Best Nurse Practitioner Options in Pasadena, California

Compare FNP, PMHNP, AGNP & more NP specialties available to Pasadena-area working nurses

Most important takeaways…

  • Pasadena area nurses can access all six major NP specialties, including FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, and AGACNP, within a two hour commute.
  • California does not yet require a DNP for practice, but several nearby schools offer BSN to DNP bridge programs.
  • NP salaries in the Los Angeles metro reflect strong demand and rank among the highest in the nation.
  • Clinical placement models vary widely by school, so confirming site support before enrollment can save months of stress.

Pasadena lies within a one-hour drive of more than a dozen accredited nurse practitioner programs spanning Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties. That geographic advantage gives working nurses access to programs across every major NP specialty, from family (FNP) and psychiatric-mental health (PMHNP) to acute care (AGACNP), women's health (WHNP), pediatric (PNP), and adult-gerontology primary care (AGNP). Options include traditional MSN programs, direct-entry BSN-to-DNP pathways, and post-master's certificates for certified NPs adding a second specialty.

Program delivery formats range from fully online with local clinical rotations to campus-hybrid models and weekend cohorts built for shift workers. Tuition varies widely, clinical placement policies differ sharply, and admissions standards reflect each school's mission and capacity. Cost of attendance at private nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles can exceed $90,000 for a complete MSN program, while California State University campuses in the region often charge less than half that amount for state residents.

California does not yet require a terminal DNP for nurse practitioner practice, but workforce forecasts and employer preferences continue to push enrollment toward doctoral tracks. Median salaries for nurse practitioners in the Los Angeles metro exceed $140,000 annually, though early-career earnings and specialty choice create substantial variation.

NP Programs Near Pasadena, Ranked by Fit for Working Nurses

Pasadena sits at the crossroads of some of California's strongest nursing schools. Whether you commute west toward Los Angeles, south to Long Beach or Fullerton, or tap into hybrid UC programs from home, you have realistic options at every degree level. The programs below are ranked by overall fit for working nurses in the Pasadena metro, weighing proximity, format flexibility, specialty breadth, and affordability.

Factors considered
  • Proximity and commute feasibility
  • Program format flexibility
  • Specialty and degree breadth
  • Institutional graduation outcomes
  • Tuition and net price
Data sources
CA

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · ~$4,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Pasadena nurses seeking the shortest commute

Cal State LA is the closest public NP provider to Pasadena, roughly 10 to 15 miles away, making it the most commute-friendly option on this list. The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing offers post-master's certificates in both Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and the BRN also approves the campus for FNP and Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP preparation. Its urban, community-focused mission aligns closely with the culturally diverse patient populations across the San Gabriel Valley. With an average net price around $3,967 for undergraduates (the lowest among the schools listed here) and standard CSU graduate tuition of approximately $8,688 in-state, affordability is a clear strength.

  • Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Los Angeles
    • Campus-based program at the nearest CSU to Pasadena
    • Requires a master's degree in nursing for admission
    • Prepares graduates for AGACNP certification exams
    • Clinical training in hospital and acute care settings
    • Current California RN licensure required
    • Part of the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing
    Visit Website
  • Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Los Angeles
    • 17 units of focused coursework
    • Emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention
    • Manages acute and chronic conditions in diverse populations
    • Includes practicum courses in community-based settings
    • One year of clinical experience required for admission
    • Prepares for both state and national NP certification
    Visit Website
UN

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · $13,000/yr (net price)

Best for: Doctoral-track nurses wanting broad specialty choice

UCLA is about 25 to 30 miles west of Pasadena and offers one of the broadest NP portfolios in Southern California. Its Post BSN-to-DNP program, which welcomed its inaugural cohort in Fall 2025, covers FNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care tracks across a three-year campus-based curriculum. UCLA also participates in the UC multi-campus PMHNP certificate, a 12-month hybrid program that uses a regional clinical placement model designed to keep students training near their home communities. The school offering these programs carries a 92.6% graduation rate and a 97% retention rate.

