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.

2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California

At RegisteredNursing.org, we understand the critical importance of flexible nursing education, which is why we've carefully evaluated the best online RN to BSN programs across California. These virtual programs provide working nurses with exceptional opportunities to advance their careers without disrupting their current professional commitments. Online distance learning options allow registered nurses to seamlessly transition from associate's to bachelor's degree credentials, enhancing their clinical knowledge, research skills, and career advancement potential. Our comprehensive rankings consider factors like academic quality, affordability, student support, and program flexibility. Nurses seeking to elevate their professional trajectory will find these online programs transformative for their healthcare careers. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA - Public 4-Year - sonoma.edu

Bachelor's - Post-Licensure BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Sonoma State University's Online Post-Licensure BSN program provides registered nurses a dynamic pathway to elevate their nursing credentials through a hybrid learning model. Featuring two innovative tracks - Collaborative Nursing Education Continuum Model (CNECM) and Traditional RN to BSN - the program accommodates diverse professional backgrounds. Students can seamlessly transition from associate's to bachelor's level nursing, gaining advanced clinical expertise and leadership skills. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive healthcare education, preparing nurses for complex medical environments. With flexible extended education units and a community college pathway, the program offers accessibility and comprehensive professional development for working nursing professionals.

  • Two admission track options
  • Hybrid program format
  • Advanced nursing curriculum
  • Flexible extended education units
  • Community college pathway available
#2

California State University-Stanislaus

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

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

California State University-Stanislaus delivers a strategically crafted online RN-BSN program tailored for practicing registered nurses seeking professional elevation. The program uniquely accommodates working nurses by offering asynchronous coursework that allows seamless integration with clinical schedules. Students can leverage their existing associate degree credentials to advance academic standing, developing sophisticated leadership and critical thinking skills essential for modern healthcare environments. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, professional communication, and comprehensive nursing theory, preparing graduates for expanded healthcare roles. No specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned, making the program accessible for currently licensed RNs looking to complete their bachelor's degree efficiently through a flexible online platform.

  • Online RN-BSN program
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Professional advancement track
  • Flexible learning format
  • Builds on existing nursing credentials
#3

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA - Public 4-Year - fullerton.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN Pathway

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University-Fullerton's RN to BSN Pathway offers a dynamic online and hybrid program designed specifically for working registered nurses seeking career advancement. The upper-division degree completion track enables licensed nurses to seamlessly transition from an associate's degree, providing flexible learning options that accommodate professional schedules. Emphasizing comprehensive nursing education, the program supports students in expanding their healthcare knowledge and clinical competencies. Featuring strategic partnerships with community colleges and a distance learning framework, this pathway allows RNs to enhance their professional credentials while maintaining their current employment. The program's innovative approach ensures registered nurses can efficiently pursue higher education without disrupting their professional commitments.

  • Upper-division nursing degree pathway
  • Designed for licensed RNs
  • Hybrid program format
  • Distance learning option
  • Partnerships with community colleges
  • Seamless ADN to BSN transition
#4

California State University-Monterey Bay

Seaside, CA - Public 4-Year - csumb.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University Monterey Bay offers a dynamic hybrid RN to BSN program specifically designed for licensed registered nurses seeking comprehensive professional advancement. This innovative pathway allows students to complete their bachelor's degree in 3 full-time or 5 part-time semesters, emphasizing critical healthcare domains like global health, community care, policy, and research. An active California RN license is mandatory for admission. The program uniquely partners with local healthcare agencies, providing practical experiences that enhance leadership skills and broaden nurses' understanding of complex healthcare systems. With 30 total program units, students transform their clinical expertise into broader healthcare leadership capabilities through a flexible, strategically structured curriculum.

  • 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
#5

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 online program provides registered nurses a dynamic educational pathway tailored for working professionals. Completed in an accelerated 11-month timeframe, the program offers unprecedented flexibility with four- and eight-week course formats and year-round enrollment. CCNE-accredited and featuring a California Public Health Nurse Certificate option, this program empowers nurses to expand leadership skills and career opportunities. With no prerequisite courses required and potential transfer scholarship opportunities up to $4,800, nurses can advance their professional credentials while maintaining current employment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, professional development, and hands-on leadership experiences across diverse healthcare settings.

  • 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
*Source: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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
*IPEDS 2023 data, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.