California is home to a wide array of nurse practitioner programs offered by top-tier institutions across the state. With its diverse population and expansive healthcare landscape, California offers aspiring NPs the opportunity to train in settings ranging from major urban hospitals to underserved rural clinics. Leading universities in the state offer CCNE-accredited programs that span in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats, along with various specialization tracks and postgraduate certificate options.
Whether you’re driven to help bridge healthcare access gaps or seeking to elevate your nursing career, these nurse practitioner programs in California provide the advanced education and clinical training needed to thrive in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. For specific program types, review our California based FNP programs, AGNP programs, and PNP program offerings. Many DNP programs are also offered in the state of California.
What to know about California NP programs before you apply
California is the largest NP market in the country, and the program landscape reflects it. The UC and CSU systems dominate the public side, with UCSF and UCLA placing among U.S. News’s top 10 nursing graduate programs nationally, and CSU campuses (Long Beach, Fullerton, Fresno, Dominguez Hills, San Marcos) providing mid-range public-tuition alternatives. Private options span a wide cost range, from smaller Christian-affiliated programs like Azusa Pacific and Loma Linda to research-intensive USC and Samuel Merritt.
Two California-specific facts are worth factoring in. First, AB 890 enacted Full Practice Authority for qualifying NPs starting 2023, though the transition-to-independent-practice pathway has phased requirements. Second, California’s NP mean annual wage is consistently the highest of any state per BLS OEWS, which helps offset the state’s higher cost of living for applicants weighing relocation. For RNs outside metro California considering remote-accessible programs, United States University, National University, and West Coast University-Orange County all run online-forward MSN-FNP tracks.
What to know about California NP programs before you apply
California is the largest NP market in the country, and the program landscape reflects it. The UC and CSU systems dominate the public side, with UCSF and UCLA placing among U.S. News’s top 10 nursing graduate programs nationally, and CSU campuses (Long Beach, Fullerton, Fresno, Dominguez Hills, San Marcos) providing mid-range public-tuition alternatives. Private options span a wide cost range, from smaller Christian-affiliated programs like Azusa Pacific and Loma Linda to research-intensive USC and Samuel Merritt.
Two California-specific facts are worth factoring in. First, AB 890 enacted Full Practice Authority for qualifying NPs starting 2023, though the transition-to-independent-practice pathway has phased requirements. Second, California’s NP mean annual wage is consistently the highest of any state per BLS OEWS, which helps offset the state’s higher cost of living for applicants weighing relocation. For RNs outside metro California considering remote-accessible programs, United States University, National University, and West Coast University-Orange County all run online-forward MSN-FNP tracks.
California Nurse Practitioner Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 35+ CCNE-accredited NP programs — California has the largest NP program inventory on the West Coast, with options across UC, CSU, and private institutions.
- Full practice authority (with conditions) — AB 890 enacted Full Practice Authority for qualifying NPs in 2023, though transition-to-independent-practice requirements vary.
- Highest NP salary in the U.S. — California’s NP mean annual wage is consistently the highest of any state per BLS OEWS California.
- Regulatory body — California Board of Registered Nursing oversees APRN licensure.
- Job growth — BLS projects 40% employment growth for NPs from 2023 to 2033, among the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S.
- Top-ranked programs — UCSF and UCLA consistently place in the U.S. News top 10 nursing graduate programs nationally.
- CSU system affordability — CSU system NP programs offer public-university tuition relative to UC and private options.
- Broadest specialty menu — UCLA, UCSF, and Western University of Health Sciences offer multiple NP concentrations (FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, PNP, NNP).
- Best online MSN-FNP options — United States University, National University, and West Coast University-Orange County all offer online-forward MSN-FNP pathways.
- Specialties offered statewide — FNP (most schools), PMHNP (15+), AGNP (10+), PNP (5–6), Nurse-Midwifery (UCSF, SDSU), CRNA (CSU Fullerton/Kaiser, USC), WHNP (CSU Fullerton, UCSF).