  • Post BSN-DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    University of California-Los Angeles
    • Three-year campus-based doctoral program
    • Four specialty options available within the DNP track
    • California RN license and 3.0 GPA required
    • Statistics, research, and physiology prerequisites
    • Fall 2025 inaugural cohort launched
    • One year RN experience recommended for applicants
    Visit Website
  • UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
    University of California-Los Angeles
    • 12-month hybrid graduate certificate (48 units)
    • Multi-campus UC collaboration administered through UC Davis
    • Prepares for ANCC PMHNP-BC board certification
    • Clinical placements arranged near students' home communities
    • Virtual classes with three annual immersion sessions
    • Open to licensed NPs, CNSs, CNMs, and CRNAs
    Visit Website
  • MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    University of California-Los Angeles
    • Master's-level advanced practice nursing preparation
    • Comprehensive focus on adult and older-adult healthcare
    • Certification exam eligibility upon graduation
    • Optional occupational health coursework available
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach emphasized
    • Multiple clinical practice settings included
    Visit Website
  • MSN, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    University of California-Los Angeles
    • Advanced diagnostic and treatment skill development
    • Multiple clinical settings for acute care training
    • Evidence-based clinical practice curriculum
    • Advanced clinical leadership preparation
    • Comprehensive patient assessment training
    • Master's degree conferred upon completion
    Visit Website
CA

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · $7,000 – $20,000/yr

Best for: Nurses comparing pediatric or adult-gero tracks

Cal State Long Beach, about 35 miles south of Pasadena, is one of the most specialty-rich CSU NP programs in the region. It offers MSN tracks in FNP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, and both Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Acute Care NP, plus a BSN-to-DNP pathway in FNP, PMHNP, and both AG tracks. All programs are CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved. DNP students complete 1,000 clinical hours across a 72-unit, three-year plan. In-state tuition runs approximately $8,898 with an average net price near $10,440.

  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Long Beach
    • CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved campus program
    • 30 to 48 units required depending on prerequisites
    • Thesis or capstone project to complete the degree
    • Prerequisites include statistics and pathophysiology
    • 3.0 GPA and California RN license required
    • Clinical experiences in diverse primary care settings
  • MSN, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Long Beach
    • One of few CSU programs offering a PNP track
    • CCNE-accredited with multiple culminating options
    • Thesis, project, or comprehensive exam available
    • 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
    • Prerequisite courses required before enrollment
    • BRN-approved for California licensure
  • MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Long Beach
    • Specialty courses in adult-gerontology primary care
    • Core courses cover advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
    • Health assessment clinical seminar included
    • CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved
    • California RN license required for admission
    • Thesis or capstone option available
  • DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
    California State University-Long Beach
    • 72 total credit hours over three years
    • 1,000 supervised clinical hours required
    • Hybrid delivery format with online components
    • Prepares for national PMHNP-BC certification
    • Doctoral project focused on improving patient care
    • Electives include Medical Spanish
    Visit Website
  • DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Long Beach
    • BSN-to-DNP pathway with 1,000 clinical hours
    • Three-year hybrid program structure
    • Evidence-based doctoral project required
    • National FNP certification preparation
    • 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA for admission
    • Multiple nurse practitioner specialties available
UN

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · $14,000/yr (net price)

UC Irvine, roughly 45 miles southeast of Pasadena, launched one of the first UC-campus DNP-FNP programs as a three-year hybrid option with synchronous and asynchronous coursework plus three on-campus intensives. UCI is also a partner site in the UC multi-campus PMHNP certificate, giving Southern California APRNs a realistic path to psychiatric certification without relocating. The school offering these programs has an 86.9% graduation rate and in-state tuition near $14,827.

  • DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    University of California-Irvine
    • Three-year hybrid commitment with full-time enrollment
    • Synchronous and asynchronous learning options
    • Capstone project required for graduation
    • Prepares for FNP board certification examination
    • Three on-campus intensives during the program
    • Faculty-practice clinical rotations in Southern California
  • UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
    University of California-Irvine
    • 12-month hybrid graduate certificate (48 units)
    • Part of the UC multi-campus PMHNP initiative
    • Clinical placements across California using regional model
    • Prepares for ANCC PMHNP board certification
    • Virtual Wednesday sessions with immersion weekends
    • Designed for licensed APRNs expanding into psych practice
    Visit Website
UN

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

UC Davis serves as the administrative home campus for the UC Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate, processing admissions and financial aid even when students train at UCLA or UCI clinical sites closer to Pasadena. Its DNP-FNP program uses a hybrid format with limited required trips to Davis and substantial online coursework, making it feasible for motivated Southern California nurses. The school offering these programs posts an 85.7% graduation rate.

  • UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
    University of California-Davis
    • Hub campus for admissions and enrollment processing
    • 48-unit graduate certificate completed in 12 months
    • Hybrid format with virtual learning and immersion sessions
    • Clinical placements available near students' home areas
    • Full-time enrollment required across four quarters
    • Collaboration with UCLA, UCI, and UCSF faculty
    Visit Website
  • DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    University of California-Davis
    • AACN-accredited three-year hybrid doctoral program
    • Synchronous and asynchronous coursework options
    • Four on-campus immersion experiences in Davis
    • Clinical rotations arranged near California communities
    • Financial aid available for qualifying students
    • Application window September through January
CA

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · $7,000 – $20,000/yr

Cal State Fullerton in northern Orange County, about 30 miles from Pasadena, is one of the few California public universities offering an MSN with a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. Students can choose a standalone WHNP emphasis or a combined Nurse-Midwife and WHNP track. The campus-based program covers care across the lifespan with clinical placements arranged by faculty in outpatient, hospital, and community settings throughout LA and Orange counties.

  • MSN, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Fullerton
    • Standalone WHNP or combined Nurse-Midwife/WHNP emphasis
    • Campus-based with faculty-arranged clinical placements
    • Focus on primary ambulatory care for women across the lifespan
    • Covers well-woman gynecology, perimenopause, and family planning
    • Research critique and ethical decision-making coursework
    • In-state tuition approximately $8,994 per year
SA

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · $15,000/yr (net price)

San Diego State offers a DNP with four NP concentrations: FNP, PMHNP, and both Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Acute Care tracks, plus an MSN-level AGPCNP option with a unique dual concentration that includes Clinical Nurse Specialist preparation. Clinical placements are secured by the School of Nursing, generally in the San Diego region. The school posts a 76.4% graduation rate and charges roughly $10,252 in-state tuition.

  • DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    San Diego State University
    • Three- or four-year plans with full- and part-time options
    • 1,000 clinical hours with school-arranged placements
    • Prepares for FNP-BC or FNP-C certification
    • No entrance exam required for admission
    • 3.0 GPA and California RN license required
    • Capstone evidence-based practice project required
  • DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    San Diego State University
    • Prepares for PMHNP-BC national certification
    • 70 to 78 total units depending on track
    • Full-time (three-year) or part-time (four-year) pacing
    • In-person classes with some hybrid courses
    • School secures all clinical placements
    • Evidence-based practice project required
    Visit Website
  • MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    San Diego State University
    • Dual AGPCNP and Acute/Critical Care CNS concentration
    • 768 clinical hours across primary and acute settings
    • Eligible for ANCC, AANP, and AACN certifications
    • Advanced diagnostic reasoning and pharmacology training
    • Dedicated concentration chair and graduate advisor
    • Comprehensive care focus for older adult populations
    Visit Website
SA

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · $14,000/yr

San Jose State's MSN-FNP is a hybrid, cohort-based program that combines online coursework with in-person Tuesday evening classes in San Jose over five semesters. While primarily serving the Bay Area, the hybrid format may appeal to Pasadena nurses who can manage occasional travel. In-state tuition is approximately $9,934, and the school posts a 69.2% graduation rate.

  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    San Jose State University
    • Five-semester full-time cohort model
    • Hybrid format with online and Tuesday evening classes
    • Fall admission only with small cohort sizes
    • 3.0 GPA and BSN degree required
    • California RN license mandatory for enrollment
    • Two years of clinical nursing experience preferred
    • Graduates eligible for national FNP certification
CA

California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, CA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)

Stanislaus State in Turlock offers a hybrid MSN-FNP that can be completed in two years (56 semester units) along with a post-graduate PMHNP certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN. The hybrid format pairs online didactic courses with on-campus simulation meetings. Average net price is among the lowest in the state at roughly $6,067, though the Central Valley location means periodic travel for Pasadena students.

