7 Fastest NP Programs in California: 12-24 Month Paths
Interested in the fastest nurse practitioner programs in California? You’re looking at one of the most rewarding and sought-after healthcare careers right now. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows nurse practitioner careers are growing at an impressive 40% rate – nowhere near what other occupations are experiencing. California offers the highest average salary in the country, where NPs earn a median of $166,610 annually in 2024.
Job security makes this career path even more attractive. The US Department of Labor expects 58.6% job growth for NPs in California between 2022 and 2032. Healthcare facilities will add about 30,200 jobs yearly over the next decade. California leads the nation in NP employment with more than 19,000 practitioners currently working.
Top nursing schools have responded to this growing demand. They now offer accelerated and shorter nurse practitioner programs that help dedicated professionals advance their careers faster. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a need for over 100,000 new nurse practitioners by 2034. These 12-24 month programs are a great way to join this thriving profession quickly. While NP programs cost between $81,810 to $169,510, the investment makes sense – nurse practitioners rank #2 on US News’ 100 Best Jobs in America list.
1. San José State University – FNP Program
San José State University’s Valley Foundation School of Nursing offers a Master of Science program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. You can earn your degree quickly while keeping your current nursing job. The program lets you advance your career without putting your life on hold.
Program duration
The FNP program takes just five semesters—two years with a summer term in between. Students need 40 units to graduate, making this one of California’s fastest paths to becoming an NP. You can start your advanced practice nursing career sooner with this accelerated program.
Tuition and fees
The program costs about $17,494 in tuition. You’ll need around $26,479 for living expenses while studying. Though this is a big investment, nurse practitioners in California earn $151,830 on average each year—28% above the national average.
Delivery format
Students learn through a hybrid model that blends flexibility with hands-on training. The program structure has:
- Online theoretical coursework
- Required in-person classes every Tuesday evening from 4PM-9PM
- Extra days for clinical practicum courses
Students move through the program as a full-time cohort. You can keep working while earning your degree. A student shared: “This program is very flexible—it allows us to maintain a full-time job and still be able to come to school and pursue a higher level degree”.
Specializations
The program prepares family nurse practitioners to provide primary care to patients of all ages. You’ll build advanced clinical skills with strong theoretical and scientific foundations to diagnose and treat patients. Graduates can deliver both primary and preventative care to diverse communities.
Admission requirements
The program needs these requirements:
- A valid California Registered Nursing (RN) license
- A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) or another field with extra coursework
- A 3.0 GPA minimum in your last 60 undergraduate units
- 1-2 years of nursing experience when applying
- A personal statement about your goals
- Your current resume/CV
- A 3-5 minute video describing your nursing experiences
- Two professional recommendation letters
- Knowledge of physical and psychosocial assessment skills
The program prefers two years of acute care experience. Applications open each fall and close April 1st for the next fall semester.
Best for
This program fits perfectly for:
- Nurses who want to keep working while studying
- People looking for affordable yet thorough training
- Students who value practical experience—as one student said: “I get to practice before going out and performing those procedures and I feel confident”
- Future practitioners planning to work in the Bay Area’s diverse healthcare system
Graduates earn their master’s degree and can take national certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) FNP exam or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam. The California Board of Registered Nursing has fully approved this program, which meets all criteria in Section 1484, Title XVI of the California Administrative Code.
2. University of San Francisco – DNP FNP Program
The University of San Francisco runs a unique Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program based on Jesuit values. The program ranks among California’s fastest nurse practitioner programs. Both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses can take direct paths to get their advanced practice credentials.
Program duration
Your educational background determines how long the program takes:
- BSN-prepared nurses complete the program in 4-4.5 years
- MSN-prepared nurses finish in 2-3 years
BSN students can earn an MSN or MPH during their first two years. This helps them get the most value from their education. Nurses who already have a doctorate can add the FNP certificate to their degree in just one year.
Tuition and fees
Each credit at USF costs $1,585. Students need to plan their finances carefully. The total cost covers:
- Tuition and fees
- Learning materials
- Hotel stays during teaching weekends
- Most meals and campus transport during intensives
Students have several ways to get financial help. Starting Fall 2026, U.S. citizens and permanent residents can get federal loans worth $20,500 each year for graduate studies. The School of Nursing gives out scholarships between $2,000 and $20,000. These include the Dean’s Graduate Scholarships for Financial Need and Merit, NPCT Scholarships, and HPEF Scholarship options.
Delivery format
Working professionals benefit from USF’s flexible hybrid learning model:
- Classes take place at the Hilltop campus in San Francisco
- Teaching weekends happen twice monthly (Friday 8am-9pm and Saturday 8am-5pm)
- Online learning combines live and recorded sessions
- Students use Canvas learning system and video tools
You can keep working while earning your degree. Some courses like Advanced Pathophysiology and Applied Pharmacology meet online during teaching weekends. Advanced Physical Assessment Practica and clinical courses need in-person attendance.
