Online BSN Programs in California: Discovering Top Schools

Program Profiles: Popular California BSN Programs

There is a variety of online BSN programs in California, with different start and completion times, admissions requirements, and more. It’s important to know that many online BSN programs in California have some in-person components, specifically clinical rotations at healthcare facilities typically in partnership with the school. You’ll also want to consider course offerings, affordable tuition costs, and available financial aid before you make a decision. Below are profiles of three high quality online BSN programs in California to give you an idea of what to expect and to help you get started in your research.

FAQs About Online BSN Programs in California

It’s natural to have questions before you apply to or enroll in an online BSN in California. You’ll find some of the most commonly asked questions from prospective California online BSN students below, along with detailed answers.

What are the admissions requirements for online BSN programs in California?

Every BSN program, online, in person, or hybrid, will have its own admissions requirements, so be sure to check your program’s website. However, there are a few highly common requirements you are likely to encounter. These include official transcripts from high school and any college classes you have taken, as well as an online application with a personal statement or other essay. You may also need personal, academic, or professional letters of recommendation, usually between two or three. You may need to submit standardized test scores, although a growing number of schools have deemed these optional.

Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my BSN program in California?

One of the most important steps you can take to secure financial aid for your online BSN in California is to complete your FAFSA on time. The FAFSA will determine what federal aid, including grants, loans, and work study, you qualify for. Beyond federal aid, though, check if your school offers need and/or merit-based aid for your program, typically be available through the bursar’s office. You should also look into scholarships, fellowships, and grants from private foundations, and apply on time for as many as you can.

How long does it take to earn an online BSN in California?

The time to complete an online BSN in California varies significantly from program to program. Program type is especially relevant, as a full BSN will take significantly longer, sometimes four years of full-time study or longer if completing part time, than an accelerated RN to BSN program, which allows you to transfer credits from previous college classes or a previous degree. If you have any confusion about the typical timeline for your program or transfer credits, contact an academic or admissions advisor at your school.

How does a BSN differ from an ADN or RN?

There are many different paths to becoming a nurse, including earning an ADN, RN, or BSN. An ADN, or associate degree in nursing, is generally a two-year degree, and RN is short for “registered nurse,” and can refer to any nurse with a license to practice nursing. However, RN is often used to refer to nurses with an associate, rather than bachelor’s, degree. Finally, a BSN is a full undergraduate bachelor’s degree and is generally considered the most academically rigorous undergraduate nursing qualification, with the longest time, often four years of full-time study, to complete.

Can I work while I study my online BSN in California?

An online BSN can be a full- or part-time degree. Generally, there will be a clinical component with specific in-person times required, but beyond that, it can be feasible to keep a part time job while studying full time or work a full- or part-time job while studying part time. Be mindful of your course schedule, and any potential conflicts with your work schedule, as well as the time you will need to complete assignments and study for exams when deciding whether to work during your studies.

Salary & Career Details for California BSN Nurses

Now that you've learned about nursing education, you're probably wondering if there’s a good return on investment. The good news is, RNs in California make a healthy living. In fact, across the state, registered nurses earn an average salary of $133,990, with earnings ranging from $83,510 to $194,240. However, the exact amount depends on where you work. In Napa, you can earn between $110,770 and $206,510, with an average salary of $170,200. Conversely, professionals in Merced make an average salary of $120,930. Those in the 10th percentile of earners make $87,920 per year, while those in the 90th percentile earn $146,600. There will be significant job growth across the country. In the United States, over the next 10 years, there will be 193,100 new jobs added annually, representing a 5.60% increase. In California, there will be a 12.90% increase, which equates to 23,420 new jobs annually. For more information, review the data below.

Ranking California’s Best Online BSN Programs

The best program for any given student is a personal question, but there are some measures of quality that all prospective California online BSN should consider. In our rankings, we consider factors including availability and ease of online learning, student resources available, tuition costs and financial aid options, and time to completion and graduation rates. If you want to know more about how rankings are determined, see the methodology tab. Otherwise, read on for California’s top online BSN programs.