12 Best RN to BSN Programs in California | 2024

Registered nurses (RNs) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who want to expand their career opportunities and education can attend a school offering an RN to BSN program.

After completing the program, the student will hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), opening up career opportunities that aren't otherwise available.

However, choosing which RN to BSN program is best for you can sometimes be challenging. To help your search, we've compiled information on prerequisites, requirements, salaries, and the 12 best programs available in California in 2024.

What Is an RN to BSN?

A BSN is a bachelor's degree program that teaches students basic nursing skills in addition to skills in leadership, research, quality, health promotion, and safety.  

Successful completion of an ADN program or a BSN program allows students to sit for the NCLEX exam and obtain their RN license, but a BSN program takes education a step further with more in-depth skills and coursework.

The most significant difference between an ADN-prepared RN and a BSN-prepared RN is that a BSN nurse has more career opportunities and the potential for a higher pay rate. BSN-prepared nurses are often more sought out by hospitals for their advanced education and contributions toward Magnet Status requirements.

An RN to BSN program streamlines the process of ADN-prepared RNs becoming BSN-prepared, therefore benefiting from all of the above-mentioned advantages.

RN to BSN Coursework

RN to BSN programs expand an RN's knowledge and skills through advanced coursework, including:

• Advanced Nursing Practice: Deepens understanding of patient care and healthcare policies.
• Community Health Nursing: Focuses on public health and health promotion in community settings.
• Leadership and Management in Nursing: Develops management and leadership skills specific to healthcare.
• Health Assessment: Teaches advanced patient assessment techniques.
• Pathophysiology: Studies disease effects on the body.
• Pharmacology: Covers medication effects, interactions, and dosages.
• Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasizes the role of research and applying evidence-based practices.
• Ethics in Nursing: Explores ethical dilemmas and legal considerations in healthcare.

RN to BSN Clinical Training

Clinical training in RN to BSN programs provides practical experience in various settings:

• Hospital-Based Training: Offers diverse experiences in different hospital departments.
• Community Health Clinics: Focuses on preventive care and health education in community health.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Involves care for elderly or long-term patients, emphasizing chronic care management.
• Public Health Departments: Engages with public health initiatives and community health assessments.
• Specialty Clinics: Provides specialized experience in areas like oncology or pediatrics.
• Home Health Care: Focuses on individualized care in patients' homes.
• Simulation Labs: Uses simulation technology for realistic practice of clinical skills.

RN to BSN Prerequisites and Requirements

All RN to BSN programs typically require the applicant to have an active RN license. Beyond that, there are generally core courses that students must complete with a minimum GPA set by the program. These courses may include, but are not limited to, the following subjects:

• English Composition 
• Speech or Interpersonal Communication 
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Child/Human Development
• Liberal Arts Elective
• General Chemistry with lab
• Microbiology with lab
• Anatomy with lab
• Physiology 
• College Algebra
• Statistics
• Human Nutrition 

It is always important to check the admission requirements for the program of interest to ensure you will meet all needs before applying. 

The requirements and prerequisite courses to enter an RN to BSN program will vary depending on your chosen program.

Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California in 2024

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States. 

1. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) School of Nursing

In Fullerton, CA, CSUF ranks first on California's list of best RN to BSN programs.

Type: Online
Tuition Cost: $3,833/semester for in-state; $10,049/semester for out-of-state
Program Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-5 semesters for part-time students
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

CSUF offers part-time and full-time online tracks with 20:1 student-to-faculty ratios and 38% admission rates. 

Read CSUF RN to BSN Reviews

2. San Diego State University (SDSU) School of Nursing

SDSU School of Nursing calls San Diego home. Students can enter the RN to BSN program in the fall or Spring semester.

Type: Hybrid, online courses with in person requirements. 
Tuition Cost: $3,917/semester for in-state; $9,253/semester for out-of-state
Program Length: 12 months for full-time students; 18-24 months for part-time students
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

 Student-to-faculty ratios are 22:1, and admission rates are 35%.

3. California State University, Chico (CSU Chico) School of Nursing

Located in Chico, California, CSU Chico offers an online RN to BSN program for working students, with the only in-person requirements being clinical rotations.

Type: Online
Tuition Cost: $3,791/semester (CA residents); $10,571/semester (non-residents)
Program Length: 2 semesters for full-time students; 3 semesters for part-time students
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

Admission rates sit at 58% with 21:1 student-to-faculty ratios, and a graduation rate of 64%.

Read Reviews: CSU Chico Nursing

4. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) School of Nursing

Located in Long Beach, CA, CSULB RN to BSN students can take classes their first year part-time and merge with the BSN students for full-time coursework in their second year. Admission rates are at 28% with 23:1 student-to-faculty ratios. 

