10 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in California

Nurse Practitioner Programs in California Overview

Home to 17,400 Nurse Practitioners, California’s current healthcare panorama is indicative of its commitment to this profession. However, the future demand, with a need for 26,900 new Nurse Practitioners by 2030, testifies to the burgeoning opportunities that lie ahead. The state’s Reduced Practice model and the requirement for collaborative agreements for prescriptive authority reflect a balanced approach between autonomy and teamwork in care. This harmonious fusion offers a conducive environment for aspirant Nurse Practitioners.

1. Educational Requirements: In California, the journey to becoming a Nurse Practitioner begins with obtaining an RN license and then gaining a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited nursing program. This higher level of education sets the stage for handling more complex aspects of patient healthcare.
2. Licensure and Certification: Aspiring Nurse Practitioners must secure licensure from the California Board of Registered Nursing and certification in their chosen specialty. These required credentials help ensure a high standard of healthcare service delivery.
3. Scope of Practice: California’s Reduced Practice Model allows Nurse Practitioners to perform many functions autonomously while maintaining a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician for some services. This balance provides Nurse Practitioners with latitude in practice while ensuring the availability of experienced guidance when needed.
4. Prescriptive Authority: In California, Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medications under a physician’s supervision. This authority, including controlled substances, enables Nurse Practitioners to manage their patient’s treatment more comprehensively.
5. Employment and Salary Statistics: Nurse Practitioners, making up 7% of the U.S. workforce in the profession, earn an average annual income of $151,830 in California. This competitive salary structure signals California’s appreciation for the critical role that Nurse Practitioners play in the delivery of healthcare.
6. Job Outlook: With the anticipation of needing an additional 2,120 Nurse Practitioners per year until 2030, California is clearly preparing for the future of its healthcare system. This substantial projected growth offers immense potential for those planning to enter or continue in this field.
7. Regulatory Body: The California Board of Registered Nursing oversees the licensure and practice standards for Nurse Practitioners, ensuring that the quality of healthcare remains high.

The projected need for Nurse Practitioners in California and its approach to practice and prescriptive authority create an environment ripe with opportunity. Considering the attractive salaries and robust job growth, California seems poised to offer a promising future for those ready to step into the Nurse Practitioner role.

10 Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in California

#1 in California

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See our Ranking Methodology

8 Steps to Become an NP in California

1. Earn an RN Degree – To become an nurse practitioner in California you must first become RNs. Getting your RN through an ADN or BSN program is your first step. Be sure to earn your RN or BSN from a university that is accredited by the ACEN or CCNE because your class credits are more likely to be accepted by your Nurse Practitioner programs in California if you earned your RN from an accredited school.
2. Pass The NCLEX-RN Exam – Our practice tests  and NCLEX-RN exam study guide are just the tools you need to help you prepare for test day.
3. Earn Your MSN or DNP – To become an NP you can either get your masters or doctorate. Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs take about 2 years while Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs take about 4 years. You will choose a population foci such as gerontology, family, neonatal when you start your program:
4. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours – If you earn your MSN you will need to between 500-600 clinical hours depending on your population focus. To earn your DNP you need 1000 hours.
5. Become Board Certified – Your certifying body to become an NP depends on your population foci:
   • National Certification Corporation: For Women’s health and neonatal NPs.
   • The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: Family and adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Association of Critical Care Nurses: Adult-gerontology NPs.
   • The American Nurses Credentialing Center: Adult-gerontology, family, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric NPs.
   • Pediatric Nursing Certification Board: Pediatric NPs.
6. Obtain Licensure – Licensure is done on a state-by-state basis. Contact the California State Board of Nursing for more information.
7. Obtain a DEA Number – DEA registration is required in order to prescribe medication in California. Once you are licensed, apply for your NPI number which is free. Then you use this to apply for your State Controlled Substances Authority for California and then your DEA registration so that you can prescribe medications.
8. Maintain Active Certification and Licensure – Your certifying body and BON in California will tell you what is required to maintain certification and licensure. Usually this requires a certain amount of continuing education (CE) credits as well as clinical practice. You may also have to fill out an application and pay a fee every 2-3 years.

Time It Takes to Become an NP

How much time it takes to become an NP in California really depends on your background. Depending on the path you take it will be 2 to 4 years of education before you can become a Certified Nurse Practitioner. If you’re already an RN it can take as little as 2 years by earning your MSN. If you are not an RN some direct entry programs are as short as 2 years as well. If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can do a DNP program in 2-3 years and become and NP while also earning your doctorate.

