Online Nursing Programs in California
Compare online and hybrid nursing pathways for California students, from entry-level options to RN-to-BSN and graduate degrees. Use this guide to narrow your choices, then confirm current admissions, clinical placement, accreditation, and licensure details directly with each school.
Finding the right nursing path in California
California students can explore online and hybrid nursing programs designed for different starting points, schedules, and career goals. Some programs deliver most coursework online, while clinical training and certain assessments may still require in-person participation.
Use this guide to compare common degree pathways and featured schools. Before applying, verify the program’s current format, admissions requirements, clinical arrangements, accreditation, and eligibility for California licensure.
Nursing degree options in California
Explore practical nursing and associate-degree routes designed for students preparing to enter nursing. Confirm prelicensure, clinical, and California eligibility requirements with each program.
Compare traditional and accelerated bachelor’s pathways. Accelerated programs commonly require a prior degree or specific prerequisites, and both routes include in-person clinical learning.
Degree-completion pathways build on an active RN license. Delivery format, transfer-credit policies, and practicum expectations vary, so compare current requirements directly.
Graduate pathways may prepare nurses for advanced clinical, education, leadership, or research roles. Verify specialty availability and current California practice requirements before applying.
Featured California nursing schools
Use these featured listings as a starting point. Program formats, admissions requirements, and available degrees can change, so confirm current details directly with each institution.
University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing
San Francisco, California
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing
Los Angeles, California
University of San Francisco, School of Nursing and Health Professions
San Francisco, California
California State University, Long Beach, School of Nursing
Long Beach, California
San Diego State University, School of Nursing
San Diego, California
Degree counts come from the US Department of Education College Scorecard (nursing CIP 51.38). Program availability, delivery format, and admissions requirements change, so confirm current details directly with each school before applying.
Planning for clinical requirements
Most nursing programs include supervised clinical experience in approved healthcare settings. Even when coursework is online, students may need to complete clinical hours, skills assessments, or other requirements in person.
- Ask how the school arranges or approves clinical placements
- Confirm whether travel or schedule flexibility will be required
- Understand all clinical, background-check, vaccination, and documentation requirements before enrolling
Frequently asked questions
Some programs deliver academic coursework online, but prelicensure and advanced clinical programs generally include in-person clinical or skills requirements. Ask each school exactly which portions can be completed remotely.
Check the program’s website and confirm its current status directly with the named accrediting organization. Also verify that the institution is recognized by the appropriate authorities.
Eligibility depends on the program, your nursing pathway, and current California requirements. Confirm eligibility with the school and the California Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Not sure which nursing degree fits your goals?
Compare common nursing pathways before choosing schools to research.