Specializations
The DNP program lets you choose from these paths:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (primary care across lifespan)
- Health Systems Leadership
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The FNP program teaches you everything needed to become a licensed and nationally certified practitioner. You’ll learn to provide complete primary care services. The courses focus on critical analysis, health promotion, disease prevention, and leading primary care systems.
Admission requirements
Program applicants must have:
- A baccalaureate or master’s degree from an accredited institution
- At least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- California RN license
- A written statement about their DNP goals
- Three signed recommendation letters on letterhead
- Professional résumé
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Completed application with $55 fee
Unlike many schools, USF accepts new graduates with little or no experience into the FNP program.
Best for
This program works great for:
- Nurses looking for a quick nurse practitioner program with flexible schedules
- People who value Jesuit mission-based education focused on social justice
- Professionals who need to keep working while studying
- Students wanting hands-on clinical experience at over 200 Bay Area healthcare facilities
- Those planning to take on leadership roles beyond patient care
Graduates can take the national Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners. The program includes 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice and an evidence-based project that meets AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.
3. University of San Diego – MSN FNP Program
The University of San Diego boasts a rich tradition in nursing education. Their MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program blends academic excellence with clinical expertise. You’ll learn to assess patients, order diagnostic tests, develop diagnoses, and manage treatment plans that include prescribing medications.
Program duration
The MSN FNP program lets you complete your degree in just 5 semesters (2 years) as a full-time student. This makes it one of the quickest nurse practitioner programs in California for BSN-prepared nurses. The 54-unit program builds your clinical skills step by step:
- Year 1: Core foundation courses and original clinical experiences
- Year 2: Advanced clinical training and specialized practicum experiences
The program offers part-time options if you need more flexibility, though this extends your completion time.
Tuition and fees
The program costs $1,750 per credit, bringing the total tuition to approximately $94,500 for all 54 units. Extra costs include:
- Application fee: $55
- Required fees: $626 per semester
- Books and supplies: Approximately $1,440
Yes, it is worth noting that international students’ total estimated cost reaches $103,161, which includes housing, transportation, and health insurance. All the same, this investment pays off as California NP salaries rank among the nation’s highest.
Delivery format
Classes typically run one or two days weekly, so many students can work part-time. The curriculum combines:
- Classroom instruction at USD’s beautiful San Diego campus
- Clinical experiences that match your learning needs
- Individual faculty support with a favorable 4.4:1 student-faculty ratio
This well-laid-out format creates a strong learning community while providing hands-on training you need for clinical confidence.
Specializations
The MSN FNP program prepares you for primary care throughout the lifespan. The curriculum focuses on:
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Management of acute and chronic health conditions
- Care for patients of all ages in various primary care settings
- Advanced health assessment and clinical decision-making
You’ll gain expertise in managing common health problems, both acute and chronic. This qualifies you to practice in public and private clinics, community health centers, retail healthcare settings, and school-based health centers.
Admission requirements
The program requires:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered California RN license (or license endorsement in progress for out-of-state applicants)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose (500 words maximum) explaining your motivation for pursuing an MSN
- Resume or CV highlighting professional accomplishments
- Interview (for qualified applicants)
Professional nursing experience helps but isn’t required. You can apply for fall or spring semesters, with deadlines of June 30 for fall start and November 1 for spring start.
Best for
This program is notable if you:
- Want a campus-based program with personal attention
- Need one of the shortest nurse practitioner programs (2 years full-time)
- Seek exposure to different clinical settings in San Diego’s healthcare environment
- Value strong certification outcomes
Graduates can take national certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). The program offers the quickest way to advanced nursing practice while maintaining high academic standards.
4. Samuel Merritt University – MSN FNP Program
Samuel Merritt University’s MSN-FNP program stands out among California’s fast-track nursing pathways. The program blends online flexibility with hands-on clinical training to give registered nurses advanced skills they need to provide quality patient care in today’s healthcare settings.
Program duration
Students can choose from one of the quickest nurse practitioner programs in California, with several start dates throughout the year. Here’s how the program breaks down:
- Full-time option: 20 months (5 semesters)
- Part-time option: 24 months (6 semesters)
This quick timeline makes Samuel Merritt a great choice for nurses who want to advance their careers fast. Students can start their education in January, May, or September without long waiting periods.
