Most important takeaways…
- Los Angeles area NP programs span FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP specialties across MSN and DNP levels.
- CSU tuition keeps resident NP education well under $50,000, far below many private university alternatives.
- Median annual pay for nurse practitioners in the LA metro reaches roughly $164,510, above the national median.
- California began issuing 104 NP licenses in January 2026, granting full practice authority to qualifying graduates.
Los Angeles runs one of the largest and most fragmented healthcare economies in the country, a mix of academic medical centers, safety-net clinics, and underserved communities that creates strong demand for nurse practitioners across specialties. With MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate tracks available at public and private universities throughout the metro, choosing a pathway that aligns with your clinical focus, budget, and schedule requires more than a search for the nearest program.
We've mapped NP programs in the Greater Los Angeles area, broken down specialties from FNP to PMHNP, and compared costs, admissions requirements, and earnings data to help you find a fit. Neighboring areas like NP programs in Pasadena and NP programs in Irvine expand your options even further. California's NP workforce is growing fast, but program quality and clinical placement opportunities still vary widely.
NP Programs in the Greater Los Angeles Area
The greater Los Angeles region is home to a diverse collection of nurse practitioner programs spanning multiple specialties, degree levels, and delivery formats. Whether you live in central L.A., commute from Long Beach or Fullerton, or are open to hybrid options at campuses farther afield, the programs below offer paths to FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, WHNP, and PNP credentials at the master's, doctoral, and post-master's certificate levels. Graduation rates cited for each school reflect institution-wide figures and may not mirror NP program completion rates specifically.
- Graduate outcomes and earnings
- Institutional graduation and retention
- Net price and affordability
- Program breadth and specialty options
- Clinical training structure
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
California State University-Long Beach
California State University, Long Beach sits at the southern edge of L.A. County and offers one of the widest NP specialty menus among public universities in the metro. Its CCNE-accredited, BRN-approved School of Nursing houses MSN tracks in FNP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, and Adult-Gerontology NP (both primary and acute care), plus a BSN-to-DNP pathway with five concentration options. With a net price near $10,440 and an institution-wide graduation rate of about 69%, CSULB is a commuter-friendly hub for nurses throughout L.A. County and northern Orange County.
- CCNE-accredited and California BRN-approved
- 30 to 48 units of coursework required
- Campus-based with diverse primary care clinicals
- Thesis or capstone project to complete the degree
- 3.0 GPA and California RN license required
- Prerequisites include statistics, pathophysiology, physical assessment
- Prepares for pediatric primary care NP certification
- CCNE-accredited with BRN approval
- Thesis, capstone project, or comprehensive exam options
- 3.0 minimum GPA and prerequisite coursework needed
- Campus-based format with clinical rotations
- Six concentration options within the MSN
- Specialty courses in adult-gerontology primary care
- Core courses cover advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
- California RN license and statistics prerequisite
- CCNE-accredited with Board of Registered Nursing approval
- Campus-based delivery with clinical seminars
- 3.0 GPA and prerequisite courses required
- Acute and primary care track options available
- Specialty clinical courses in acute care settings
- CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved program
- 3.0 GPA with California RN license required
- Prerequisite: college-level statistics
- Thesis or capstone option included
- 72-unit, three-year hybrid doctoral program
- 1,000 clinical practice hours across specialties
- FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, and AGACNP concentrations
- Prepares for national NP certification exams
- Evidence-based doctoral project required
- Electives include Medical Spanish
- Three letters of recommendation and interview required
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) — On-Campus
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP (Multiple NP Concentrations) — On-Campus
University of California-Los Angeles
UCLA's School of Nursing, embedded within one of the nation's top academic medical centers, launched its Post-BSN-to-DNP program with a Fall 2025 inaugural cohort. The three-year, campus-based doctoral pathway offers four NP specialty tracks, including FNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. UCLA also participates in the University of California's multicampus PMHNP graduate certificate, a 12-month hybrid program that places clinical rotations across California. With an institution-wide graduation rate of nearly 93% and a net price around $12,548, UCLA combines research-intensive resources with strong clinical training in the heart of Los Angeles.
