Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in CA: Top Schools & More

Program Profiles: Types of NP Programs in California

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) leads to myriad job opportunities and higher earning potential. Plus, NPs are in high demand everywhere, including California, where projections show a shortage of over 8,000 primary care clinicians by 2030.

NP programs are generally for RNs who want to advance their careers or find higher paying positions. If you currently hold your nursing license, becoming an NP requires you to go through a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), post-master’s certificate program, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Many aspiring NPs look for online programs so they can continue working while completing their degree. In states like California, you can complete an online or hybrid NP program. Most programs require some form of in-person training, but you may be able to participate in clinicals within your current work environment. Here’s a closer look at each type of program.

FAQs About Online NP Programs in California

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in California?

It will take between two to four years to become an NP in California, with most programs averaging three years to complete. Exactly how long it takes depends on the type of program you choose and how many credits you’ll transfer to the program.

There are some fast-track programs that can significantly reduce the time you spend in school, but they often have more prerequisites and more rigorous coursework.

What is the easiest NP program to get into?

If you don’t have as much experience as an RN, a bridge program may be the easiest to start. Each type of NP program will have different requirements for admission, but one of the best options for RNs is the RN to NP bridge degree program. Many of these, such as the RN to MSN bridge program, allow you to go directly from an associate degree to a master’s degree without earning your BSN first.

What is the difference between an NP and an APRN?

The main difference between an NP and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is specialization.APRN is a more general term for a nurse with an advanced level degree; an NP is considered a type of APRN. As an NP, you can specialize in a variety of areas, including acute care nursing, adult gerontology, and pediatrics. An APRN could be a NP or a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.

What is the quickest way to become a nurse practitioner?

The quickest way to become a nurse practitioner is with an accelerated NP program. Although the actual length of the program varies, many of these accelerated programs can be completed in two years or less. Considering how demanding it can be to start a new degree program, it’s no surprise that many students want to spend less time in school. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of choosing such a rigorous program.

Can I open my own practice as a nurse practitioner in California?

Under certain conditions, NPs in California can practice on their own. A 2023 California rule created two new categories of nurse practitioners. One of the categories is for NPs who have completed a certain number of clinical hours and are permitted to practice without physician supervision. However, they can only practice in a facility where a doctor or surgeon practices so that they still have the support they need.

Licensing and Certification for California Nurse Practitioners

To practice as an NP in California, the California Board of Registered Nursing has specific education and certification requirements you need to meet. These requirements are to ensure you have the proper skills in physical diagnosis, psycho-social assessment, and management of health-illness needs.

In the same way you had to pass the NCLEX exam to become an RN, to become an NP, you’ll have to pass certain certification exams according to your specialization. Each specialization has different requirements, but to obtain any NP license in California, you’ll have to apply to the California Board of Nursing. Your application must include proof you completed an approved NP program in California or that you hold a national certification.

Keeping your license up-to-date also requires participation in 30 hours of continuing education courses. NP licenses must be renewed every two years in California, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to complete your nursing courses.

Salary & Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in California

Whichever form of nurse practitioner program you choose, it's natural to wonder about your job prospects in California after graduation—and what kind of salary you can expect as an NP. Fortunately, the demand for qualified NPs is high and only expected to increase. In the United States overall, job openings for NPs are projected to rise by 44.5% over the next decade. While that's a very fast rate of growth, California's is even higher than the national average, with an impressive 58.6% projected growth rate over the next ten years. Additionally, California NPs typically earn an excellent living, with the state median salary in 2023 at $164,050 per year. This number varies somewhat throughout the state, although, as you can see below, it remains above six figures everywhere, with Napa's median of $210,010 being among the highest in the state.

Ranking the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California

Finding the right online NP program isn’t always easy, especially when there are several types of programs to choose from. We’ve ranked some of the best NP programs in California based on factors such as their accreditation, online components, and availability of student resources. While most NP programs require some type of clinical training, we’ve prioritized schools that have a greater number of online programs and a high percentage of students in online education.