8 Best BSN Programs in California (The Average Annual Bsn Salary In California Is $103,150)
If you’re compassionate and patient, and you like helping people, you should consider applying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. BSN is the right choice if your final goal is to become a registered nurse (RN) in the state of California. Why? Because you’ll choose a lucrative career path that’s in high demand. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual BSN salary in California is $103,150, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the state with the highest employment level in registered nurses with BSN.
To help you find the BSN program that will meet your expectations, we’ve prepared a list of accredited BSN programs in California. It’s always wise to choose accredited programs because you want to receive quality education and a wide range of career opportunities. So, if you’re interested in a career in nursing then the accredited BSN programs in California are the right choice. These accredited programs guarantee the quality, certification, and high-paying job prospects.
Take a closer look at our list of BSN programs in California, and start your journey through nursing school!
8 BSN Programs in California
Make sure the BSN program of your choice is ratified by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and accepted by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These programs will enable you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and the opportunity to pursue advanced studies, and be competitive in the labor market.
Learn how to provide patients’ care that is both ethical and complies with California state laws. Review these BSN programs in California before you find the one providing you with a solid educational foundation and hands-on experience. Here’s our list of accredited BSN programs in California for you to choose from:
1. California State University- Long Beach
California State University (CSU) offers a BSN program preparing students for professional nursing. The following two groups can apply:
- The group of “basic students” who apply without a completed first-level nursing program. This group of students can take the practice licensure examination upon program completion
- The group of “registered nurse students” with a completed first-level nursing program, and with an aspiration to improve their nursing skills to the BSN professional level
CSU-Long Beach is well-known for its accreditation and NCLEX pass rate. Once you get your BSN degree you’ll be eligible for the following licensing and certification:
- The Registered Nurse (RN) licensing examination (National Council Licensing Examination—NCLEX)in the State of California
- The California Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate
Besides the high NCLEX Pass Rates, this BSN program in California will prepare you to give professional services as a registered nurse in different clinical settings (medical, surgical, pediatrics, women’s health, psychiatric, neonatal nursery, neonatal intensive care, adult, geriatric, and rehabilitation nursing). This 5 semester’s BSN program enables training as an entry-level public health nurse, in cooperation with other members of the staff, or as a team leader, care coordinator, and even a head nurse in hospitals, clinics, and community health care agencies. And last but not least with this BSN program, you will be eligible to apply to any graduate nursing school of your choice if you want to pursue higher nursing degrees.
Be the best there is, and choose this accredited BSN program in California for quality education, certification, and lots of employment opportunities!
2. Simpson University- Rohnert Park
Simpson University’s BSN program is a mix of nursing and general education courses, along with clinical experience. Students included in this BSN program in California continuously increase their knowledge by applying it in practice. In their last semester, they’re partnered with community healthcare leaders, to see up close how the healthcare system works. For more employment options students prepare a professional portfolio to show their accomplishments. To be a part of the nursing family at Simpson University you should fulfill these admission criteria:
- You have to be at least 18 years old
- Have a grade “C” or higher for all prerequisite classes (taken during the semester of application)
- Include in the review process: personal statement (15%), cumulative and pre-requisite GPA (55%), Test of essential academic skills (TEAS-15%), two recommendation forms (4%), and priority points (11%)
If you don’t get accepted the first time around, you can consult your academic advisor, and then reapply in the next application cycle. If you get accepted and complete the BSN program you’ll be able to offer:
- Competent professional nursing care for families, and individuals in different clinical settings
- Patient-oriented professional nursing care emphasizing patient safety, and quality of service
- Promote health plans to improve professional nursing practice and the quality of health care for all
If you like the balance between theory and practice, then this BSN program in California is the place to be! Make the most of it, and use your knowledge and skills in your professional nursing practice.
3. San Diego State University- San Diego
The BSN program at San Diego State University allows students to acquire knowledge from the natural and social sciences, apply up-to-date research in the nursing process, and become aware of the developing role of professional nurses in health care systems.
If you’re an arriving freshman you can apply directly, while the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and Diploma in Nursing program graduates may continue their education to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree through the RN to BSN program. If you’re thinking of enrolling in the San Diego State University BSN program, you have to fulfill these direct admission requirements:
- Freshmen apply through Cal State Applyby selecting the “Nursing (BSN)” Program for First-Year Students
- You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in A – G courses
- You should have at least a “B” (minimum grade) in Intermediate Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry with lab courses
- If taken AP or IB level courses you must have earned a minimum “B” grade
- You’ll have strong enrollment chances if you have strong grades in science and mathematics courses
- Meet admission deadline for fall 2023 is November 30th, 2022
- Pay a nonrefundable fee (at the time of application)
If you’re interested in this particular BSN program in California, you can use the online application on the California State Apply website. If you can’t apply online you can make other arrangements by contacting the Admission Office. Either way, once you complete the BSN program you’ll be fully capable of providing safe, compassionate, appropriate, and culturally sensitive care in consonance with the developing roles of nurses.
4. California State University- Los Angeles
California State University in Los Angeles offers a full-time BSN program accepted by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This BSN program in California is a combination of wide-ranging education and theoretical and clinical nursing courses. When you finish the program and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, you can apply for the Registered Nurse licensure exam.
Around 1800 students a year apply for the BSN program at California State University. If you want to be one of those applicants be prepared for the following admission criteria:
- California State LA students receive local preference (“pre-nursing” major at California State LA)
- Transfer students receive local preference for attending one of the community colleges on this list
- All military veterans regardless of their school of origin receive local preference
- You need 120-semester units to graduate (up to 70 transfer units from a community college are accepted by the University)
- You must apply for the School of Nursing (from October to January of each academic year)
- Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- Have a minimum of 3.25 cumulative and pre-requisite GPA
- A huge plus is a volunteer or work experience (within the last 2 years of application)
- Submit the University Application by November 30th, 2022
- Submit the Nursing Applicationby January 6th, 2023
As you can see California State University in LA has a lot of admission preferences. Use them wisely and start preparing your application if you want to become a part of the BSN program student community.
