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Updated June 18, 2024
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- Best Programs and Schools
- Program Overview
- Applying to an RN-to-MSN Program
- Program Accreditation
- FAQ
Looking for a higher salary and more professional autonomy as an RN? An MSN can get you there. Learn about the best RN-to-MSN programs in California.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
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As a registered nurse (RN), you have firsthand knowledge and experience that can translate into college credit. The best California RN-to-MSN programs let RNs use their clinical nursing experience to earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) faster than normal. Instead of the standard 2-3 years to earn an MSN, it takes RNs 18-24 months to complete coursework.
Explore how the best RN-to-MSN programs in California can help you leverage a higher-paying career and teach you specialized advanced nursing skills.
Popular Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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The Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California
#1 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled36,334
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
#2 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California
California State University-Fullerton
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled42,051
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
#3 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California
San Jose State University
- San Jose, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled36,208
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
#4 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled19,689
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
#5 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in California
California State University-Fresno
- Fresno, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled25,497
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best RN-to-MSN programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking is from 2023.
How Do RN-to-MSN Programs Work?
MSN programs in California can advance the careers of the roughly 332,560 RNs working in the state. The program builds upon the nursing knowledge acquired in healthcare settings and through your associate degree in nursing (ADN) education.
You can enroll in an online program or complete an in-person RN-to-MSN program in California. Online degrees offer live and/or recorded learning content suited for the busy lives of RNs. The online synchronous and asynchronous structure makes attending classes from anywhere in California easy.
As a fundamental component of every program, clinical rotations require you to do nursing rotations in person. Programs often take two years to complete, depending on full- or part-time study. The length of each class, which can vary from 8-16 weeks, also influences when you graduate.
First, you complete a nursing core in subjects, such as advanced health assessments, healthcare policy and economics, and research methodology. Then, you may focus your studies on an advanced specialty, like nursing leadership and administration, nurse practitioner, or nursing informatics.
Applying to an RN-to-MSN Program
Expect to find similar admission requirements across all California RN-to-MSN programs. For instance, incoming students usually need an RN license and a nursing degree. You may also need a minimum GPA and supplemental materials with your online application to get admitted into the top MSN programs in California.
- Admission Materials: Nursing programs want applicants who have completed undergraduate statistics and hold an ADN and an active nursing license. The completed application may include a resume, letters of reference, a statement of purpose, and transcripts.
- GPA Requirement: You often need a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for admittance into a California RN-to-MSN program.
- Other Requirement: Because California RN-to-MSN programs admit RNs, you need an active RN license and direct clinical nursing experience.
Why Is RN-to-MSN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation for nursing programs means an outside agency has reviewed the nursing program and verified it meets quality standards. It ensures that graduates can deliver quality and safe nursing care.
For this reason, you may not be able to get hired, qualify for board certification exams, or obtain advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure if you do not graduate from an accredited MSN program in California. Without accreditation, you also may be unable to transfer college credits to another program.
Every MSN program in California featured in this guide is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-MSN Programs
Yes. Careers that require a master’s degree, such as a nurse practitioner (NP), make more than RNs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in California made a median annual wage of $137,690 in 2023. Californian NPs earn a median annual salary of $161,540.
MSN programs in California require about two years to complete. Some take as long as 36 months, and others as few as 21 months. Your enrollment status affects degree length. For example, if you take courses on a part-time basis, this requires more time for program completion.
Yes. RN-to-MSN programs in California may admit nurses who hold an ADN. During the bridge program, you will take courses to complete your undergraduate education before completing advanced nursing theory courses and clinical rotations.
California RN-to-MSN programs are worth it if you put in the effort. Graduates can pursue higher-paying roles as APRNs and gain specialized expertise in nurse anesthesia, midwifery, family nursing, and psychiatric mental health, among other specialties.