• Cost: $3,981/semester for in-state students; $8,913/semester for out-of-state students
• Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students 
• Graduation Rate: 73% 
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

5. California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) School of Nursing

Located in Sacramento, CA, CSUS offers both fall and Spring semester start dates for their RN to BSN program, which is 100% online. Admission rates are 63%, and student-to-faculty ratios are 21:1. 

• Cost: $3,832/semester for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students 
• Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
• Graduation Rate: 72%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

6. San Francisco State University (SFSU) School of Nursing

In San Francisco, CA, SFSU offers a Spring semester start for the RN to BSN program. The program is in a hybrid format with both online and on-campus requirements. Student-to-faculty ratios are 23:1, and admission rates are 68%.  

• Cost: $3,926/semester for in-state students; $9,262/semester for out-of-state students
• Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
• Graduation Rate: 67% 
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

7. California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) School of Nursing

San Bernardino, CA, is home to CSUSB School of Nursing, which offers an online RN to BSN program with a fall semester start. Admission rates are 59%, and student-to-faculty ratios are 23:1.  

• Cost: $3,811/semester for in-state students; $9,247/semester for out-of-state students
• Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
• Graduation Rate: 51%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

8. California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) School of Nursing

In Hayward, CA, CSUEB offers a high-quality, online RN to BSN program. To be eligible for the program, students must have been RN graduates or have completed a diploma program (within the last six months). Admission rates are 71%, with student-to-faculty ratios of 27:1. 

• Cost: $3,763/semester for in-state students; $9,199/semester for out-of-state students
• Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students 
• Graduation Rate: 91%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

9. Azusa Pacific University (APU) School of Nursing 

In Azusa, CA, APU offers a fully online RN to BSN program and an in-person option at four different Southern California locations. Admission rates are 92%, with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.  

• Cost: $460 cost per unit, or a base of $18,400
• Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 5 semesters for part-time students
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

10. Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Nursing 

Located in Loma Linda, CA, LLU has three start times for the RN to BSN program, autumn quarter, Winter quarter, and Summer quarter. The school offers the program in an online format with admission rates at 41% and low student-to-faculty ratios at 11:1. 

• Cost: $20,020
• Length: 2.5 years (8 quarters)
• Graduation Rate: 87%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

11. California Baptist University (CBU) School of Nursing

Located in Riverside, CA, CBU offers three start times of fall, Summer, or Spring for the fully online RN to BSN program. Admission rates are 79%, and student-to-faculty ratios are 14:1. 

• Cost: $450 per unit, depending on how many units students transfer; the total can range from $13,500 to $24,300 
• Length: 12-16 months
• Graduation Rate: 70%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

12. California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) School of Nursing

In Bakersfield, CA, CSUB offers students a fully online RN to BSN program with a fall start date. Admission rates are 54%, and student-to-faculty ratios are 21:1.  

• Cost: $3,733/semester for in-state students; $9,699/semester for out-of-state students
• Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
• Graduation Rate: 52%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 

RN to BSN Costs

The cost of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can fluctuate widely, influenced by several key components. Prospective students should consider the following factors to plan their finances:

• Tuition Fees: These can differ greatly, with private schools and out-of-state tuition often being more expensive than public and in-state options.
• Books and Supplies: Students should budget for the necessary outlay on textbooks, medical instruments, and other academic materials, which can vary extensively in price.
• Technology Expenses: Online or hybrid courses may require additional spending on specific software or digital learning tools.
• Laboratory Fees: Some classes might have associated costs for the use of special materials or lab equipment.
• Additional Fees: Application, graduation, and other administrative fees, along with travel costs for clinical rotations, need to be factored into the total expense.
• Living Costs: For those who are not working while studying or who are relocating for an RN to BSN program, living expenses become a significant financial consideration.

These elements collectively contribute to the total investment required for a BSN RN program, necessitating thorough financial planning for those embarking on this educational path.

RN to BSN Salary & Job Projection

Often a motivating factor for current RNs to pursue a BSN is a pay increase. Beyond that, BSN-prepared nurses can leverage their education to stand out above other applicants.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California RNs can expect a mean wage of $133,340 annually. This wage is much higher than the national average of $89,010.

California also ranks first among the highest employment level of RNs:

• California: 325,630
• Texas: 231,060
• Florida: 197,630
• New York: 190,470
• Pennsylvania: 137,970

Salary expectations will vary depending on multiple factors, including geographical area, experience, and field of work. BSN-prepared nurses can also further their education, opening up even more job opportunities than nurses with an ADN or diploma.  

RN to BSN Job Projection

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the nursing sector boasted over three million registered nurse (RN) positions in 2022, with a projected 6% growth by 2032, translating to approximately 177,400 new nursing jobs. While Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) RNs are valued in the field, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) views the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) as the minimum educational requirement for professional nursing practice.

