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Registered nurses (RNs) who are ready to take the next step in their nursing career can complete the Master’s of Science in Nursing program.
It will improve their salary and job opportunities as well.
Keep reading to find out more about RN to MSN programs in California.
Table of Contents
RN to MSN Admissions Requirements in California
To be admitted to RN to MSN program of your choice in California, you have to meet several requirements.
Those include having a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate courses.
Also, only students who have graduated on ACEN or CCNE accredited BSN or ADN programs can be admitted.
Students must have a GRE Analytical Writing score of at least 4, and to hold an active, unencumbered registered professional nurse license in the state of California.
Additionally, students must submit comprehensive goal statements and three professional letters of recommendation.
RN to MSN Courses
There are several RN to MSN program models.
Your previous education determines your eligibility and educational pathways.
For example, if you are an RN with a BSN you can complete the MSN portion of the program.
Other nurses can pick a program that allows them to obtain BSN and MSN degree as well.
After you complete the general education courses, you will be asked to pick a specialization in nursing.
For example, you can choose a family nurse practitioner or adult nurse clinical specialist program, etc.
Online RN to MSN Programs
Online education is convenient for a large number of students, especially working nurses.
The costs are often lower than with traditional programs.
However, even if you choose an online program, you will have to finish the clinical hours’ course.
Most schools allow their students to complete the clinical requirement in their local community.
The Costs
Tuition for programs differ across the state and is based on several factors.
For example, if you choose a program at the University of Southern California, you will have to pay around $1733 per credit.
Make sure to check whether the tuition covers expenses for books and necessary materials or not.
Schools in California
Several schools in California have a great RN to MSN programs.
Let us have a brief overview of all schools in California that have appropriate programs for your next step in nursing education.
California State University in Stanislaus has three graduate specializations – Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, and Gerontological Nursing.
Holy Names University has a long tradition in educating nurses since 1868.
Point Loma Nazarene University allows you to earn an MSN degree in just two years.
San Diego State University accepts both full-time and part-time students.
San Francisco State University offers an exceptional clinical experience for its students and lasts for two years.
Touro University California has an interesting curriculum, and programs suitable for a local student.
The University of San Francisco is suitable who nurses who focus on leadership, quality, safety, and evidence-based education.
The Vanguard University of Southern California has official CCNE accreditation nursing programs.
West Coast University has online programs and the Western University of Health Sciences is also web-based and suitable for working nurses.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| California State University-Stanislaus | 1 University Cir, Turlock, CA 95382 |
| Holy Names University | 3500 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94619 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | 3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA 92106 |
| San Diego State University | 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4158 |
| San Francisco State University | 1600 Holloway Avenue - Burk Hall 357, San Francisco, CA 94132 |
| Touro University California | 1310 Club Dr, Mare Island, Vallejo, CA 94592 |
| University of San Francisco | 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117-1080 |
| Vanguard University of Southern California | 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626-9601 |
| West Coast University | 12215 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91606 |
| Western University of Health Sciences | 309 E. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766-1854 |
Salary
California is one of the top-paying states for nurses.
An average yearly salary of a registered nurse is $84720.
However, salary depends on many factors such as experience, location, working facility, etc.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $85,380 |
| San Diego | $81,550 |
| San Jose | $95,190 |
| San Francisco | $95,030 |
| Long Beach | $84,570 |
| Fresno | $76,000 |
| Sacramento | $81,980 |
| Oakland | $89,880 |
| Santa Ana | $84,640 |
| Anaheim | $84,760 |
Regional Salary in California
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 420 | $144,290 | $69.37 | $192,940 | $115,980 |
| Chico, CA | 110 | $144,190 | $69.32 | $170,310 | $104,240 |
| El Centro, CA | 60 | $152,370 | $73.26 | $179,330 | $112,470 |
| Fresno, CA | 430 | $151,700 | $72.93 | $188,740 | $105,340 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 50 | $139,470 | $67.05 | $165,240 | $96,430 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 6,190 | $149,110 | $71.69 | $203,820 | $103,890 |
| Madera, CA | 80 | $152,110 | $73.13 | $170,990 | $130,580 |
| Merced, CA | 120 | $122,040 | $58.67 | $165,540 | $83,200 |
| Modesto, CA | 250 | $146,480 | $70.42 | $197,650 | $94,220 |
| Napa, CA | 70 | $189,190 | $90.96 | $223,050 | $143,270 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 200 | $151,530 | $72.85 | $197,200 | $105,280 |
| Redding, CA | 90 | $143,730 | $69.1 | $182,800 | $100,910 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 1,920 | $145,900 | $70.15 | $185,780 | $95,700 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 1,350 | $157,810 | $75.87 | $220,460 | $110,610 |
| Salinas, CA | 120 | $156,920 | $75.44 | $199,410 | $125,120 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 2,030 | $149,960 | $72.1 | $192,400 | $104,180 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 2,680 | $190,070 | $91.38 | $230,030 | $134,740 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 1,170 | $199,630 | $95.98 | $232,800 | $144,150 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | 130 | $157,490 | $75.72 | $190,470 | $111,750 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 150 | $149,390 | $71.82 | $199,160 | $106,490 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 240 | $141,860 | $68.2 | $170,210 | $119,560 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 250 | $146,130 | $70.26 | $207,360 | $93,100 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 170 | $146,460 | $70.41 | $178,250 | $100,470 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 110 | $180,990 | $87.01 | $# | $107,380 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 250 | $138,300 | $66.49 | $181,160 | $82,770 |
| Yuba City, CA | 50 | $161,690 | $77.74 | $220,060 | $129,290 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
RN to MSN Programs by State