RN to BSN Programs in California

CSUSM offers an RN to BSN online in California with six start dates throughout the year. The school divides these sessions into eight-week classes during the fall and spring. In the summer, classes are ten weeks long.

Additionally, CSUSM is one of the state's most competitive RN to BSN programs. It only accepts 44 students per start date.

Cal State, LA, offers one of the best RN to BSN programs in California - and one of the most competitive. The full-time program only accepts one cohort per year. It's also incredibly demanding, leaving little room for students to work and study simultaneously.

CSU LA also has one of the top ABSN programs in California for aspiring RNs with non-nursing bachelor's degrees.

Fresno State is one of the best online RN to BSN programs in California. However, students still must attend a 90-hour community health nursing clinical course in the Fresno State service area. These clinical rotations are an in-person requirement.

The school has a direct relationship with several community colleges in the area. These partnerships allow ADN students to transfer directly into Fresno State's RN to BSN program.

SDSU requires a slightly higher admission GPA (3.0) than other RN to BSN programs in California. Therefore, this is one of the more difficult RN to BSN programs to get into. Currently, the school offers two start dates, and all applicants must apply by the fall deadline.

United States University's RN to BSN program is rooted in a Caring Science Theory. It teaches theoretical and evidence-based nursing practice. Students in this program who are Tennesee residents must complete an additional physical exam and health assessment course. However, they may opt to transfer equivalent credits from another school instead.

Samuel Merrit University only offers a part-time RN to BSN program for working professionals. The program includes weekly in-person classes with a few Saturday sessions. It also requires students to complete eight hours of community health clinical hours.

Additionally, the university directly partners with Kaiser Permanente hospitals and clinics, offering current nurses an 80% tuition discount.

Azusa Pacific requires RN to BSN students to meet in person for five hours each week. Alternatively, students may choose to complete a minimum comparable amount of time online. Students in this program complete classes in a lock-step format, which allows class schedules to accommodate workers.

CBU is a faith-based University that uses the "Human Becoming Paradigm" as the RN to BSN program's core nursing theory. CBU offers clinical rotations through partnerships with Corona Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Loma Linda Veterans Administration, and Parkview Community Hospital.

Simpson University's RN to BSN is truly unique. Students attend one class at a time, each term lasting just five weeks. Additionally, the school administers the program in a hybrid format, with students attending in-person and online classes.

Pacific College is one of the top universities on the West Coast and offers one of the best RN to BSN programs in California. The standard length for Pacific College's RN to BSN is 18 months. However, students may complete the curriculum quicker with eligible transfer credits.

Vanguard University offers students three RN to BSN options: hybrid, online, and hyflex. Hyflex is the school's most flexible option. It's online and hybrid learning that allows students to complete independent study that meets the class objectives. 

The university intentionally keeps class sizes small, and students may take courses out of order. Students can enroll in up to four classes per semester at an accelerated pace but may take as few as two.

Students can complete the RN to BSN program at Stanbridge University in about two years. This 100% online program uses research and evidence-based practice to teach the next generation of nurses. Courses Stanbridge students take include Theoretical Models in Nursing, Health Informatics, and Cultural Identity and Diversity.

The CSU Monterey Bay RN to BSN program is available to students with a California RN license. CSUMB students receive hands-on experience at healthcare agencies in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. Those enrolled through the Cuesta-CSUMB partnership may also get hands-on training in San Luis Obispo County.

Point Loma Nazarene University requires RN to BSN students to meet once a week, either online or in person. PLNU partners with local community colleges to allow ADN graduates a seamless transition into a BSN program. 

The university also offers concurrent enrollment to students who haven't finished their ADN. Concurrent enrollment allows them to complete an ADN and BSN in two years. However, only those with a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible for this option.

The RN to BSN program at San Jose State University is open to students with a California RN license. The majority of the courses are online, allowing for maximum flexibility with a full-time work schedule. After completing the community health clinicals and earning a BSN, students can apply for a California Public Health Nursing Certificate.