Olivia Chen, NP
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN programs exist to help registered nurses who have associate degrees or nursing diplomas gain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. BSN-prepared nurses find significant value in California because they excel at delivering complex patient care to healthcare facilities in an advancing medical system. The state of California demands BSN education for nursing practice advancement since its RNs hold degrees at the bachelor’s level and above with a total percentage of 75%.
Rohnert Park, CA - Public 4-Year - sonoma.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Sonoma State University's Post-Licensure BSN program offers registered nurses an innovative pathway to advance their nursing education. Designed with flexibility, the program features two tracks: Collaborative Nursing Education Continuum Model (CNECM) and Traditional RN to BSN. Students can seamlessly transition from associate's degree to bachelor's level nursing, enhancing clinical expertise and career opportunities. The curriculum provides comprehensive nursing education, preparing professionals for complex healthcare environments and leadership roles.
Turlock, CA - Public 4-Year - csustan.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
California State University-Stanislaus offers a flexible RN-BSN online program designed for working nurses seeking to advance their education. This comprehensive pathway allows registered nurses with an associate degree to earn a bachelor's degree, enhancing career opportunities and professional development. The program provides a seamless transition, enabling students to build upon their existing nursing knowledge while developing advanced clinical and leadership skills. Designed for working professionals, the online format offers convenience and accessibility for nurses at various career stages.
Bakersfield, CA - Public 4-Year - csub.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Bakersfield's RN to BSN program transforms experienced nurses by expanding professional capabilities. Designed for registered nurses with associate degrees, this online program equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills in critical thinking, leadership, and community health. Graduates gain eligibility for Public Health Nurse certification, opening doors to diverse career opportunities. The comprehensive curriculum meets industry demands, preparing nurses for evolving healthcare environments and leadership roles.
Fullerton, CA - Public 4-Year - fullerton.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Fullerton's RN-BSN Pathway provides registered nurses an efficient upper-division degree completion program. Designed for working professionals, this hybrid program enables licensed RNs to advance their nursing credentials by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The flexible pathway supports seamless transition from associate's degree, accommodating practicing nurses seeking career enhancement and expanded healthcare opportunities.
Seaside, CA - Public 4-Year - csumb.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University Monterey Bay's RN to BSN pathway empowers registered nurses to advance their education and professional capabilities. Designed for nurses with an active California RN license, this hybrid program transforms clinical expertise into comprehensive healthcare leadership. Students complete the degree in just 3 full-time or 5 part-time semesters, focusing on critical skills like global health, community care, policy, and research. The program provides hands-on experience through partnerships with local healthcare agencies, preparing nurses for enhanced roles and broader impact in healthcare delivery.
The state of California offers extensive online RN to BSN programs which enable nursing professionals to pursue their education. Multiple universities provide complete online programs which enable students to study remotely at their preferred times. Students can access lessons and assignments and participate in discussions without time constraints because the programs operate in an asynchronous learning system. Students in certain institutions can benefit from hybrid learning which combines remote study with occasional classroom sessions and local clinical requirements. Students who enroll in online programs must fulfill the same demanding course requirements as on-campus students to earn their degree. The programs allow nurses who work full-time to enroll part-time and attend evening or weekend classes.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| California State University-Chico |
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| University of La Verne |
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| California State University-Monterey Bay |
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| Certifying Board | California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate from BRN‑approved BSN program, complete fingerprinting, and pass the NCLEX‑RN |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal, expires on your birth date every two years |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours per cycle, first renewal exempt if initial license more than 2 years old |
| License Application Fee | $300 for California graduates ($350 other U.S., $750 international) plus fingerprint and NCLEX fees |
| Clinical Hours | Verified via official transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | 10–12 weeks for exam approval, interim permit in 24–48 hours |
| License by Endorsement | $350 fee, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, and fingerprints, temporary permit in 2–3 weeks |
BSN-educated registered nurses in California earn greater salaries than nursing professionals who completed associate degree programs. The average yearly income for California BSN-prepared nurses reaches between $120,000 and $125,000 based on their professional experience together with their geographic location. The state’s high cost of living and competitive healthcare market contribute to the higher wages. BSN-prepared nurses working in San Francisco and Los Angeles metropolitan areas receive higher salaries because the areas face increased healthcare demand and elevated living expenses. The nursing profession in California shows promising job growth with projected 12-15% employment increase during the upcoming decade. The rising population numbers along with improved healthcare access and nursing shortages in particular areas create this growing demand.
| Salary & Career Outlook | California | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $98,400 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $47.31 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$120,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $98,400 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$70,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 12% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~6,910 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| California State University-Chico |
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| California State University-Los Angeles |
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| California State University-Dominguez Hills |
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The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree enables California nurses to access multiple career progression opportunities. The nursing profession demands a BSN degree for leadership positions and specialized nursing roles including nurse manager, clinical educator, and care coordinator. After obtaining their BSN degree nurses can seek public health nurse certification to work in community health environments as well as schools and government health programs. Advanced practice roles including nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist positions require BSN as their basic qualification yet need additional education following BSN completion. Most BSN-educated nurses proceed to earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree to develop expertise in healthcare administration, nursing education or advanced clinical practice. The BSN qualification provides nurses access to various professional certifications which create opportunities for specialized positions that offer better compensation. Earning a BSN degree leads to substantial improvements in nursing career opportunities together with increased potential for advancement.
Additional Nursing Programs in California
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