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Trained nurses (RN) saProfessional Nursing Diploma (ADN)who want to expand their career and educational opportunities can attend a school that offers an RN to BSN program. Upon completion of the program, the student will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which opens up many career opportunities.
However, sometimes it can be difficult to choose the RN to BSN program that is best for you. To help you in your search, we've compiled information on requirements, requirements, salaries, and the 12 best programs available in California in 2023.
Contents
- What is BSN?
- Best RN to BSN in California
- Salary expectations
- Questions
What is BSN?
The BSN is a degree that teaches students basic caregiver skills along with management, research, quality, health promotion and safety skills.
Successful completion of an ADN program or a BSN program allows students to sit for the NCLEX exam and obtain an RN license, but a BSN program takes the education a step further with more in-depth skills and coursework.
Meresignificant difference betweenAn ADN prepared RN and a BSN prepared RN means that a BSN nurse has more career options and the potential for a higher salary.
RN to BSN prerequisites and requirements
All RN to BSN programs typically require the applicant to have an active RN license. In addition, there are generally core courses that students must complete with a minimum GPA for a specific program. These courses may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- English composition
- Speech or interpersonal communication
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Child/human development
- Liberal Arts Electives
- General chemistry with laboratory
- Microbiology with laboratory
- Anatomy with laboratory
- Physiology
- College of Algebra
- Statistics
- People's nutrition
Related:10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
It is always important to check the entry requirements for the program you are interested in to make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.
Requirements and prerequisites for registrationprogram RN u BSNwill vary depending on the program selected.
Best RN to BSN Programs in California in 2023
The following schools were selected based on a nursing methodology to survey our readers to understand what they value most, while schools were selected by adding NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, costs, mode of operation, duration, and acceptance rates to hundreds of best nursing schools in usa
1.California State University Fullerton School of Nursing (CSUF).
Located in Fullerton, California, CSUF ranks first on California's list of best RN to BSN programs. CSUF offers online part-time and full-time courses with a student-faculty ratio of 20:1 and acceptance rates of 38%.
- Cost: $3,833 per semester for in-state. USD 10,049/semester for abroad
- Duration: 3 semesters for full-time students. 4-5 semesters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 69%
2.San Diego State University (SDSU) School of Nursing.
The SDSU School of Nursing calls San Diego home. Students can participate in the RN to BSN program in the fall or spring semester. The university offers the program in a hybrid format with online and in-person requirements. The student to faculty ratio is 22:1 and the acceptance rate is 35%.
- Price: $3,197 per semester for in-state. $9,253/semester for out-of-state
- Duration: 12 months for full-time students. 18-24 months for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 68%
3.California State University, Chico (CSU Chico) School of Nursing
Located in Chico, California, CSU Chico offers an online RN to BSN program for working students, with the only requirement being an in-person clinical rotation. Enrollment rates are 58% with a student to faculty ratio of 21:1.
- Cost: $3,791 per semester for in-state students. $10,571 per semester for students outside the state
- Duration: 2 semesters for full-time students. 3 semesters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 64%
4.California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) School of Nursing
Located in Long Beach, California, CSULB RN to BSN students can take first-year classes part-time and combine with BSN students for full-time second-year classes. The enrollment rate is 28% with a student to teacher ratio of 23:1.
- Cost: $3,981 per semester for in-state students. $8,913/semester for out-of-state students
- Duration: 3 semesters for full-time students. 4-6 semesters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 73%
5.California State University School of Nursing, Sacramento (CSUS).
CSUS, located in Sacramento, California, offers fall and spring semester start dates for its RN to BSN program, which is 100% online. The acceptance rate is 63% and the student-faculty ratio is 21:1.
- Cost: $3,832 per semester for full-time students. 4-6 semesters for part-time students
- Duration: 3 semesters for full-time students. 4-6 semesters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 72%
6.San Francisco State University (SFSU) School of Nursing.
In San Francisco, CA, SFSU offers a spring semester start for its RN to BSN program. The program is in a hybrid format with both online and on-campus requirements. The student to faculty ratio is 23:1 and the acceptance rate is 68%.
- Cost: $3,926 per semester for in-state students. $9,262/semester for out-of-state students
- Duration: 3 semesters for full-time students. 4-6 semesters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 67%
7.California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) School of Nursing
San Bernardino, CA is home to the CSUSB School of Nursing, which offers an online RN to BSN program beginning in the fall semester. The acceptance rate is 59% and the student-faculty ratio is 23:1.
- Cost: $3,811 per semester for in-state students. $9,247/semester for out-of-state students
- Duration: 3 semesters for full-time students. 4-6 semesters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 51%
8.California State University East Bay School of Nursing (CSUEB).