- Three-year campus-based doctoral program
- Fall 2025 inaugural cohort
- California RN license and 3.0 GPA required
- Prerequisites include statistics, nursing research, physical assessment
- One year RN experience recommended, two years preferred
- Statement of purpose and personal statement required
- Three-year campus-based program with optional occupational health certificate
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice and chronic disease management
- BSN and California RN license required
- 3.0 minimum GPA for admission
- Health promotion and disease prevention focus
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasized
- Doctoral-level preparation for acute care settings
- Advanced diagnostic and treatment skill development
- Multiple clinical practice settings available
- Evidence-based clinical practice focus
- Three-year program duration on campus
- Occupational health certificate option
- Master's-level advanced practice nursing program
- Comprehensive adult healthcare focus
- Optional occupational health coursework
- Certification exam eligibility upon completion
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
- Multiple clinical practice settings
- 12-month hybrid format with virtual and immersion sessions
- 48-unit graduate certificate for licensed APRNs
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP-BC board certification
- Clinical placements available across California
- Full-time enrollment with 16 to 24 weekly clinical hours
- Collaboration among UCLA, UC Davis, UCI, and UCSF
Post-BSN-to-DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-BSN-to-DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — On-Campus
Post-BSN-to-DNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — On-Campus
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — On-Campus
UC PMHNP Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
California State University-Los Angeles
Cal State LA offers post-master's NP certificates in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, making it a focused option for nurses who already hold an MSN and want to add an NP specialty. What sets Cal State LA apart is its partnership with the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, which operates a 12-month, full-time, paid FNP Community Care Residency placing new graduates in safety-net clinics across L.A. County. With the lowest net price in this group at roughly $3,967, the university is a budget-conscious entry point for NP credentialing right in the city.
- Campus-based program in Los Angeles
- Requires a master's degree in nursing and RN licensure
- Prepares graduates for acute care certification exams
- Clinical training in hospital and acute care settings
- Part of the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing
- Offered pending sufficient enrollment
- 17 units of campus-based coursework
- Focus on health promotion and disease prevention
- Manages acute and chronic conditions in diverse populations
- Requires California RN license and one year clinical experience
- 3.0 GPA maintenance required throughout the program
- Eligible for state and national NP certification
Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — On-Campus
Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — On-Campus
University of California-Irvine
UC Irvine's Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing launched the first DNP-FNP program within the University of California system, structured as an 11-quarter, three-year hybrid pathway with three on-campus intensives. UCI also participates in the multicampus UC PMHNP graduate certificate, offering regional clinical placements that benefit nurses in Orange and Los Angeles counties. An institution-wide graduation rate near 87% and a net price around $14,251 reflect the UC system's combination of academic rigor and public-university affordability.
- First DNP-FNP program in the UC system
- Three-year hybrid format with on-campus intensives
- Full-time enrollment with synchronous and asynchronous options
- Capstone project required for graduation
- Prepares for FNP board certification exam
- Option for NLN Certified Nurse Educator credential
- Interprofessional learning across UCI schools
- 12-month hybrid graduate certificate (48 units)
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP board certification
- Full-time enrollment with four consecutive quarters
- Clinical placements across California using regional model
- Virtual classes with three annual immersion sessions
- Open to licensed NPs, CNSs, CNMs, and CRNAs
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
UC PMHNP Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
California State University-Fullerton
CSU Fullerton offers one of the few Women's Health Nurse Practitioner MSN tracks in Southern California, a relatively uncommon specialty in the state. Students can choose a standalone WHNP emphasis or a dual Nurse-Midwife and WHNP track. Located in northern Orange County, Fullerton is easily accessible from eastern and southeastern L.A. County. A net price near $6,555 and an institution-wide graduation rate of about 70% make it an affordable campus-based option for nurses interested in women's health across the lifespan.