Tuition and fees
Here’s what you’ll need to know about program costs:
- Total program cost: About $63,161 plus fees
- Per credit cost: $1,289 per credit hour
- Total credits required: 49 semester units
The good news is Samuel Merritt helps make education more affordable. Students get a $10,000 Advance Your Practice Scholarship split evenly across each term. The program’s graduates have less than 1% loan default rate, which shows strong job prospects after graduation.
Delivery format
Working professionals will appreciate this flexible learning model:
- All coursework is online
- Clinical practicums in your local community
- Two required on-campus intensives at the Sacramento campus
- 630 clinical hours spread over three semesters
You’ll work with a clinical coordinator to find suitable practicum sites. Samuel Merritt’s extensive network of qualified clinical preceptors will support your hands-on learning.
Specializations
The program prepares family-oriented primary care providers to serve different populations. Students focus on:
- Integrated care across the lifespan
- Primary care for multicultural communities
- Care for underserved populations
- Evidence-based practice integration
Students take interdisciplinary core courses, FNP specialty training, and hands-on clinical experiences. The curriculum meets national standards set by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Admission requirements
The MSN-FNP program looks for candidates who:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Have a current, unencumbered RN license in their state
- Earned a minimum 3.0 GPA (2.5 GPA might be considered in some cases)
- Can provide two professional recommendation letters
- Submit a personal statement and professional resume/CV
- Want to work with underserved populations
While not required, 12 months of clinical experience helps. Right now, the program accepts students from Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.
Best for
This program really shines for:
- Nurses who want online flexibility without compromising academic quality
- People looking for one of California’s shortest nurse practitioner programs
- Healthcare professionals who want to serve multicultural and underserved communities
- Students who value strong job prospects after graduation
The numbers speak for themselves: 91% of graduates find jobs in their specialty, 86% of employers prefer SMU graduates, and the university ranks #1 in California for post-graduate employment. Forbes ranks Samuel Merritt University #1 for early-career salaries, and the New York Times places it among the top two universities nationwide for median income ten years after graduation.
5. Charles R. Drew University – MSN FNP Program
Charles R. Drew University champions equal opportunities for underrepresented students in healthcare. Their Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program ranks among the Top 100 Best Nursing Schools with Master’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report. The program gives you a quick path to become an advanced practice nurse.
Program duration
The MSN-FNP program runs in an accelerated 16-month executive-style format, making it one of California’s fastest nurse practitioner programs. The curriculum packs 51 credit hours efficiently without compromising quality. The program welcomes new cohorts at multiple semester start dates throughout the year. This gives you more flexibility to start your education.
Tuition and fees
The program costs about $601 per credit plus $5,000 per semester. Your total investment will be between $65,000-$70,000, depending on your pace and materials. The university’s financial aid office helps you find funding – almost 93% of students get some form of aid. Work-study positions are also available to students who show financial need, helping them reduce educational costs.
Delivery format
Working professionals benefit from the program’s hybrid learning approach. This format has:
- Monthly weekend intensive sessions (Saturday through Tuesday) for theoretical content
- Flexible digital instruction for remainder of coursework
- Face-to-face components enhancing student-faculty interaction
- Immersion practicum experiences in faculty-approved clinical settings
You can keep your job while pursuing advanced education with this structure.
Specializations
The MSN-FNP program teaches you to manage care for individuals and families of all ages. The curriculum focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical management of primary care conditions. CDU’s broader mission shows in the program’s emphasis on meeting healthcare needs of underserved populations. You’ll gain advanced skills in patient care that work in many healthcare settings.
Admission requirements
You need these qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution
- Current, unrestricted California RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Statistics course (3 units) completed with grade of ‘C’ or better
- Three letters of recommendation (two from current/past nursing supervisors)
- Personal goal statement (2-3 pages)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Students who speak English as a second language must show proficiency through TOEFL scores. You’ll need a minimum total of 84, with at least 24 in both speaking and writing sections.
Best for
This MSN-FNP program suits you if you:
- Want one of the shortest nurse practitioner programs while keeping your job
- Care about serving diverse, urban, or medically underserved communities
- Value equity, inclusion, and social impact in healthcare
- Prefer mixing online flexibility with structured in-person learning
The program has CCNE and California Board accreditation and prepares you for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Many graduates become midlevel providers, university administrators, or hospital administrators.
6. University of California Irvine – DNP FNP Program
UC Irvine is California’s first public university to offer a DNP-FNP program. The Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing combines academic excellence with innovative teaching methods to create a program that works well for practicing nurses.
Program duration
The DNP-FNP track at UC Irvine runs for three years in a hybrid format designed for full-time students. Students complete the program over 11 quarters, making it a worthwhile investment for career growth. The curriculum consists of 98 total units and 1,020 clinical practice hours. UC Irvine’s approach balances academic excellence with flexibility through smart scheduling.
