Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses trained to care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They can provide various services and work in various facilities, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and health centers. California recently enacted a law giving nurse practitioners a pathway to having full-practice authority in an effort to help ease the effects of the current physician shortage. This means that NPs in the state have a range of opportunities, including the ability to open their own practices.
Nurses wishing to pursue a career as FNPs in the state of California have numerous degree programs to choose from. Here are some schools to consider.
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RN to FNP Programs
RN-to-FNP programs cater to nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma who want to pursue an advanced degree. Rather than completing a separate BSN program, the BSN and MSN coursework is integrated into a single program, which can save students time and money. Two programs in California cater specifically to these students.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- San Marcos, California
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 59
Clinical Hours: 585
Tuition: $830 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
The RN to FNP program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences features online classes with one required on-campus intensive. The program takes ten or 11 trimesters from start to finish, which is about 3.5 years. In addition to the FNP coursework, students will also complete bridge courses to prepare them for master’s level coursework. Students must have at least one year of full-time employment as registered nurses to apply.
Point Loma Nazarene University
- San Diego, CA
- Online + Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Online or hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 54
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $820 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
Point Loma Nazarene University offers an RN to FNP option that allows RNs to complete 11 units of transitional classes before entering the MSN program. The total program can be completed in as little as 2.5 years. Students are not awarded a BSN degree. Coursework is completed online, but students have the option to take one class a semester on-campus that will be held one night a week.
BSN to FNP Programs
Nurses who have already completed a BSN have many ways to pursue an FNP in California. The following programs offer various options, including programs that allow students to pursue a DNP.
American University of Health Sciences
- Signal Hill, California
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 85
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $625 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
The American University of Health Sciences is a Christian-based, minority-serving university. It offers a BSN to FNP track that prepares students to provide comprehensive primary care to patients across the lifespan. AUHS also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP for RNs who already have an MSN in a different field but wish to practice as an FNP. The post-graduate program is a total of 48 quarter credits, including coursework in advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced physical assessment.
Azusa Pacific University
- Azusa, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
Azusa Pacific offers several options to those wishing to pursue a career as an FNP. The first is a BSN to FNP, which is about 47 units. There’s also a BSN to DNP FNP, which is about 73 units and 1,000 clinical residency hours. Masters-level courses cost between $680 and $860 per unit, and doctoral-level courses cost $1,160. Most classes are taken online, but some may be blended or in a synchronous format. There is also a BSN to FNP with School Nurse Credential option, which is about 58 units at a cost of $860 per unit. With this option, students learn to establish, maintain, and coordinate comprehensive school health programs for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Finally, the Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP is for nurses who already have an advanced degree and want to become FNPs. The program is 34 units at $860 per unit.
California Baptist University
- Riverside, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 55 units
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $670 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at California Baptist University is designed to accommodate the schedules of working nurses. MSN classes are offered one afternoon and evening per week, from 3 pm to 9:30 pm, and the day remains consistent throughout the program; you can plan work hours accordingly. This is a part-time program with online and in-person classes. The University also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP program, which consists of 28 units and 540 clinical hours.
California State University Channel Islands
- Camarillo, California
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 46 units
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $650 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
CSU Channel Islands offers a BSN to FNP program and a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP with most of the coursework being completed on campus. The university offers many high-tech options to enhance student learning, including mannequins that simulate adults and infants, audiovisual recording, simulators to train to insert IVs, perform pelvic exams, and assist in births.
California State University, Dominguez Hills
- Carson, California
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with some on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48 units
Clinical Hours: 576
Tuition: $396 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
The CSU campus at Dominguez Hills offers a BSN to FNP program that consists mostly of online courses. Clinical courses can be synchronous or asynchronous and require one to three on-campus meetings per semester. The program can be completed over three to four years, though the school warns that nurses may find it challenging to work full-time while completing the program.
