Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $2,890

Out-of-State | $2,890

Credits to Graduate: 51

Drew's master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner (MSN-FNP) program is an immersive 16-month program designed to help you transition to advanced roles. The hybrid program meets for intensive weekends once a month, plus face-to-face and digitally enhanced instruction.

You'll have the opportunity for clinical courses structured as immersion practicum experiences in hands-on clinical settings. Skills gained include proficiency in health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical management of primary care conditions across the lifespan. You'll need a bachelor's and master's in nursing to apply. Drew offers three start dates annually. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Cost per Unit:

In-State | $1,570

Out-of-State | $1,570

Credits to Graduate: 35-38 credits

University of San Francisco's family nurse practitioner, DNP program is open to registered nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees. You'll be trained to conduct comprehensive health assessments and diagnose and manage acute illnesses and chronic conditions. 

You will also have the option to design models of healthcare delivery and learn to provide patient care in a variety of practice settings. The program prepares you to function as a licensed and nationally certified nurse practitioner. You can earn your DNP in conjunction with a degree in public health if you choose USF's dual degree program. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Cost per Unit:

In-State | $1,800

Out-of-State | $1,800

Credits to Graduate: 34-55 (81 for the BSN-to-DNP program)

University of San Diego's doctor of nursing practice program equips you with the skills to lead the charge in improving healthcare in the U.S. You'll get hands-on experience with clinical scholarly practice, as well as an understanding of the ethical considerations that affect the quality of care. 

With the FNP degree, you can choose from four dual degree tracks: adult gerontology, pediatric nurse practitioner, emergency care, and psychiatric-mental health. The specialties focus on clinical practice mastery, leadership, and dedication to human connection. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Cost per Unit:

In-State | $1,654

Out-of-State | $1,654

Credits to Graduate: 65

Samuel Merritt University's MSN-FNP program empowers nurses with the skills, knowledge, and insights necessary to excel and influence patient care in their communities. The program aims to create graduates who are leaders in preventative care and lifestyle counseling who can be community health champions in underserved areas.

The program is delivered online and can be taken full time for 20 months or part time for 24 months. To apply, you must be an RN with a BSN in an SMU-approved state. Start now with extra help: SMU is offering a $10,000 scholarship for first-time fall 2024 applicants.

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $2,200

Out-of-State | $2,200

Credits to Graduate: 53

UC Irvine's DNP-FNP program allows nurses with a BS or MS to earn a doctoral degree in a comprehensive three-year hybrid program. It prepares you for autonomous family practice and interprofessional leadership at the highest level.

You will participate online in asynchronous and synchronous sessions with the instructors and a cohort. You'll only need to attend one highly focused on-campus session each quarter. During the program, you'll complete a total of 1,020 hours of clinical and professional practice.