Nurse Practitioner Response Unit Launched In Los Angeles
Like many urban 9-1-1 response agencies, the city of Los Angeles Fire Department has seen a marked increase in volume in recent years, experiencing a 4.7% increase in EMS incidents from 2013 to 2014, followed by a 7.9% uptick in 2015. This increase has featured a disproportionate growth among low-acuity callers, vulnerable adult superusers, and clients with mental health exacerbations.
The increase in demand also takes place in the context of broader trends, including: increased age segmentation of our workforce, with a large number of members approaching retirement and fewer EMTs and paramedics available to respond to calls an emergent class of newly insured patients accessing healthcare via 9-1-1 an expanding Medicare population with inherently higher transport rates and diverse attitudes among subpopulations about what constitutes a medical emergency.
Taken together, these trends push resource availability to the limits. Few municipalities have the agility of financial or human resources to meet this kind of accelerated demand, so operational leaders are charged with doing more with lessbecoming more creative with their resources, and finding new and different ways to meet patient needs while still keeping rigs available for the next time-critical emergency.
This challenge naturally summons the need to better understand who our clients really are, and how we can work with other community partners to more effectively match our collective response to each client.
Are You Ready To Thrive
3. University of California San Francisco
The University of California San Francisco School of Nursing offers a wealth of educational options for students including six nurse practitioner specialties. UCSF is also home to a highly sought after Masters Entry Program in Nursing . Through this program, students with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field may complete both their RN and MSN degrees allowing them to become nurse practitioners. For students who have an associates degree in nursing, the ADN-MS Program gives students an efficient way to advance their nursing education. Not only does UCSF have a number of options for nursing education, the programs at UCSF are top notch. Students have a chance to train at the UCSF Medical Center, a nationally ranked hospital and the number three hospital in California.
4. California State University Fullerton
Although California State University Fullerton offers just one nurse practitioner specialty, Womens Health Nurse Practitioner, they do it well. Graduates from CSU Fullertons NP program boast a 100% pass rate on the national nurse practitioner certification exam and 100% of students find jobs within a few months of graduation. For students looking to advance their nursing degree in a non-clinical specialty, CSU Fullertons Masters in Nursing Leadership and Education programs receive high marks.
Are you headed to California for your nurse practitioner program? Where will you get your degree?
Top California Dnp Programs
This list of the best DNP programs in CA is based on multiple factors. To begin with, we evaluated independent rankings for nursing graduate degrees and prioritized any California school with a high DNP placement in U.S. News & World Report. But we also considered elements such as reputation, resources, and student support.
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Masters Entry Clinical Nurse
The UCLA School of Nursing has an option within the Master of Science in Nursing degree program that is designed to prepare individuals with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline for a career in nursing. This two-year pre-licensure program includes summer enrollment between the first and second years. Those who complete the program are granted the Master in Science in Nursing degree and are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination to be licensed as registered nurses . They are then prepared to practice nursing at the bedside in a hospital setting.
Graduates of the program are also qualified to take the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam given by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and may apply for a Public Health Nursing Certificate from the California Board of Registered Nursing.
San Francisco State University School Of Nursing

The School of Nursing at San Francisco State University offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree including a traditional BSN to MSN pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a Direct Entry MSN pathway.
The Direct Entry pathway is designed for those with a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing discipline who would like to enter the nursing profession. Those students entering the MSN program through the Direct Entry pathway are admitted conditionally. They spend four semesters completing nursing theory and clinical course work to prepare them to take the national nursing licensing exam . Once they pass the exam and are licensed as a Registered Nurse, students then follow the MSN graduate course progression.
An RN to MSN pathway is available to Registered Nurses who hold a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. Students entering the MSN program via this pathway will likely be required to take bridge courses prior to beginning their MSN course progression.
Specializations available depend on the pathway. Those entering the schools Generic MSN program via the Direct Entry pathway can choose from one of the following graduate specializations:
- Nursing Administration
- Womens Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Community Public Health
Those entering the MSN program as RNs with Bachelors degrees in Nursing or other non-nursing fields have an additional option of a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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Los Angeles Masters In Midwifery Completion Programs
MS in Midwifery Completion programs are those that could allow current certified nurse-midwife or certified midwife professionals to validate and enhance the professional competencies and skills needed for todays healthcare environment. This degree may be designed to a students area of interest: teaching, advanced clinical practice, administration, international health or research.
