Nurse Practitioner Programs Southern California

Types Of Nurse Practitioner Programs Available In California

If you thrive in one particular practice setting or with a specific patient population, you may have no trouble choosing a specialized area of study. Options offered in California schools include FNP programs, which focus on family care psychiatric-mental health, which involves providing acute and primary care to those with mental health diagnoses pediatric care and adult-geriatric care.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs

The programs on the list conform to the Boardâs requirements for Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification but are not formally approved by the BRN.

* Denotes Private Schools

University Of San Diego

Achieve the highest level of advanced practice in nursing when you graduate from the University of San Diego with your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The BSN to DNP program is offered to current nurses that want to achieve the goal of working in clinical practice leadership at the doctorate level of practice. Choose the Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care, the dual Pediatric/Family Nurse practitioner, dual Adult-Gerontology/Family Nurse practitioner, or the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as your preferred program track. Complete the program in three years of full-time study, or opt for part-time study. The school also offers the MSN to DNP program, along with other nursing program options.

• Tuition: $1,535 per credit hour/unit
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 95.08%
• Accreditation: CCNE, WSCUC

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Using Our Rankings: What To Look For In A Nurse Practitioner Program In California

To choose the right California NP program, there are a variety of important factors to explore. While programs may have various similarities, elements such as admission requirements, specializations, accreditation, and program lengths can help you determine the program that works best for you. Review each program individually to determine if it is the right fit.

Coursework For The Nursing@usc Online Fnp Program

The Nursing@USC online MSN program consists of 49 credits and 784 clinical hours, which students can complete in five semesters of full time study or eight semesters of part-time study. The program includes classes such as Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Research/Analytical Methods, Theory: Family Primary Care, and Clinical Practicum: Family Primary Care.

Course content is delivered through live online classes in a seminar format, with class sizes limited to 12 students. The synchronous instruction is comprised of lecture, video case studies, peer discussions under the supervision of the instructor, and independent readings and research. In addition to attending classes and completing the required readings and assignments, students must also attend two on-campus intensives that involve faculty-supervised skill assessments and the opportunity for students to network with instructors and their peers.

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How Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs In California Work

Online nursing programs differ from in-person ones acute care nurse practitioner programs offer students flexibility and the ability to further their careers on their schedules, for instance. If you are working full time, the ability to complete coursework when it’s convenient might allow you to maintain a better work-life balance.

Some online programs require students to attend scheduled lectures and discussions, but overall, expect asynchronous courses with work you complete independently.

All nursing education programs include an in-person clinical component for online nursing students to provide hands-on training. Online students typically complete their clinicals at a facility near their home or current workplace. Nursing programs usually assist with finding suitable placements.

Best 26 Nurse Practitioner Programs In California In 2022

• Fullerton, California
• Graduation Rate: 83%

California State University, Fullerton takes the top spot on our list because of its affordable tuition and high-quality nursing practitioner program. CSUF offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to aspiring nurse practitioners. BSN and MSN degrees are also available.

School Overview

• Los Angeles, California
• Graduation Rate: 76%

California State University, Los Angeles is well-known for its graduate nursing programs. Various Nurse Practitioner tracks are offered at the MSN level. MSN tracks are also offered in CNS specialties.

School Overview

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Types Of Care Provided By The Family Nurse Practitioner

• Episodic care for acute conditions for all ages, including minor acute injuries and illnesses
• Management of chronic conditions such as HTN, diabetes, asthma
• Monitoring and case management/consultation of more acute conditions such as cardiac diseases and neuromuscular conditions
• Family assessments and interventions
• Preconception, prenatal and postpartum care
• Well-woman primary care, including family planning and illness care
• Well-child primary and illness care
• Culturally sensitive health promotion interventions

School Of Nursing Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, masters degree in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Azusa Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The traditional baccalaureate nursing program, upper-division transfer programs, entry-level masters program, and the nurse practitioner program are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission .

Note: This information is current for the 2022-23 academic year however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

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Most Affordable Dnp Programs In California

To come up with this list of the cheapest DNP programs in California, we looked at the lowest per credit DNP tuition rate . Because public CA universities often use a per semester or per quarter rate for the DNP, we were often calculating averages. One word of cautioneven public prices in CA are high!

Master’s Of Science In Nursing And Post Master’s Certificate Programs

The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing has five master’s options for students interested in furthering their nursing education. In addition, for applicants who already have an MSN degree, each of the five options has a post masters certificate available. See option-specific roadmaps.

All programs are offered pending sufficient enrollment.

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Preparing Primary Care Providers

Programs at the School of Nursing prepare advanced practice nurses with both the knowledge and skills needed to serve in those capacities and meet the needs of a constantly changing health care system. Rooted in a growing body of research and nurtured by visionary faculty who seek to transform health care, the curricula embrace . Instruction is also designed to be more inspiringand create an atmosphere of a community of learners, as identified in a 2012 report by the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Jonathan Hernandez, R.N., Nurse Practitioner Student, Class of 2017

Because of health care reforms and an increasingly aging population with advanced chronic illnesses, millions more people require primary-care services, exceeding the number of providers currently available. The FNP program at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing provides a partial solution to this growing problem by educating and preparing primary care providers experienced in preventive measures, who advance health through health promotion and disease prevention, practice in ambulatory and community-based settings and enhance the existing workforce. A key to that preparation is learning in a collaborative environment, rather than in the absence of other health professions.

University Of Southern California

USC is a well-known private research university in Los Angeles. It is home to the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing, which offers a hybrid online and onsite MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner program.

The program uses an evidence-based approach to train advanced practice nurses in understanding the biomedical and social factors that impact the well-being of infants, children, adolescents and adults throughout their lives.

Students are required to complete 49 credit hours and 784 clinical hours in either 21 months or 33 months depending on whether you opt for the full-time or part-time track. The program can be done from any location including the clinical placements which can be done in your local community. The tuition cost for both the part-time and full-time tracks is about $91,287.

Prospective students must have a Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing, at least a 3.0 GPA, and completion of a statistics course. Yet, students can work collaboratively with their peers and faculty via online discussion groups and office hours. The program is intended for registered nurses with clinical experience.

The program offers an almost even balance of theoretical and clinical learning with training in how to conduct and apply research. Clinical placements are done in a range of outpatient settings: family practices, internal medicine clinics, pediatric offices, urgent care sites, and community health clinics.

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San Diego State University

San Diego State University offers the RN to BSN program for current RNs that want to further their nursing education and advance their nursing career. Complete the program within 12 to 15 months, while mastering nursing leadership, nursing research, and applying evidence-based practices. There is a requirement to participate in a program-approved international experience, with the residency lasting for two to three weeks. Students wishing to be exempt from the international experience apply to the dean of the college.

• Tuition: approx. $500 per credit hour/unit
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 97.39%
• Accreditation: CCNE

Western University Of The Health Sciences

• Pomona, California
• Graduation Rate: 69%

The Western University of the Health Sciences offers one of the leading nurse practitioner programs in the area. It offers a unique online FNP program. A DNP program is also offered.

School Overview

• San Diego, California
• Graduation Rate: 78%

The University of San Diego is one of the most prestigious private universities in Southern California. It offers a DNP program with two entry points. Students can enter after their BSN degree or after their MSN degree.

School Overview

• San Francisco, California
• Graduation Rate: 71%

The University of San Francisco is a leading private university in Northern California. It offers a unique DNP program. This program was designed to be completed by nurses who are working full-time

School Overview

• Vallejo, California
• Graduation Rate: 78%

Touro University California has an excellent nurse practitioner program. Its nurse practitioner degree is a DNP rather than an MSN. Graduates of the DNP program are eligible to take the FNP licensure exam.

School Overview

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List Of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools In California

California RNs are lucky in that they have a variety of online NP programs to choose from. Whether you are looking for part-time options, a particular specialty, or a certain degree level, it wont be hard to find something that fits the bill in the state. Some schools also offer hybrid options, which combines the flexibility of online coursework with limited on-campus visits. Prospective students should also know that while the academic portion of these distance-learning programs can be completed online, clinical requirements will still need to be completed in-person at a local medical facility or hospital.

Accredited online NP programs in California produce skilled graduates who will have the same employment and salary opportunities as their colleagues who complete traditional, classroom-based programs. If you are a current RN looking for a flexible and convenient way to advance your career, consider the online programs below.

What Can I Expect From An Online Nurse Practitioner Program

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has identified several core competencies for NPs. If you possess strong leadership and analytical skills and can stay calm under pressure, you can excel both as an NP and as a graduate student working toward your MSN degree.

Online nurse practitioner master’s programs include 30-60 credits in advanced physiology, pathophysiology, assessment, and pharmacology. Students also take courses in specialty areas, such as pediatrics, gerontology, or psychiatric mental health.

MSN-NP programs typically include approximately 600-700 hours of clinical practice. If you earn your degree online, your program may help you find a facility near you where you can complete your clinical hours.

Many online programs allow students to complete coursework entirely online however, some programs include limited on-campus requirements. Also, some MSN-NP programs require students to complete a final capstone project. Although program length varies, full-time students with a BSN can usually earn the degree within two years.

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Learn From Respected Nurse Practitioners

As a student in our online Master of Science in Nursing program, you will collaborate with and learn from nursing leaders who believe in 360 degrees of care and are committed to treating patients as people. Many members of the nursing faculty are actively practicing in their own communities in addition to their teaching responsibilities. As part of the School of Social Work, Nursing@USC faculty are on the forefront of social determinants of health, finding opportunities to weave their interdisciplinary knowledge into the curriculum.

