11 Best RN to BSN Programs in California for 2025

Want to advance your nursing career and boost your salary in California? RN to BSN programs in California offer a compelling opportunity. BSN-qualified nurses earn about $18,000 more annually than their ADN counterparts. This significant pay difference makes upgrading your credentials a worthwhile investment.

California leads the nation in nurse compensation. Registered nurses here earn an impressive average of $137,690 per year. The state’s aging population has created strong demand for nurses with advanced education credentials at healthcare facilities. California now has 325,620 registered nurses – the highest number in the U.S. as of 2022. The nursing job market shows strong growth potential, with a projected 6% increase over the next decade that outpaces other occupations.

Your path to advancement comes with excellent options. California offers 35 different RN to BSN programs, apart from their standalone BSN programs, and students achieve a remarkable 90% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. This piece explores the 11 best RN to BSN programs in California for 2025 that can help you make the right choice for your educational path and career growth.

1. National University

National University offers one of California’s most flexible RN to BSN programs. The university helps working healthcare professionals balance their careers while advancing their education.

Overview

The RN to BSN program at National University gives registered nurses a detailed path to get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. We designed this program for working RNs who want to expand their clinical knowledge and become skilled at critical thinking, communication, and therapeutic techniques. This program opens doors to career growth in nursing administration, education, and specialized clinical roles that ADN-prepared nurses can’t usually access.

Features

The program stands out with these advantages:

• 100% online format that’s available to you anywhere in the United States
• Classes run in short 4-week or 8-week formats for focused learning
• Students who passed the NCLEX-RN examination can get up to 31.5 quarter units of upper-division credit
• Transfer to Success Scholarship can give eligible applicants up to $4,800 in financial help
• Students get a California Public Health Nurse Certificate after graduating
• You can start without prerequisite courses
• You’ll work directly with healthcare leaders and community partners

Admission requirements

The program needs you to:

• Meet the university catalog’s general undergraduate admission requirements
• Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA from an accredited institution
• Fill out a separate RN to BSN program application
• Show proof of current, active, and unencumbered RN license where you live
• Provide current AHA Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification
• Keep current professional liability and malpractice insurance for practicum courses
• Send official transcripts from your previous colleges or universities

Tuition and fees

The RN to BSN completion program costs about $67,400. Each quarter unit costs $370 plus a $20 course material fee. Your actual costs might change based on:

• Credits you transfer
• Extra courses you need
• Course choices and fees
• Financial aid and scholarships you can get

Length

You’ll need 180 quarter units for your BSN, with 76.5 at the upper-division level. Students must complete at least 45 quarter units at National University. Full-time students usually finish in about 11 months. Your timeline depends on:

• Credits that transfer
• Classes you take each term
• Whether you get the 31.5 quarter units for passing NCLEX-RN

Accreditation

The program has strong backing from nursing education authorities. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the baccalaureate program. The Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits the university. These accreditations show that the program meets quality standards and your degree will have value with employers and graduate programs across healthcare.

2. California State University, Chico

CSU Chico has an outstanding online RN to BSN program. The program works especially well for nurses in rural Northern California communities who want to advance their nursing education while keeping their current jobs.

Overview

CSU Chico’s RN to BSN program gives registered nurses with Associate’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) an advanced placement option. The program started in 1954 and helps RNs earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students learn about religion and LGBTQ issues and get public/community health training that lets them qualify for California Public Health Certification. The program’s BSN graduates do well professionally, with median earnings exceeding $108,000.

Key features

The program stands out because it:

• Combines online courses with clinical placements near where students live
• Focuses on rural nursing through a 4-week Rural California Nursing Preceptorship Program
• Features expert faculty who are masters and doctoral prepared clinicians working in clinical settings
• Awards twenty units of credit to students who pass NCLEX in their final semester
• Partners with Northern California hospitals
• Arranges clinical placements close to home when possible
• Uses state-of-the-art resources that are nationally recognized for innovation and technology in education

Admission requirements

You need to:

• Apply between August 1 and October 31
• Keep a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all college-level coursework
• Go to a mandatory advising session
• Get your transcripts evaluated (takes 3-4 weeks)
• Live in California
• Have a California RN license (some exceptions apply)
• Finish all prerequisites, co-requisites, and lower division general education requirements

Students in their final ADN semester or those still working on passing NCLEX might get conditional admission.