5. California State University- Stanislaus
The BSN program at California State University is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in nursing. This is another accredited BSN program in California where students after graduation are qualified to apply for licensure by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
If you’re considering the California State University BSN program, make sure you meet the application requirements:
- As a nursing student you should be fully vaccinated (the University allows for medical and religious exemptions for some vaccines, but the lack of vaccination may reduce the students’ clinical attendance and delay or stop their program completion)
- Submit all unofficial and official transcripts (you can be disqualified for an incomplete application)
- Make sure you meet application deadlines: April 14th, 2023 (for fall 2023)
- Submit official transcripts and additional documents by October 14th, 2022
- The TEAS results must be sent to us from ATItesting.com
- Even though they’re not mandatory you can get extra points for the Healthcare Experience and Language Proficiency Form, and DD214 or DD295 for active duty or veteran. The first two forms can be downloaded at BSN pre-licensure
- Your overall GPA, science prerequisite GPA, and non-science prerequisite GPA must be at least 3.0 or higher
- You need to have at least two science and two non-science perquisites completed with at least a “C” grade or higher
- You should finish all prerequisites by the time the program starts with at least a “C” grade or higher
- Your total TEAS score should be 70 % or higher
Make sure you fulfill all requirements and meet application deadlines if you want to apply and get accepted into this BSN program in California.
6. California State University- Sacramento
California State University in Sacramento offers a BSN program that prepares nurses to provide health care for patients, families, and communities through cooperative practice, advocacy, and service. You need to complete at least 6 out of 8 prerequisite courses, and at the time of application, you may still have one science and one non-science pre-clinical course in progress. Complete all 8 courses by December for the spring term, and by June for the fall term.
If you decide to choose this BSN program in California, there are some other requirements you should be aware of:
- You need to finish corequisite courses before the application process
- You must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA in science on your finished pre-clinical science courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry), while one science course may be still in progress at the time of application
- You must have a minimum of 3.3 GPA on your finished pre-clinical and corequisite courses. You’re allowed to omit up to two grades from your GPA calculation if you have a minimum of 8 grades total, including 2 science grades.
- The GPA will be calculated using standard weights (pluses and minuses are not considered)
- On your TEAS score, you need a minimum of 75.0%
- You need to have a minimum admission point total based on the present applicant pool data
- Optional points are awarded for bilingual skills, health-related work experience, environmental background, GPA calculation, and first-generation college student
California State University in Sacramento’s BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the California Board of Registered Nursing. So, with the BSN degree, you’ll have quality education, certification, and licensure possibilities.
7. California State University- Bakersfield
The traditional pre-licensure BSN program at California State University in Bakersfield accepts students with no previous nursing experience, once a year in the fall semester. This is a 3-year BSN program, with a total of 6 semesters. With your BSN degree, you’re qualified to apply for the California licensure exam for registered nurse (RN). BSN graduates are also qualified to:
- Apply for Public Health Nursing Certificate
- Take the California RN license test
- Enter a nursing master’s program, or another program in a related field
If you’re one of the future applicants for this BSN program in California, make sure to be prepared for the next application for fall 2023:
- The application process begins on October 1st, 2022, and ends on January 15th, 2023
- Submit your application through the centralized application for nursing programs nursingCAS
- You’ll need a California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) student ID for the additional nursingCAS application. You can apply for the CSUB ID at Cal State Apply
- Check out the Prospective Applicants section to learn more about the admissions requirements
All BSN graduates can look forward to a prospective career in nursing. As a professional nurse, you’ll have the opportunity to give direct health care and maintain strong connections with physicians and other health care providers. As a CSUB nursing graduate, you can work in clinics, hospitals, schools, and public and home health organizations in different nursing areas like medical, surgical, maternity, neonatal, oncology, pediatric, mental health, and much more.
8. California State University- Fullerton
California State University in Fullerton offers a BSN program where freshmen with no prior nursing education can enter directly, and become qualified for the California Registered Nurse (RN) license. This is a full-time BSN Program in California, through the course of either a 4-year or a 5-year pathway.
These are the BSN program requirements that you should take into consideration when applying:
- You need to complete High School A-G courses
- SAT and ACT exams, will be temporarily suspended for fall 2023 admission
- You can learn more about first-year admission at the California State University Fullerton admissions website
- You need to complete the California State Apply Application through Cal State Apply (open every year from October 1st – to November 30th
- When applying you need to select the nursing direct-entry freshman option as your major
- You don’t need to apply for the School of Nursing separately
Once you’re admitted to the BSN program at California State University in Fullerton during the first year you will complete the prerequisite and general education coursework. As a nursing student you will have a reserved place in the 4 required science prerequisite courses, but to continue through the nursing courses you need to have a cumulative and a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher, have a “B” grade or higher in the science prerequisite coursework, and a “C” grade or higher in the non-science prerequisite coursework. If you’re up for the challenge start preparing your documentation and commence the application process!
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Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading our list of accredited BSN programs in California, you have a clearer vision of their requirements and application procedure. By choosing one of these accredited BSN programs, you are one step closer to providing nursing services and health care because after graduation you are eligible for nursing licensure.
Every BSN program in California on our list offers a quality education with the possibility of certification and many lucrative career options in different areas of medicine and medical facilities. So, whatever BSN program you decide to apply for, you won’t make a mistake!