In Hayward, CA, CSUEB offers an online RN to BSN program. To be eligible for the program, students must have an RN degree or complete a graduate program (within the last six months). The enrollment rate is 71%, with a student to teacher ratio of 27:1.
- Cost: $3,763 per semester for in-state students. $9,199/semester for out-of-state students
- Duration: 3 semesters for full-time students. 4-6 semesters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 57%
9.Azusa Pacific University (APU) School of Nursing.
Located in Azusa, California, APU offers a fully online RN to BSN program and an in-person option at four different Southern California locations. The acceptance rate is 92% with a student to faculty ratio of 16:1.
- Price: $6,133 per vacation
- Duration: 3 semesters for full-time students. 5 semesters for part-time students
10.Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Nursing.
LLU is located in Loma Linda, California and has three start times for the RN to BSN program, fall quarter, winter quarter, and summer quarter. The school offers the program in an online format with an acceptance rate of 41% and a low student-teacher ratio of 11:1.
- Price: $4,876/sq
- Duration: 2-4 quarters for regular students. 4-6 quarters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 87%
11.California Baptist University (CBU) School of Nursing.
Located in Riverside, CA, CBU offers three start times in the fall, summer, or spring for its fully online RN to BSN program. The acceptance rate is 79% and the student to faculty ratio is 14:1.
- Cost: $450 per unit, depending on how many units students transfer. the total amount can range from $13,500 to $24,300
- Duration: 12-24 months
- Graduation rate: 70%
12.California State University, Bakersfield School of Nursing (CSUB).
Located in Bakersfield, CA, CSUB offers students a fully online RN to BSN program with a fall start date. The acceptance rate is 54% and the student-faculty ratio is 21:1.
- Cost: $3,733 per semester for in-state students. $9,699/semester for out-of-state students
- Duration: 3 semesters for full-time students. 4-6 semesters for part-time students
- Graduation rate: 52%
RN to BSN Salary Expectations
A frequent motivating factor for current RNs to pursue a BSN is a pay raise. Additionally, nurses with a BSN can use their education to differentiate themselves from other applicants.
According toUS Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)RNs in California can expect to earn an average salary of $133,340 per year. This salary is significantly higher than the national average.
Expected salary will vary based on many factors, including geographic region, experience and field of work. Nurses preparing for a BSN can also continue their education, opening up even more job opportunities than nurses with an ADN or bachelor's degree.
Frequently asked questions and additional literature
Q: What can a BSN do that an RN can't?
A: A nurse who has completed a bachelor's degree has more opportunities in positions such as leadership or education and advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Related:10 Best BSN to MSN Programs in 2023
Q: Do healthcare facilities require nurses to have a BSN?
A: This requirement will vary from facility to facility, but inquiries fromAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)found that 40% of hospitals or healthcare facilities require newly hired nurses to have a BSN, and many more are preferred.
FAQs
What is the fastest RN to BSN program? ›
The fastest RN to BSN online programs are eight to nine months. However, this is for programs that are year-round. If you feel ready to jump in, American Sentinel University offers start dates every month, and you can complete it in as short as forty weeks.
What is the easiest nursing program to get into in California? ›Easiest nursing degree program to get into in California
Cal Poly Humboldt has an acceptance rate of 85%, with an SAT range of 970-1190, making it the least exclusive college with a nursing program on our list.
Rochester University - Rochester Hills, MI
If you're looking for a way to boost your nursing career, Rochester University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is ideal. This program is one of the easiest BSN programs to be accepted into and is 124 credits that will take you four years to complete.
- University of California--San Francisco.
- University of California--Los Angeles.
- University of California--Davis.
- University of San Francisco.
- University of California--Irvine.
- University of San Diego (Hahn)
- Western University of Health Sciences.
Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.
How fast can you complete Capella RN-to-BSN? ›With FlexPath, you can complete your RN-to-BSN program in 9 months and under $10,000. * *Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses.
What is the shortest RN program in California? ›Become a registered nurse in just 12 months! Offered in Oakland, Sacramento & San Mateo. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is the fastest route to a nursing career for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.
How to become an RN in California fast? ›Those interested in becoming a nurse in California in the shortest amount of time should pursue an associate degree in nursing, as this can be completed within a two-year timeframe. Upon completion of the program, passing the NCLEX-RN and applying for a license can take an additional 10-12 weeks.
What state is the hardest to get a nursing license? ›- OHIO. Surprised California doesn't top the list? ...
- CALIFORNIA. Ah, California—a bucket-list destination for many travel nurses. ...
- MARYLAND. ...
- MAINE. ...
- ALASKA.
Nurses in clinical practice tend to list their licensure first followed by degrees and then certifications. For example: RN, BSN, CCRN. Nurses who are academic educators list their academic degrees first followed by licensure and then certifications. For example: DNP, RN, CNE.