- Campus-based MSN in a rare Southern California WHNP track
- Two emphasis options: standalone WHNP or Nurse-Midwife and WHNP
- Covers well-woman gynecologic, perimenopause, and menopause care
- Clinical placements arranged by faculty
- Focus on primary ambulatory care for women across the lifespan
- Research critique and ethical decision-making framework
- Interdisciplinary problem-solving and advocacy training
MSN, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
University of California-Davis
UC Davis houses the UC-system PMHNP graduate certificate and offers its own DNP-FNP track delivered in a hybrid format with clinical rotations placed near students' home communities across California. Although its campus is in the Sacramento region, the PMHNP certificate's regional clinical model means L.A.-area APRNs can often complete placements locally. The DNP-FNP is a three-year, full-time hybrid program accredited by AACN, with four on-campus immersion experiences. The institution-wide graduation rate is approximately 86%, and the net price sits around $14,741.
- Admissions administered through UC Davis for all UC partner sites
- 12-month hybrid program with 48 graduate units
- Regional clinical model with placements across California
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP-BC board certification
- Full-time enrollment required over four consecutive quarters
- Targets licensed NPs, CNSs, CNMs, and CRNAs
- AACN-accredited three-year hybrid doctoral program
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework options
- Four on-campus immersion experiences
- Clinical rotations near California communities
- Capstone project required
- Financial aid available
UC PMHNP Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
San Diego State University
San Diego State's School of Nursing offers both MSN and DNP pathways across several NP specialties. A distinctive feature is the MSN's dual Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP and Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration, which prepares graduates for certification through ANCC, AANP, and AACN. DNP tracks include FNP, PMHNP, and AGPCNP, each requiring 1,000 clinical hours secured by the school. While the San Diego campus is roughly two hours from central L.A., its Southern California location and school-arranged clinical sites make it a viable option for nurses open to a moderate commute. The net price is approximately $15,364.
- 768 clinical hours with dual NP and CNS preparation
- Eligible for ANCC, AANP, and AACN certifications
- Campus-based with dedicated graduate advisor support
- Focus on primary and acute care for adult and older adult populations
- Evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration
- Led by a designated concentration chair
- Three-year program with full-time and part-time options
- 1,000 clinical hours with placements arranged by the school
- No entrance exam required
- Prepares for FNP-BC or FNP-C certification
- 3.0 GPA and California RN license required
- Capstone project and prerequisite courses needed
- 70 to 78 total units over three or four years
- 1,000 clinical hours with school-secured placements
- Prepares for PMHNP-BC certification
- In-person classes with some hybrid courses
- Evidence-based practice project required
- Full-time and part-time enrollment available
- Three-year program with 1,000 clinical hours
- Clinical placements secured by the school
- Prepares for AGPCNP-BC certification
- Two years of RN experience required
- Statistics prerequisite with C or better
- Evidence-based practice and leadership focus
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP / CNS Dual Concentration — On-Campus
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — On-Campus
San Jose State University
San Jose State University offers a hybrid MSN-FNP program that combines online coursework with Tuesday evening in-person classes and clinical rotations. The five-semester, full-time cohort model admits students in the fall only and keeps class sizes small, which supports close faculty mentorship. Located in the Bay Area, SJSU is a longer commute from Los Angeles but may appeal to nurses relocating northward or seeking a structured, lock-step program. The net price is approximately $13,760, and the institution-wide graduation rate is about 69%.
- Five-semester hybrid program with fall-only admission
- Small cohort model for close faculty mentorship
- Online coursework paired with Tuesday evening on-campus sessions
- 3.0 GPA and BSN degree required
- California RN license and two years experience preferred
- Eligible for FNP national certification upon graduation
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
California State University-Stanislaus
CSU Stanislaus in Turlock offers a two-year hybrid MSN-FNP program along with a post-graduate PMHNP certificate. The FNP track requires 56 semester units and 750 clinical hours completed in California outpatient settings. The PMHNP certificate provides an add-on psychiatric credential for nurses who already hold a master's degree. While Turlock is roughly three hours from Los Angeles, the hybrid format reduces on-campus time, and the net price near $6,067 is among the lowest of any California NP program.
