If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who wants to move up the nursing career and earnings ladder, completing an LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a smart choice. In the state of California, licensed practical nurses are referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), though the role is nearly identical. BSN degrees can help LVNs become registered nurses (RNs) and can open doors to leadership opportunities. News programs have reported the nationwide shortage of registered nurses for years. But, the desperate need for RNs is more serious in California. LVN to BSN programs in the state are a popular way to help train RNs more quickly. These programs allow LVNs to build upon their prior training and experience and become RNs as quickly as possible. Completing an LPN/LVN to BSN program results in increased responsibilities plus greater room for professional growth. It can also lead to much higher pay. This guide will discuss these benefits, spotlight some of the top programs available today, and provide an overview of what to expect in an LVN to BSN program in California. Jump To SectionOnline LVN to BSN Programs in California: Top Schools
Inside LVN to BSN Programs in California
You should consider many factors when you’re searching for the best LVN to BSN program in California. Timelines, locations, costs, features, and courses will vary based on the college and the program you choose. You want a program that’s reasonably priced and will prepare you for licensure as an RN. Applicants typically need an active LPN/LVN license, a minimum GPA, and prerequisite coursework to qualify for these programs.
Students should also consider accreditation (from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education – CCNE – or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing – ACEN), clinical placement requirements, and whether their schedule aligns with hybrid learning formats. California students should also check if their program meets the state’s Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requirements for licensure as an RN.
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Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University (APU) is located in Azusa, California. The school’s LVN to BSN program is designed for LVNs who want to advance their careers and become RNs. The program is offered through APU’s nationally-ranked School of Nursing. It follows a cohort model that allows students to go through the curriculum with a dedicated group of peers. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Students are required to complete 48 units of prerequisite coursework before taking nursing-specific classes. They can start the program in fall, spring, or summer and take nursing courses in sequence for three consecutive semesters per year. Students will gain hands-on experience in clinical settings plus build experience with state-of-the-art technology, including simulators and virtual patients. The program is offered at seven Southern California locations and online.
Duration: Approximately four years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $835 per credit, totaling $60,120
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed application
- $45 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts sent to APU’s Student Services Center (SSC) for all college credit, degrees, certificates, AP scores, or credentials earned prior to application to APU
- This program requires a minimum of 48 college or university semester units of transferable nursing prerequisite course requirements prior to the semester in which the student is requesting admission.
- Two professional recommendations (from school or work)
- One-page statement of professional goals in nursing
- Résumé reflecting volunteer and paid work experience within the past three years
- Students must successfully complete prerequisite requirements including General Microbiology with lab; Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology with lab; and General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry for the Health Sciences with no lower than an overall B- (2.7) grade-point average, and with no lower than a C (2.0) in each course.
- Current LVN license
Curriculum: APU’s curriculum prepares students to utilize a Christian worldview to integrate beliefs, values, ethics, and service in their personal and professional life as an RN. Students will learn core competencies so they can serve as a leader and a member of a healthcare team. Core courses include Foundations of Professional Nursing, Pharmacology, Nursing Care of Adults and the Aging, Nutrition, Statistics and Data Management for Nursing and Health Care, Pathophysiology, and Leadership and Management in Professional Practice.
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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) is located in Los Angeles. The school offers an LVN to BSN track for LVNs who want to complete the courses needed to obtain a BSN degree. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and can become certified as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) following licensure as an RN. The 99-credit program is completed through full-time study in supervised clinical settings. The foundational level of this program centers on general education courses spanning physiological, psychosocial, environmental, and political factors that affect the health of people and communities. Students must complete 99 credit hours and 650 clinical hours by the end of the program.
Duration: Seven semesters (three to four years)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $33,600 (annual tuition)
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed application submitted through CDU website
- LVN certification/degree from a regionally accredited college/university/institution
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited post-secondary schools attended
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- All applicants must have a current and unrestricted California vocational nurse license (issued by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians).
- A minimum of two years of work experience as an LVN
- A letter of recommendation (must be from a current or past nursing supervisor/manager who can address your role as an LVN)
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Students must take the ATI TEAS exam within the previous 12 months before application. A score of 75% overall and in each submodular area (English, Reading, Math, and Science) is required.
- A personal goal statement
Curriculum: CDU’s LVN to BSN track is a full-time program that combines supervised clinical training with a structured course sequence. The program begins with general education courses that introduce key concepts in physiology, psychosocial dynamics, environmental influences, and political factors that impact individual and community health. As students progress, they transition into upper-level nursing coursework. This coursework is designed to prepare them to work as nurse generalists who are capable of delivering holistic care in diverse and complex healthcare settings.
West Coast University
West Coast University (WCU) is located in Anaheim. The school offers an LVN/LPN to BSN program with three flexible 120-credit pacing options to accommodate students’ various needs:
- Accelerated Pace: Students can complete the program in 34 months across seven semesters.
- Evening and Weekend Pace: This option spans 39 months over eight semesters.
- Working Professional Pace: This option is designed for LVNs in California who want to become RNs while they continue to work. This track spans 49 months across 10 semesters.
Students will gain hands-on experience in simulation labs and practice both routine and emergency care with feedback from instructors. WCU officials can help students secure clinical placements through the school’s network of partner hospitals and healthcare providers. Additional support includes NCLEX-RN preparation, boot camps, tutoring, professional development, and job search assistance to ensure a smooth transition into a nursing career.
