and BSN-prepared nurses and requires 500-750 clinical hours. Admission requires a 3.2 GPA, current RN license, and one year of nursing experience. The program costs $890 per unit with financial aid available. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention. As a master's level program, entrance exam requirements are not explicitly stated in the provided information.

• Online format
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• 500-750 clinical hours
• $890 per unit
• 3.2 GPA requirement
• RN license needed
• 1 year nursing experience
• ADN and BSN entry points
• Small class sizes

Point Loma Nazarene University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner certification is a fully online program that takes approximately 3.3 years to complete. The program features 1,000 total clinical hours (including 750 direct patient care hours) and offers two entry pathways for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses. With competitive tuition at $820 per unit and CCNE accreditation, this program prepares graduates for a field with projected 52% job growth. The curriculum includes two on-campus intensive weekends. As a doctoral level program, entrance exam requirements are not explicitly stated in the provided information.

• Fully online asynchronous program
• 1,000 total clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Two entry pathways: BSN and MSN
• Optional synchronous sessions
• Small class sizes (15-20 students)
• 52% job growth projection
• $820 per unit tuition
• California Board of Nursing approved
• Two on-campus intensive weekends

Azusa Pacific University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers comprehensive healthcare training across the lifespan through a rigorous curriculum. This campus-based program requires no entrance exam and offers flexible learning across multiple locations at $860 per unit. With CCNE accreditation and California Board of Nursing approval, students benefit from a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and preparation for national certification. The program emphasizes advanced clinical competencies with priority deadlines in April and June for the 44-56 unit curriculum.

• 44-56 total program units
• Cost per unit: $860
• Multiple campus locations
• Priority deadline April 1
• Final deadline June 15
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• CCNE accredited program
• California Board of Nursing approved
• Prepares for national certification
• Advanced clinical preparation

Azusa Pacific University's BSN to DNP program with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a direct pathway without requiring an MSN. This hybrid program combines online and in-person learning, requiring no entrance exam but mandating a California RN license and eight months of RN experience. Students complete 67-73 units at $1,160 per unit, including 1,000 clinical residency hours and an evidence-based project. With full-time and part-time options, the program features a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and prepares nurses for advanced practice roles.

• Hybrid learning model
• 67-73 program units
• $1,160 per unit cost
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1,000 clinical residency hours
• Evidence-based culminating project
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• California RN license required
• Eight months RN experience for FNP
• Multiple in-person locations

Focusing on Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner preparation, Azusa Pacific University's BSN to DNP program offers a streamlined pathway eliminating the MSN requirement. This hybrid program requires no entrance exam but needs a California RN license and eight months of experience. Students complete 67-73 units at $1,160 per unit through flexible online and in-person formats, including 1,000 clinical residency hours. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership, preparing graduates for advanced clinical roles with competitive earning potential in California.

• Direct BSN to DNP pathway
• Online and hybrid learning
• 67-73 program units
• $1,160 per unit cost
• Multiple campus locations
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1,000 clinical residency hours
• 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• 8+ months RN experience required
• Evidence-based culminating project

Azusa Pacific University's BSN to DNP program with Health Systems Leadership concentration prepares nurses for healthcare leadership roles through a hybrid learning model. No entrance exam is required, but admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, California RN license, and relevant experience. The 67-73 unit program costs $1,160 per unit and includes 1,000 clinical residency hours. With flexible full-time or part-time options, this WSCUC and CCNE-accredited program focuses on compassionate leadership and innovation in healthcare systems management.

• Hybrid learning format.
• 67-73 program units.
• $1,160 cost per unit.
• Requires California RN license.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Focus on Health Systems Leadership.
• Flexible full or part-time options.
• Includes 1,000 clinical residency hours.
• Accredited by WSCUC and CCNE.

The University of San Francisco's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a hybrid learning format that combines online coursework with classroom sessions, providing flexibility for working nurses. This CCNE-accredited program can be completed in 4 years for BSN holders or 3 years for MSN holders, with multiple entry pathways available. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, evidence-based practice, and social justice principles, preparing graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat patients across diverse healthcare settings. Program highlights include weekend teaching schedules, preceptor support, and a dual MPH/DNP option. As a doctorate-level program, entrance exam requirements should be verified with the admissions office.

• Hybrid program with online/classroom learning
• 4-year BSN to DNP track
• 3-year MSN to DNP track
• Social justice healthcare focus
• CCNE accredited program
• Preceptor program support
• Weekend teaching schedule
• Multiple entry pathways
• Dual MPH/DNP option available

The University of California-Irvine's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a pioneering three-year hybrid program blending online and on-campus learning. Designed for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses, it focuses on primary care across the lifespan, leadership, and health policy while preparing students for FNP board certification through 720 direct patient care hours in ambulatory settings. With faculty practicing in UC Irvine Health clinics, students gain hands-on experience and complete a scholarly project emphasizing quality improvement and evidence-based practice. This program requires an entrance exam.

