Today, you will be able to discover the finest masters in nursing programs in California offered by prestigious colleges. View the whole list, complete with accreditation.
Advanced postgraduate nursing courses in California can lead to a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN, also referred to as Master of Science in Nursing), which serves as the educational foundation for students aspiring to become top advanced practice nurses in the state.
A master’s degree in nursing may be provided in a variety of disciplines to reflect the diverse character of the nursing profession, including nurse practitioner courses, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialty areas, nurse administration, and other related fields.
Nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can skip the first two years of a nursing bachelor’s degree program and achieve their master of science in nursing (MSN) in as little as two to three years by enrolling in an RN-to-MSN bridging program.
Generally, nursing schools in California offer these degrees online or as a hybrid curriculum. Bachelor’s-level coursework is integrated into the curriculum, allowing registered nurses to simplify their education and boost their professional careers.
Candidates with an MSN degree are qualified for in-demand positions such as nurse practitioners, licensed nursing anesthetists, nurse midwives, clinical nurse leaders, and other high-level nursing professions.
Nursing wages are generally highest in California, with RNs earning an average annual pay of $113,240 and Nurse Practitioners earning an average annual salary of $138,660.
The curriculum for the RN-to-MSN program is typically 30 courses in length. The content of the course and the number of clinical hours required vary depending on the specialization.
Acute care, adult gerontology, family care, mental health, newborn care, and pediatrics are some of the specialties that may be available.
Making an Application for masters in nursing programs in California (MSN to RN)
The primary prerequisite for RN-to-MSN programs is that the applicant holds a valid RN license. Clinical nurses in California are required to keep their registered nurse (RN) credentials even after earning their MSNs.
In addition, applicants must have an ADN or diploma in nursing, and many programs need a 3.0 GPA or above.
Candidates must provide official transcripts, two to three letters of recommendation, portfolios, and personal statements with their applications. GRE scores and 1-2 years of clinical RN experience may be required for RN-to-MSN programs.
Prerequisite coursework for nursing programs is listed on the websites of nursing schools that are accepting applications.
General education classes such as biological and social sciences, humanities, English, mathematics, and statistics, as well as lower-division nursing courses, may be included in this group of courses.
They then apply for California licensing as advanced practice registered nurses and sit for the appropriate national certification exams in their specialized field when they have completed their program of study.
How long does it take to complete masters in nursing programs in California?
Master of Science in Nursing degrees are typically earned after two years of full-time study. If this does not fit your schedule, several nursing schools may offer part-time and/or expedited programs for those who qualify.
Masters in Nursing programs in California
- Drew, Charles R. University of Medicine – School of Nursing
The Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science provides two tracks leading to a Master of Science in Nursing: an RN to MSN and a Direct Entry MSN. RNs admitted to the program have the option of pursuing a specialty as a Family Nurse Practitioner or as a Clinical Nurse Leader.
Applicants must have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an approved institution or university with a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Before admittance, students must finish multiple required courses in English Composition, Speech, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology, and Nutrition. Scores on the GRE are necessary.
Accreditation of Programs
- Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Department of Nursing, Dominican University of California
The Department of Nursing at the Dominican University of California provides two tracks to the Master of Science in Nursing degree: a BSN to MSN track and an ADN/RN to MSN pathway. All paths lead to an MSN with a clinical nurse leader specialty.
Applicants enrolling through the ADN/RN to MSN pathway must possess an Associate’s degree in nursing and a valid California RN licensure.
After completing a one-year bridge program (16 credit hours), the student progresses to the graduate degree, which requires 32 more credit hours. It is important to note that participants in the ADN/RN to MSN program do not receive a BSN degree. This is an expedited curriculum that omits the BSN requirement.
Applicants for the BSN to MSN program must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and a GPA of 3.0 or above on their most recent 60 units, Unless the faculty makes an exception, students must complete their undergraduate or graduate studies.
They must have earned a “B” or above in undergraduate statistics and nursing research courses within the past five years (or proof of mastery). Candidates must possess a valid California RN license.
Accreditation of Programs
- Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Department of Nursing, Holy Names University
Holy Names University’s Department of Nursing provides two routes to the Master of Science in Nursing degree: an RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN pathway enables Registered Nurses with a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree to acquire a Master’s of Science in Nursing in two to three years.
They must complete 16-18 credit hours of undergraduate bridging work (depending on the concentration) before being admitted to the MSN program in its entirety.
Students pursuing an MSN degree have the option of three specializations:
- Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice
- Educator in Nursing
- Administration/Management of Nursing
Additionally, a dual degree program leading to both an MSN in Nursing Administration/Management and an MBA is offered. Applicants for the RN to MSN track must have a nursing diploma or an Associate’s degree in nursing and a valid California RN license.