  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Stanislaus
    • Two-year hybrid program with 56 semester units
    • 750 clinical hours in California outpatient settings
    • Rolling admissions for fall start
    • One year of RN experience and California licensure required
    • BRN-approved and prepares for national FNP certification
    • On-campus simulation meetings supplement online coursework
  • Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate — Hybrid
    California State University-Stanislaus
    • Hybrid format for nurses with an existing MSN
    • Covers psychotherapy theories, neuroscience, and psychopharmacology
    • Requires California RN license and one year nursing experience
    • 3.0 GPA maintenance with no grade below B minus
    • Background check, drug screening, and CPR required
    • Broadens clinical capabilities into psychiatric practice
    Visit Website
CA

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · ~$7,000/yr (est.)

Fresno State's MSN-FNP requires a minimum 43 units including 750 clinical practicum hours and is CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved. The school also offers post-master's certificates in both FNP (30 units) and PMHNP (hybrid, one year), giving experienced NPs a faster path to add a specialty. Tuition is among the most affordable at roughly $8,865 in-state, though most clinical partnerships are centered in the Central Valley.

  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
    California State University-Fresno
    • CCNE-accredited, BRN-approved campus program
    • Minimum 43 units with 750 clinical hours
    • Application period October 1 through May 1
    • 3.0 GPA and three letters of recommendation required
    • Thesis or project required for graduation
    • BSN or RN with bachelor's degree for admission
    Visit Website
  • Post-Master's FNP Certificate of Advanced Study — Hybrid
    California State University-Fresno
    • 30-unit post-master's certificate program
    • Credit granted for previous qualifying graduate courses
    • Customized study plan for experienced nurses
    • Primary care family focus throughout the curriculum
    • Campus-based delivery in Fresno
    • Designed for NPs adding an FNP specialty
    Visit Website
  • Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
    California State University-Fresno
    • One-year hybrid post-master's certificate
    • CCNE-accredited and focused on psychiatric mental health
    • Serves patients across all life stages
    • Prepares primary care NPs for psych practice
    • Hybrid format with online and campus components
    • Addresses Central Valley behavioral health shortages

NP Specialties Available in the Pasadena Metro: FNP, PMHNP, AGNP & More

Which nurse practitioner specialty should you pursue, and which programs near Pasadena offer it?

The Pasadena area and wider Southern California region support all six major NP specialties, though availability and delivery format vary. Programs within commuting distance of Pasadena include concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).

Family Nurse Practitioner: The Most Widely Available Track

FNP programs are the most accessible option for Pasadena-area nurses. Schools including UCLA, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton, San Jose State, Cal State LA, Azusa Pacific, Point Loma Nazarene, Concordia Irvine, and USC all offer FNP tracks within a reasonable drive. This concentration prepares nurses to provide primary care across the lifespan, from newborns to older adults, making it the broadest and most versatile specialty. Clinical rotations typically span family medicine, pediatrics, and women's health, and graduates are eligible for AANP or ANCC board certification.

PMHNP: Growing Demand in the LA Metro

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are expanding rapidly to meet mental health workforce shortages. The UC system's multi-campus PMHNP certificate, offered collaboratively by UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, and UCSF, is a 12-month hybrid program designed for currently licensed nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists who want to add psychiatric mental health certification. Vanguard University in Costa Mesa also offers an 18-month online PMHNP certificate. This specialty focuses on diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders, prescribing psychotropic medications, and providing psychotherapy for individuals and families.

AGNP, PNP, WHNP & AGACNP: Specialty-Specific Tracks

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP programs prepare nurses to manage chronic conditions and wellness care for adults and older adults; San Diego State's Imperial Valley campus and other regional schools offer this concentration. Cal State Fullerton provides a Women's Health Care track with both WHNP and dual WHNP/Nurse-Midwife emphasis options. Cal State LA offers a Post-Master's certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP for nurses seeking to work in intensive care or hospitalist settings. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentrations are available through Loma Linda University's DNP program, which focuses on preventive care for children and adolescents.