Tuition and fees

The 2025-2026 cohort will pay $475 per unit. Total costs vary based on your education:

• Students with a previous bachelor’s degree: $11,400 plus books
• Students without a bachelor’s degree: $14,250 plus books

These rates are substantially lower than private colleges and external degree programs. Many local hospitals support their RNs by helping with tuition costs.

Program length

Students complete the program in 15 months, starting in June and finishing in August the next year. The program has:

• Seven nursing theory courses you can take online anytime
• Two upper division general education courses (not needed if you have a bachelor’s degree)
• One clinical placement near your home during the final semester

Clinical practicum takes 135 hours, usually done one full day per week in summer.

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) fully accredits this RN to BSN program, and the California Board of Registered Nursing approves it. CSU Chico holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. After graduating, you can apply for the California Public Health Nursing certificate.

3. California State University, Long Beach

CSU Long Beach ranks among California’s top nursing schools. Their RN to BSN program helps working nurses expand their professional knowledge and advance their healthcare careers.

Program overview

California State University, Long Beach’s RN to BSN program equips nurses with essential knowledge and skills to work in a variety of healthcare settings. The upper-division program serves graduates from accredited Associate Degree in Nursing programs who have a current California RN license. Students learn about cultural, political, and socioeconomic factors that affect patient care. The curriculum strengthens physical assessment skills, pathophysiology knowledge, evidence-based research capabilities, and healthcare quality improvement methods.

Features

The program stands out with these notable characteristics:

• A flexible online learning environment for working nurses
• Small cohorts of about 30 students that foster support and friendship
• Full-time and part-time completion options
• An Advisory Board with members from leading local healthcare agencies
• Strong emphasis on clinical reasoning and leadership development
• Career paths to specialized nursing roles after graduation

Admission requirements

Applicants need to meet these criteria:

• Graduate from an accredited ADN program (or equivalent diploma program)
• Have a current California RN license (or be eligible)
• Complete 56-70 transferable units including statistics and chemistry with lab
• Hold a minimum 2.75 GPA in all community college courses
• Maintain malpractice and health insurance during clinical coursework
• Pass a criminal background check
• Meet the university’s basic admission requirements

Tuition and fees

Each unit costs $600, making a 3-unit course $1,800. The total program cost reaches about $15,600 for the required 29 units. These rates might change, so students should check current fees before applying.

Program length

CSULB offers flexible completion options. Students can finish part-time in about 18 months or full-time within one year. The program requires 29 specific units plus all university graduation requirements, including the 120-credit minimum.

Accreditation

The nursing baccalaureate program at California State University, Long Beach has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This status runs from October 2020 through October 2030. The School of Nursing also has approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing and manages to keep continuous accreditation from national organizations. Graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam in California after completing the program.

4. California State University, San Marcos

CSU San Marcos offers a fast-tracked online RN to BSN program. Working nurses can earn their bachelor’s degree while balancing their work and personal life.

Program overview

CSU San Marcos’s accelerated ADN/RN to BSN program opens up multiple career paths in healthcare. The program suits professionals with an Associate Degree in Nursing or current RN license. Students learn to provide skillful, culturally sensitive nursing care. The program provides hands-on experience through clinical opportunities in acute care and community settings. Students also develop case management skills to help vulnerable populations. Graduates emerge ready to provide quality nursing care to patients from all backgrounds.

Key features

The program stands out with these benefits:

• 100% online delivery with eight-week course segments in fall/spring and ten-week segments in summer
• Four start dates yearly to fit your schedule
• Military-friendly designation with Gold Award recognition for 2025-2026
• Same expert faculty teach online and on-campus programs
• MSN-prepared RNs provide personal coaching
• Transfer credits never expire
• Semester breaks and holidays help maintain work-life balance

Admission requirements

Applicants need to:

• Keep a minimum 2.0 GPA in all transferable units attempted
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA if they already have a bachelor’s degree
• Complete 29 semester units of pre-nursing core courses with at least a C grade
• Finish at least 60 transferable units
• Live in an approved state
• Hold an RN license before taking NURS 440 and NURS 447 courses

The school reviews applications continuously. Priority deadlines are July 31 for Fall I, September 17 for Fall II, December 3 for Spring I, and February 4 for Spring II.

Tuition and fees

Each unit costs $340. The 35-unit program totals about $11,900. Here’s the cost breakdown by semester:

Active-duty military members can get tuition discounts. Financial aid options are available.