Tuition and fees
Students pay about $38,940 in program fees each year, plus a $108 student services access fee. The total yearly cost comes to $39,048, and these costs stay the same across quarters. UC system nurses can get a renewable $10,000 UC Nurse Scholarship. They only need to verify their employment to qualify, which helps reduce their education costs substantially.
Delivery format
The program features a hybrid learning structure with:
- Weekly online sessions (Wednesdays for Year 2, Thursdays for Year 3)
- Self-paced learning components that offer schedule flexibility
- Three on-campus intensives (Prolog, Intersession, Epilog)
- Campus visits for clinical skills assessments
Working nurses can manage this format well, though the workload gets heavier when clinical rotations start in spring of the first year. Students should plan for virtual classes one day each week and another day for clinical rotations with coursework.
Specializations
The program prepares graduates to provide primary care to patients of all ages in various outpatient settings. Students can also take three nursing education electives that qualify them for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator examination. Graduates leave with expertise in both advanced practice and nursing education.
Admission requirements
Students need these qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Current, unrestricted California RN license
- At least one year of full-time RN experience in the U.S. before starting
- Statistics course (descriptive and inferential) with grade B or better in the last five years
- One recommendation letter from a doctorally prepared professor or healthcare professional
Best for
Nurses who want doctoral training while keeping their jobs will find this program ideal. UC system employees can benefit from scholarship opportunities. The program works well for nurses who want to combine FNP certification with teaching preparation. UC Irvine attracts students with its strong reputation, well-laid-out program, and rich clinical opportunities in the UC health system.
7. Azusa Pacific University – MSN FNP Program
Azusa Pacific University runs a Family Nurse Practitioner program that blends faith with professional healthcare education. RNs looking to advance their careers in primary healthcare will learn professional values and vital clinical skills needed for complete patient care.
Program duration
You can complete the BSN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program at APU in 24 months. This makes it one of the shortest nurse practitioner programs in California. Nurses who already have a master’s degree can finish the FNP certificate in just 12 months. Both paths follow a well-laid-out curriculum that gets you ready for advanced practice roles.
Tuition and fees
The program costs $895 per credit, with the 47-credit MSN-FNP program coming to about $42,065. You’ll also need to pay clinical fees of $600 each semester and advanced practice lab fees of $275 per course. The good news is that you can access many financial aid options. APU’s Yellow Ribbon University status also means military benefits are available.
Delivery format
Classes take place at three locations: Azusa main campus, Inland Empire, and San Diego. This setup lets you work directly with faculty members. You’ll also benefit from evening lectures, flexible clinical placements, and part-time study options.
Specializations
The program teaches you family-focused primary care for patients of all ages. You’ll learn direct patient assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, client advocacy, and patient education. After graduation, you can apply for California Board of Registered Nursing certification and national FNP certification.
Admission requirements
You’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Active California RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (you might get provisional admission with a lower GPA)
- Two professional recommendations
- Personal statement about your professional goals
- Current resume showing your work history
Best for
This program works great for nurses who want faith-based education, value close interaction with faculty, and prefer structured clinical experiences. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, you’ll get tailored instruction. The program prepares you well for California’s healthcare market, where nurse practitioners earn around $158,130 on average.
Choose Your Program Today
RNs looking to advance their careers quickly can find life-changing chances in California’s accelerated nurse practitioner programs. Each program comes with its own strengths. San José State stands out for affordability, while University of San Francisco appeals with its Jesuit mission-based approach. University of San Diego provides a customized campus experience. Samuel Merritt’s online flexibility works well for busy professionals. Charles R. Drew University focuses on social change, UC Irvine prepares you for doctoral studies, and Azusa Pacific combines faith with education.
These quick programs demand hard work, but the career benefits make it worthwhile. California nurse practitioners earn the highest salaries nationwide, with yearly earnings above $166,000. On top of that, job growth looks strong at 58.6% through 2032, which means excellent job security after you graduate.
You can complete these programs quickly. Post-master’s certificates take just 12 months, while most MSN paths take 24 months to finish. Tuition costs range widely – from $42,000 at Azusa Pacific to $94,000 at University of San Diego. Every school offers financial aid options to help manage these costs.
Your best choice depends on your situation, goals, and how you prefer to learn. Any of these accelerated programs will help you become one of California’s most valued healthcare professionals. The mix of great pay, job security, and the chance to help patients makes this career path truly rewarding.
Now is the perfect time to take this step. Healthcare needs keep growing, especially in California’s diverse communities. These accelerated programs can help qualified nurses become advanced practitioners who meet these needs. Your trip to becoming a nurse practitioner starts by picking a program that matches your career goals and personal requirements.