Nearby nurse practitioner programs in Irvine California at Concordia and UC Irvine add even more options for Pasadena-area nurses willing to commute south along the 5 Freeway. Less common specialties may require a longer commute, enrollment in an online or hybrid program, or a Post-Master's certificate pathway if you already hold an MSN in another concentration. The UC PMHNP certificate and similar programs allow practicing NPs to add a second certification in 12 to 18 months, a flexible option for nurses who want to pivot or expand their scope of practice without repeating core graduate coursework.

MSN, DNP & Post-Master's Certificate Pathways Compared

BSN-prepared nurses typically enter an MSN or a BSN-to-DNP bridge program, while certified NPs who want to add a new specialty often choose a post-master's certificate. California does not yet require a DNP for NP practice, but many Southern California programs are already transitioning to doctoral-level curricula, so the choice you make now could shape your options for years to come.

Side-by-side comparison of MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate NP pathways across length, audience, clinical hours, career ceiling, and cost

Tuition, Net Price & Return on Investment Across Nearby NP Programs

The table below compares published tuition, median graduate debt, and median earnings ten years after enrollment for NP programs accessible to Pasadena area nurses. Keep in mind that tuition figures reflect institution-wide rates; your actual cost will depend on the number of credit hours your specific NP track requires, financial aid, and employer tuition reimbursement. Net price figures are available only for public universities and reflect undergraduate averages, so graduate students should contact each school's financial aid office for a more tailored estimate.

SchoolIn-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionNet Price (Public)Median Graduate DebtMedian Earnings (10 Yr)Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Cal State LA$8,688$18,768$3,967$13,000$59,21121:1
CSU Stanislaus$9,766$19,846$6,067$13,540$63,18818:1
CSU Fullerton$8,994$19,074$6,555$13,750$62,95126:1
San Jose State University$9,934$20,014$13,760$15,000$78,98825:1
UC Davis$15,141$30,243$14,741$13,000$80,83822:1
UC Irvine$14,827$29,929$14,251$15,000$80,73519:1
UCLA$14,476$29,578$12,548$14,000$82,51120:1
Touro University California$33,867$33,867N/A$12,500$104,8053:1
Samuel Merritt University$49,786$49,786N/A$20,825$143,2385:1
USC$71,515$71,515$32,740$18,000$92,4989:1

Clinical Placement Logistics in the San Gabriel Valley & Greater LA

Securing clinical placements is often the biggest logistical challenge NP students face, and the question of who finds those sites (you or the school) can shape your entire experience. Understanding each program's placement model before you enroll saves months of frustration down the road.

School-Arranged vs. Self-Placement Models

NP programs in and around Pasadena split into two broad categories. Some schools coordinate nurse practitioner clinical rotations on your behalf through established partnerships with healthcare systems and preceptors. Others require you to identify and secure your own clinical sites, with faculty approval needed before you begin.1 A few programs blend both approaches, arranging placements for students near campus while expecting those in outlying areas to self-place at faculty-approved sites. Contact the clinical placement offices at schools you are considering, such as Azusa Pacific University or West Coast University, and ask directly which model applies to you. Official program handbooks and admissions pages on each school's website typically spell out placement policies in detail.

Healthcare Systems to Know

The San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles region offer a deep pool of potential clinical training sites. Huntington Health in Pasadena, Kaiser Permanente's Pasadena Medical Center, and a network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) throughout the valley all host NP students in various specialties. Reaching out to the clinical education departments at these systems can help you confirm which NP programs they currently affiliate with and whether they accept students from out-of-state online programs. Keep in mind that California's Board of Registered Nursing requires prior Board approval before students enrolled in out-of-state nursing programs can complete clinical hours in the state, so verify that requirement early if your program is headquartered elsewhere.2

Networking for Placement Support

Professional organizations can be an underused resource when navigating placement logistics. The California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) offers local chapter events and nurse practitioner networking opportunities where you can connect with practicing NPs who may serve as preceptors. If you are enrolled in an online program and need to arrange local clinical placements, building these relationships well before your rotations begin gives you a head start, especially under a self-placement model. Fellow students in online cohorts often share leads on preceptor availability in specific ZIP codes, so staying active in your program's student community pays dividends as well.