The projected job growth does not fully account for demographic shifts, such as an aging population and the retirement of a significant portion of the nursing workforce in the coming decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to career path changes among nurses, exacerbating the shortage of nursing professionals. Consequently, the demand for well-qualified nurses, particularly those with a BSN, is expected to remain high. The AACN's endorsement of the BSN as the minimal preparation for professional practice is likely to further drive this trend.

Are RN-BSN Programs Worth It?

The decision to pursue an RN to BSN program is a nuanced one, contingent upon individual career aspirations and professional objectives. Consider the following factors to determine if investing in an RN-BSN program aligns with your goals:

1. Current Career: If you are content with your role as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) RN, without immediate plans for job changes or career advancement, the necessity of pursuing a BSN may be less pronounced.
2. Career Advancement Aspirations: For those aspiring to explore new horizons in their nursing career, such as travel nursing or leadership roles, obtaining a BSN can be a game-changer. Some units and hospitals have policies favoring BSN-prepared nurses, potentially limiting opportunities for those with an ADN.
3. Industry Standards and Recommendations: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) emphasizes the value of BSN education, advocating for a minimum BSN or equivalent baccalaureate nursing degree for registered nurses. This reflects the evolving standards in the nursing profession and the increasing recognition of advanced education.
4. Professional Credibility: Completing a BSN program enhances your professional credibility, signaling to employers and peers that you have pursued advanced education and training aligned with evolving national standards for advancing nursing practice.
5. Long-Term Career Flexibility: By investing in a BSN, you secure long-term career flexibility, positioning yourself competitively in the ever-changing healthcare landscape. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for advanced education in nursing is expected to rise. Notably, hospitals distinguished as Magnet institutions often mandate BSN education for all their nurses, underlining the increasing importance of this qualification.
6. Access to Varied Opportunities: BSN-prepared nurses often have access to a broader range of opportunities, including specialized roles and leadership positions. If your career goals involve diversifying your skill set and taking on more responsibilities, pursuing a BSN may open doors to these options.

Ultimately the worth of an RN-BSN program hinges on your personal career trajectory. While it might not be essential for every nurse, those with ambitions for leadership, career advancement, and increased flexibility may find significant value in obtaining a BSN. Understanding industry trends, standards, and your personal career goals will help you make an informed decision regarding the pursuit of a BSN.

Significance of an Accredited RN-BSN Program

When choosing an RN-BSN program, the importance of accreditation surpasses that of an entrance exam. Opting for an accredited program is crucial for various reasons:

Educational Standard: Accredited programs consistently maintain high standards in curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, and clinical training through regular evaluations.

Elevated Career Prospects: Employers give preference to graduates from accredited programs, ensuring a top-tier education aligned with national standards. This preference not only broadens career opportunities but also allows flexibility for roles like travel nursing or relocation to states mandating nursing school accreditation.

Credit Transfer: Credits earned in an accredited RN-BSN program are more likely to be accepted by other nursing institutions. This facilitates smooth transitions for transfer students or those pursuing higher degrees.

Credibility: Completion of an accredited nursing program enhances professional credibility, showcasing education and training aligned with national standards, a critical aspect for advancing in nursing practice.

Access to Financial Aid: Accreditation often serves as a requirement for eligibility for federal financial aid, a crucial factor for students seeking financial assistance for their RN-BSN education.

Aspiring nurses should verify that their selected RN-BSN programs hold accreditation from reputable bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: What can a BSN do that an RN cannot?

A baccalaureate-prepared nurse has more opportunities in positions such as leadership or education and advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In terms of licensing and scope of practice both ADN and BSN prepared RNs took the same NCLEX RN and maintain the same scope of practice with the ability to perofrm the same nursing skills. 

Q: Do healthcare facilities require nurses to have a BSN? 

This requirement will vary from facility to facility, but surveys by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that 40% of hospitals or healthcare facilities require new-hire nurses to have a BSN and many more have a strong preference for BSN RNs.

Q: Can I pursue my MSN or DNP alongside the RN to BSN program?

Many nursing schools offer dual-degree programs, allowing students to combine the RN to BSN program with the opportunity to earn an MSN or DNP upon completing the BSN curriculum. This option seamlessly transitions students from their initial BSN studies to advanced degrees. However, most programs typically require 1-2 years of RN experience to enrich the learning experience with practical insights from the field.

Q: Should I pursue a BSN?

Ultimately that is up to your career goals, but given the increasing complexity of the U.S. healthcare system, including higher rates of chronic illnesses and ongoing policy and technology changes, a BSN can better prepare you for these challenges. It can also enhance your employability and salary, making it a valuable investment.

Q: May I work while I earn my BSN?

Many programs cater to working nurses, offering options such as online courses or evening classes. Most schools provide part-time and full-time study options, allowing for flexibility and convenience.

Q: Do I get to transfer credits from my prior nursing degree?

Many schools accept transferable credits from prior nursing degrees, but there is usually a maximum number of credits that can be transferred.