Admission Requirements For All Post
- Current California Registered Nurse License
- Masters degree in Nursing
- Completion of a second application to the School of Nursing including 2 references and an essay
- Completion of a basic recent physical assessment course unless currently certified and practicing as a nurse practitioner
- Satisfactory background check
Prior to entering the first clinical lab, students must have University liability insurance, a satisfactory background check, a current American Heart Association CPR card, a satisfactory annual physical examination, proof of immunity to specified infectious diseases, an initial 2 step Mantoux skin test and a chest X-ray if there is evidence of a positive TB skin test. Drug screening may be requested depending on agency requirements.
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The Job Outlook For Your Np Career
Think an NP role could be the right career for you? Based on demand in both California and across the nation, the time may be right to consider entering the field, regardless of where you wish to practice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , demand for advanced practice nurses a category which includes nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives is expected to increase by 31 percent between 2016 and 2026 nationwide, a rate which is significantly higher than the average across industries. The BLS predicts this increase will add approximately 64,200 new positions to the job market from coast to coast.
California is the largest employer of NPs among states in the U.S., with 13,570 employed as of May 2017, according to the BLS. Among these practitioners, the average salary is $126,770 a year, the highest annual mean wage of any state. While that salary may make California an appealing choice, keep in mind that the states cost of living is also high.
Advanced practice registered nurses are valuable members of VAs health care system, said VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. David J. Shulkin. Amending this regulation increases our capacity to provide timely, efficient, effective and safe primary care, aids VA in making the most efficient use of APRN staff capabilities and provides a degree of much-needed experience to alleviate the current access challenges that are affecting the VA.
Earning A Doctor Of Nursing Practice In California
Californias nurses can avail themselves of the many accredited online programs that offer BSN and MSN-prepared nurses the opportunity to earn a DNP in a flexible format that accommodates the busy schedules of working RNs and APRNs. Such programs usually offer a great deal of flexibility and make it easier for practicing nurses to obtain a DNP while continuing to work. Online DNP programs frequently offer options for accelerated study, as well as a more relaxed part-time pace.
Post Bachelors BSN-to-DNP Programs Online programs, as well as Californias large number of campus-based programs, both offer the opportunity for RNs with a BSN to earn an MSN and DNP through one accelerated program. Known as a BSN-to-DNP, these programs allow students to sit for national certification exams in an APRN role and patient population focus prior to transitioning to the DNP phase of the program. Tracks are also available for those interested in an aggregate/organizational/systems focus for jobs in public health, administration, healthcare policy, informatics, education and more. BSN-to-DNP programs typically involve taking about 90 credits over the course of 3-4 years.
One of Californias BSN-DNP programs offers two alternatives to an MSN in preparation for the DNP phase of the program:
- MSBH Master of Science in Behavioral Health
- MPH Master of Public Health
DNP Program Components and Practicum Requirements
DNP programs have four main components:
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Rn To Bsn/msn Programs In Los Angeles Ca
Bridge programs are specialized pathways where current RNs can earn a higher degree. Typically these programs are shorter, as they take into account the knowledge and training the nurse has already obtained in their diploma or ADN program. RN to BSN and RN to MSN bridge programs are readily available at many Los Angeles area schools.
California State University Stanislaus School Of Nursing
Both an RN to MSN Bridge pathway and BSN to MSN pathway are offered by the School of Nursing at California State University, Stanislaus. Those students entering via the RN to MSN Bridge program must complete a series of bridge courses before being allowed to progress through the graduate program.
A Master of Science in Nursing is offered in two specialty areas:
- Nurse Educator
- Adult-Gerontological Health
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN program must hold a Bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway are required to hold both an Associates degree in nursing as well as a non-nursing Bachelors degree. They must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and they must of completed an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of C or better. Acceptable scores on the GRE or MAT exam are required. Candidates should hold a current license as an RN in the state of California.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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University Of California Irvine Department Of Nursing Quality Research And Education
The University of California, Irvines Department of Nursing Quality, Research, and Education offers Master of Science in Nursing programs in the following areas of specialization/roles:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Students are required to complete 72 units and 720 hours of clinical practice with populations in their specialization. They are expected to be enrolled full-time and to complete the program in two years.
Applicants must have a Bachelors degree in nursing from a regionally and CCNE accredited institution. Their overall GPA must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must have completed a course in Descriptive and Inferential Statistics and received a score of C or better. They must also have completed a Nursing Research courses. Candidates must hold licensure as an RN in California and must have at least one year of recent clinical experience as an RN before entering the program.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Dominican University Of California Department Of Nursing

Dominican University of Californias Department of Nursing offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: a BSN to MSN pathway and an ADN/RN to MSN pathway. All pathways lead to a MSN with a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Leader.
