The Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

Updated May 30, 2025

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California's Best LVN-to-BSN Programs
Program Overview
Applying
Program Accreditation
FAQ

California LVNs can increase their earning potential and autonomy by becoming RNs. Discover the best LVN-to-BSN programs in California to take the next step in your career.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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Are you a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in California looking to boost your salary, expand your clinical autonomy, and increase your career options? If so, earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and becoming a registered nurse (RN) might be the perfect career move for you.

An LVN-to-BSN nursing bridge program offers an accelerated path to RN careers, and you’ll graduate with the most popular and employer-preferred degree for RNs.

Here, we rank the best LVN-to-BSN programs in California so you can make an informed choice about the next step in your nursing career.

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Learn More About the Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

#1 The Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA
4 year
Campus + Online

Average Tuition

In-State$5,742
Out-of-state$17,622
Retention Rate89%
Acceptance Rate68%
Students Enrolled42,051
Institution TypePublic
Percent Online Enrollment100%
AccreditationYes

#2 The Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA
4 year
Campus + Online

Average Tuition

In-State$5,742
Out-of-state$17,622
Retention Rate84%
Acceptance Rate79%
Students Enrolled16,367
Institution TypePublic
Percent Online Enrollment100%
AccreditationYes

#3 The Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA
4 year
Campus + Online

Average Tuition

In-State$40,830
Out-of-state$40,830
Retention Rate76%
Acceptance Rate94%
Students Enrolled9,006
Institution TypePrivate
Percent Online Enrollment100%
AccreditationYes

#4 The Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

California State University-East Bay

Hayward, CA
4 year
Campus + Online

Average Tuition

In-State$5,742
Out-of-state$17,622
Retention Rate78%
Acceptance Rate73%
Students Enrolled16,253
Institution TypePublic
Percent Online Enrollment100%
AccreditationYes

#5 The Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

National University

La Jolla, CA
4 year
Campus + Online

Average Tuition

In-State$13,320
Out-of-state$13,320
Retention Rate45%
Acceptance Rate89%
Students Enrolled18,070
Institution TypePrivate
Percent Online Enrollment44%
AccreditationYes

How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This listing was created prior to 2025.

How Do LVN-to-BSN Programs Work in California?

LVNs and licensed practical nurses (LPN) have valuable clinical and patient care skills that can help them become RNs. (California and Texas use the LVN designation, while all other states use LPN for the same license.)

LVN-to-BSN programs develop advanced clinical skills while covering nursing theory and leadership, preparing graduates for a broader scope of practice. You will participate in classroom learning and clinical fieldwork to build your skills and understanding. Graduates of LVN-to-BSN programs in California can take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed RNs.

What will you study during an LVN-to-BSN program? Common courses include health assessment, nursing research, clinical leadership, and community health nursing. Most programs allow you to transfer credits from your previous nursing education to graduate with your BSN sooner. On average, it takes 2-3 years for LVNs to earn a BSN.

Applying to a California LVN-to-BSN Program

The application requirements for California LVN-to-BSN programs vary. In general, applicants need an active LVN license and must meet coursework prerequisites. Programs also often request additional application materials.

Some LVN-to-RN programs in California accept applications only at specific times during the year, while others accept applications year-round. Have someone you trust review your resume and essay if possible.

Admission Materials: A complete application with an essay or personal statement, resume or CV, and letters of recommendation. Applicants also submit transcripts and any required standardized exam scores. Programs may require prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
GPA Requirement: Most programs require or prefer a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher. If your GPA is borderline, talk to the admissions staff. Other factors, such as exceptional experience, fluency in multiple languages, or other background considerations, may outweigh a lower GPA.
Other Requirement: Programs often require a current California LVN license and completion of a state-approved vocational nursing program.

Why Is California LVN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?

RNs must attend an accredited nursing school to earn their license and qualify for nursing jobs. Nursing school accreditation evaluates programs on their faculty qualification, licensure exam passage rates, and learning outcomes for nursing students. Only nursing schools that regularly undergo independent reviews maintain accreditation.

Accreditation benefits nurses by ensuring the quality of their education. Attending an accredited nursing program also assures employers that nurses have the clinical knowledge and skills to safely treat patients. As a result, accreditation helps everyone involved, including you, your employer, and your patients.

Our guide lists only accredited LVN-to-BSN programs in California to help you make the best choice for your career.

Frequently Asked Questions About LVN-to-BSN Programs in California

Yes, LVNs and LPNs can enroll in a bridge program to earn their bachelor’s degree and become a registered nurse. These bridge programs build on the clinical knowledge and experience of an LVN while adding new clinical competencies and meeting the requirements for an RN license.