California’s Top Nurse Practitioner Programs

What better place to attend your nurse practitioner program than the Golden State?  Whether you already reside in California and are looking to stay or are drawn to an educational opportunity near sand and sun, California is home to some of the country’s best NP programs.  Which programs stand out above the rest?

1. University of San Diego

Located in one of our nation’s most beautiful cities, the University of San Diego (USD) is our top pick for nurse practitioner programs in California.   USD offers an array of educational options for students from dual certification nurse practitioner programs to more traditional options like Family Nurse Practitioner.  Not only does USD boast excellent MSN programs, the school features a Master’s Entry Program in Nursing for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.  This program is an excellent option for prospective NPs who have already completed their college education.  A well-rounded nurse practitioner education is a priority at the University of San Diego.  The school makes efforts to offer students opportunities such as international programs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to enhance their experience.

2. University of California Los Angeles

Looking to live somewhere a bit more lively than relaxed San Diego?  The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) may be just the place for you.  UCLA offers four nurse practitioner specialties from Adult/ Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.  The programs at UCLA prepare students well for their careers as nurse practitioners as evidenced by a pass rate of over 97% on the national nurse practitioner certification exam.  An avid research institution, the University of California Los Angeles in also an excellent pick for nurses looking to branch into research and teaching.  UCLA’s Masters Entry Clinical Nurse program, for example, offers a master’s level nursing education for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

3. University of California San Francisco 

The University of California San Francisco School of Nursing offers a wealth of educational options for students including six nurse practitioner specialties.  UCSF is also home to a highly sought after Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN).  Through this program, students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field may complete both their RN and MSN degrees allowing them to become nurse practitioners.  For students who have an associates degree in nursing, the ADN-MS Program gives students an efficient way to advance their nursing education.  Not only does UCSF have a number of options for nursing education, the programs at UCSF are top notch.  Students have a chance to train at the UCSF Medical Center, a nationally ranked hospital and the number three hospital in California.

4. California State University Fullerton 

Although California State University Fullerton offers just one nurse practitioner specialty, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, they do it well.  Graduates from CSU Fullerton’s NP program boast a 100% pass rate on the national nurse practitioner certification exam and 100% of students find jobs within a few months of graduation.  For students looking to advance their nursing degree in a non-clinical specialty, CSU Fullerton’s Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Education programs receive high marks.

Are you headed to California for your nurse practitioner program?  Where will you get your degree?

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