California State University, Fresno
- Fresno, California
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 43 units
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
There are three FNP program options at CSU Fresno: BSN to FNP program, RN with bachelor’s degree program, and a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP. The RN with bachelor’s degree program is for RNs who have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing, making it a little different from a typical RN to MSN program. Those interested in the post-graduate certificate may receive course credit for classes completed for their previous degree or work experience.
California State University, Long Beach
- Long Beach, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 72 units
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $3,804 full time for residents + fees, $3,084 full time + $420 per unit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
If you’re looking for a doctorate program, consider the BSN to DNP FNP track at CSU Long Beach. This full-time program takes three years to complete and is offered in a hybrid format with 15-week synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Their program is broken down into three components: 15 core courses, five clinical specialty courses, and four doctoral project classes.
California State University, Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, California
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 56
Clinical Hours: 900
Tuition: $4,123 per semester full time for residents + fees; $4,123 per semester full time + $396 per unit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Cal State LA offers a BSN to FNP with on-campus classes for those wishing to pursue a career as an FNP. Students in the program can take advantage of the hands-on learning experiences in the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing’s state-of-the-art simulation lab, skills lab, physical assessment lab, computer lab, and dual debrief rooms. A Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option is also available, which is 20 units and 540 clinical hours.
California State University San Marcos
- San Marcos, California
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 52
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $699 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at CSU San Marcos may have some online components, but it requires students to be on campus one day a week for lectures. The program operates in a cohort model, meaning that students in the same groups enter the program together, take all of their classes together, and graduate together. This is a part-time program that is completed over eight semesters.
California State University, Stanislaus
- Turlock, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 36-48 units
Clinical Hours: 675
Tuition: $3,588 per full-time semester for residents + fees; $3,588 per full-time semester + $396 per unit for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
California State University, Stanislaus, has a full-time BSN to FNP program designed to be completed over four semesters with no summer course. Students move through the program as a cohort. The program is not fully online. During the first semester, students should plan to be on campus one day a week; for the following semesters, it’s about one or two times a month. All classes are held on Mondays to help make it easier for students to plan their work schedules. This school also offers an RN to MSN bridge program. To be eligible, RNs must hold a bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing. Students in this program will complete four bridge classes to prepare them to apply for the FNP program and will not be awarded a BSN.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Los Angeles, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 51
Clinical Hours: 645
Tuition: $45,300 + fees for the entire 12-month program
Program Overview:
The 51-credit BSN to FNP track at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a flexible program with in-person classes one weekend per month each semester. The remaining coursework is taught online and consists of presentations and face-to-face and web-enhanced learning. Students enter the program as a cohort and can apply to start in the summer, fall, or spring semesters. There is also a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option that is 81 units completed on-campus over two years.
Concordia University Irvine
- Irvine, California
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48 units
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $795 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
Concordia University’s BSN to FNP is designed for working nurses. Courses are delivered in a flexible format, with theory classes offered completely online. Students must travel to campus twice during the program to attend two-day intensives, where they get to work with other students while getting hands-on experience in the school’s state-of-the-art simulation labs.
Fresno Pacific University
- Fresno, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 51 units
Clinical Hours: 675
Tuition: $750 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
Students can attend the BSN to FNP program at Fresno Pacific Univerity’s North Fresno Campus. Courses are offered in a blended format, with classes meeting in-person one afternoon a week. Students enter and proceed through the program in a cohort, and the program has start dates in both the fall and spring semesters.
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, California
- Hybrid + Campus + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 81 units
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $139,834 for the entire full-time program + fees
Program Overview:
This BSN to FNP DNP program at Loma Linda University takes three years and nine months to complete full-time and five years to complete part-time. Core courses are on-campus for four to eight hours during Seminar Week in the middle of each quarter, and all exams are taken on campus. Clinical courses meet on campus four times a semester, and skills courses meet weekly during the quarter when that course is scheduled.