California NP Program Comparison (2026)
California NP programs compared side-by-side: modality, credits, clinical hours, and tuition. Tuition figures reflect published rates at the time of audit and vary widely between UC system, CSU system, and private institutions. Contact each program directly for current numbers.
| Program | Modality | Credits | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American University of Health Sciences | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Azusa Pacific University | Hybrid | 48 | 500+ | $860/credit |
| California Baptist University | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| California State University, Bakersfield | Hybrid | 73 (BSN-DNP) | ~1,000 | Contact program |
| California State University, Channel Islands | Online | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| California State University, Fresno | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| California State University, Fullerton | Hybrid | 48 (WHNP) | 500+ | Contact program |
| California State University, Long Beach | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| California State University, Los Angeles | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| California State University, San Marcos | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| California State University, Stanislaus | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Concordia University Irvine | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Fresno Pacific University | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Loma Linda University | Hybrid | ~50 | 540+ | ~$40,345–$41,610 total |
| National University | Online + 2 intensives | 50–52 | 786 | $820/unit |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Samuel Merritt University | Hybrid | ~59 | 600+ | $1,560/credit |
| San Diego State University | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| San Francisco State University | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| San Jose State University | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Sonoma State University | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Touro University California | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| United States University | Online | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| University of California, Davis | Online | Post-Master’s PMHNP cert | Contact program | Contact program |
| University of California, Irvine | Hybrid | 113 (BSN-DNP) | ~1,020 | ~$131,193 total |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Hybrid | ~60 (MSN) | 1,000+ | Contact program |
| University of California, San Francisco | Hybrid | ~57 (MS) | 1,000+ | Contact program |
| University of San Diego | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| University of San Francisco | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| University of Southern California | Online | 49 | 784 | ~$84,917 total |
| University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences | Online | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| West Coast University-Orange County | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
| Western University of Health Sciences | Hybrid | Contact program | Contact program | Contact program |
Nurse Practitioner Programs Accepting California Applicants
Program Overview:
American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) in Signal Hill runs a private MSN program with Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator concentrations. The school has a strong focus on multicultural healthcare education and primarily serves Southern California applicants. AUHS is CCNE-accredited and maintains clinical partnerships across Los Angeles County.
Why Students Should Consider American University of Health Sciences’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Multicultural health focus: AUHS is mission-oriented around serving diverse patient populations in LA County.
- Smaller cohort model: Private school with smaller class sizes than CSU system programs.
- CCNE-accredited: Programs meet national accreditation standards.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher per-credit rate than CSU public options like Long Beach, Dominguez Hills, or Fresno. Verify current rates with the school.
- LA-centric clinical network: Best fit for applicants already in the Los Angeles area.
- Limited specialty menu: FNP is the primary NP track; applicants targeting PMHNP, AGNP, or PNP should compare UCLA or Western University.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Nurse Educator
Program Overview:
Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a Christian-affiliated private institution in the Inland Empire offering MSN and DNP programs with Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentrations. The School of Nursing balances traditional on-campus and hybrid modalities and has a long-standing clinical network across Los Angeles and Orange County hospital systems.
Why Students Should Consider Azusa Pacific University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Two NP specialties: FNP and PNP tracks at the MSN level, plus DNP pathways for students wanting the terminal clinical degree.
- Strong LA/OC clinical partnerships: APU’s clinical placement network spans Kaiser Permanente, Huntington Health, and multiple community hospital systems.
- Christian mission: Applicants should expect faith-framed ethics and professional-practice coursework.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher per-credit than CSU or UC options. Budget accordingly.
- Hybrid format: Not fully asynchronous; periodic on-campus sessions required.
- Evangelical affiliation: APU’s faith-based framing is more prominent than at Loma Linda or APU’s secular peers.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- DNP pathways (FNP, PNP)
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
California Baptist University (CBU) in Riverside runs a Christian-affiliated MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program through the Lancer College of Nursing and Allied Health. The program blends online didactic coursework with clinical placements across the Inland Empire and surrounding Southern California regions.
Why Students Should Consider California Baptist University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Online-first MSN-FNP: Didactic coursework delivered online with local clinical placements.
- Inland Empire clinical network: Strong placement relationships in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
- Christian mission: Baptist-affiliated; expect values-driven coursework framing.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Verify current rates with the school; generally higher than CSU public options.
- Single specialty: FNP only at the MSN level.
- Applicants outside Inland Empire: Clinical placement support is more limited for students who can’t complete rotations in the local region.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Overview:
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) in Camarillo offers an online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program designed for working RNs across Southern California. The School of Nursing emphasizes primary care for medically underserved communities in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. CCNE-accredited with part-time and full-time pathways.
Why Students Should Consider California State University Channel Islands’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- CSU system affordability: Public-university tuition significantly below private competitors like APU, USC, or Samuel Merritt.
- Online MSN-FNP: Coursework is online with clinical placements in the student’s community.
