[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deciding to become a [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner (NP)[/hen-ui-link] in California comes with a litany of benefits, with the main advantage being the average salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs in California earn $173,190 annually, which is the highest among all 50 states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm” target=”_blank”]NP employment in the state[/hen-ui-link] is also projected to grow by 58.6% between 2022-2032, making California an attractive state for starting your career as an NP, as the position will be in even higher demand there than it is throughout the rest of the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list of the best NP programs in California can help you earn your [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree and become a [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/fnp/affordable-online-fnp-programs/”]family nurse practitioner (FNP)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California: At a Glance[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program/Specializations[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Format[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program Tuition[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”]Samuel Merritt University[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program/Specializations”]MSN degree for FNP[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Format”]Campus and online, 15% online enrollment[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Tuition”]$1,560 per credit ($10,000 scholarships for all new full-time FNP students)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”]Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program/Specializations”]MSN-FNP or post-master’s NP certificate[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Format”]Campus and online, 100% online enrollment[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Tuition”]$601 per credit or $5,000 per semester [/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”]University of Southern California[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program/Specializations”]MSN-FNP[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Format”]Campus and online, 89% online enrollment[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Tuition”]$42,740/year[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[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 NP 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″]Best Nurse Practitioner Programs & Schools 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 NP programs in California, 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 list was created prior to 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in a Nurse Practitioner Program in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To choose the right California NP program, there are a variety of important factors to explore. While programs may have various similarities, elements such as admission requirements, specializations, accreditation, and program lengths can help you determine the program that works best for you. Review each program individually to determine if it is the right fit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Selecting an institution that offers an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accredited program[/hen-ui-link] provides the following benefits:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation highlights the program’s high standards. Organizations such as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] accredit only programs that provide students with the highest quality preparation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students in unaccredited programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited programs do not always accept transfer credits from unaccredited ones.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctoral programs often accept only applicants who hold a degree from an accredited institution.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers prefer to hire graduates with a degree from an accredited program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California Work[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//in-person-vs-online-nursing-programs/”]compared to in-person programs[/hen-ui-link], online NP programs in California are either entirely online or require minimal campus visits. On-campus requirements may include meeting with instructors, attending lectures, or completing labs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online programs offer courses that are synchronous, asynchronous, or both. Synchronous courses happen in real time, with students and instructors meeting at a set time. Students enrolled in asynchronous courses complete the work on their own time through the use of podcasts, videos, web quests, and other online tools.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although you may spend little to no time on campus, students still need to complete their [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]clinical rotations in person[/hen-ui-link]. Some programs may help you set this experience up, while others expect students to find a placement on their own.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Use our guide on [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/nurse-licensing-requirements/”]becoming a nurse in California[/hen-ui-link] for more background information on licensure and other issues.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Programs in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before applying to an NP program in California, your first step is to make sure you meet the institution’s acceptance requirements. While specific prerequisites can vary between programs, many accept applicants who meet the following general requirements:[/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 Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Applicants must hold an unrestricted and unencumbered California registered nurse (RN) license, an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program, and at least one year of clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]General admission materials include transcripts from your [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] program or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] program, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal essay.[/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]3.0 GPA or higher[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for a Nurse Practitioner Programs in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Factors that influence the cost of a California NP program include the length of the program, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition differences, online vs. in-person courses, part-time vs. full-time status, and whether you can work while studying. Luckily, there are [hen-ui-link href=”/financial-aid/”]financial aid[/hen-ui-link] opportunities for students that can limit their out-of-pocket expenses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students needing help in [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]paying for their nursing degree[/hen-ui-link] can [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]apply for scholarships[/hen-ui-link], grants, and/or loans to reduce the cost of tuition. Scholarships and grants provide funds based on merit, need, or academic performance, while loans are borrowed money that must be paid back upon completion of the program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do as a Nurse Practitioner in California?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Starting in 2023, qualified NPs in California will be able to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/practice/ab890.shtml” target=”_blank”]practice independently[/hen-ui-link] without the supervision of a physician. Independent practice allows them to prescribe medication, interpret the results of diagnostic tests, and develop and carry out treatment plans for their patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs also have a variety of specializations available to them as they pursue their nursing career in the state. Specialty areas include adult-gerontology, acute or primary care, emergency, family, neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, and women’s health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California NPs can also expect to earn an annual average of $173,190, which is significantly above the national average of $132,050. While the average NP salary in California is the highest in the country, NPs also need to consider the state’s high cost of living.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About NP Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you become a nurse practitioner online?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is possible to complete many of the requirements to become an NP online. Some NP programs require a certain number of on-campus visits, and all NP candidates are required to complete their clinical rotations in person.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can become an NP in as little as six years. The process includes completing a two-year ADN program, 1-2 years of clinical experience, and finishing a 2-3 year MSN bridge program. This route requires nurses to enroll as full-time students. Other states offer [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/accelerated-online-programs/”]accelerated online NP programs[/hen-ui-link] which can take about two years to complete for qualified applicants.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can nurse practitioners work independently in California?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Starting in 2030, NPs will be able to practice independently without the supervision of a physician after three years of a transition oversight period or 4600 clinical hours. Once they have completed this requirement, NPs will be allowed to prescribe medication and controlled substances, diagnose and treat, and interpret diagnostic tests.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do NPs get paid in California?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs in California earn $173,190, which is the highest salary for the position compared to all other states. The top three metropolitan areas in the state that offer the highest salary include San Jose/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara ($223,530), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward ($208,480), and Napa ($202,690).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]