National University
- San Diego, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 89 quarter units
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $442 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
At National University in San Diego, nurses can enroll in the BSN to FNP program year-round. This program features four-week courses, including six foundation courses, three specialization preparation courses, and nine specialization courses. Classes are offered both online and on campus, but some campus visits may be required for those who choose the online option. NU also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP program that is 62 quarter units and 600 clinical hours.
Point Loma Nazarene University
- San Diego, CA
- Online + Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Online or hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 54
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $820 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
Students who enroll in the BSN to FNP track at Point Loma Nazarene University have the option to take all classes online or take one in-person class per semester. Nurses with a BSN can complete the program in two years if they start in the fall. Those who wish to take classes part-time can start the program in the spring or summer and spread out their classes. There are also two DNP options, a BSN or MSN to FNP DNP. The BSN to DNP program is 76 units, and the MSN to DNP program is 55 – 65 units, depending on the gap analysis. A 33-42-unit Post-Graduate Certificate FNP is also available.
San Francisco State University
- San Francisco, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 31 units
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $675 per unit
Program Overview:
The Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option at SFSU can be completed in 15 months for students attending full-time. Hybrid classes meet in person every other week, but students are required to leave enough time in their schedules to attend practicum during regular business hours. There is also a BSN to FNP, and RNs who can demonstrate that they have met content comparable to SFSU’s BSN program can apply.
Samuel Merritt University
- Oakland, California
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
Samuel Merritt University offers a few options for those seeking a career as an FNP. The RN to FNP is for RNs who already have a bachelor’s in a field other than nursing. This program is 109 units at $1,776 per unit and takes ten semesters to complete. Students must attend full-time at either the Oakland or Sacramento campuses. Those who already have a BSN should consider the BSN to FNP online program, which is 49 units at $1,654 per unit. This online program can be completed in 20 months or five semesters full-time or 24 months or six semesters part-time. There’s also an online option for those who wish to pursue a doctorate. The BSN to FNP DNP online includes a minimum of 1,000 clinical and DNP-FNP project hours with a blend of online synchronous and asynchronous classes and two on-campus residencies. The DNP program is 65 units at $1,516 per unit.
Sonoma State University
- Rohnert Park, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $3,804 per full-time semester + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP track at Sonoma State University can be completed in two years or four semesters for students attending full-time and three years or six semesters for those attending part-time. Some coursework is available online, but students will need to travel to campus to attend labs and seminars throughout the program.
Touro University California
- Vallejo, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 21-30
Clinical Hours: 630
Tuition: $1,040 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Touro University California offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP is between 21 and 30 credits, depending on how many prerequisites are required. Students who have taken courses that meet the requirements may request transfer credits for courses completed in the previous five years. Courses in the program are offered in a unique 90% online, 10% on-campus intensive format.
University of California, Irvine
- Irvine, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 105
Clinical Hours: 1,020
Tuition: $38,940 per year + fees
Program Overview:
In the BSN to FNP DNP at the University of California Irvine, students can complete a doctoral program in as little as three years. Courses are online and hybrid, with both asynchronous and synchronous sessions. There is an intensive on-campus cohort session every quarter, along with three other on-person requirements throughout the program.
University of California, Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, California
- Unspecified
Modality: Unspecified
Credit Hours: 79
Clinical Hours: 870
Tuition: $32,932 per year for residents, $45,177 per year for non-residents
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at UCLA is a two-year, six semester program made up of core courses, clinical lab and practical courses, and FNP specialty courses. For students interested in pursuing careers in the occupational health setting, UCLA also offers an FNP with a focus on Occupational And Environmental Health.
University of California, San Francisco
- San Francisco, California
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Not specified
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $54,636 per year for residents, $69,738 per year for non-residents
Program Overview:
University of California, San Francisco, has a BSN to FNP DNP that can be completed by full-time students in three continuous years of study. Part-time options are available, and students will work with the school to develop a schedule. UCSF operates on a quarterly system consisting of four 10-week sessions. This program takes 12 quarters, with a one- to two-week break between each quarter. For the first two quarters, most classes are hybrid with minimal on-campus requirements, but on-campus learning is required as the program advances. By the second and third years, students will spend most of their time in clinical or in specialty-focused courses.
