Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California
California State University, East Bay runs a pre-licensure program open to LVNs. Priority goes to current full-time Cal State East Bay students, first-time local transfers without a bachelor's degree, and honorably discharged service members. Applicants outside those groups are unlikely to be admitted. Second-language fluency and healthcare experience help.
- Program: LVN-to-BSN
- Campus: Hayward, CA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Admission Requirements: Prerequisites with a 3.0 GPA and all grades C or higher; 70% overall TEAS score with minimum 65% in English and reading; current, unencumbered California LVN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months (pre-licensure)
- Onsite Requirements: Yes
California State University, San Marcos admits only four LVN-to-BSN students each fall, who then enter the regular BSN program as second-year students. Applicants take a nursing skills assessment the May before fall term and must score 100% on skills and math.
- Program: LVN-to-BSN
- Campus: San Marcos, CA
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Admission Requirements: Current, unencumbered LVN license; pre-nursing core or equivalent with 2.75 GPA; IV certification
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- Onsite Requirements: Yes
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.7%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $88,074 (bachelor's), per College Scorecard
National University starts classes monthly, one course at a time, with evening, weekend, and online options. Onsite instruction is available at the San Diego, Los Angeles, and Fresno campuses. Service members and families get discounted tuition.
- Program: LVN-to-BSN
- Campus: La Jolla, CA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Admission Requirements: General education and nursing prerequisites with 2.75 cumulative GPA; C or better in all prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
- Onsite Requirements: No
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.9%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $84,367 (bachelor's), per College Scorecard
This program list was last reviewed before 2025; confirm current tuition and admission rules with each school before applying.
How LVN-to-BSN Programs Work in California
California and Texas use the LVN title; every other state calls the same license an LPN. A bridge program builds on your existing clinical skills, adding nursing theory, leadership, and a broader scope of practice, then qualifies you for the NCLEX-RN. Common courses include health assessment, nursing research, clinical leadership, and community health nursing. Most programs let you transfer credits from your vocational training, and the path typically takes two to three years.
Applying to a California LVN-to-BSN Program
Requirements vary, but you will generally need an active California LVN license, completed prerequisites (often anatomy, physiology, and microbiology), and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some programs accept applications year-round; others have a single annual window. Most also want transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, letters of recommendation, and any required exam scores. If your GPA is borderline, talk to admissions, since experience or language fluency can carry weight.
Attend only an accredited program. Accreditation is required for licensure and confirms to employers that your training meets clinical and academic standards. Every program listed here is accredited.
What You Can Earn
Licensed practical and vocational nurses earn a national median of $62,340, while registered nurses earn a national median of $93,600 (BLS, May 2024). California pays well above both figures: it is the highest-paying state for RNs, with an annual mean near $148,330. Moving from an LVN license to a BSN can roughly double your pay, alongside more autonomy and a clearer path to graduate study.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an LVN-to-BSN program take in California? Most run two to three years, depending on how many prerequisites transfer and whether you study full or part time. Programs in this guide range from about 15 to 36 months.
What license do I earn? A BSN qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse. Your existing LVN license and clinical experience shorten the path but do not replace the RN exam.
Is the pay jump worth it? For most nurses, yes. RNs earn a national median of $93,600 versus $62,340 for LPNs and LVNs (BLS, May 2024), and California pays among the highest in the country. A BSN also opens leadership roles and graduate study.
What do I need to get in? Expect an active, unencumbered California LVN license, completed prerequisites such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and a competitive GPA (often 2.75 to 3.0 or higher). Many programs also weigh TEAS scores, references, and a personal statement.
Does the program have to be accredited? Yes. Choose a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation is required for licensure, credit transfer, and federal financial aid.
Can I keep working while I study? Often, yes. Some programs offer evening, weekend, and online coursework, though every program requires in-person clinical rotations that you will need to schedule around work.