NP Salary & Job Outlook in the Pasadena Metro

Nurse practitioners in the Los Angeles metro area, which includes Pasadena and surrounding cities, earn strong salaries that reflect both the region's high cost of living and robust demand for advanced practice providers. The table below compares NP wages to registered nurse and nursing faculty salaries locally, along with NP earnings in other major California metros. With roughly 6,400 NPs employed across the LA metro, the market is sizable and continues to grow as California expands full practice authority.

Role or Metro AreaTotal Employed25th Percentile SalaryMedian SalaryMean Salary75th Percentile Salary
Nurse Practitioners, LA Metro6,400$140,230$164,510$165,030$184,670
Registered Nurses, LA Metro107,340$108,150$133,440$138,010$165,290
Nursing Faculty, LA Metro2,530$63,700$91,310$93,260$112,150
NPs, San Francisco Metro2,960$170,370$220,330$208,480$234,120
NPs, San Diego Metro2,790$130,880$162,030$159,590$181,030
NPs, Riverside / San Bernardino Metro1,630$135,290$162,470$162,210$194,440
NPs, Sacramento Metro1,200$141,660$164,520$168,790$210,340
NPs, Bakersfield Metro360$147,990$165,460$168,180$182,140
NPs, Oxnard / Ventura Metro270$134,580$155,440$152,140$166,190

All NP Programs Within Commuting Distance of Pasadena

Beyond the top-ranked programs, these additional NP schools within commuting distance of Pasadena offer a range of degree levels and specialties. Use the links to explore each program's details and find the right fit for your goals.

Greater Los Angeles

University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid
USC's MSN-FNP program offers a hybrid format with online coursework and two on-campus intensives, preparing students for primary care across the lifespan.
  • Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, CA · Hybrid
CSUDH's MSN FNP program is a hybrid 48-unit program with 576 clinical hours, designed for working nurses with online didactics and on-campus sessions.
  • MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice--Family Nurse Practitioner
California State University-Channel Islands Camarillo, CA · Hybrid
CSUCI's MSN FNP track combines online 16-week sessions with in-person practica, preparing students for AANP or ANCC certification.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA · Campus
APU's MSN with NP specialties offers FNP, PMHNP, and AGPCNP concentrations on campus in Azusa and other locations.
  • 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
WCU's online MSN-FNP program offers 53 credits, two on-site intensives, and flexible paces for working nurses.
  • 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

Inland Empire

Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA · Hybrid
LLU's DNP programs include FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, and pediatric specialties in a hybrid format with clinical rotations in Southern California.
  • 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

Bay Area

Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA · Hybrid
Sonoma State's MSN FNP is a hybrid program with web-based coursework and required on-campus seminars, offering full- and part-time options.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA · Campus
SFSU's MSN FNP concentration is a 52-unit campus-based program with 600 clinical hours, preparing students for California NP licensure.
  • 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
TUC's FNP certificate is a hybrid post-master's program with 630 clinical hours and guaranteed clinical placements.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Samuel Merritt University Oakland, CA · Hybrid
Samuel Merritt's online MSN-FNP program includes 48 units, 630 clinical hours, and two on-campus intensives, with a focus on primary care.
  • 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

Central Valley

California State University-Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA · Campus
CSU Bakersfield's MSN FNP is a campus-based 47-unit program requiring two years of RN experience, preparing for FNP certification.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
  • DNP-FNP Program (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Fresno Pacific University Fresno, CA · Campus
FPU's MSN-FNP is a 51-unit blended program with weekly on-campus sessions in North Fresno, preparing for AANP or ANCC exams.
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner

San Diego Area

University of San Diego San Diego, CA · Campus
USD's BSN to DNP program offers an FNP track in a campus-based hybrid format with a translational science project.
  • 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
PLNU's MSN FNP is a hybrid program with online asynchronous courses and one in-person class per semester, requiring 500-750 clinical hours.
  • 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
CSUSM's MSN FNP is a hybrid part-time program for working nurses, with 500 clinical hours and a focus on evidence-based practice.
  • 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)

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