University of San Diego
- San Diego, California
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 78
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $1,800 per unit
Program Overview:
Another option for those looking to pursue a doctorate is the BSN to FNP DNP program at the University of San Diego. Full-time students can complete the program in three years, while part-time students can complete it in four or five years. This program is campus-based, and students must be on campus a minimum of two days a week. That said, some classes may be offered in a hybrid format. The University also offers a Dual FNP/AGNP DNP and a Dual FNP/PNP program.
University of Southern California
- University Park, California
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 50 units
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $2,244 per unit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at the University of Southern California consists of 28 units of theory, 16 units of clinical, and six units of social work courses. Classes are offered primarily online, with two on-campus intensives that provide students the chance to practice skills assessments and patient simulations. Full-time students can complete the program in five semesters, and part-time students can complete it in eight.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- San Marcos, California
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences San Marcos campus offers multiple options for those wishing to pursue an FNP. The BSN to FNP program consists of 50 credits with 595 clinical hours. Students can finish in eight trimesters. The BSN to DNP is 71 credits with 1,035 clinical hours, completed in 12 trimesters over four years, and the Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP is 31 credits with 585 clinical hours, completed over five trimesters in just under two years. Accelerated options are available for each program.
United States University
- Sandiego, California
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $644 per credit hour
Program Overview:
United States University in San Diego has two FNP options: a BSN to FNP and Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP. Most classes are online, but both programs require an in-person, face-to-face immersion. While on campus, students will have access to clinical tools and resources to enhance their practice and prepare for clinical experiences and their future careers.
West Coast University, Orange County
- Anaheim, California
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 120
Clinical Hours: not specified
Tuition: $680 to $785 per credit
Program Overview:
West Coast University-Orange County offers two BSN to FNP options. The Accelerated Pace program takes 20 months or five trimesters, and the Working Professional Pace is 32 months or eight trimesters. Courses are delivered online, but there are two on-campus intensives throughout the program to help students prepare for clinical assignments.
Western University of Health Sciences
- Pomona, California
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 80
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $1,022 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
There are several options available for FNP programs at Western University of Health Sciences. The school offers a BSN or MSN to FNP DNP program designed for working professionals. Some classes are self-directed and online, and students will attend on-campus seminars every semester when in the FNP and DNP core classes. The school also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP that is 49 credits completed over two years.
Online FNP Programs
Because of the nature of the profession, all FNP programs have some in-person component, but some have more online components than others. If you’re looking for a program that has minimal on-campus requirements, consider the following options:
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- Azusa Pacific University
- California State University, Dominguez Hills
- Concordia University Irvine
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- University of Southern California
- United States University
- West Coast University, Orange County
- Western University of Health Sciences
Best FNP Programs in California
The best FNP programs in the state highly depend on what you are looking for. If you prefer high-tech, hands-on learning, consider schools with simulation labs, like California State University, Los Angeles, Concordia University Irvine, and the University of Southern California. Alternatively, you might be interested in schools that offer doctorate-level programs. In this case, check out Azusa Pacific University, California State University, Long Beach, Loma Linda University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Samuel Merritt University, University of California, Irvine, University of California, San Francisco, University of San Diego, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, or Western University of Health Sciences.
California’s Most Affordable FNP Programs
It can be difficult to figure out which schools are the most affordable because many of them don’t easily break down the cost, and there are typically fees added to tuition rates. If you’re looking for the most affordable options in California, your best bets are the American University of Health Sciences, California Baptist University, California State University Channel Islands, California State University, Dominguez Hills, California State University San Marcos, Fresno Pacific University, National University, San Francisco State University, and United States University.