- Part-time and full-time options: Flexible pacing for working RNs.
Additional Considerations:
- Hybrid clinical requirements: Periodic in-person sessions for clinical intensives and lab requirements.
- Single specialty: FNP only at the MSN level.
- Ventura/LA County focus: Clinical partnerships strongest in the Channel Islands region.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
Program Overview:
CSU Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in Carson offers an MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program through the Marilyn and Ed Carson School of Nursing. CSUDH is a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, making it a meaningful pipeline for bilingual NPs in South Los Angeles County.
Why Students Should Consider California State University, Dominguez Hills’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- HSI/AANAPISI designation: Strong track record of graduating nurse practitioners from underrepresented backgrounds.
- South LA County clinical network: Partnerships with Harbor-UCLA, MLK Community Hospital, and surrounding safety-net providers.
- CSU system affordability: Public-university tuition notably cheaper than UCLA or USC options.
Additional Considerations:
- Hybrid format: Online didactic with required in-person clinical sessions.
- Competitive admissions: Seats limited relative to applicant volume in the Los Angeles market.
- Single specialty: FNP at the MSN level.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
Program Overview:
CSU Fresno’s School of Nursing (the Dr. Ruby Fitzgerald School) runs MSN tracks for Family Nurse Practitioner and other advanced practice specialties, serving the Central Valley region. Fresno State’s clinical network spans Community Medical Centers, Saint Agnes, Valley Children’s, and Kaiser Permanente Fresno, giving students access to one of the most concentrated rural-health clinical markets in California.
Why Students Should Consider California State University, Fresno’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Central Valley clinical network: Strong partnerships with Community Regional Medical Center, Saint Agnes, and Valley Children’s.
- Rural health focus: The Central Valley’s health-workforce shortage means active regional demand for graduates.
- CSU system tuition: Public-university rates significantly below private options.
Additional Considerations:
- Central Valley location: Best fit for applicants in Fresno, Visalia, Merced, Madera, Bakersfield, or similar regions.
- Hybrid format: Required on-campus clinical sessions at Fresno State.
- Competitive admissions: Limited seats relative to regional applicant volume.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Nurse Administration
- Post-Master’s NP Certificates
Program Overview:
CSU Long Beach’s School of Nursing runs MSN tracks including Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, plus Nurse-Midwifery-affiliated pathways. CSULB is one of the largest nursing schools in the CSU system and has deep clinical partnerships across Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County medical centers.
Why Students Should Consider California State University, Long Beach’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Multiple NP specialties: FNP and AGPCNP at the MSN level, rare for a CSU campus at this cost level.
- Large clinical network: Partnerships with MemorialCare Long Beach, Kaiser, and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
- CSU tuition: Public-university rates below private competitors like USC ($85k total) or Samuel Merritt ($1,560/credit).
Additional Considerations:
- Highly competitive admissions: CSULB’s nursing school is consistently oversubscribed.
- Hybrid format: In-person clinical and campus sessions required.
- Campus-based: Best fit for applicants based in LA/OC/Long Beach region.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s NP Certificates
Program Overview:
Cal State LA’s Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing offers MSN tracks for Family Nurse Practitioner and other advanced practice specialties. The school serves one of the most diverse student populations in the CSU system, with a clinical network spanning LAC+USC Medical Center, Keck Medicine, Kaiser, and LA County-area safety-net providers.
Why Students Should Consider California State University, Los Angeles’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Diverse student body: Cal State LA is a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution.
- LA County clinical network: Partnerships with LAC+USC, Keck, Kaiser, and LADPH facilities.
- Affordable CSU tuition: Significantly below UCLA, USC, or private LA options.
Additional Considerations:
- Hybrid format: Periodic on-campus and clinical sessions required.
- Limited online flexibility: Students outside LA metro should factor in commute.
- Competitive admissions: Strong regional applicant pool.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – other specialty tracks (verify with school)
Program Overview:
CSU San Marcos’s School of Nursing offers an MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program serving the North San Diego County and Southern Riverside County regions. The school maintains clinical partnerships with Palomar Health, Tri-City Medical Center, and Scripps Health affiliates, giving students access to one of San Diego County’s growing healthcare markets.
Why Students Should Consider California State University San Marcos’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- North San Diego County focus: Clinical placements in an underserved, fast-growing metro.
- CSU tuition: Public-university rates below San Diego State, UCSD-adjacent, or UC San Diego options.
- Smaller program size: Personalized cohort experience relative to larger CSU campuses.
Additional Considerations:
- Hybrid format: Required on-campus clinical and didactic sessions.
- Regional focus: Best fit for applicants in Oceanside, Escondido, or Temecula areas.
- Single specialty: FNP only at the MSN level.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Overview:
CSU Stanislaus offers a Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate, making it one of only a few California schools with a dedicated PMHNP post-graduate pathway. The school primarily serves the Central Valley region, with clinical partnerships across Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced counties.
Why Students Should Consider California State University, Stanislaus’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Dedicated PMHNP pathway: One of few California CSU campuses with a Post-Master’s PMHNP certificate.
- Central Valley location: Strong clinical networks in the Modesto/Stockton region.
- CSU tuition: Public-university rates for a focused specialty credential.
Additional Considerations:
- Post-Master’s focus: Designed for existing APRNs; not a direct MSN-FNP pathway.
- Regional orientation: Best for applicants in Turlock, Modesto, Stockton, or Merced.
- Limited full MSN options: For broader MSN-NP tracks, look to CSU Sacramento or UC Davis.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate
Program Overview:
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) is a federally-designated Historically Black Graduate Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution in South Los Angeles (Willowbrook). The Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing offers MSN tracks specifically oriented toward serving medically underserved communities, including Family Nurse Practitioner and PMHNP pathways.
Why Students Should Consider Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- HBGI and HSI dual designation: CDU is one of few schools in the country with both federal designations, producing a meaningful share of Black and Latino NPs in California.
- South LA clinical network: Partnerships with MLK Community Hospital, Harbor-UCLA, and safety-net providers in Watts/Willowbrook.
- Mission-driven: The program focuses on health equity and serving underserved populations.
Additional Considerations:
- Private non-profit tuition: Higher than CSU options but comparable to other private LA schools.
- South LA location: Best fit for applicants committed to working in underserved LA County communities.
- Smaller cohort model: CDU is a smaller school than UCLA or USC.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
Concordia University Irvine (CUI) is a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod institution offering an MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program from its Townsend Institute campus in Orange County. The program emphasizes a hybrid delivery model with clinicals across South Orange County and coastal San Diego County.
Why Students Should Consider Concordia University Irvine’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Lutheran Christian tradition: One of few Lutheran-affiliated nursing schools in California.
- Orange County clinical network: Partnerships with Hoag, Mission Hospital, and Saddleback Memorial.
- Hybrid modality: Blended online and in-person coursework.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher than CSU options; Concordia is a private institution.
- Single specialty: FNP at the MSN level.
- Regional orientation: Best for applicants in the OC/Irvine/South OC region.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Overview:
Fresno Pacific University (FPU) is a Mennonite Brethren Christian liberal arts institution offering an MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program serving the Central Valley. FPU’s School of Nursing emphasizes a smaller, faith-integrated curriculum with clinical partnerships across the Fresno, Visalia, and Madera regions.
Why Students Should Consider Fresno Pacific University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Mennonite Brethren tradition: One of few nursing schools with this Christian affiliation.
- Central Valley access: Clinical partnerships across the region.
- Smaller program: Intimate cohort model relative to CSU Fresno or Cal State LA.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Verify current rates; higher than CSU Fresno.
- Central Valley orientation: Best fit for applicants in Fresno and surrounding counties.
- Single specialty: FNP only at the MSN level.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Overview:
Loma Linda University School of Nursing is a Seventh-day Adventist-affiliated institution in the Inland Empire offering MSN, DNP, and PhD programs with multiple NP specialties. The school is distinctive for its mission emphasis on whole-person care and runs clinical partnerships with Loma Linda University Medical Center (a major academic medical center) and its surrounding hospital network.
Why Students Should Consider Loma Linda University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Academic medical center affiliation: Loma Linda University Medical Center is one of few academic medical centers in the Inland Empire, giving students tertiary-care clinical exposure.
- Multiple NP specialties: FNP, PMHNP, and AGNP-AC/PC concentrations at the MSN and DNP levels.
- Adventist mission: Whole-person care framework integrated throughout coursework.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher than CSU public options; verify current rates.
- Adventist framing: Applicants should be comfortable with faith-integrated healthcare ethics coursework.
- Inland Empire location: Best fit for applicants in Loma Linda, Redlands, or surrounding Riverside/San Bernardino counties.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- DNP and PhD pathways
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
National University runs one of California’s largest online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner programs out of its San Diego campus. The school uses a month-long course model (one class at a time) that lets working RNs structure their studies around shift work. National also offers a BSN-to-DNP pathway and post-master’s certificates for existing APRNs.
Why Students Should Consider National University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- One-course-at-a-time format: Each class runs approximately one month, making it easier to plan around full-time work.
- Online-forward delivery: Most didactic coursework is online with clinicals arranged in the student’s community.
- Multiple pathways: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master’s certificates under one school.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher per-credit than CSU programs; verify current rates.
- For-profit / non-profit status: National University restructured as a non-profit in recent years; applicants should verify financial aid and loan forgiveness eligibility.
- Pacing trade-off: The one-class-at-a-time structure takes longer than cohort-based programs that run multiple courses concurrently.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (verify current availability)
- BSN to DNP pathway
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a Christian (Nazarene tradition) liberal arts institution in San Diego offering MSN tracks that typically include Family Nurse Practitioner and other advanced practice specialties. PLNU’s nursing school runs clinical placements across San Diego County and maintains a mission-integrated curriculum.
Why Students Should Consider Point Loma Nazarene University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Nazarene Christian tradition: One of the few Nazarene-affiliated nursing programs on the West Coast.
- San Diego clinical network: Partnerships with Sharp Healthcare, Scripps, and other regional providers.
- Small cohort model: Personalized faculty mentorship relative to SDSU’s larger program.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher than SDSU or CSU San Marcos public alternatives.
- Christian mission: Applicants should expect faith-integrated coursework.
- San Diego location: Best fit for applicants in the San Diego metro.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
SDSU’s School of Nursing is one of the largest in Southern California, offering MSN tracks for Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse-Midwifery. SDSU also runs a BSN-to-DNP pathway. The school partners with UC San Diego Health, Rady Children’s Hospital, Scripps Health, and Sharp Healthcare for clinical rotations.
Why Students Should Consider San Diego State University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Nurse-Midwifery program: One of few California schools with a Nurse-Midwifery MSN track (alongside UCSF).
- Multiple NP specialties: FNP, PNP, and Nurse-Midwifery at the MSN level.
- Academic medical center partnerships: UCSD, Rady Children’s, Scripps, and Sharp all feed clinical placements.
Additional Considerations:
- CSU tuition with competitive admissions: Public-university rates but a highly selective admissions process.
- On-campus requirements: Clinical intensives and cohort-based sessions required.
- San Diego focus: Best fit for applicants in the San Diego metro.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Nurse-Midwifery
- BSN to DNP pathway
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
SF State’s School of Nursing offers MSN tracks including Family Nurse Practitioner, serving the San Francisco Bay Area with clinical partnerships spanning UCSF Health, Kaiser Permanente, CPMC/Sutter, and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. SF State is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a key pipeline for bilingual NPs in Northern California.
Why Students Should Consider San Francisco State University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- SF Bay Area clinical network: Partnerships across UCSF, Kaiser, Sutter, and SF General.
- HSI designation: Strong track record for producing Latino NP graduates.
- CSU tuition: Significantly below UCSF’s private-comparable rates.
Additional Considerations:
- Highly competitive admissions: SF State’s nursing programs are consistently oversubscribed.
- Hybrid format: On-campus clinical sessions required.
- Bay Area cost of living: Applicants relocating should factor SF’s high housing costs.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
Samuel Merritt University (SMU) in Oakland is a private health-sciences specialist institution offering MSN, DNP, and CRNA programs. The school runs on-campus and online formats with clinical partnerships across Bay Area academic medical centers (UCSF, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter, Alta Bates Summit). Per-credit tuition of approximately $1,560 puts Samuel Merritt among the higher-cost private options in the state.
Why Students Should Consider Samuel Merritt University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Health-sciences-focused institution: SMU is a dedicated health professions school, not a general university with a nursing program.
- CRNA program: SMU is one of few California schools offering Nurse Anesthesia at the doctoral level.
- Bay Area clinical network: Established partnerships with UCSF, Kaiser, Sutter, and Alta Bates Summit.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: $1,560/credit is at the higher end of California private rates.
- Scholarship availability: SMU offers institutional aid; total cost of attendance varies significantly with scholarship awards.
- Hybrid format: Most tracks require on-campus attendance.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Case Management
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (CRNA)
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
Sonoma State University’s Department of Nursing offers MSN tracks serving the North Bay and Wine Country regions. Clinical partnerships include Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa, and Sutter Health Sonoma Medical Center, giving students access to the North Bay’s growing healthcare market.
Why Students Should Consider Sonoma State University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- North Bay focus: Serves Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake County clinical markets.
- CSU tuition: Public-university rates notably below private Bay Area options.
- Smaller program size: Intimate cohort experience relative to SF State or CSU Long Beach.
Additional Considerations:
- Regional orientation: Best fit for applicants based in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, or Napa.
- Limited specialty menu: Fewer NP tracks than larger CSU campuses.
- Hybrid format: Required on-campus and clinical sessions.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates (verify current offerings)
Program Overview:
Touro University California (TUC) is a private Jewish-affiliated institution in Vallejo offering MSN, DNP, and post-master’s NP programs. The College of Education and Health Sciences maintains clinical partnerships across the East Bay and Solano County, with particular strength in primary care and pediatric placements.
Why Students Should Consider Touro University California’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Jewish heritage institution: One of few Jewish-affiliated nursing programs in California.
- Multiple NP specialties: FNP and PMHNP at the MSN level, plus DNP pathways.
- Bay Area/East Bay location: Vallejo campus provides access to both Bay Area and Sacramento clinical markets.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher than CSU East Bay or San Francisco State public alternatives.
- Smaller cohort size: TUC is a smaller school than UCSF or SF State.
- Hybrid format: On-campus clinical sessions required.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
UC Irvine’s Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing runs a 113-credit BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program with roughly 1,020 clinical hours, one of the more demanding clinical requirements in California. Total program cost runs approximately $131,193 for Texas residents. The school partners with UCI Medical Center (an academic medical center) for clinical rotations.
Why Students Should Consider University of California, Irvine’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Academic medical center clinicals: UCI Medical Center is a Level I trauma center and primary teaching hospital, giving students tertiary-care exposure.
- BSN-to-DNP pathway: Students earn the terminal clinical degree in one integrated program.
- 113 credits / 1,020 clinical hours: Among the most rigorous NP preparation in California.
Additional Considerations:
- High total cost: ~$131,193 for California residents. Non-resident costs are significantly higher.
- No MSN exit option: Students commit to the full BSN-DNP pathway; no shorter MSN-FNP variant.
- Hybrid format: Regular on-campus attendance required.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (113 credits, ~1,020 clinical hours)
Program Overview:
UCLA’s School of Nursing offers MSN, MECN (Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse), DNP, and PhD programs with multiple NP concentrations. UCLA’s nursing program consistently ranks in the U.S. News top 10 nursing graduate programs nationally and partners with UCLA Health (one of the nation’s largest academic medical systems) for clinical rotations, giving students access to cases across all specialties.
Why Students Should Consider University of California, Los Angeles’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Top-10 national ranking: UCLA places consistently among the U.S. News top 10 nursing graduate programs.
- UCLA Health clinical access: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA, Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, and affiliated ambulatory sites.
- Multiple NP specialties: FNP, AGNP, PNP, PMHNP concentrations.
Additional Considerations:
- Highly selective admissions: UCLA’s nursing programs are among the most competitive in the country.
- Higher cost for non-residents: California residents pay substantially less than out-of-state applicants.
- Research-intensive: Faculty publish prolifically; doctoral students have strong research apprenticeship opportunities.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MECN (Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse)
- DNP and PhD pathways
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
UCSF’s School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top 5 nursing graduate programs nationally. UCSF offers MS, DNP, and PhD programs with a full range of NP specialties including Family, Adult-Gerontology, Pediatric, Psychiatric Mental Health, Neonatal, and Nurse-Midwifery. The school is deeply integrated with UCSF Health and has produced a disproportionate share of California’s nursing faculty and research leaders.
Why Students Should Consider University of California, San Francisco’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Top-5 national ranking: UCSF is one of the highest-ranked nursing graduate programs in the country.
- Full NP specialty menu: FNP, AGNP, PNP, PMHNP, NNP, and Nurse-Midwifery all under one school.
- UCSF Health clinical access: Parnassus, Mission Bay, Mount Zion, and affiliated sites.
Additional Considerations:
- Extremely selective admissions: UCSF’s acceptance rate is among the lowest of any California nursing program.
- Research-intensive: UCSF is NIH-funded and doctoral students are deeply involved in research programs.
- San Francisco cost of living: Applicants relocating should factor SF’s high housing costs.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MS – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MS – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Primary and Acute Care)
- MS – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- MS – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MS – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- MS – Nurse-Midwifery
- DNP and PhD pathways
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
The University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers MSN, DNP, and post-master’s NP programs across multiple specialties. USD partners with UC San Diego Health, Scripps Health, Sharp Healthcare, Rady Children’s Hospital, and Naval Medical Center San Diego for clinical rotations, giving students one of the deepest clinical networks in Southern California.
Why Students Should Consider University of San Diego’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Deep clinical partnerships: UCSD, Scripps, Sharp, Rady Children’s, and Naval Medical Center San Diego.
- Multiple NP specialties: FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, PMHNP, NNP, and PNP tracks.
- Catholic university mission: Private non-profit with Catholic heritage; applicants should expect values-integrated ethics coursework.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher than SDSU or CSU San Marcos public alternatives; verify current rates.
- Highly selective admissions: USD Hahn consistently ranks among top-20 nationally.
- On-campus and hybrid formats: Most NP tracks require in-person attendance.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- DNP pathways
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
USC’s Division of Physical Therapy, Nursing, and Exercise Science offers an online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program through USC’s online learning infrastructure. The 49-credit program requires 784 clinical hours and total tuition runs approximately $84,917. USC also offers post-master’s pathways and partners with Keck Medicine of USC and affiliated LA-area hospital systems for clinical rotations.
Why Students Should Consider University of Southern California’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Online MSN-FNP with USC brand: Nationally-recognized university with an online-forward delivery model.
- Keck Medicine of USC clinical access: Students have access to one of LA’s large academic medical center systems.
- 49 credits / 784 clinical hours: Comprehensive program structure.
Additional Considerations:
- High total tuition: ~$84,917 total puts USC among the most expensive California MSN-FNP programs.
- Online delivery: Most coursework is online; clinicals arranged in the student’s community.
- Single MSN specialty: FNP is the primary track; compare UCLA or UCSF for broader NP specialty menus.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (49 credits, 784 clinical hours, ~$84,917 total)
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a private health-sciences specialist institution with campuses including San Marcos, California, offering MSN and DNP programs with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus. The school emphasizes a hybrid/online delivery model with flexible start dates and part-time pathways designed for working RNs.
Why Students Should Consider University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Health-sciences specialist school: USAHS is dedicated to health professions, not a general university with a nursing program.
- Flexible start dates: Multiple cohort starts per year for working RN applicants.
- Hybrid delivery: Online didactic with periodic on-campus sessions.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Verify current rates; generally higher than CSU public alternatives.
- For-profit status: USAHS operates as a for-profit institution; applicants should verify financial aid and loan forgiveness eligibility.
- Single specialty: FNP is the primary NP track.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- DNP pathways
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
United States University (USU) is a private online institution based in California offering online MSN programs including Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. USU’s online-forward delivery with clinical placements arranged in the student’s community makes it one of the most flexible pathways for RNs in California and nationwide.
Why Students Should Consider United States University’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- 100% online didactic: One of the most online-forward NP programs in California.
- Multiple NP specialties: FNP, PMHNP, and AGPCNP tracks at the MSN level.
- Local clinical placement: Students complete clinicals in their home community with program support.
Additional Considerations:
- Private online institution: USU is a dedicated online school; applicants should verify accreditation details (CCNE or ACEN) for their target specialty.
- Self-discipline required: Asynchronous online requires strong time management.
- Verify loan eligibility: As a private online school, applicants should confirm financial aid and loan forgiveness options.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Program Overview:
West Coast University’s Orange County campus in Anaheim offers online MSN programs including Family Nurse Practitioner, plus post-master’s APRN certificates for AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and PMHNP specialties. WCU is part of a national for-profit nursing education network with online-forward delivery and community-based clinicals.
Why Students Should Consider West Coast University-Orange County’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Multiple post-master’s certificate options: Existing APRNs can add AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, or PMHNP as a specialty.
- Online MSN-FNP delivery: Didactic coursework online; clinicals arranged in the student’s community.
- OC/Anaheim campus: Physical location in the Orange County metro.
Additional Considerations:
- For-profit institution: Applicants should verify financial aid and loan forgiveness eligibility.
- Higher per-credit tuition: Verify current rates; WCU tuition typically runs above CSU public options.