- Two-year hybrid program with 56 semester units
- 750 clinical hours in California outpatient settings
- California BRN-approved and fall-only admission
- 3.0 GPA and one year of RN experience required
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- On-campus simulation sessions supplement online learning
- Post-master's certificate in psychiatric mental health NP
- Hybrid format with online and campus components
- Requires MSN, California RN license, and one year nursing experience
- Advanced pharmacology and psychopharmacology coursework
- Psychotherapy theories and clinical reasoning covered
- Background check, drug screening, and CPR certification required
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
California State University-Fresno
Fresno State's MSN-FNP program requires a minimum of 43 units, including 750 clinical practicum hours, and is both CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved. The university also offers post-master's certificates in FNP and PMHNP, the latter delivered in a hybrid format targeting primary care NPs who want to add psychiatric mental health capability. Situated in the Central Valley, Fresno State primarily serves a region with significant primary care shortages, though its certificate options may interest L.A.-based NPs seeking an affordable credential expansion. The net price is roughly $7,000.
- Minimum 43 units with 750 clinical practicum hours
- CCNE-accredited and California BRN-approved
- 3.0 GPA with three letters of recommendation required
- Thesis or culminating project to complete the degree
- Application period runs October through May
- Campus-based format in Fresno
- 30-unit post-master's certificate for experienced nurses
- Credit granted for previous graduate coursework
- Customized study plan tailored to individual background
- Primary care family focus
- Campus-based delivery
- Designed for nurses adding FNP credentials
- One-year hybrid post-master's certificate
- CCNE-accredited program for primary care NPs
- Psychiatric mental health focus across the lifespan
- Hybrid format combines online and campus instruction
- Prepares for expanded PMHNP practice scope
- Targets already-practicing nurse practitioners
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
NP Specialties You Can Study in the Los Angeles Metro
The Los Angeles metro area offers most major nurse practitioner specialties, though availability and program formats vary by school. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is the most widely offered track, available at UCLA, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State Los Angeles, USC, and a dozen other campuses. FNP programs prepare you to deliver primary care across the lifespan, from newborns to seniors, in outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and community health settings. Most working RNs start with FNP because of its broad scope and flexible job market.
High-Demand Psychiatric Mental Health Specialty
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs are in particularly high demand as California grapples with shortages of mental health providers. UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, and UC San Francisco jointly offer a twelve-month PMHNP certificate designed for already-licensed nurse practitioners. Vanguard University offers an online PMHNP certificate for MSN or DNP graduates. These programs equip you to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
Adult Gerontology and Acute Care Specialties
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) concentrations appear at San Diego State (Imperial Valley campus) and prepare you to serve adults and older patients in primary care. For critical care settings, Cal State Los Angeles offers a post-master's certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), focusing on hospitalized, acutely ill, and ICU patients.
Women's Health and Pediatrics
Women's health nurse practitioner (WHNP) training is available at Cal State Fullerton, where you can also pursue a dual nurse-midwife and WHNP track. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) preparation is less common in stand-alone programs but is offered at Loma Linda University through a DNP pathway focused on primary care for children and adolescents. If your career focus is a specific population or clinical setting, confirm that the school you are considering offers the specialty you need.
MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate Pathways
Choosing the right degree pathway depends on where you are in your career and where you want to go. If you are a BSN-prepared nurse entering advanced practice for the first time, the MSN is your most direct route. If you are drawn to clinical leadership, systems-level change, or faculty roles, a DNP builds on that foundation. And if you already hold an MSN or DNP and want to add a new NP specialty, a post-master's certificate lets you do so in roughly a year. Among the programs listed for the greater Los Angeles area and nearby regions, the majority award MSN degrees, several offer DNP tracks, and a handful provide post-master's certificates for practicing NPs looking to expand their scope.
Related Articles
Program Costs and Financial Considerations
Public universities in California make NP education genuinely affordable, especially compared to private programs that can run $50,000 or more for a full MSN.
Public Program Tuition in the CSU System
For California residents, tuition at CSU campuses runs roughly $7,000 to $10,000 per year for graduate programs. Cal State LA, for example, lists in-state tuition around $8,700 per year for its post-master's certificate, while Cal State Long Beach and CSU Dominguez Hills in Carson come in around $8,900 per year for their FNP tracks. Out-of-state students pay considerably more, in the range of $18,000 to $20,000 annually, which is still competitive compared to many private institutions nationwide.
