Best Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in California
- 2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
- Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties
- Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus
- General Admissions Requirements
- California NP License and Certification Requirements
- List of NP Programs in California
California has long been desired for its inherent beauty and varied landscape, encompassing beaches, forests, deserts, and urban cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. For nurses in the state, opportunities abound for career advancement. From Nothern California to Southern California, nurses increasingly opt to continue their education to become nurse practitioners (NPs). Read on to learn more about the best NP programs in California and available NP specialties, from online to campus-based and everything in between. Jump to program listings.
2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Rankings of the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California! Our rankings are tailored to guide aspiring nurse practitioners toward the most outstanding online programs across the state. We assess programs based on factors such as completion rates, cost of living, institutional reputation, program variety, and faculty expertise to provide a comprehensive evaluation. For an in-depth look at our ranking criteria, please visit our methodology page
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University offers several nurse practitioner programs, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). These programs emphasize advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and holistic patient care, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare.
MSN Programs- Master's in Healthcare Administration Online/Hybrid
Sonoma State University
Sonoma State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration. The program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles, focusing on primary care across the lifespan. It emphasizes clinical expertise, health promotion, and disease prevention, with a strong commitment to serving diverse communities.
Graduate Certificate Programs- Nursing Post-Master's FNP Certificate Program Online/Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Dominguez Hills offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) option. The program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in primary care settings, emphasizing comprehensive patient care, health promotion, and disease management. It is designed to meet the needs of diverse populations in various healthcare environments.
MSN Programs- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online/Hybrid
Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs
If you're a busy California nurse looking to advance your career, quick and/or cheap NP programs may be your priority. Luckily, many NP program options are available to meet your needs. If you've already completed your Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) and have some nursing experience, you are well on your way to completing your NP program quickly and efficiently.
What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?
While aspiring NPs can choose between a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, the MSN route is typically the faster option, taking an average of 2 years to complete compared to 4+ years for the DNP. However, some MSN programs can be completed even more quickly, utilizing summer sessions and flexible online programming that can allow students to move through their studies at a faster pace. Here are some examples of the fastest online NP programs available in California:
| NP Program | Length | Online/Campus |
|---|---|---|
| USC (University of Southern California) | 21 months (MSN) | Online with some on-campus sessions |
| West Coast University | 20-24 months (MSN) | Fully Online |
| Samuel Merritt University | 20 months (MSN) | Fully Online |
What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?
California is home to many cost-effective online NP programs that fit a wide range of budgets. Factors that affect NP tuition include the type of school (private, public, etc.), where the school is located, whether it offers online or campus courses, and the size and breadth of its nursing departments. While MSN-level NP tuition can range from $20,000 at the low end to upwards of $60,000 at the high end in California, many schools have done their best to keep costs affordable for students. The following schools offer some of the cheapest online NP tuition rates in the state:
| School Name | Tuition Range | Estimated Credits |
|---|---|---|
| California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) | $18,000 – $20,000 | 36 credits (MSN) |
| California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) | $21,000 – $24,000 | 42 credits (MSN) |
| Western Governors University (WGU) | $14,000 – $15,000 | 36 credits (MSN) |
Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties
One of the biggest draws of NP programs is that students can specialize in many different areas of care. Whether you opt for an MSN or DNP-level nurse practitioner program, you can choose to focus your studies to concentrate on a specific patient population or medical condition. Schools in the state that offer programs in popular NP specialties include:
| School Name | NP Specialty | Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – MSN & Doctorate | 45-50 credits (MSN) |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) – MSN & Doctorate | 56 credits (MSN) |
| Azusa Pacific University | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – MSN | 51 credits (MSN) |
Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).
Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus
While MSN and DNP programs are the most common routes for nurse practitioner education, there are several accelerated and bridge program opportunities available online and in-person, depending on the degree level you currently hold. Take a look at your options below:
MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs
The traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is one of the most common NP degrees. It is available in many NP specializations and takes about two years to complete. California examples include:
- UCLA – Los Angeles, CA
- Fresno State University – Fresno, CA
RN to NP Programs
An RN to NP program is an umbrella term that typically refers to an ADN to MSN, in which RNs who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) complete accelerated BSN and MSN-level nurse practitioner coursework. Examples in California include:
- California Baptist University (CBU) – Riverside, CA
- Western University of Health Sciences – Pomona, CA
DNP Nurse Practioner Programs
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree an NP can obtain. These programs can take 4-6 years to complete, depending on the education level they enter with. Traditional DNP programs require students to have an accredited MSN degree. California examples include:
- UC Davis – Davis, CA
- University of San Diego (USD) – San Diego, CA
Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs
Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, it's a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:
- Tuoro University California – Vallejo, CA
- Point Loma Nazarene University – San Diego, CA
Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice
Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in any subject to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. California examples include:
- University of the Pacific – San Francisco, CA
- Samuel Merritt University – Oakland and Sacramento, CA
General Admissions Requirements
While each specific nurse practitioner degree level will have its own set of requirements, most NP programs will require the following to be eligible for admission:
- BSN from an accredited school
- Transcripts from all colleges attended
- Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
- Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Resume or CV
California NP License and Certification Requirements
The California Board of Registered Nursing certifies advanced practice registered nurses, to include nurse practitioners. Eligibility requirements include:
- Hold a current California RN license
- Graduation from an accredited nurse practitioner program
Applicants will need to supply documentation of the above, submit an application form, and pay the application fee of roughly $500. Further instructions for how to apply for NP licensure/certification in California can be found here.
Certification for most nurse practitioner specialty areas can be obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Applicants must generally hold an active RN license and have completed a graduate-level nursing program in an applicable specialty.
As of 2023, licensed and certified NPs in California have full practice authority, meaning that they are permitted to practice without physician supervision in certain settings. Further information and resources can be found via the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP).