Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in California

If you’re an aspiring nurse in California who already has a bachelor's degree, an accelerated BSN might be the right path for you. This guide to ABSN programs in California lays out all your program options in the Golden State. 

How to Earn a BSN in California

To become a BSN in California, you must complete the required education and licensure steps. First, you'll attend an accredited BSN program, which may be a traditional BSN or ABSN track.

After graduating, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and register for a nursing license with the California Board of Registered Nursing. The board reports a 10-12 week processing time for RN licenses. California utilizes the BreEZe online portal for all initial applications and renewals.

California is not part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC). Therefore, the state does not acknowledge RN licenses from other states.

ABSN Programs in California

1. California State Los Angeles

Offering a 15-month ABSN program in Los Angeles, Cal State LA admits a small cohort of students per year. Despite its exclusivity, the nursing school still provides one of the most affordable ABSNs in California.

While Cal State offers several ABSN programs throughout California, the LA campus gives students access to some of the top hospitals in the state.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Cost Per Credit: $595 
• Program Length: 15 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. California State University San Marcos

With three total cohorts per year, CSU San Marcos may offer the least competitive accelerated BSN in California. The university holds monthly online information sessions where prospective students can speak with program coordinators and admissions representatives.

• Location: San Marcos and Temecula, CA
• Cost Per Credit: $595 
• Program Length: 24 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

3. San Francisco State University 

SFSU offers its ABSN program in conjunction with the San Mateo Community College District. The university holds ABSN classes at the College of San Mateo. Graduates from this program are eligible for public health nursing certification in California upon earning their RN licensure. 

Additionally, SFSU's ABSN provides a foundation of nursing leadership knowledge so graduates can easily transition to graduate school. However, it's a highly competitive program, only accepting 32 out of 200 applicants per cohort.

• Location: San Mateo, CA
• Cost Per Credit: $700 
• Program Length: 15 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

4. Cal State Fullerton

Although Cal State Fullerton has a fast-paced ABSN in California, the university also allows students ample breaks. This schedule permits students some respite during the intense program. However, the program is full-time and cohort-style, so students may not attend part-time or take a semester off.  

Despite receiving between 600 and 800 applications annually, only about 200 applicants are qualified for the program. Still, the university can only accept a fraction of these qualified students, making it highly competitive.

• Location: Fullerton, CA
• Cost Per Credit: $2,871 
• Program Length: 24 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

5. California State University, Northridge

CSU Northridge's ABSN is an affordable program that allows students to complete their degree in as little as 15 months. The university combines one-on-one and group advisement to guide students through the intense program.

• Location: Northridge, CA
• Program Cost: $46,400
• Program Length: 15 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No

6. Samuel Merritt University 

Samuel Merrit University's 12-month ABSN is one of the fastest nursing programs in California. Students get to select from multiple campuses and start dates, making SMU easier to get into. However, despite its ease of access, this program churns out some top-notch students, boasting a 100% NCLEX pass rate in a 2023 cohort.

• Location: Oakland, San Francisco and Sacramento, CA
• Program Cost: $89,126
• Program Length: 12 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No

7. Mount Saint Mary’s University

Rooted in Catholic philosophy, Mount St. Mary’s students receive a well-rounded education. Applicants should understand that the religious aspects of the program can be uncomfortable to non-Catholic students. However, that shouldn't deter anyone from applying to the program since it's one of the best in California.

• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Program Cost: $23,799
• Program Length: 12 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No

8. Concordia University

Concordia University offers one of the more unique ABSN programs in California. Students can select from two learning modalities: campus-based in Irvine or hybrid in Rancho Cucamonga. The hybrid option includes online courses, in-person simulation labs, and three start dates in January, May, and August. In addition to classes and simulation labs, students must complete 765 clinical hours to complete the program.

• Location: Irvine and Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• Program Cost: $54,870
• Program Length: 15 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Private
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

9. California State University-Stanislaus

Cal State Stanislaus offers admission once a year during the spring semester, with students completing the ABSN in 15 months. Unlike other ABSN programs, a waitlist is available at Stanislaus, which increases your chances of getting in. Additionally, Cal State Stanislaus does not require the TEAS exam for admission to the ABSN program.

• Location: Stockton, CA
• Program Cost: $40,000
• Program Length: 17 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No

What to Expect in an ABSN Program in California

Like other ABSN programs in the country, the programs in California are competitive, fast-paced, and cohort-style. So, students must complete their degree on a full-time schedule without taking time off. Students cannot work during the program as the expectations and clinical requirements are rigorous.

California ABSN Tuition 

Tuition for ABSN programs in California costs between $23,000 and $90,000. Your tuition will vary depending on the program’s location, public vs. private school status, and in-person vs. online attendance.

Admission Requirements

Each university has its own specific admissions standards. However, every ABSN program in California requires a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Other common admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in California include:

• Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Prerequisites (e.g., Statistics or Anatomy & Physiology)
• Personal statement
• TEAS examination
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Transcripts 
• Application fee
• Admissions interview 
• Resume/CV

How Hard are California ABSN Programs?

The Golden State boasts some of the top ABSN programs nationwide. Admission to these schools is incredibly competitive, and the curriculums are challenging.

Despite the challenges, earning an ABSN in California has its perks. With high wages and union hospitals, California is a top employer for nurses. Attending a California ABSN program allows you to complete clinicals at local hospitals, network, and more easily earn one of these coveted positions after graduation.

How Long is an Accelerated BSN Program in California?

Accelerated BSN programs in California typically take 12 to 16 months to complete. These programs have a set progression plan that students must follow to graduate.

What to Expect Working as a Nurse in California

BSN Salary in California

The median annual RN salary nationwide is $81,220 or $39.05 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). RNs in California earn well above this average, bringing in $133,340 annually or $64.10 an hour.

ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for BSN nurses is $62 an hour, while ADNs earn $31 an hour.

Career Outlook

California is home to 325,620 registered nurses. The BLS reports that all RN jobs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2023, faster than the average for all other occupations. This growth equates to 193,100 openings for registered nurses each year.

BSN Jobs in California

Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals.  Other possible job locations include:

• Ambulatory healthcare services
• Government agencies
• Academia
• Medical and aesthetic spas
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Private practice
• Surgery centers
• Urgent care centers
• Retirement facilities
• Mental health facilities

Next Steps

With a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can achieve your dream nursing career with a timely and affordable ABSN program in California. These degrees allow qualified non-nurses to enter the workforce in 12-15 months at a fraction of the cost of traditional BSNs

Accelerated nursing programs in California offer in-person and hybrid options, multiple start dates, and hands-on practice in clinical settings. If you're ready to become a nurse in the Golden State, these programs may be exactly what you need. 

Ready to get started? Read our accelerated BSN guide to learn more about what it takes to get into an ABSN program.

FAQs

• What is the easiest BSN program to get into in California?

  • With limited availability and high applicant numbers, none of these programs are "easy" to get into. However, Samuel Merrit University offers the most cohorts per year at multiple locations, raising your chance of acceptance.

• How much does a BSN make an hour in California?

  • BSN nurses in California earn $62 per hour, according to reports from ZipRecruiter.

• Can you be an RN in California without a BSN?

  • Yes, you can attend an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to become eligible for the NCLEX exam and become an RN.

• What is the fastest way to become a nurse in California?

  • The fastest way for a non-nurse with a prior bachelor’s degree to become an RN in California is through a 12-15 month ABSN program. Those without college degrees can become nurses in just two years with an ADN.