Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California

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.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California

With a greater earning potential and increased employment opportunities, many ADN-educated RNs in California are opting for RN to BSN bridge programs to earn their baccalaureate degree in nursing. With so many online options in the state, choosing the right program can seem daunting. That's why we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in California. Peruse our rankings below to find the perfect fit for you, and take the first step toward advancing your nursing career.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

Cal State Fullerton offers an online and on-campus RN to BSN bridge program for students who are serious about advancing their nursing careers. The non-impacted nursing program is accessible to all who meet admissions criteria.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

• Direct transfer roadmaps for community college students.
• Labs and clinicals must be completed in person in surrounding counties.
• Students must complete 24 nursing and 6 gen ed units.

2.

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

As more healthcare employers prefer to hire RNs with bachelor's degrees, Azusa Pacific University in California is offering a fast-paced RN to BSN fully online. The degree completion option is situated for working nurses seeking career advancement or further job security.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

• Community college grads may receive a discount
• Class cohorts tend to stay and graduate together
• Designated a military-friendly college

3.

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA

Based in Riverside, California Baptist University offers a 100% online RN to BSN program that allows rapid degree completion. The top-ranked nursing program enables clinicals at area hospitals to optimally prepare students for a range of nursing settings.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

• The online bridge program can be completed in 12-16 months.
• Admission occurs three times per year.
• A faith-based nursing program that is locally and nationally recognized.

4.

Simpson University

Redding, CA

Catering to the career and scheduling needs of working RNs, Simpson University in Redding, CA offers an accelerated RN to BSN. The hybrid program enables students to expand their current nursing knowledge and gain skills they can apply right away.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

• Complete in-person and online classes.
• Sequential classes are offered one at a time.
• Courses are 5-weeks in length.

5.

Pacific College

Costa Mesa, CA

Launched for the sole purpose of training students for in-demand careers, Pacific College located in California, offers an online RN to BSN degree completion program. The top-rated program prepares graduates for leadership or administrative roles while building upon their existing nursing capabilities.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

• Career-focused for working RNs.
• Can be completed in one and a half years.
• ASN transfer credits may be accepted.

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.

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.

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

2024 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:

• San Diego RN to BSN Programs
• Sacramento RN to BSN Programs
• San Francisco RN to BSN Programs
• Fresno RN to BSN Programs
• San Jose RN to BSN Programs
• Oakland RN to BSN Programs
• Pasadena RN to BSN Programs
• Los Angeles RN to BSN Programs
• Bakersfield RN to BSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.