Applicants entering via the ADN/RN to MSN pathway must hold an Associates degree in nursing and hold a current license as an RN in California. After completing a one year program of bridge courses , the student advances into the graduate program where 32 more credit hours are required. Note that no BSN degree is conferred to those in the ADN/RN to MSN program. This is an accelerated program where the BSN degree is bypassed.
Applicants entering the via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelors degree nursing with a with a 3.0 or higher GPA on the last 60 units of graded undergraduate or graduate work . They must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research within the last 5 years with a grade of B or better . Candidates must hold a current California license as an RN.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty
In the late 1980s, Dr. Mary Ann Lewis and two other nurses testified before the California Legislature asking that nursing programs that were preparing family nurse practitioners , pediatric nurse practitioners and gerontology clinical nurse specialists be able to compete for Song Brown funds that, at the time, only supported family practice residency programs. The legislature agreed about FNPs, and the Song Brown funds made it possible for the school to invest in the latest technology and coursework for providing quality primary care for persons across the life span.
This funding made the UCLA FNP program one of the strongest in the nation, said Lewis. It provided us with the opportunity to think about what would strengthen the theory and clinical components and then implement those elements.
Since 2014, the California Endowment provided additional funding for FNPs to work in three of their 14 Health Communities. Known as the Song Brown Special program, the school receives funding to support students who choose to work in clinics caring for the poorest and underserved where some students continue to work upon graduation.
Entry Level Adn Bsn & Msn Programs In Los Angeles Ca
Direct-entry nursing programs for those with no prior nursing degree are available in a variety of formats in Los Angeles. The Associate’s Degree in Nursing is the most basic, but there are also direct-entry opportunities for those looking to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or even a Master’s of Science in Nursing .
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What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Nurse Practitioner In Los Angeles
Nurse Practitioners need to earn at least Masters degree from an accredited program. Some choose to pursue a PhD or program, instead. NPs must also have a registered nursing license.
NPs provide advanced nursing services, as well as primary and specialty care. Depending on the state, they may also be able to prescribe medications and order laboratory tests. So, they need clinical experience and knowledge of advanced topics, like pharmacology.
Plus, NPs must achieve certification. Along with the above requirements, this calls for passing a national certification exam. Check with your states nursing board for more information on pursuing an NP career path.
The majority of Nurse Practitioners work in physicians offices or hospitals. Some work in other kinds of healthcare facilities and educational institutions. And, some NPs even treat patients in their homes.
Apply For Your Certificate
You must disclose your social security number on your California APN certification application. If you fail to do so, your application will not be processed. If you do not have a social security number, contact the California Board of Registered Nursing at 916-574-7697 before proceeding with the states APN certification process.
Nurse Practitioner
To apply for Nurse Practitioner certification in California, use the Application for Nurse Practitioner Certification. The documentation you will be required to remit will depend on the method you used to meet qualifications as detailed in the application packet. Be prepared to remit the following:
- Verification of the Completion of Nurse Practitioner Program Form
- Official transcripts sent directly from your NP program to the Board
- Verification of Nurse Practitioner Certification Form
- Verification of Clinical Competency as a Nurse Practitioner Form . Two copies must be submitted- one by a supervising nurse practitioner and one by a physician
- Verification of Clinical Experience Form , which is to be filled out and submitted by a nurse practitioner or physician
- Curriculum and course descriptions
- Application fee of $75
- One recent 2 x 2 passport type photograph
Mail the applicable documentation to Advanced Practice Unit NP Certification,
Board of Registered Nursing, P.O. Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.
Nurse-Midwife
Mail the applicable documentation to Advanced Practice Unit NM Certification,
Clinical Nurse Specialist
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Applying To An Online Nurse Practitioner Program In California
To apply to NP schools in California, you will need a copy of your college transcript and the names and contact information for at least two academic or professional references. Be ready to write a personal essay or statement as well.
Admission Requirements:Program Length:Clinical Requirements:GPA Requirement:
San Jose State University The Valley Foundation School Of Nursing
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University offers two pathways to an MSN degree: a BSN to MSN pathway and an RN to MSN bridge pathway.
The RN to MSN Bridge pathway is designed for RNs with a Baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing. Candidates are admitted conditionally to the MSN program. An individualized course of study is provided for them which includes a minimum of four undergraduate course. Those courses must be completed with a grade of B or better before advancing to the MSN courses.
San Jose State offers MSN to prepare students for the following roles:
- Nurse Educator
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