Is BSN RN worth it? ›
One of the first steps to becoming a nurse researcher is earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Although some research assignments or projects may require you to earn an advanced degree, the RN-to-BSN is worth it if you want to get started on the research path without jumping into a graduate nursing program.
Why is it so hard to get into nursing school in California? ›The scarcity of nursing program seats comes as California faces a dire nursing shortage. A 2022 study from UCSF estimated the state would fall short by almost 19,000 full-time nurses by the end of the year, with the shortage continuing until 2029.
How much does a BSN RN earn in California? ›$56,795 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $71,483 is the 75th percentile.
What is the salary of a BSN nurse in California? ›$70,994 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $120,445 is the 75th percentile.
What is the starting salary for a BSN nurse in California? ›$34,273 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $52,388 is the 75th percentile.
Can a BSN make 6 figures? ›Can Nurses Make Six Figures? Yes, you can 100% make six figures as a nurse. The disclaimer is that working in some states may make this easier than working in other states. Geographic location is a huge indicator of starting salary and can be a reason why some of you are not as close to others when looking at raw data.
What is higher than a BSN? ›After earning your BSN and becoming a registered nurse, you can reach the next level in nursing by earning your master's degree.
Why is a BSN so hard? ›Why is nursing school so hard? The top 6 challenges of earning a BSN include the rigorous curriculum, fast pace, need for multitasking, time commitment, personal sacrifices, and NCLEX preparation. However, despite these rigors, it's possible to rise up and master how to succeed in nursing school.
What is the fastest nursing degree? ›The fastest way to become an RN is through an RN diploma program, which can be completed in as little as a year. While completing this program does not lead to a degree, it does make the individual eligible to take the NCLEX and earn their RN license.
How long are most RN to BSN programs? ›Students can expect to complete this program in 21 months. Typically, students will meet in person for one 4-hour session each week at or near a Kaiser Permanente facility.
How long are most BSN programs? ›
Timeline: Four years
Typically, the traditional BSN program is entry-level, meaning it is your first degree. Of course, the timeline of a BSN degree will vary by school. However, most entry-level BSN programs take four years to complete.
| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $49.20 |
| 1 to 2 years | $52.89 |
| 3 to 5 years | $55.51 |
| 6 to 9 years | $57.51 |
1.California State University, Monterey Bay : The organization administers flexible RN-BSN and ADN-BSN programs that benefit community and part-time college students. RN Programs In California With No Waiting List. Full-time pupils in the RN-BSN pathway can obtain their BSN degree in 12 months.
How much does an RN get paid hourly in California? ›Average Nurse Salary in California
California is one of the highest paying states for registered nurses. The registered nurse salary in California is $125,340 per year. This means that nurses in California earn an average of $60.26 per hour.
- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
Prospective nurses can start their careers in California by earning an associate degree in nursing, but they can access higher wages and more responsibilities with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), master of science in nursing (MSN), or doctorate in nursing from an accredited California school.
Which state has the happiest nurses? ›- #5 Colorado. Quality of life ranking: #10. Average RN salary: $69,990.00. ...
- #4 Alaska. Quality of life ranking: #19. Average RN salary: $88,510.00. ...
- #3 Oregon. Quality of life ranking: #18. ...
- #2 Wisconsin. Quality of life ranking: #3. ...
- #1 Minnesota. Quality of life ranking: #2.
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What is the most difficult exam of nursing? ›For many nursing students, taking the NCLEX exam is the most difficult and stressful moment in their nursing education. Your resolve will be tested, your critical thinking skills will be tested, and even your commitment to your chosen profession in nursing may be tested.
Why get BSN instead of RN? ›The salary difference between RN vs BSN degrees is that those who hold a BSN degree are likely to make more than RN's who only have their associates degree. A BSN degree is favored over just an associates degree for many entry-level nursing jobs, therefore a BSN has more opportunities to make more money.
Can you take the Nclex without going to nursing school? ›
No, you can't take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) until you complete a nursing degree. The type of degree needed depends on the nursing license you wish to obtain. In general, you'll need to pass a diploma program or get an associate's (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
Is BSN harder than ADN? ›ADN programs are also generally easier to get into than BSN programs and they are not as costly. There are many advantages to both ADNs and BSNs. To help decide which program might be right for you, consider cost, program length, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities.
What can a BSN do that an RN Cannot? ›“As a BSN, you have more opportunities than your RN counterparts. You can step up to a leadership position, move into nursing education, work in public health and focus on health education within the community, or even go on to pursue a nurse practitioner or nurse administrator degree,” Christman said.
What is the hardest semester of a nursing program? ›Without question, the most difficult semester for me was the last semester of my junior year in nursing school. I attended a 4-year BSN program, and that particular semester included three classes that were very content-heavy, as well as the corresponding clinical hours for those classes.
