Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
Why Pursue an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in California?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) fulfill a crucial role in the healthcare landscape in California. These highly-skilled nurses are able to offset physician shortages in the state, and are often the primary caregivers to residents in more rural areas of California. With several degree types available to prospective NPs, including a master’s (MSN), a post-graduate certificate (available to those who already hold an MSN and wish to change specializations), and a doctoral pathway (DNP), nurses in California who wish to advance their careers, earn higher salaries, and work with the patient population of their choice are increasingly opting for online nurse practitioner programs.
Many RNs pursue online courses while holding a full-time job. Flexible online options let them deepen their understanding of their specialization to provide better care, and they can also advance their earning capability. Plus, studying at home takes away the pressure and distraction of in-person classes.
2023 Top Ranked California Online NP Programs
If you're looking to advance your nursing career in California, you're in luck. The state boasts many accredited, quality program options for prospective nurse practitioners. No matter the specialty you seek, there are schools in California ready and waiting to provide your next educational step towards becoming an NP. With online and hybrid options becoming increasingly popular, it can be hard to find the right school to fit your needs. That's why we've ranked the best online nurse practitioner programs in California. Browse our rankings below and check out our methodology page for more information.
Carson, CA
CSU Dominguez Hills offers students an online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program to prepare experienced RNs for work in outpatient and primary care environments. While courses are delivered in an online format, some on-campus meetings are required (typically 1-3 per semester). Students can complete the program in 3-4 years.
Highlights:
- Students admitted in the Fall semester
- Clinical hours arranged in local outpatient settings in California
- 48 semester units required
Loma Linda, CA
Loma Linda University's School of Nursing offers several DNP-level online program pathways in specialties such as Adult-Gerontology NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric NP, and more. With a strong focus on preventative care, these programs can be completed online in 3 years and 9 months of full-time study.
Highlights:
- Minimum of one year of full-time RN experience required
- Open to those with California RN licenses
- Seventh-day Adventist university
Pomona, CA
Pomona's Western University of Health Sciences is home to several online pathways, including an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program as well as a Post-Master's FNP Certificate program. The MSN utilizes a mixture of self-directed learning, collaborative projects, and on-campus weekend intensives (twice per semester).
Highlights:
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Clinical training arranged in the student's own community
- A sister campus is located in Oregon
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 won’t 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.
Family Nurse Practitioner
A popular nurse practitioner specialty, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cares for patients of all ages, often acting in a primary care role. Prospective FNPs can enroll in any of the 13 online programs in California below:
MSN-FNP Programs
Graduate Certificate-FNP Programs
DNP-FNP Programs
Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Nurses who wish to focus on the care of adult patients from the teen years through the geriatric years, whether in a primary or acute care setting, can opt for one of the 3 online programs in California below.
Graduate Certificate-AGNP Programs
DNP-AGNP Programs
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners focus their care on children from birth through adolescence. To become a Pediatric NP, students in California can enroll in the following online program.
DNP-PNP Programs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are tasked with caring for patients with a range of mental health illnesses and disorders. As the demand for mental health practitioners continues to grow, prospective PMHNPs in California can earn their specialized degree by enrolling in one of the 5 online programs below.
MSN-PMHNP Programs
Graduate Certificate-PMHNP Programs
DNP-PMHNP Programs
Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.