For students who qualify for financial aid, the actual out-of-pocket cost can drop substantially below the sticker tuition. Across CSU campuses with NP programs, average net prices for students receiving aid typically fall in the $4,000 to $12,000 per year range, depending on the campus and aid package. These are institution-wide estimates, not program-specific figures, so your individual cost will depend on your household income, aid eligibility, and enrollment status.
Understanding What You May Borrow
Graduate debt at CSU nursing programs tends to be more manageable than at private schools. Median graduate debt at CSU campuses with NP programs generally falls between $13,000 and $17,000 total, based on available federal data. Keep in mind that NPs in the Los Angeles metro frequently earn $120,000 to $140,000 or more annually, which makes even private program debt far more serviceable than it might appear upfront.
Program-level earnings and debt data specific to NP graduates are not yet published for most of these programs, so the figures above reflect institution-wide borrowing patterns rather than NP-specific outcomes.
Private Programs and the Cost Trade-Off
Private universities offering NP programs in the Los Angeles area, including several faith-based and for-profit institutions, typically charge per-unit rates that push total program costs well past $50,000 for an MSN. If you are exploring options beyond the LA metro, our guide to affordable nurse practitioner programs can help you compare costs nationally. The potential advantages of private programs, such as cohort-based scheduling, more frequent start dates, and added flexibility, may justify that premium for certain students. For most working nurses weighing cost against return, however, the CSU system represents a hard-to-beat value within commuting range of Los Angeles.
Admissions Requirements and Program Formats
A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is the floor at nearly every NP program in the Los Angeles area, and many schools will not review an application below that threshold.1 While the core criteria are consistent (a BSN from an accredited program, an active unencumbered California RN license, and completion of a statistics prerequisite), the details around work experience, entrance exams, and clinical placement support vary enough to shape where you apply.
Standard Admissions Criteria
- Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution and a nationally accredited nursing program (CCNE or ACEN).
- License: An active, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in California. Some programs allow you to apply while the license is pending, but it must be issued before clinical courses begin.
- GPA: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Programs like UCLA and Cal State Long Beach enforce this strictly; a few may offer conditional admission if you show strong grades in recent graduate coursework.2
- Prerequisites: A college-level statistics course is required by almost every program. Additional common prerequisites include pathophysiology, physical assessment, and human physiology, often built into the BSN but sometimes needing a refresher.
GRE Policies and Experience Requirements
GRE requirements are fading. Cal State LA, for example, offers a GRE waiver, and most public universities in the region no longer require the exam.2 A few private schools may still ask for scores, but the trend is test-optional.
RN experience expectations split roughly into two camps: - One year of acute-care or related nursing practice is the most common benchmark, used by Cal State LA, CSU Stanislaus, and others. - Two years is preferred or required at more selective programs like UCLA, CSU Bakersfield, and CSU Dominguez Hills.
If you are a newer graduate, look for programs that accept new RNs; they are less common but do exist in the greater LA footprint. For a deeper look at what graduate nursing programs expect, review these NP school requirements.
Clinical Placement: Who Finds Your Preceptor?
Clinical placement support is one of the biggest differentiators. Some programs, such as Cal State LA and UCLA, maintain a school-coordinated model where faculty or a placement office secures preceptors and sites for required clinical hours (typically 600 to 750 hours total).3 Others place the responsibility squarely on the student to identify and contract with a preceptor, a task that can be challenging in the competitive LA healthcare market. Always confirm during the admissions process exactly how the program sources clinical rotations and what geographic flexibility is allowed. Even programs based in Los Angeles may place students at sites across Southern California, from the San Fernando Valley to Orange County.