Duration: 34 to 49 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $137,206 (estimated total program cost)
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed application
- WCU-approved documentation of high school diploma or GED
- Participation in an admissions interview arranged by a university admissions advisor
- HESI composite score of 76 or higher
- Completed enrollment agreement
- Proof of current unobstructed licensure as an LVN
Curriculum: Students will take core nursing courses including Introduction to Professional Nursing, Pharmacology, Medical Surgical Nursing/Promoting Wellness, Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing, Nutrition in Health and Disease, Public Health Nursing, and Disaster Management.
FAQs for Online LVN to BSN Students in California
As you explore online LVN to BSN programs in California, you’ll likely have questions about timelines, coursework, clinical requirements, and accreditation. Most students have questions about the duration of programs, what classes they’ll take, and how online learning works. Keep reading to find answers to frequently asked questions.
What should I look for in an LVN to BSN program in California?
When researching LVN to BSN programs in California, start by ensuring the program is accredited by the CCNE or the ACEN. Accreditation is essential for licensure as an RN and eligibility for financial aid.
Next, check the school’s NCLEX-RN pass rates for first-time test takers. A high pass rate suggests strong academic preparation and student support. You can often find this information on a school’s website; if not, check with the California Board of Registered Nursing.
You should also consider the program’s format. While most coursework might be online, clinical rotations and labs must be completed in person. Make sure that the school offers clinical placements near you or provides support for securing them. Consider what types of student support services – such as academic tutoring, mentorship, and career development – are offered. These resources can be crucial to your success in transitioning from an LVN to an RN.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LVN to BSN program in California?
Yes, financial aid is available to help cover the cost of online LVN to BSN programs in California. Students can apply for federal financial aid, including grants and loans, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Scholarships are often available from the school you choose. Traditional sources of financial aid like scholarships from private organizations and student loans from the federal government are available, as well.
The California Board of Registered Nursing lists resources and financial aid programs that are specifically designed for RN students, including loan repayment options for graduates who commit to working in underserved areas.
Check out EduMed’s RN scholarship guide for information on how to find and apply for financial aid.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LVN to BSN program in California?
Enrolling in an LVN to BSN program in California will enhance your nursing knowledge and skill set and prepare you for advanced responsibilities as a registered nurse (RN). Early coursework covers biological and behavioral sciences, which will deepen your understanding of human health, disease processes, and patient care. Beyond refining your clinical skills, you’ll develop expertise in leadership, communication, and care coordination; this will enable you to work effectively with diverse healthcare teams.
All programs within California – like those at Azusa Pacific University and West Coast University – provide hands-on training through clinical placements at top hospitals and healthcare facilities. You’ll graduate with both theoretical knowledge and real-world nursing experience, so you can excel in various medical settings.
What is the difference between the terms LPN and LVN in California?
The terms Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) refer to the same nursing role, but the title varies by state. In California and Texas, nurses with this credential are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), while the rest of the U.S. uses the term Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The job duties, scope of practice, and educational requirements are nearly identical despite the different terms that are used.
LVNs in California provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. Their responsibilities include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily patient care, and maintaining medical records. The title “licensed vocational nurse” reflects California’s historical emphasis on vocational education pathways for healthcare professionals.
What can I do after completing an LPN to BSN program?
After completing an LVN to BSN program in California, graduates can become RNs by passing the NCLEX-RN and obtaining state licensure. This credential opens doors to a wider range of nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations. With a BSN degree, RNs can pursue specialized nursing fields such as critical care, pediatrics, oncology, and/or public health.
Many graduates take on leadership roles and work as charge nurses, nurse managers, or case managers. A BSN degree can serve as a path toward further education. Graduates can enroll in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, which can lead to advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner (NP) or nurse educator.
Salary and Career Comparison: LVNs vs. RNs
BSN-educated registered nurses (RNs) typically earn higher salaries and have broader career opportunities because their advanced education prepares them for more complex nursing roles. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree goes beyond the fundamental clinical skills taught in LVN/LPN programs and provides in-depth training in evidence-based practice, leadership, public health, and specialized care.
California is home to many healthcare facilities, so it’s not surprising that the job market for both LPNs and RNs is strong. The expected job growth rate in California for LVNs is 17.8%, while the growth rate for RNs is 12.9%, according to Projections Central. Nationwide, these numbers through 2032 are 5.3% for LPNs and 5.6% for RNs. Registered nurses can expect to see 23,420 job openings each year in California.
Regarding salary, RNs in California can expect to earn much more than the national average. The median annual salary for LPNs in California is $76,580. RNs earn significantly more, with a median annual salary of $137,690. To learn more, check out the charts below.
California is home to many healthcare facilities, so it’s no surprise that the job market for both LPNs and RNs is quite strong. The expected job growth in California for LPNs is 17.8%, while the growth for RNs is 12.9%. Nationwide, these numbers through 2032 are 5.3% for LPNs and 5.6% for RNs. Registered nurses can expect to see 23,420 job openings each year in California, making it quite possible to find a job that suits them best without needing to apply all over the state.
When it comes to salary, those in California can expect to earn much more than the national average. LPNs in California have a median annual wage of $75,610, and RNs earn significantly more at $133,990. The difference in pay is even greater among the 90th percentile, where licensed practical nurses can earn $96,790, and registered nurses can earn an impressive $194,240. To learn more, check out the charts below.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | California | $61,500 | $75,610 | $96,790 |
| Registered Nurses | California | $83,510 | $133,990 | $194,240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | California | 78,100 | 92,000 | 13,900 | 17.80% | 7,830 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