Applicants who attend the program via the BSN to MSN pathway must have earned a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN/NLNAC or CCNE-accredited school with a cumulative Grade point average of 2.80 or higher and a 3.0 or higher in all undergraduate nursing courses.
They must have completed undergraduate courses in pathophysiology, statistics, and nursing research. Candidates must possess a valid California Registered Nurse license.
Accreditation of Programs
- Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- School of Nursing, Loma Linda University
The School of Nursing at Loma Linda University provides Master of Science in Nursing degree programs in a range of roles/specializations, including the following:
- Nurse Practitioner in Adult-Gerontology
- Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice
- Nurse Practitioner in Neonatal Care
- Nurse Practitioner in Pediatrics
- Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult and Aging Families
- Growing Clinical Nurse Specialists for Families
- Anesthesia by a Nurse
- Nurse Educator (Adult/Aging Family and Growing Family concentrations offered)
- Administration of Nursing
Applicants must obtain a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an authorized institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the undergraduate and/or graduate level (both cumulative and in nursing courses).
They must have a valid RN license in the United States before applying to the program, as well as a valid RN license in California before the commencement of classes. Students ought to have one year of RN experience before enrolling in clinical courses. Nursing experience in the area of expertise is recommended.
Accreditation of Programs
- Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Mount St. Mary’s College – Nursing Department
Mount St. Mary’s College’s Department of Nursing provides numerous routes to a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
They offer both a traditional BSN to MSN pathway and a bridge program for registered nurses. The RN to MSN Bridge program requires students to complete a sequence of undergraduate link courses over one year of full-time study.
The MSN degree program offers specializations in the key areas:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult-Gerontology
- Educator in Nursing
- Nursing Administration and Leadership
The RN to MSN pathway requires applicants to have an Associate’s degree in nursing and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
Additionally, they must possess a valid and recent RN license in California. Candidates must have at least one year of continuous full-time work experience as a licensed RN within the past five years (In the case of recent RN graduates who are presently working as a registered nurse in an acute care clinical environment or who are willing to participate in the RN externship program until the employment criteria are satisfied, an exemption can be granted).
Applicants entering through the BSN to MSN pathway should have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
They should have taken a statistics or nursing research course before enrolling in NUR 290. Candidates must possess a valid and current RN license in the state of California. Clinical experience varies according to expertise (but generally, one year of experience is required).
Accreditation of Programs
- Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- School of Nursing, Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University, ranked 17th best college in the West by U.S. News & World Report, is a prestigious private university located on a 90-acre campus in downtown San Diego.
Students at Point Loma Nazarene come from more than 40 states and 15 overseas nations, making it one of the most varied and thriving Christian communities in the state. The PLNU School of Nursing has been ranked as the nation’s 193rd top graduate nursing school.
Nursing Masters Degree Program
MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) — Point Loma Nazarene provides an MSN with an emphasis in Clinical Nurse Specialist to students who hold a valid RN license, a BSN degree, and at least one year of full-time nursing experience in an American healthcare institution.
With 500 clinical hours in their chosen environment, enrolled students can specialize in Adult-Gerontology, Family and Individual Health, or Pediatrics.
Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- California Board of Registered Nursing
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- School of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University
Samuel Merritt University is a tiny private university located in Oakland’s central business district. Samuel Merritt graduates consistently outperform the national average on licensure/certification tests, with success rates ranging from 91 to 100 percent for first-time test takers.
The SMU School of Nursing is listed as the 127th top graduate nursing school in the US and is home to the nation’s 11th best Certified Nursing Anesthesia program.
Nursing Master’s Degree Programs
MSN Case Management (CM) — The MSN CM program track, delivered online in a convenient five-semester format, is designed to provide experienced registered nurses with the theory and practice of an evidence-based systematic case management approach to nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – The FNP track is comprised of 49-semester units and 630 clinical hours in placements throughout Northern California. It emphasizes a strong multicultural approach to family-oriented advanced nursing practice in primary care settings.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – The CRNA program track prepares students to sit for the National Certification Examination with a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced health assessment, anesthetic concepts, pharmacology, physiology, research methodologies, and professional clinical anesthesia practice (NCE).
Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- California Board of Registered Nursing
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- School of Nursing, San Diego State University
San Diego State University is the largest institution of higher learning in San Diego and one of the biggest in California.
It is regarded as the 152nd best college and 81st best public school in the US. San Diego State, which yearly graduates more than 9,000 students, has been recognized nationally for having the highest growth in graduating rates in the country.
Committed to offering superior clinical experiences, the SDSU School of Nursing is also listed as the nation’s 127th top graduate nursing school.