Program Formats and Pacing for Working RNs
Of the 15 NP programs in our overview, 8 use a hybrid format that blends online didactic coursework with periodic on-campus intensives or simulation days, while 7 remain fully campus-based. No program is entirely online for the clinical specialty component; all California-based NP pathways require in-person clinical hours completed in or near Los Angeles. If you are considering an out-of-state online program, keep in mind that the California Board of Registered Nursing must approve it before you can complete clinical rotations in the state.4
Pacing options have expanded to accommodate working nurses: - Full-time tracks typically run 2 years (5 to 6 semesters) and follow a cohort model with set course sequences. - Part-time tracks stretch 3 to 4 years, with lighter course loads each term. For instance, CSU Dominguez Hills' 3-to-4-year path is explicitly designed for nurses who plan to keep working. - Hybrid scheduling means evening classes, weekend labs, and online modules, reducing commute time. USC's FNP program, for example, combines online coursework with just two on-campus intensives over the entire program, while UC Davis and UC Irvine post-master's certificates use a mix of virtual classes and short immersion sessions.
If you are pursuing a DNP rather than an MSN, expect additional coursework in research methods, quality improvement, and a scholarly project. You can explore the full list of DNP prerequisites to see how those requirements layer on top of the standard admissions criteria.
If you are balancing a full-time nursing job, look for programs that clearly state "part-time option" and ask how often on-campus attendance is required. Even hybrid programs may demand a monthly or quarterly in-person commitment, so factor in LA traffic when choosing.
Earnings and Job Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area employs approximately 6,400 nurse practitioners, making it one of the largest NP job markets in California. Median annual pay for NPs in the LA metro sits at $164,510, which is well above the national median of roughly $126,260 but slightly below the California statewide median (driven upward by higher-paying Bay Area metros). For comparison, registered nurses in the same metro earn a median of $133,440, meaning an NP credential can translate to roughly $31,000 more per year in the LA area.
| Wage Percentile | Annual Salary (LA Metro) |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | Data not reported |
| 25th Percentile | $140,230 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $164,510 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,670 |
| 90th Percentile | Data not reported |
| Mean (Average) | $165,030 |
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in California
The path from registered nurse to licensed nurse practitioner in California typically takes two to four years, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Starting in January 2026, California began issuing 104 NP licenses, which grant full practice authority after completing a structured transition-to-practice period. Here is the step-by-step licensure pathway for aspiring NPs in the state.
More NP Programs Within Reach of Los Angeles
Beyond the programs highlighted above, numerous other NP programs across California are within commuting distance of Los Angeles. The following directory includes additional options in the Greater Los Angeles area as well as in the Bay Area, San Diego, Central Valley, and Inland Empire. Each entry provides key details to help you compare programs.
Greater Los Angeles
California State University-Channel Islands Camarillo, CA · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, CA · Hybrid
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice--Family Nurse Practitioner
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA · On-Campus
- MSN with NP Specialties (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing with Nurse Practitioner Specialties (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN to DNP (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- BSN to DNP (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP))
- BSN to DNP (Health Systems Leadership)
West Coast University-Orange County Anaheim, CA · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
- Post-Master's - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Bay Area
Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA · On-Campus
- Master of Science in Nursing: Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-MSN Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Touro University California Vallejo, CA · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Samuel Merritt University Oakland, CA · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
San Diego Area
University of San Diego San Diego, CA · On-Campus
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care
- BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care)
Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, CA · Hybrid
- Nursing, M.S. (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner
California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, CA · Hybrid
- Nursing, M.S.N. (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Nursing Practice Doctorate (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Central Valley
California State University-Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA · On-Campus
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- DNP-FNP Program (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Fresno Pacific University Fresno, CA · On-Campus
- Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Inland Empire
Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA · Hybrid
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner BS to DNP
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Concentration
Explore More
- ACNP Programs in California
- AGNP Programs in California
- DNP NP Programs in California
- FNP Programs in California
- PMHNP Programs in California
- PNP Programs in California
- Best NP Program Options in Anaheim, California
- Best Nurse Practitioner Options in Long Beach, CA
- Best Nurse Practitioner Options in Pasadena, CA
- Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Irvine, CA
- Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in San Diego, CA
- Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in San Francisco
- Nurse Practitioner Programs in San Jose, CA