Length

Students complete this program in 14 months. The curriculum follows a cohort model with online classes. Fall and spring terms run in eight-week segments, while summer terms last ten weeks. Students get breaks between terms to balance their studies with family and work.

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) fully accredits this bachelor’s degree program. The Western Association of Schools & Colleges provides regional accreditation. The California Board of Registered Nursing approves all School of Nursing programs. Graduates can apply for California Public Health Nursing certification.

5. California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Fullerton offers one of the best RN to BSN programs. The program stands out as a top choice for California nurses who want to advance their careers through an affordable, quick path to earning a bachelor’s degree.

Program overview

The School of Nursing has fostered nursing excellence in Southern California for more than 40 years. The RN to BSN program welcomes Associate Degree and Diploma prepared RNs who want to further their nursing education. Students who graduate can qualify for California Public Health Nurse Certification. They also gain valuable skills to handle complex healthcare challenges.

Features

The program delivers several outstanding benefits:

• Exceptional affordability with tuition costs 32% lower than the national average
• Flexible format options that combine online coursework with limited in-person clinical labs
• High NCLEX pass rates reaching 96.88%
• Clinical labs available at partner facilities in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties
• Jump Start option available to current California ADN program students
• Academic support through advisors, mentors, and writing tutors

Admission requirements

Students must meet these requirements:

• 75 minimum GPA (cumulative or last 60 semester units)
• C grade or higher in all prerequisite courses
• Application deadlines: October 1-January 15 for Fall; August 1-August 31 for Spring
• Required criminal background check

Tuition and fees

Program costs range from $7,000 to $9,500 for full-time students. Financial aid helps 59.2% of students, making this program one of California’s most affordable RN to BSN options.

Program length

Students can finish the program in two semesters (8 months) with full-time study or choose a part-time track that takes four semesters. The curriculum includes 24 semester units of nursing coursework. Students learn about professional nursing roles, research, health assessment, pathophysiology, population health, leadership, and management.

Accreditation

The program holds full accreditation from three organizations: the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC, formerly WASC).

6. California State University, Dominguez Hills

CSU Dominguez Hills provides an RN to BSN program that’s available to working nurses. The program lets nurses improve their credentials without disrupting their careers.

Overview

The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing at CSU Dominguez Hills serves registered nurses who can’t attend traditional campus classes. Students can access course materials at their convenience through asynchronous learning. The program qualifies graduates for California Public Health Nursing certification. They gain improved skills in health assessment, community health, nursing research, and management.

Features

The program stands out with these benefits:

• Fully online asynchronous format that fits semester-based progression
• Minimum completion time of two semesters for quick advancement
• 90 community health clinical hours that are a great way to get public health experience
• Students start coursework before getting their RN license
• Health Assessment Skills Seminar (BSN 381) runs through Zoom
• Part-time and full-time enrollment choices exist
• Advanced Placement credits count toward the degree

Admissions

Students need to meet these requirements:

• 60+ transferable college units (maximum 70 units from community colleges)
• 0 GPA minimum for first-time bachelor’s students
• 5 GPA minimum for second bachelor’s degree students
• All nursing prerequisites including Golden Four courses
• Active, clear California RN license or pending graduation from an accredited ADN program
• California residency (program not open to out-of-state residents)

Tuition and fees

2025-2026 undergraduate costs:

• Part-time (1-6 units): $1,764 per semester
• Full-time (6.1+ units): $3,042 per semester
• Total estimated program cost: $13,000-$16,000

Students pay a $70 application fee plus travel costs for the required assessment weekend.

Program length

Students can finish the program in two semesters. Many choose a slower pace and complete it in about 24 months. This flexible format lets students adjust their schedule around work and personal commitments.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program has full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university maintains accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Graduates receive a nationally recognized degree that meets nursing education’s highest standards.

7. California Baptist University

California Baptist University brings together faith-based education and professional nursing advancement. Their RN to BSN program in Riverside County helps registered nurses build clinical expertise while deepening their spiritual understanding.

Program overview

The RN to BSN program at California Baptist University creates new career paths for licensed registered nurses. Students learn through a curriculum that takes a comprehensive approach to care. This online program helps students gain professional knowledge and leadership skills while they develop critical thinking abilities. Students can pursue bedside practice, switch specialties, or continue to graduate studies after graduation. The program uses the Humanbecoming Paradigm as its main nursing theory and follows CBU’s faith-based mission.

