Learn About Top Online RN to BSN Programs in CA

Inside Online RN to BSN Programs in California

There are quite a few online RN to BSN programs in California, each with its own combination of academic options and content delivery methods. What they all have in common is a focus on study convenience and flexibility with the working RN in mind. We’ve spotlighted below three current California online RN to BSN programs that provide a solid understanding of how these programs operate to deliver convenience and flexibility. What you’ll find is that most online RN to BSN programs present their didactic coursework primarily online, delivered either synchronously, asynchronously, or in a mix of both formats. Programs may also include in-person clinical experiences and short-term visits to campus.

Another common element of online RN to BSN programs in California is that they’re structured as degree completion programs. That means students must have either already completed (or must complete during their RN to BSN program) the general education and other nursing-related coursework needed to reach the required total number of credits for award of the BSN degree (typically 120 credits). The bulk of this additional coursework is typically transferred in from the student’s ADN program. Many programs additionally award credits for the student’s current RN license.

Each program is different, so it’s important to understand the curriculum, degree requirements, and delivery methods in detail before you enroll.

FAQs for California RN to BSN Online Students

While the spotlights above provide a look at specific program options, they may have raised a number of questions about California online RN to BSN programs. To help, here are the answers to five questions commonly asked by prospective RN to BSN students.

Are RN to BSN programs in California available in a 100% online format?

Many California-based online RN to BSN programs allow students to earn their bachelor’s degrees fully-online. It is not uncommon, however, for some of those programs to include clinical requirements or on-campus meetups that must be completed in person. Clinical requirements typically take place in program-approved nursing practice settings. These hands-on experiences provide students with the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations.

During your program search, you’ll find that course content may be delivered asynchronously, synchronously, or in a combination of formats. Asynchronous delivery allows you to complete assignments and view lectures at any time. Synchronous content, on the other hand, requires attendance at scheduled times typically via Zoom or another live-stream platform. It’s critical to clearly understand the specific delivery methods used by any program you’re considering before you enroll.

How affordable are online RN to BSN programs in California?

Affordability is a relative term, but online RN to BSN programs in California can reasonably be deemed affordable. This is evidenced by the cost figures for the public university programs spotlighted above along with the three programs listed below. Remember, though, that these figures are for in-state tuition only and do not include other school and program fees or the cost of such necessities as books and supplies. It’s also important to keep in mind that you may be eligible for help in paying for your education through any of a number of financial aid resources. This is of particular interest to those considering RN to BSN programs offered by private colleges and universities that often come with (often substantially) higher costs than their public school counterparts.

How long will it take me to finish my online RN to BSN program in California?

Completion times for online RN to BSN programs can vary substantially. And while there are a few “fast-track” programs out there nationally that claim program lengths of as few as nine months, you’ll find that the average completion time for online RN to BSN programs in California is around 15 months. Actual program lengths range from one to two years, though, so be sure to carefully check the specific completion times of all the programs you’re considering.

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

Admissions requirements for online RN to BSN programs in California vary somewhat from program to program, but all programs share two basic requirements:

• Possession of an active, unincumbered registered nursing license. It’s important to note that some programs will only admit applicants with a California-issued RN license while others will accept licenses from other states as well.
• Graduation from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program with a stated minimum GPA on coursework transferred into the program. Specific minimums vary from 2.0 to 3.0 depending on the specific program. Some programs will also consider applicants with a nursing diploma on a case-by-case basis.

Other typical requirements include completion of specific prerequisite courses. Common prerequisite course subjects include anatomy, chemistry, communications, critical thinking, microbiology, and statistics. Many programs (particularly those offered by public colleges and universities) admit California residents only.

How can I be assured that I’m choosing a quality online RN to BSN program in California?

Through confirmation of proper institutional and programmatic accreditation. Accreditation is an independent process through which nursing programs and the schools that offer them are vetted for academic quality. Institutional accreditation concerns an assessment of the school as a whole and is administered by a number of regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic accreditation focuses on the academic quality of specific types of postsecondary degree programs. The two primary accreditors of RN to BSN programs in the U.S. are the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). You’ll typically find current accreditation information listed on a program’s website. If you don’t see it there, you can use this DOE accreditation search engine.

Ranking the Best Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in California

We’ve surveyed all online RN to BSN programs in California available today and ranked what we believe to be the be the best ones below. These selections were made by considering several program elements important to students in selecting the right program for them. They include proper accreditation, quality academics and faculty, affordability, study flexibility and convenience, and the availability of valuable student academic and career support services. Learn more below.

Salary & Career Comparison: RN vs. BSN

Both salaries and job opportunities remain strong for registered nurses in California. According to figures taken from the Department of Labor, job openings for RNs in California are projected to grow by nearly 13% (or over 23,000 jobs) between 2022 and 2032. That’s more than twice the projected growth rate for RNs in the U.S. overall and over four times the projected rate for all occupations in the U.S. combined.

With such a demand for nurses, you might not think job competition is a big concern. But the reality is that there’s always competition for top positions in leadership and management as well as specialized practice roles. And those are the kinds of positions that are made available to BSN degree-holders. To illustrate the point in regard to earnings, according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for registered nurses in California with a BSN degree (as of December 2024) is $93,408. By comparison, RNs overall earned an average of $86,717. And bear in mind that these are average earnings. California RNs employed in the highest-paying positions (ones more likely to be held by those with a BSN than those without) were collecting annual salaries in the $140,000 to $160,000 range.