MSN Degree Programs in California

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.

There are several pathways to an MSN degree in California, including direct-entry and accelerated options as well as RN/BSN to MSN programs.

RN to MSN and BSN to MSN Programs

The traditional route to an MSN degree, RN to MSN programs in California are designed for current RNs who have completed either an ADN or a BSN degree program. These programs can be completed on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. 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. The RN to MSN and BSN to MSN programs have a very similar curriculum, but RN to MSN programs (designed for ADN-educated nurses) are, understandably, a bit longer.

Typical Program Length

• Roughly 6 full-time semesters for an RN to MSN
• About 4 full-time semesters for a BSN to MSN

Typical Admissions Requirements

• 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

Accelerated & Master's Entry Nursing Programs

The Master's Entry Nursing Program (MENP), sometimes referred to as a Master's Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) or an Accelerated MSN program, allows students who have non-nursing bachelor's degrees to enroll in an MSN program that progresses at an accelerated pace. California schools like UC Irvine offer these programs, which are rigorous in scope and culminate in eligibility for an RN license as well as an advanced nursing degree in the student's specialty of choice.

Typical Program Length

• 2-3 years of full-time study

Typical Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field
• GPA of 3.0 or higher and submission of official transcripts
• Completion of any prerequisite courses
• Goal statement/essay and written recommendations

2024 List of 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.

MSN Programs By City:

• San Diego MSN Programs
• Sacramento MSN Programs
• San Francisco MSN Programs
• Fresno MSN Programs
• San Jose MSN Programs
• Oakland MSN Programs
• Pasadena MSN Programs
• Los Angeles MSN Programs
• Bakersfield MSN Programs

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