Key features

The program shines with several unique qualities:

• The first four-year university in Riverside County with regional and national accreditation to offer an RN to BSN program
• Local and state healthcare providers highly regard the program
• Strategic collaborations with Corona Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Loma Linda Veterans Administration, and Parkview Community Hospital
• Students work with preceptors close to their homes for clinical rotations
• The curriculum blends Christian principles with evidence-based nursing practices

Admission

Students need to meet these requirements:

• Complete a traditional undergraduate application (select “Transfer” and “Nursing RN to BSN Online”)
• Have an active Registered Nurse license or current enrollment in an Associates Degree of Nursing program
• Keep a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
• Submit official sealed transcripts from all previous colleges/universities

Tuition and fees

Program costs range from $479-550 per academic unit, with total tuition between $21,000-28,000. Students pay a $45 application fee. The private education costs more than public universities, but many students value the faith-integrated approach.

Program length

Most students finish the program in 14-16 months, based on their transfer credits. Students must complete 124 program units. The schedule works well for working professionals. New students can start in fall (September), summer, or spring (January).

RN to BSN accreditation

The program holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing. California Baptist University started in 1950 and maintains accreditation as a respected Southern Baptist Convention institution.

8. University of La Verne

The University of La Verne launched its modern RN to BSN program in 2022. The program caters to working nurses who want to expand their career options through higher education credentials and better leadership skills.

Program overview

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN program prepares registered nurses to tackle health inequities and social factors that affect patient outcomes. Students develop advanced capabilities in health informatics, leadership, aging, nutrition, and health advocacy that they can apply to their current roles. This degree benefits recent ADN graduates and experienced nurses looking for career growth.

Features

Flexible learning structure defines this program with online coursework that includes:

• Clinical components students can complete in their local communities
• A cohort model that promotes professional networking
• Year-round 8-week accelerated sessions
• Start dates in fall and spring
• A 90-hour public health practicum that lines up with California BRN requirements

Admission requirements

Students need to meet these criteria:

• Associates Degree in Nursing or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Valid, unrestricted California RN license (or eligibility)
• Official NCLEX results
• 5 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Completed prerequisites: anatomy with lab, physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, chemistry, and statistics

Tuition and fees

Available documents don’t specify exact tuition figures. Students apply through the Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS).

Program length

Students can finish this intensive program in as few as 15 months. Some sources suggest possible completion in 9 months. The program has 11 courses total – seven core nursing courses and four electives.

Accreditation

The University of La Verne has kept its accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC) since 1955. The latest reaffirmation came in 2020, extending accreditation for eight years. The nursing program is currently seeking Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation.

9. Mount Saint Mary’s University

Mount Saint Mary’s University offers a women-centered educational experience through its prestigious RN to BSN program in Los Angeles. Working nurses find a supportive community and receive thorough academic preparation.

Program overview

Mount Saint Mary’s University RN to BSN program sits in the heart of Los Angeles. The program equips registered nurses to advance their careers through a curriculum that focuses on healthcare leadership and community health nursing. Students build on their existing nursing knowledge and learn about evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and professional development. The coursework helps nurses become skilled at addressing complex healthcare challenges in a variety of settings.

Key features

The program offers several unique benefits:

• Evening and weekend classes that work well for professionals
• Small class sizes where faculty can give individual attention
• Clear focus on social justice and ethical healthcare delivery
• Students can participate in international healthcare experiences
• Strong alumni network across Southern California healthcare systems
• Hybrid format that blends online learning with face-to-face sessions

Admission requirements

Students need to meet these requirements:

• Active, unrestricted California RN license
• Minimum 2.5 GPA from previous college coursework
• Completed prerequisite courses including statistics
• Professional recommendation letters
• Personal statement about career goals
• Selected applicants must interview with nursing faculty

Tuition and fees

The program is a valuable investment in career growth. Costs vary based on transfer credits and each semester’s course load.

Program length

Most students finish the program in 12-18 months. The time depends on transferred credits and whether students enroll full-time or part-time. The curriculum includes upper-division nursing courses and general education requirements needed for the bachelor’s degree.

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) fully accredits the program. This accreditation ensures employers and graduate programs nationwide recognize graduates’ credentials.

10. Simpson University

Located in Redding, Simpson University offers a unique RN to BSN program. The program runs in focused five-week terms, which works perfectly for nurses who want to advance their education while keeping their jobs.

