California RN to MSN Programs
California is a large state with a vast array of healthcare needs. Registered nurses in the state are following the trend of higher education to meet these needs by way of a Master's of Science in Nursing degree. This graduate level degree allows RNs the chance to advance to more prestigious nursing careers with more responsibility and higher pay. With options for nurses who are starting out with an ADN or a BSN already under their belt, RN to MSN programs in California are paving the way for nurses to find gainful employment in high-level healthcare positions.
2022 List of RN to MSN Programs in California
Becoming a specialized nurse such as in oncology, private practice sector, patient education, etc. can all be career aspirations if you were to obtain your MSN degree. Within the state of California there are more than 10 different colleges offering RN to MSN programs that can be taken traditionally, online or a blend of both options. Becoming an MSN nurse does not have to mean giving up your current employment, with all kinds of schooling options you can have the best of both worlds.
Find RN to MSN Programs By City:
- San Diego RN to MSN Programs
- Sacramento RN to MSN Programs
- San Francisco RN to MSN Programs
- Fresno RN to MSN Programs
- San Jose RN to MSN Programs
- Oakland RN to MSN Programs
- Pasadena RN to MSN Programs
- Los Angeles RN to MSN Programs
- Bakersfield RN to MSN Programs
Program | Website |
---|---|
California State University-Stanislaus CampusSchool of Nursing 1 University Cir Turlock, CA 95382 | csustan.edu |
Holy Names University HybridDepartment of Nursing 3500 Mountain Boulevard Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 436-1305 | hnu.edu |
Point Loma Nazarene University CampusSchool of Nursing 3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 849-2766 | pointloma.edu |
San Diego State University CampusSchool of Nursing 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182-4158 (619) 594-2540 | nursing.sdsu.edu |
San Francisco State University CampusCollege of Health & Social Sciences 1600 Holloway Avenue - Burk Hall 357 San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 338-1802 | nursing.sfsu.edu |
Touro University California CampusSchool of Nursing 1310 Club Dr, Mare Island Vallejo, CA 94592 | cehs.tu.edu |
University of San Francisco Online CampusSchool of Nursing & Health Professions 2130 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94117-1080 (415) 422-2959 | usfca.edu |
Vanguard University of Southern California 55 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626-9601 (714) 668-6101 | vanguard.edu |
West Coast University OnlineCollege of Nursing 12215 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606 (949) 783-4814 | westcoastuniversity.edu |
Western University of Health Sciences CampusCollege of Graduate Nursing 309 E. Second St. Pomona, CA 91766-1854 (909) 469-5523 | westernu.edu |
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RN to MSN Admissions Requirements in California
Each school in the state will have its own varying admissions requirements, but most students find that they must meet or exceed the following in order to be eligible for consideration:
- Valid RN license in the state of California
- ADN or BSN from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- GRE Analytical Writing score of 4 or higher
- Written goal statement/essay
- Three professional references or recommendations
RN to MSN Courses
Most RN to MSN programs consist of core nursing courses along with specialized nursing courses that often correspond to a specific nursing concentration, such as family nurse practitioner or adult-geriatric nurse practitioner. In addition to this, there is often a clinical component that must be completed in order to graduate.
For example, core nursing courses offered as part of California State University Long Beach's MSN program include:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Care Economics
- Human Diversity
- Research Methods in Nursing
Online RN to MSN Programs in California
With time at a premium these days, it's no wonder that many busy RNs are turning to online nursing programs to complete their graduate degrees. Online learning typically allows the student to work at a pace convenient to them, and some opt for part-time study so that they can keep working. Most of these programs are run through the same schools that offer in-person MSN degrees, giving students access to the same professors and resources.
Featured Online School
The University of Southern California offers a completely online MSN program for those who have previously completed a BSN degree. The program is designed to give RNs comprehensive skills in advanced nursing practice with a solid foundation in social factors related to health. The USC MSN program offers the specialization of Family Nurse Practitioner, giving students advanced practice experience treating adults, children, and more.
Admissions and Program Length
MSN program lengths can vary due to how many credits a student requires to complete the degree. Students starting with an ADN will usually take longer to complete an MSN than those who carry a BSN degree. Full-time and part-time study will also make a significant difference. San Francisco State University's entry-level MSN program can be completed in roughly 6 semesters of full-time study, while their BSN to MSN program is designed to be completed in 4 semesters.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
MSN program costs can run the gamut between affordable and expensive, depending on the school. Aside from tuition, students must cover course materials, equipment, and any necessary travel. Luckily, financial aid options abound for qualified students. As an example on cost, the MSN program at the University of Southern California costs roughly $84,917 under current tuition rates, which are $1,733 per credit.
RN to MSN Career Pathways in California
Completion of a graduate degree in nursing can lead to exciting, rewarding careers in a variety of nursing specialties. Some of the nursing careers that require an MSN include:
RN to MSN Salary Comparison
While costs are incurred to obtain an MSN degree, many nurses are happy to find that the higher salaries they end up with more than makes up for it. For example, an RN with a graduate degree in California earns approximately $115,000 annually. A general registered nurse in Los Angeles, CA, earns an average annual salary of $75,000. With a difference like this, it's easy to see the value in a graduate degree in nursing.