[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]licensed vocational nurse (LVN)[/hen-ui-link] in California looking to boost your salary, expand your clinical autonomy, and increase your career options? If so, earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] and becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link] might be the perfect career move for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An LVN-to-BSN [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]nursing bridge program[/hen-ui-link] offers an accelerated path to RN careers, and you’ll graduate with the most popular and employer-preferred degree for RNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About the Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do LVN-to-BSN Programs Work in California?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]take the NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-link] and become licensed RNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a California LVN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirement:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other Requirement:[/hen-ui-text] Programs often require a current California LVN license and completion of a state-approved vocational nursing program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is California LVN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs must attend an accredited nursing school to earn their license and qualify for nursing jobs. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Nursing school accreditation[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our guide lists only accredited LVN-to-BSN programs in California to help you make the best choice for your career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About LVN-to-BSN Programs in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is there a bridge program from LVN to BSN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to go from LVN to BSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LVNs can earn their BSN and become registered nurses in as little as two years. LVN-to-BSN bridge programs incorporate RN coursework and clinical requirements, preparing graduates for licensure. Many employers prefer to hire RNs with a BSN, and the degree also prepares nurses for graduate programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do LVNs make compared to BSN?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In California, LVNs earn a median pay of $77,170, while registered nurses earn a median of $140,330, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0600000″ target=”_blank”]May 2024 BLS data[/hen-ui-link]. That means that earning a BSN can nearly double an LVN’s earning potential in the state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it worth completing an LVN-to-BSN program in California?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing an LVN-to-BSN program in California can mean significantly higher salaries, career advancement opportunities, and greater autonomy. California LVNs can increase their pay from a median of $77,170 to a median of $140,330 for RNs, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0600000″ target=”_blank”]May 2024 BLS data[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]