10 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California

Enrolling in RN to BSN programs online is an excellent way to advance your nursing career while balancing other commitments such as work and family.

While getting an RN to BSN degree in California can be a time and financial commitment, having a BSN degree benefits nurses, hospitals, and the patients they are caring for.

The percentage of nurses with a bachelor's degree in California has increased by 7% and is expected to grow with healthcare jobs favoring applicants who hold a BSN.

Top California RN to BSN Programs Online

Here are the top colleges in California that offer affordable online RN to BSN programs.

1. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University offers an online RN to BSN program that helps nurses advance their careers and enter leadership and management positions. The program costs $460 per credit hour.

This degree is for registered nurses in the U.S. who have already completed an accredited RN program and earned their licensure.

Graduates from the program will have gained skills in nursing theory, policy, practice, and research.

2. California Baptist University

California Baptist University offers a flexible RN to BSN program that can be completed in 12 to 16 months depending on the amount of credits transferred.

The program costs $450 per credit hour and will qualify graduates for higher paying salaries within the healthcare industry.

While the courses are completed online, the clinical experience will be completed in person at an approved location.

3. California State University, Fullerton

California State University in Fullerton's 24-credit RN to BSN completion program is a great choice for working nurses who wish to advance their careers.

The RN to BSN degree in California can be completed in only two semesters and applicants must either already have their RN licensure or be on track to earn it during the first semester.

The two in-person lab requirements can be completed in Riverside County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, or San Bernardino County.

4. Pacific College

Pacific College's 18-month RN to BSN program is available at only $250 per credit hour.

This program will prepare nurses to have skills in:

• understanding cultural and economic issues in healthcare
• physical assessment
• community-based care
• health promotion across the lifespan

Graduates will be ready for a variety of roles in leadership, management, and specialist areas of nursing, or to continue their studies at the graduate level.

5. Simpson University

Simpson University offers an online RN to BSN program with a unique format. Students complete the program by attending class one night a week and completing each course within five weeks.

The program focuses on preparing nurses for a rapidly changing environment within healthcare, making sure their skills are up to date to provide the best care.

Graduates can work in roles in areas such as:

• mental health
• nursing education
• labor and delivery
• trauma
• public health

6. California State University, Bakersfield

California State University in Bakersfield provides a great opportunity for professional growth and career progression through the online RN to BSN program.

Graduates can enter a variety of nursing professions. The program helps prepare students to apply for the Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification after graduation.

The coursework is completed entirely online, though some clinical hours will need to be completed in person.

7. Pacific Union College

Pacific Union College offers an online degree program that has complete flexibility for working students, including a practical experience that can be completed in the student's location of choice.

There are four start dates per year and classes are completed in 11-week blocks. Each course requires around three hours of work per week that can be completed in the student's own time.

The program costs $385 per credit hour, costing the average student around $15,000 to complete the degree program.

8. California State University, Chico

California State University in Chico's RN to BSN program can be completed online with the exception of the in-person clinical requirement.

This program was designed for incoming transfer students who have already earned their RN licensure and are looking to develop their skills.

The degree can be completed in 15 months and will prepare graduates for leadership roles.

9. Vanguard University

Vanguard University's program is one of the quickest RN to BSN programs online. This program can be completed in only 10 months.

Graduates can apply to earn their Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification, a sought after qualification in the nursing industry.

The program consists of 9 courses that are completed in eight week blocks. Tuition costs $485 per credit hour.

10. California State University, Fresno

California State University in Fresno is an excellent choice for students who have a solid foundation from completing an associate degree in nursing and want to earn their BSN.

The program can be completed online, though the clinical experience hours must be completed in the Fresno area at an approved facility.

Graduates will be ready to work in public health, attend graduate school, or apply for senior positions within the healthcare industry.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

An RN to BSN program helps registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing quickly and efficiently.

This program is designed as a degree completion program, meaning students will have already completed an associate degree and passed the NCLEX exam.

Why Is RN to BSN Important?

Completing an RN to BSN degree in California can help nurses have greater career progression, higher salaries, and better opportunities.

BSN degree holders have a better chance of getting senior leadership positions within healthcare settings and have valuable skills in the nursing industry.

Requirements for RN to BSN Programs in California

RN to BSN programs in California require applicants to already hold an RN certification.

Registered nurses must complete an associate degree in nursing or a similar nursing certification program, pass the NCLEX exam, and be granted licensure.

Begin Your Online RN to BSN Program Today

Earn an online RN to BSN degree in California to develop your skills, grow in your capacity for leadership, and improve the health outcomes of your patients. Choose from the easiest RN to BSN programs for you and get started today.