- Single MSN specialty + post-master’s options: FNP at MSN level; other tracks are post-master’s only.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP
- Post-Master’s Certificate – AGPCNP
- Post-Master’s Certificate – FNP
- Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
Program Overview:
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) is a health-sciences specialist institution in Pomona offering MSN, DNP, and PhD programs with multiple NP specialties. WesternU’s College of Graduate Nursing was founded in 1977 and maintains clinical partnerships across Inland Empire and Los Angeles County academic medical centers. The school offers one of the broadest NP specialty menus in California.
Why Students Should Consider Western University of Health Sciences’s Nurse Practitioner Programs:
- Broad specialty menu: FNP, AGNP-AC/PC, PMHNP, WHNP, and PNP concentrations available.
- Health-sciences focused: WesternU is dedicated to health professions, adjacent to osteopathic medicine, optometry, and pharmacy schools.
- Inland Empire base: Pomona campus with clinical placements across LA County and surrounding regions.
Additional Considerations:
- Private tuition: Higher than CSU public options; verify current rates.
- Hybrid format: On-campus attendance required for most tracks.
- Competitive admissions: WesternU’s graduate nursing programs are oversubscribed.
Nurse Practitioner Programs Offered by the School:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Primary and Acute Care)
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- DNP and PhD pathways
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificates
Nurse Practitioner Licensure Requirements in California
Degree level needed: Graduate degree in an NP role (MSN or DNP)
Supervised hours total: 500 minimum
Required exams: Specific to NP specialty
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – AGPCNP, AGACNP, ENP, FNP, PNP-Primary, PMHNP
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) – AGPCNP, ENP, FNP, PMHNP
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) – AGACNP
- National Certification Corporation (NCC) – NNP, WHNP
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) – PNP-Primary, PNP-Acute
Background check: Criminal background check (includes fingerprinting for a federal and state criminal history record check), as conducted by the California Department of Justice
State licensing board: California Board of Nursing, 1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150 Sacramento, CA 95834-1924
The State of Nursing in California
About a third of California residents live in areas where there is a shortage of primary care doctors. This shortage disproportionately affects rural areas, with some having only 40 primary care providers per 100,000 people. Luckily, California recently passed a law that provides nurse practitioners with a path to independent practice to help lessen the effects of this shortage and give these professionals exciting professional opportunities in the state.
California Nursing Organizations and Associations
- California Association of Nurse Practitioners
- California Board of Nursing
- American Nurses Association – California
California Nurse Practitioner Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
Does California grant full practice authority to NPs?
Yes, with conditions. AB 890 (enacted January 2023) grants Full Practice Authority to qualifying NPs in California. Qualifying NPs must complete a transition-to-independent-practice period of at least 3 years (6,000 hours) of qualifying patient-care practice before gaining full independent practice authority. Prior to completing those hours, NPs continue to practice under standardized procedures with a supervising physician.
What is the average NP salary in California?
California consistently has the highest NP mean annual wage of any state per BLS OEWS. California’s NP workforce is also the largest of any state by employment count. Wages vary meaningfully by metro area, with San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose, and Napa typically reporting the highest mean wages in the country.
How long does it take to earn an NP in California?
MSN-NP programs typically run 2 to 3 years full-time. BSN-to-DNP programs at UC Irvine, USC, Loma Linda, and others run 3 to 4 years. Post-Master’s certificates for existing APRNs adding a specialty typically run 12 to 18 months.
Which California NP programs are available online?
United States University, National University, University of Southern California, and West Coast University-Orange County offer online-forward MSN-FNP pathways where didactic coursework is delivered online and clinicals are arranged in the student’s community. Most CSU and UC system programs are hybrid, with online lectures plus periodic on-campus sessions and in-person clinicals.
What NP specialties can I study in California?
California offers the full range of NP specialties: Family (FNP) at most programs; Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) at 15+ schools; Adult-Gerontology Primary and Acute Care; Pediatric Primary and Acute Care; Neonatal (UCSF, UCLA); Nurse-Midwifery (UCSF, SDSU); Women’s Health NP (CSU Fullerton, UCSF); and Nurse Anesthesia (CSU Fullerton/Kaiser partnership, USC, Samuel Merritt).
Are there affordable NP programs in California?
Yes. CSU system programs (Long Beach, Dominguez Hills, Fullerton, Fresno, San Marcos, Los Angeles, Stanislaus, Bakersfield, Channel Islands) offer public-university tuition significantly below UC and private options. San Jose State University’s MSN-FNP is also competitively priced within the CSU system. USC’s online MSN-FNP at roughly $85,000 total is mid-range for a private California program.