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Nurse practitioners (NP) in California earn the highest average salary in the country for their occupation. The first step is finding an NP program that is right for you. Find out more about the top NP programs in California, how to become an NP in the state, and the average salary in California.
How to Choose a Nurse Practitioner Program in California
Going back to school to become a nurse practitioner (NP) can be a big decision. There are a few factors to consider to help you feel knowledgeable and prepared.
First, make sure you attend an accredited NP program to meet the requirements for licensure. You should also consider whether you want to enroll in an on-campus or online program.
If you choose an online program, check to see if they have any in-person requirements for labs. Also, find out if your program will help you find a preceptor or clinical placement in your area.
California does not require you to become board certified if you graduate from an NP program in the state. However, compare the acceptance and graduation rates of each program to find out how difficult the program is and what percentage of students drop out before graduation.
Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in California
Projections Central projects 55% job growth or 9,600 job openings for NPs in California between 2020-2030. These open jobs do not include job openings created when NPs leave their positions, change careers, or retire.
California pays NPs the highest average salary in the nation, but NPs who live in California must pay for the second highest cost of living in the country. NPs in California make a median salary of $157,160 per year, but when adjusted for California’s cost of living, NPs make $139,475 per year.
| Location | Employment | Annual Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 19,130 | $157,160 |
| United States | 258,230 | $121,610 |
Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in California
The San Jose and San Francisco metro areas offer the highest average salaries for NPs in the state, followed by Napa, Vallejo, and Yuba City. These areas pay about $3,5000-$41,000 more per year than the state average salary for NPs.
| Metropolitan Areas | Employment | Annual Average Wage |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 1,170 | $199,630 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 2,680 | $190,070 |
| Napa, CA | 70 | $189,190 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 110 | $180,990 |
| Yuba City, CA | 50 | $161,690 |
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in California
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) regulates standards for nurse practitioner licensure and practice. California offers a pathway for NPs to achieve full practice authority after they complete 4,600 hours or three years of full-time clinical practice in the state.
Nurse Practitioner Requirements
To become an NP in California, you must:
- Earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice degree.
- Complete an application.
- Pay the $500 application fee.
- Ask your NP program to submit your official transcripts and complete a form verifying you completed an NP program.
- Verify that you have or are applying for a California RN license
NPs who graduated from a California NP program do not have to become board certified in their specialty. If you graduated from an NP program outside of California, ask the organization that certified you to submit a form that verifies you are board certified in your specialty. If you want to prescribe medication as an NP, you must complete an additional application and pay $400 to receive an NP furnishing number.
The Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in California
Find out more about the top nurse practitioner programs in California and choose the one that’s best for you.
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#1 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California 2023
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
At the University of California, Irvine, students can pursue an MS in nursing science with a concentration in community and population health nursing. The 2-year program follows an accelerated full-time format for people without a nursing background. It equips students with health policy leadership skills to become advocates for health promotion and disease prevention. Graduates take the NCLEX to earn their nursing license and become eligible for public health nurse certification.
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. They must also submit a statement of purpose and three recommendation letters.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Year: $31,312 in state; $43,557 out of state
- Program Length: Two years (six quarters)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 84 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.25% (2022 for MSN graduates)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$26,544
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
30%
Students Enrolled
36,303
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Accreditation
Yes
#2 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California 2023
Samuel Merritt University
Oakland, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Samuel Merritt University offers an entry-level MSN with a family nurse practitioner concentration for those without a nursing background. The curriculum lasts 10 semesters, and students must enroll full-time for the first four semesters. After those first four semesters, they become eligible to take the NCLEX. Students then take more advanced theoretical and clinical courses.
Incoming students should already possess a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. They must also have at least a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 credits of coursework and submit two reference letters.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $1,647 per credit
- Program Length: Three years (10 semesters)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 93-109 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.58% (2022 for MSN graduates)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$49,125
Out-of-state
$49,125
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$52,896
Out-of-state
$52,896
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,050
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California 2023
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of San Diego offers an MSN program with four nurse practitioner specializations: adult gerontology/family NP; family NP; pediatric/family NP; and psychiatric-mental health NP. The curriculum includes core courses in health policy analysis, pharmacology in health management, and advanced pathophysiology. Students then take courses within their concentration area.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree, at least two recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $1,640 per credit
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45-71 credits
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.92% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,120
Out-of-state
$52,120
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$27,936
Out-of-state
$27,936
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
8,861
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California 2023
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Campus
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offers several nursing programs, including an MSN in nursing and a post-master's certificate with a family nurse practitioner concentration.
Students complete the full-time program in precepted clinical settings. The curriculum includes theoretical content taught during weekend sessions and hybrid courses. The school facilitates clinical courses as immersion practicum experiences conducted on campus or at healthcare facilities.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, an RN license, and at least one year of nursing experience.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $961
- Program Length: 16 months
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 51 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.33% (2022 for MSN graduates)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,050
Out-of-state
$13,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,176
Out-of-state
$22,176
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
872
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Accreditation
Yes
Everything Else You Need to Know About Nurse Practitioner Programs in California
How much do nurse practitioner programs cost in California?
Nurse practitioner programs can cost $490-$1,650 per credit hour. This does not include lab or university fees, books, supplies, or transportation fees. You can lower this cost through financial aid such as grants and scholarships or tuition reimbursem*nt programs through your work.
Can nurse practitioners practice independently in California?
California nurse practitioners can pursue independent practice in their specialty area after completing 4,600 hours or three years of full-time clinical practice with at least one physician in the state. However, the California Board of Registered Nursing will only begin to certify full-practice NPs in 2026.
Is now a good time to become a nurse practitioner in California?
Now could be a good time to become a nurse practitioner (NP) in California. California employs the most NPs in the country, with more than 2,000 job openings for NPs each year between 2020-2030. Nurse practitioners in California also make the highest average salary in the country. They make an average of $76 an hour, over $16 more than the national average hourly salary for nurse practitioners.
Is a California nurse practitioner program worth it?
Nurse practitioner programs in California can be worth it. You may pay tens of thousands of dollars to graduate with an MSN. However, as an NP in California, you can earn the highest average annual salary for NPs and join the fastest-growing field in the country. NPs jobs in California are projected to grow 55% from 2020-2030, much faster than average.