Program overview

The Betty M. Dean School of Nursing at Simpson University has created an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This program caters to registered nurses licensed in the United States. The RN-BSN track helps nurses build advanced professional skills. Students learn about the fast-paced changes in healthcare. Graduates can direct complex healthcare settings with better clinical judgment and leadership skills.

Key features

The program stands out because of its concentrated format. Students focus on one class at a time, and each term runs for just five weeks. The program uses a hybrid model that blends online learning with classroom sessions. Students meet on Thursday evenings, and each course builds on knowledge from previous classes. The university has achieved a perfect 100% pass rate for students taking the NCLEX-RN examination.

Admission requirements

The program uses a competitive admission process without a waitlist. The committee reviews applications based on these weighted factors:

• Personal statement (15%)
• Overall GPA (5%)
• Cumulative and prerequisite GPA (50%)
• TEAS examination score (10%, minimum adjusted score of 70 required)
• Reference letters (4%)
• Priority points (16%)

Students must be 18 or older before they can enter the School of Nursing.

Tuition and fees

Annual tuition for undergraduate students costs $27,250. Part-time undergraduates paid $1,542 per credit hour in 2022-2023. This rate applies to all students, whatever their residency status.

Program length

Students can complete the program in 12 months. This makes it a great option for professionals who want to advance their credentials quickly.

Accreditation

The nursing program holds national accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The School of Nursing ranks No. 8 in California according to RNCareers in 2019. The program boasts an impressive three-year average of 96.5% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination. Simpson University also has accreditation from the Western Senior College and University Commission and approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing.

11. West Coast University

West Coast University’s online RN to BSN program serves licensed registered nurses who want to advance their careers while continuing their professional practice.

Program overview

The online program helps nurses build expertise in clinical best practices, leadership skills, and modern healthcare technologies. Students learn practical coursework in health policy, community health, and nursing management that emphasizes decision-making and patient-centered leadership. The program strengthens communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills needed in today’s healthcare environments.

Key features

The program gives students flexibility through:

• Online coursework that working professionals can access anytime
• Transfer credits up to 90 for qualified students (51 for nursing/license and 39 for general education)
• 135 community experience hours (90 direct supervised and 45 indirect through coursework)
• Career services support with resume writing and interview preparation

Admission requirements

Students need to submit:

• Current unobstructed professional RN license from California
• Official transcripts from a Board of Nursing licensed Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing program
• Maximum of 35 semester units posted as transfer nursing credits

Students must submit official transcripts by the first day of their first semester for transfer credit evaluation.

Tuition and fees

The program costs $495 per unit for both general education and core courses as of 2024. Total costs include:

• Tuition: $14,850
• Technology fee: $1,000
• Program supply fees: $100 ($50 per trimester)
• Total program cost: approximately $15,950

Program length

Students can complete the 120-credit program through three paths:

• Accelerated Plus: 8 months (2 trimesters)
• Accelerated: 12 months (3 trimesters)
• Working Professional: 20 months (5 trimesters)

These timeframes apply when students transfer 90 credits, including RN licensure credits.

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation have accredited the program. Graduates earn credentials that healthcare industry professionals recognize nationwide.

Find the Right California RN to BSN Program Today

Getting your RN to BSN degree can take your nursing career in California to new heights. This piece highlights 11 excellent programs that offer different formats, timeframes, and specializations to fit your needs. You’ll find options that work for you, whether you want to study online, take hybrid courses, or attend traditional classes.

California pays registered nurses better than any other state, which makes your BSN investment worth every penny. Healthcare employers look for candidates with bachelor’s degrees to fill leadership positions and specialized roles. BSN-prepared nurses earn about $18,000 more per year than ADN nurses, which definitely makes up for the time and money you’ll spend on your education.

Working professionals need flexible study options. These featured schools offer accelerated tracks, part-time studies, and multiple yearly start dates. Their programs also qualify you for California Public Health Nurse certification, opening doors beyond hospital work.

Your program’s accreditation matters a lot. The good news is that all these programs have proper accreditation from respected bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This ensures your degree meets quality standards.

Public universities cost less than private schools. Many employers help with tuition costs, and you can get financial aid and scholarships at pricier institutions.

The next step is picking a program that matches your career goals, priorities, and life situation. Look at program length, admission requirements, location, and focus areas before deciding. Now you know what California’s top RN to BSN programs offer, you can advance your nursing career and meet the growing healthcare needs statewide.