Their dedication extends to supporting you as you advance in your nursing career. Nursing faculty host scheduled office hours or informal coffee chats, seeking opportunities to get to know students on a personal level.

Bsn To Dnp Programs In California

Multiple Specialties: The schools with the most BSN to DNP specialties in our program listings are Loma Linda University and the University of San Diego.

• LLUs hybrid BS to DNP program can involve a few days on campus each quarter. In addition to traditional NP tracks , LLU also offers a rare Clinical Nurse Specialist track and a CRNA option. Be aware that students in the BS to DNP program will not have the option to opt-out with an MSN.
• USD has a campus-based BSN to DNP with tracks in multiple NP specialties, including dual programs and unusual foci . Campus-based means youll need to visit USD for classes at least 2 days per week.

FNP & PMHNP: For various reasonsincluding student demandCalifornia universities love offering BSN to DNP programs in FNP and PMHNP. The University of San Francisco and Brandman University offer both specialties Samuel Merritt University and UCI stick with the FNP. As we mentioned, many of these programs are hybrid, with significant campus components.

Nurse Anesthesia: Check out LLU, CSUF, the University of Southern California, National University, and SMU. As of 2020, SMU was in the process of transitioning from the MSN to the DNP. Most schools post their CRNA certification exam results, but dont be afraid to ask for numbers if you cant find that information on the program website. The same principle holds true for NP specialties. Schools should be willing to tell you their pass rates.

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Master Of Science In Nursing

This degree is available to qualified students who desire advanced studies. The program is approved by the Board of Registered Nursing, and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .

A Master of Science degree in Nursing is offered for the following specialties: Nurse Practitioner , and Nursing and Health Systems Executive Management.

Nursing With A Social Work Perspective

Nursing@USC encompasses more than the fundamentals of nursing leadership. As part of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, students benefit from a holistic social work focus, gaining skills that set them apart in the field, including:

• In-depth understanding of the social determinants of health
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations
• Knowledge of the therapeutic alliance and ability to cultivate this relationship with patients
• Skills for delivering updates or information to patients and their families

Apply to Nursing@USC

The final deadline for the May 2023 cohort is March 13, 2023. Start your application today and join our next class.

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What Are The Admission Requirements For An Online Nurse Practitioner Program

Although admission requirements vary by program, requirements for online and on-campus MSN programs are generally the same. Students typically need a BSN to enroll in an MSN-NP program. Unless they are applying to a direct-entry MSN program, prospective students must also hold an active RN license.

Usually, students with bachelor’s degrees in nursing meet prerequisites for MSN programs while earning their degree. However, some programs specify that students must complete undergraduate coursework in specific subjects, such as statistics. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing may be required to complete bridge credits as part of their coursework.

Best Nursing Schools In Southern California In 2020

Looking to complete a nursing degree in California? Youre in luck. The exceptional nursing schools in Southern California potentially provide students with the opportunity to have a rewarding entry-level or advanced nursing career.

The need for nurses is expected to increase across the United States, with the 2018 through 2028 job outlook for RNs listed as much faster than average, compared to the anticipated job growth for other occupations. This is true for nurses with two-year degrees, RNs, and nurses with advanced degrees and job titles. Students have many options when it comes to RN nursing schools in Southern California.

These best nursing schools in southern California potentially help you achieve your dream of becoming a nurse. Existing nurses pursue their goal of furthering their nursing career when they successfully complete an advanced nursing degree. Whether youre looking for a nursing school in San Diego or another part of Southern California, youll be sure to find an option below.

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California State University Dominguez Hills

• Dominguez Hills, California
• Graduation Rate: 76%

California State University, Dominguez Hills is a Hispanic-serving institution in Carson. It offers an MSN degree with several different specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner. The other tracks include Clinical Nurse Specialist , Educator, and Administrator.

School Overview

• San Francisco, California
• Graduation Rate: 79%

San Francisco State University offers a top-notch nurse practitioner program at an affordable price. Its nursing practitioner program is a Family Nurse Practitioner track within the MSN program. The MSN program also offers tracks in CNS, Administration, and Public Health. In addition to the masters FNP track, they have a post-masters FNP program for nurses with a masters degree seeking an FNP certificate.

School Overview

• Long Beach, California
• Graduation Rate: 68%

California State University, Long Beach is well-known for its nurse practitioner program. As with many programs, nurse practitioner degrees are offered as specializations within the MSN program. These specializations include Adult-Geriatric, Family, Pediatric, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, and Womens Health.

School Overview

• Stanislaus, California
• Graduation Rate: 80%

School Overview

• Fresno, California
• Graduation Rate: 57%

School Overview

• Bakersfield, California
• Graduation Rate: 65%

School Overview

• San Jose, California
• Graduation Rate: 62%

School Overview

• Rohnert Park, California
• Graduation Rate: 97%