Nursing Master’s Degree Programs
MSN Adult and Geriatric Advanced Practice Nursing – Students might concentrate on Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Nurse Educator with an emphasis in Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and the Elderly and a specialization in Acute/Critical Care Nursing.
MSN Community Health Nursing — For students interested in a career in School Nursing, the 40-unit MSN emphasis in Community Health Nursing prepares nurses for primary health care positions with school-aged children. Additionally, students who finish a three-unit course in audiometry can acquire the School Nurse Services Credential.
Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems – The Nursing Leadership specialization is designed to prepare students for careers in administration and management in the healthcare business. It consists of 36 classroom units, as well as a nursing administration practicum and project proposal.
MSN Women’s Health and Midwifery — To provide advanced training in women’s care and obstetrics, the Women’s Health and Midwifery specialization consists of 54 units that prepare graduates to appear for the California Board of Registered Nursing certification tests. Students can specialize in Nurse-Midwifery, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner within the concentration.
Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- California Board of Registered Nursing
- Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- School of Nursing, San Francisco State University
Considered the academic heart and soul of the community, San Francisco State University has been globally recognized by US News and World Report as the 54th best college and 16th best public institution in the country.
The SF State School of Nursing, which is a unique section under the College of Health and Social Sciences, has also been listed as the 166th top graduate nursing school in the United States.
Nursing Master’s Degree Programs
MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Registered nurses pursuing the Clinical Nurse Specialist emphasis have the option of taking extra courses in gerontology, critical care, women’s health, or pediatrics to qualify for certification by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC).
MSN Community Public Health — Designed to educate students for advanced nursing jobs in public health, home health, and school nursing, MSN Community Public Health graduates are qualified to sit for the Advanced Practice Public Health Nurse certification test.
MSN Nursing Administration – The MSN Nursing Administration program aims to equip students for specialty leadership roles as successful healthcare managers/administrators by seamlessly integrating nursing perspectives with business administration concepts.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – The FNP program requires 52-semester units and a minimum of 600 clinical hours. It includes specific courses in primary care diagnosis, professional concerns, nurse practitioner competencies, and an FNP practicum.
Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Valley Foundation School of Nursing, San Jose State University
San Jose State University is located in the picturesque Bay Area of Silicon Valley and is regarded as the West’s 36th best college and eighth-best public institution.
Following its 150th anniversary, SJSU was ranked among the top 15 master’s level public institutions in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, the Valley Foundation School of Nursing, located inside the College of Applied Sciences and Arts, has been ranked as the nation’s 193rd top graduate nursing school.
Nursing Master’s Degree Programs
MSN Administration of Nursing – The MSN Nursing Administration concentration is available only to students who have earned a BSN from a recognized institution.
It is meant to prepare students to have a significant effect on healthcare policies through leadership roles in various nursing organizations.
MSN Nurse Education – San Jose State’s MSN specialization in Nursing Education trains students to educate the next generation of nurses through a program that emphasizes the study of theories, assessment measuring techniques, healthcare technology, and the development of educational materials.
MSN Nurse Informatics – For students interested in information technology, the Nurse Informatics track leading to the MSN degree enables the students to focus on the formulation, design, implementation, and research of information systems in the healthcare business.
Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- California Board of Registered Nursing
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
FAQs about the masters in nursing programs in California
- How long does an RN-to-MSN program take to complete?
In California, RN-to-MSN programs normally take 2-3 years to complete, however, graduation times might vary according to the student’s enrollment status (full- or part-time), specialty area, and the number of preparatory courses required.
Distance learners enrolled in accelerated programs can complete the program in as little as one year of full-time study.
- What does accreditation include and why is it necessary?
Accreditation as a program means that a curriculum has been subjected to regular and thorough assessment to verify that it maintains high academic standards and complies with state licensure and national certification requirements.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the two key bodies that accredit nursing programs.
- What can I do in California with an MSN?
Numerous MSN graduates in California work as advanced practice registered nurses in physician offices, hospitals, and outpatient care facilities.
Nursing executives and managers thrive in these environments, as well as in nursing homes and home healthcare.
Additionally, administrators find work in pharmaceutical and medical products, as well as scientific research & innovation.
- Is it worthwhile to obtain an MSN?
California graduates of RN-to-MSN bridge programs are among the top five states in terms of work possibilities and pay for NPs, nurse midwives, and managers and administrators of nursing homes, as well as yearly compensation for nurse anesthetists.
California registered nurses receive an average yearly salary of $113,240, while MSN holders often make between $130,000 and $230,000.
A final thought about the masters in nursing programs in California
Obtaining a master’s degree in nursing in California results in an increase in compensation, possibilities, and the capacity to assist patients to succeed.
A master’s degree in nursing, on the other hand, will help you to make a big impact in the lives of patients as well as other nursing professionals.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.