• Three-year hybrid program
• 720 direct patient care hours
• Focus on Family Nurse Practitioner
• Combines online and on-campus learning
• Prepares for FNP board certification
• Scholarly project requirement
• Faculty practice team involvement
• Primary care across lifespan
• Leadership and health policy focus
• Hands-on ambulatory care experience

USC's hybrid MSN-FNP program delivers comprehensive primary care training through a flexible 21-33 month curriculum requiring 50-52 credits and 786 clinical hours. With impressive 92% ANCC and 88% AANP board pass rates, this CCNE-accredited program emphasizes integrative healthcare addressing biomedical and social factors. The hybrid format combines online coursework with two on-campus intensives, offering both full-time and part-time options. Clinical placements are arranged locally, and no entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

• Online FNP program
• Full and part-time options
• 50-52 total credit hours
• 786 clinical practice hours
• 21-33 month completion time
• 92% ANCC board pass rate
• Accredited by CCNE
• Clinical placements locally
• Two on-campus intensives
• Integrative healthcare approach

USC's hybrid MSN-FNP program prepares nurse practitioners for leadership roles through 49 units of study blending online coursework with two on-campus intensives. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, healthcare policy, and research while offering flexible clinical practica tailored to students' locations. This master's level program provides full-time and part-time options through USC's Virtual Academic Center, fostering a diverse learning environment without requiring entrance exams. Graduates are equipped to deliver advanced nursing practice across patient lifespans.

• Hybrid program format
• 49 units total
• Full-time or part-time
• Two on-campus intensives
• Clinical practicum flexibility
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Focus on evidence-based care
• Diverse learning environment
• Collaboration with health sciences
• Online via Virtual Academic Center

National University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare across all age groups. This CCNE-accredited hybrid program combines online coursework with immersive clinical experiences, requiring 180-240 clinical practice hours. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, health promotion, and culturally sensitive care. With year-round enrollment and a 4-week course format, it prepares graduates for ANCC/AANP certification exams. Admission requires a BSN degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. This master's level program does not explicitly state whether entrance exams are required.

• 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 RN to MSN Pathways program offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner specialization designed for registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas, eliminating the need for a BSN. This accelerated 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 courses, and practicum experiences in approved clinical settings. Admission requires a nursing diploma or associate degree from an accredited program, a 3.0 minimum GPA, and an unencumbered RN license. This master's level program does not explicitly state whether entrance exams are required.

• 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

Charles R. Drew University's MSN-FNP program is a 16-month hybrid format that blends monthly weekend intensives with clinical rotations. This CCNE-accredited program requires 51 credits and prepares graduates for ANCC/AANP certification exams. Designed for working nurses, it emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive care across all life stages. The program focuses on diverse community health needs and includes multiple start dates. As a master's level program, it requires entrance exams such as the GRE, though specific requirements should be verified with the university.

• 16-month executive-style program
• 51 total credit hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Monthly weekend intensive sessions
• Clinical experiences in multiple settings
• CCNE and California Board accredited
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP certification
• Multiple semester start dates
• Face-to-face and digital instruction
• Diverse faculty mentorship

This 16-month campus-based MSN-FNP program at Charles R. Drew University combines intensive weekend sessions with hands-on clinical experiences across multiple healthcare settings. Requiring 51 credit hours, the program prepares nurses for national certification while emphasizing holistic patient care, clinical management skills, and community-focused practice. The curriculum covers health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan within an inclusive learning environment. As a master's level program, it requires entrance exams like the GRE, though applicants should confirm specific requirements directly with the university.

• 16-month program duration
• Hybrid learning format
• 51 credit hours required
• Hands-on clinical immersion
• Prepares for national certification
• Focus on health promotion
• Disease prevention emphasis
• Clinical management skills
• Diverse faculty insights
• Community-focused care

California State University-Long Beach's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers rigorous graduate education for registered nurses seeking advanced family care roles. This campus-based program requires a 3.0 GPA and current RN license, with 30-48 graduate units covering advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. CCNE-accredited, it emphasizes comprehensive clinical training through multiple practice courses. As a master's level program, entrance exam requirements are not specified in the provided data. The curriculum prepares graduates for high-quality, patient-centered care across family populations with specialized clinical studies.

• 30-48 graduate units required
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Board of Nursing approved
• Multiple clinical practice courses
• Comprehensive core and specialty courses
• Current RN license needed
• Statistics prerequisite required
• Physical assessment course required
• Pathophysiology course required
• CCNE accredited program

California State University-Long Beach's Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty MSN program offers comprehensive family-focused education for BSN-prepared registered nurses. This campus-based program requires a 3.0 GPA and RN license, featuring CCNE accreditation and a curriculum emphasizing family health across the lifespan. Courses include advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment with extensive clinical experiences. As a master's level program, entrance exam requirements are not specified in the provided data. The program prepares graduates for diverse healthcare settings with rigorous academics and practical training in family healthcare delivery.

• Accredited by CCNE.
• Requires BSN and RN license.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Focus on family health.
• Includes clinical experiences.
• Courses in advanced pharmacology.
• Advanced pathophysiology included.
• Health assessment training.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
• Comprehensive curriculum.

California State University-Long Beach's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a 72-unit hybrid program spanning three years. This advanced doctoral program requires 1,000 clinical hours and a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, preparing nurses for complex clinical and leadership roles through evidence-based inquiry and health policy advocacy. Students complete a scholarly doctoral project aimed at improving patient care. As a doctorate level program, entrance exam requirements are not specified in the provided data. The program focuses specifically on family nurse practitioner competencies with national certification preparation.

• 72-unit, three-year program
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• Multiple nurse practitioner specialties
• Evidence-based doctoral project
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• National certification preparation
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Comprehensive admission requirements

Pacific College's online MSN-FNP program prepares BSN-holding RNs for primary care roles across diverse populations. This 40-unit curriculum blends online coursework with local clinical experiences and three campus visits, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration. Students develop advanced skills in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health policy while addressing social determinants of health. The program requires a California RN license and BSN for admission and prepares graduates for national certification. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's-level program.

• Online coursework
• Local clinical experiences
• 40 units total
• 18 courses required
• Prepares for national certification
• Focus on primary care
• For RNs with a BSN
• California RN license required
• Includes health policy
• Advanced pathophysiology covered