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.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in California? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top programs that offer flexibility, quality education, and support for working nurses. We focus on what matters most to students, like affordability, accreditation, and student services. Whether you're advancing your career or seeking new opportunities, our list can guide your decision. Check out our detailed rankings to find the program that fits your needs. Learn more about our rankings methodology here.
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 program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their professional nursing credentials entirely online. Designed for working professionals, the program can be completed in as little as 11 months, providing a comprehensive curriculum that enhances clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Nurses can expand career opportunities in administration, teaching, and specialized healthcare roles while maintaining their current employment. The program features four- and eight-week courses, year-round enrollment, and potential transfer credits for NCLEX-RN exam completion. Affordable tuition options and scholarship opportunities make this an attractive option for nurses seeking career advancement.
- 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
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA - Public 4-Year - csustan.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
California State University-Stanislaus offers a flexible RN-BSN online program designed for working nurses seeking to advance their education. This comprehensive pathway allows registered nurses with an associate degree to earn a bachelor's degree, enhancing career opportunities and professional development. The program provides a seamless transition, enabling students to build upon their existing nursing knowledge while developing advanced clinical and leadership skills. Designed for working professionals, the online format offers convenience and accessibility for nurses at various career stages.
- Online RN-BSN program
- Designed for working nurses
- Professional advancement track
- Flexible learning format
- Builds on existing nursing credentials
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA - Private 4-year - calbaptist.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
California Baptist University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares skilled nursing professionals through a comprehensive, Christ-centered curriculum. The program combines rigorous clinical training with Christian principles, equipping students to excel in healthcare settings. Students develop critical thinking, patient care skills, and a compassionate approach to nursing, with opportunities for clinical rotations across top healthcare facilities. Graduates are well-positioned for entry-level nursing roles, with strong NCLEX-RN preparation and potential for advanced study.
- 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
- Comprehensive prerequisite sequence
- Hands-on learning approach
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA - Public 4-Year - csudh.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The RN-BSN program at California State University-Dominguez Hills offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing education entirely online. Designed for working professionals, the program allows students to build on their existing nursing knowledge while completing a bachelor's degree. With affordable semester fees ranging from $2,177 to $3,455 for part-time and full-time students, the program provides accessible higher education. Admission requires an active RN license, prerequisite courses, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The curriculum includes unique components like community health clinical hours and a comprehensive health assessment skills seminar, preparing nurses for expanded professional roles.
- 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
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA - Private 4-year - laverne.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of La Verne's RN to BSN online program offers registered nurses a pathway to complete their bachelor's degree efficiently. Designed for working professionals, this three-semester program allows RNs with an associate's degree to advance their nursing credentials. Students complete 128 semester hours, including a comprehensive 90-hour public health practicum meeting California Board of Registered Nursing certification requirements. Admission requires an active RN license, 2.5 GPA, prerequisite courses, and completion of specific academic requirements.
- 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
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.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| Stanislaus State University | Online RN to BSN | 10 months |
| West Coast University | Online RN to BSN | 8 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.
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| California State University LA | RN to BSN | $6,450 per semester |
| Sacramento State University | RN 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:
- 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
Angwin, CA
Pacific Union College
Angwin, CA 94508
Azusa, CA
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
(626) 815-5384
Bakersfield, CA
California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099
(661) 654-3110
Unitek College - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(888) 912-8512
Camarillo, CA
California State University - Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA 93012-8599
(805) 437-3150
Chico, CA
California State University - Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0200
(530) 898-5891
Costa Mesa, CA
Pacific College
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 662-4402
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-9601
(714) 668-6101
Fremont, CA
Unitek College - Fremont
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 492-3381
Fresno, CA
California State University - Fresno
Fresno, CA 93740-8031
(559) 278-6697
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA 93702
(559) 573-7832
Fullerton, CA
California State University - Fullerton
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-7927
Hayward, CA
California State University - East Bay
Hayward, CA 94542-3086
(510) 885-3481
Irvine, CA
Brandman University
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 341-9940
Stanbridge University
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 794-9090
West Coast University
Irvine, CA 92617-3040
(949) 783-4814
Loma Linda, CA
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA 92350-0001
(909) 558-4517
Los Angeles, CA
California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-4719
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Los Angeles, CA 90059
(323) 568-3304
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA 90049-1599
Marina, CA
California State University, Monterey Bay
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 582-3000
Northridge, CA
California State University - Northridge
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-2494
Redding, CA
Simpson University
Redding, CA 96003
(530) 226-4529
Riverside, CA
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA 92504-3297
(951) 343-4700
Sacramento, CA
California State University - Sacramento
Sacramento, CA 95819-6096
(916) 278-7543
San Bernardino, CA
California State University - San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA 92407-2318
(909) 537-3394
San Diego, CA
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA 92106-2899
(619) 849-2766
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182
(619) 594-2540
United States University
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 876-4250
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 338-6850
San Jose, CA
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA 95192-0057
(408) 924-3159
San Marcos, CA
California State University - San Marcos
San Marcos, CA 92096
(760) 750-7553
Turlock, CA
California State University - Stanislaus
Turlock, CA 95382
(209) 667-3142
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