Will a 3.7 GPA get me into nursing school? ›GPA requirements depend on the type of nursing program you want to apply for, but most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, due to the competitive nature of nursing programs, most schools prefer a 3.7 to 4.0 GPA.
What percentage of nursing students fail? ›Nursing school is difficult and will be hard to pass. Most students pass their nursing program, so you can too. How many nursing students fail? According to the National League of Nursing, the dropout rate for nursing programs in the United States is around 20%.
How much does a BSN nurse at UCLA make? ›Average UCLA Health Registered Nurse hourly pay in California is approximately $65.32, which is 59% above the national average.
How much does a new grad RN BSN make in Los Angeles? ›| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $47.02 |
| 1 to 2 years | $50.54 |
| 3 to 5 years | $53.04 |
| 6 to 9 years | $54.96 |
$74,414 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $126,248 is the 75th percentile. Salaries above this are outliers.
How much do MSN nurses make in California? ›$93,026 is the 25th percentile.
How much do male nurses make in California? ›
Male Nurses Salary in California:$58,150 - ZipRecruiter.
Do nurses get paid well in California? ›Highest paying cities in California for registered nurses
California nursing salaries vary from region to region across the state. The area where registered nurses are paid the highest is Sunnyvale, where the average RNs salary is $155,230 and 20,640 registered nurses are currently employed.
Any registered nurse with or without a BSN has passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam and obtained nursing licensure. The distinguishing difference between a BSN nurse and an RN is that BSNs hold a bachelor's degree in nursing while RNs have an associate degree.
What does BSN mean for nursing? ›What Is a BSN? BSN is an undergraduate degree which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Completing a BSN program is one way to start your career in nursing and obtain your RN license. While technically all BSN graduates are RNs—at least if they take the RN licensure exam and practice nursing—all RNs aren't BSNs.
What is the average salary of a BSN nurse in USA? ›Part One Average Salary for a Nurse With a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)? While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median average registered nurse salary is $77,600 or $37.31 per hour, which includes both ADN and BSN prepared nurses.
What is the quickest nursing program? ›You can fast-track your journey to become an RN and knock two years off your study. An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast-track options. Both ways do require you to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination post your degree.
What is the easiest and fastest nursing degree? ›An LPN or LVN program usually takes around a year to complete, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). What makes an LPN or LVN preparation program the easiest type of nursing education you can pursue is its focus on training for basic nursing services only and its quick completion time.
What is the fastest you can become a registered nurse? ›If you are aiming towards becoming a registered nurse, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is one of the fastest paths to get there. This undergraduate degree is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a registered nurse and usually takes two to three years depending on the credits.
Are BSN programs harder than ADN? ›ADN programs are also generally easier to get into than BSN programs and they are not as costly. There are many advantages to both ADNs and BSNs. To help decide which program might be right for you, consider cost, program length, salary potential, and career advancement opportunities.
What is the fastest RN program in California? ›Become a registered nurse in just 12 months! Offered in Oakland, Sacramento & San Mateo. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is the fastest route to a nursing career for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.
What is the hardest nursing semester? ›
Without question, the most difficult semester for me was the last semester of my junior year in nursing school. I attended a 4-year BSN program, and that particular semester included three classes that were very content-heavy, as well as the corresponding clinical hours for those classes.
What is the easiest nursing job that pays well? ›- Nurse Educator. Average Annual Salary: $62,000. ...
- Nurse Blogger. Average Annual Salary: N/A. ...
- Clinic Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $65,000. ...
- Traveling Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $70,000. ...
- School Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $50,000. ...
- Summer Camp Nurse. ...
- Nurse Administrator. ...
- Public Health Nurse.
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled Registered Nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.
What state is the easiest to become a nurse? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | $52.89 |
| 3 to 5 years | $55.51 |
| 6 to 9 years | $57.51 |
| More than 10 years | $64.31 |
$29.09 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. $41.59 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
What is the earliest age you can become a RN? ›This stipulation dictates that most aspiring nurses become licensed nursing professionals at the earliest ages of 20 and 22, depending on whether they have attended a two-year nursing program for an associate's degree or a four-year nursing program for a bachelor's degree.
Do hospitals prefer BSN over ADN? ›Many hospitals favor hiring nurses with a BSN because they can reach the IOM's recommendation without losing ADNs who are close to retirement age. If hospitals do hire nurses with an associate degree, they may require them to complete a BSN program within two to five years.
What is the pay difference between ADN and BSN? ›In California, ADN nursing salaries average $109,420, and BSN nurses earn nearly $120,000 each year, a difference of over $9,000 annually.
Do you have to take the Nclex again for BSN? ›Once you successfully pass this exam, you do not need to take it again, even if you finish a BSN program years later.