Here are examples of how long it will take you to become an NP depending on what degree you are starting with:

Starting Degree	How Many Years to Become an NP
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)	2 – 3 years
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)	2 years
Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field	2 – 3 years
Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)	1 – 2 years

Types of NP Programs in California

BSN to MSN

If you are getting your MSN after having your BSN in the state of California, you can expect to spend 2 years earning your degree to become NP. If you have your RN, but not your BSN, you can complete a program that is similar in length and will give you an MSN. General requirements to enter and complete your BSN to MSN program in California include:

• A 3.0 GPA or the equivalent of a B average
• Must be licensed as an RN in California
• Complete about 50 credits of classroom work
• Complete 500 to 800 hours of supervised clinical experience depending upon the University

Direct Entry MSN Programs

Direct Entry MSN programs or accelerated MSN programs give people who are not nurses but have a bachelors degree in something else the opportunity pursue nursing. These programs prepare you to be an NP without having you repeat non-nursing college courses that you have already taken. There are a handful of these programs in California. Direct entry programs take between 2 and 3 years to complete. After the program you will be an RN and an NP. General requirements to enter and to complete your accelerated MSN program in California include:

• A 3.0 GPA or the equivalent of a B average
• Completion of pre-requisites such as anatomy and physiology, developmental psychology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, and more
• Complete about 50 credits of classroom work
• Complete 500 to 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience depending upon the University

MSN to NP Certificate

If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can complete a certificate program to train you to be an NP. This may be the right path for you if you have your MSN in something like nursing education, nursing administration, or if you are a clinical nurse specialist. In general MSN to NP certificate programs take about one year and to enter and to complete your NP to Certificate program requires the following:

• You must be an RN in California to be eligible to apply for these programs
• Typically you are not required to take the GRE again for these programs
• You will have to submit an application with your resume, references, past transcripts and more
• Complete 500 to 700 clinical hours depending on the school and your population focus

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

DNP programs are the doctorate level programs that prepare nurses to be NPs. In these programs you will be trained to provide nursing care at the expert level and will also be able to teach in most universities. DNP programs are becoming more popular as the entry pathway into becoming an NP.  Program length varies from 3 to 5 years depending on whether or not you already have your masters. The eligibility requirements vary a little between the BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs.

BSN to DNP: These programs are for bachelor’s level trained nurses.

• You must be a licensed California nurse and have had a GPA of at least 3.0 (B average) or better.
• The BSN to DNP programs will take about 5 years depending on the university.
• Your application will need to include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, previous transcripts, and more.
• You will need to complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical experiences.
• Some programs will require you to have nursing experience.

MSN to DNP: These programs take into account that you are already a nurse trained at the master’s level. Depending on the program you may be required to already be an NP in California.

• All programs will require you to have your California RN license.
• These programs will take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
• Like the BSN to DNP programs you need to submit an application with letters of recommendations, past transcripts, and more.
• You do not have to take the GRE however, as it is assumed that you already had to take it for your MSN.
• At the end of your DNP education you will not only be an NP but you will also have completed the highest level of clinical nursing education available.

Where Do NPs Typically Work in California?

As an NP the world is at your fingertips. You can work in a variety of settings and will have the flexibility throughout your career to change it up. Here are some examples of where you may work.

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Cardiology,  neurology, emergency departments, intensive care units, medical surgical units, military settings, and more.
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP: primary care clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, college health, occupational health, military settings, and more.
• Family NP: Primary care clinics, community health, urgent care, college health, occupational health,  military settings, dermatology, shelters, and more.
• Neonatal NP: neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and more.
• Pediatric Acute Care NP: Emergency departments, specialty units in children’s hospitals, urgent care.
• Pediatric Primary Care NP: community health centers, schools, children’s hospitals, private practices.
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP: outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization units, nursing homes, and more.
• Women’s Health NP: Community health centers, women’s prisons, private practices, urogynecology practices, adolescent health, and more.

Top NP Employers in California

California offers a wide range of healthcare organizations where nurse practitioners can contribute their expertise and make a positive impact on patient care. Here are different types of organizations and examples of specific organizations where nurse practitioners can work:

Hospitals and Medical Centers

Hospitals and medical centers serve as pillars of healthcare, providing comprehensive care and specialized treatments. Nurse practitioners play a vital role in delivering high-quality care and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Some notable hospitals and medical centers in California include:

• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• Stanford Health Care
• UCLA Health
• Sutter Health
• Kaiser Permanente

Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers

Outpatient clinics and urgent care centers provide accessible and timely healthcare services for various non-emergency medical needs. Nurse practitioners in these settings offer primary care, minor procedures, and urgent care services. Examples of outpatient clinics and urgent care centers in California include:

• Planned Parenthood
• Concentra Urgent Care
• Carbon Health
• CityHealth Urgent Care
• One Medical

Private Practices and Specialty Clinics

Private practices and specialty clinics provide specialized care in specific areas of medicine. Nurse practitioners in private practices often collaborate closely with physicians to deliver patient-centered care. Examples of private practices and specialty clinics in California include:

• San Francisco Gynecology
• California Skin Institute
• Orthopaedic Institute for Children
• The Village Doctor
• Southern California Reproductive Center

Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

Community health centers and FQHCs focus on providing healthcare services to underserved populations, including low-income individuals and those without insurance. Nurse practitioners in these settings play a crucial role in delivering primary care and preventive services. Examples of community health centers and FQHCs in California include:

• Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
• Eisner Health
• La Maestra Community Health Centers
• Redwood Community Health Coalition
• Native American Health Center

Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

Long-term care facilities and nursing homes provide specialized care to individuals who require extended assistance and support. Nurse practitioners in these settings work closely with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive geriatric care. Examples of long-term care facilities and nursing homes in California include:

• Kindred Healthcare
• Briarcrest Nursing Center
• Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center
• Silverado
• Windsor Healthcare

Academic Institutions and Universities

Academic institutions and universities serve as hubs for education, research, and the advancement of healthcare knowledge. Nurse practitioners in these settings have opportunities to contribute to teaching, mentorship, and cutting-edge research. Examples of academic institutions and universities in California include:

• University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
• University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health
• Stanford University School of Medicine
• University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Health

Government and Military Facilities

Government and military facilities provide healthcare services to specific populations, such as veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Nurse practitioners in these facilities deliver care while adhering to unique regulations and serving those who have served the country. Examples of government and military facilities in California include:

• Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
• Naval Medical Center San Diego
• David Grant USAF Medical Center

Home Health Care Agencies

Home health care agencies provide essential healthcare services to patients in the comfort of their own homes. Nurse practitioners in these agencies focus on delivering personalized care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating interdisciplinary care teams. Examples of home health care agencies in California include:

• Interim HealthCare
• Kindred at Home
• Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Health Group
• AccentCare
• Maxim Healthcare Services

California as a state, and specifically the cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego are booming with healthcare industries looking to hire qualified NPs like you. Here are some examples:

• Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare plans in the U.S., providing healthcare services to millions of members in several states, including California. They operate numerous hospitals, medical centers, and outpatient facilities.
• Sutter Health: Sutter Health is a not-for-profit health system serving more than 100 communities in Northern California. They provide a range of healthcare services through their network of doctors, hospitals, home health providers, and outpatient care centers.
• Dignity Health: Dignity Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is a not-for-profit health system offering a variety of services across 21 states, with a strong presence in California. They operate more than 400 care sites, including hospitals, urgent care centers, and clinics.
• UCLA Health: UCLA Health is an academic medical center that includes a number of hospitals and an extensive primary care network in the Los Angeles region. They provide a broad range of patient care services and are a leader in medical research and education.
• Stanford Health Care: Stanford Health Care is part of Stanford Medicine, a leading academic health system that includes the Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Children’s Health. They provide highly specialized care and are at the forefront of medical innovation.
• Cedars-Sinai: Cedars-Sinai is a nonprofit, academic healthcare organization located in Los Angeles, known for its excellent patient care, biomedical research, and graduate medical education.
• UC Davis Health: UC Davis Health is one of California’s top academic health centers, located in Sacramento. It includes a medical center, School of Medicine, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, and a 1,000-member physician’s group.
• UC San Francisco Health: UCSF Health is an innovative health organization that operates UCSF Medical Center, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, and other services. They are known for their research, teaching, health care, and public service.
• Scripps Health: Scripps Health is a private, nonprofit health system based in San Diego. It includes five hospitals, outpatient care centers, and a broad network of physicians for comprehensive patient care.
• Providence Health & Services: Providence Health & Services, part of Providence St. Joseph Health, is a Catholic network of hospitals, care centers, health plans, physicians, clinics, and affiliated services, serving communities in Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Nurse Practitioner Types by Primary Certification

Certification	Percent of NPs
Family Nurse Practitioner	69.7
Adult Care	10.8
Adult–Gerontology Primary Care	7.0
Psychiatric/Mental Health	4.7
Acute Care	4.1
Pediatrics–Primary Care	3.2
Adult–Gerontology Acute Care	2.9
Women’s Health	2.9
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care	1.8
Neonatal	1.0
Pediatrics–Acute Care	0.7

Cost to Become an NP in California

The approximate costs for earning a nurse practitioner program can vary significantly depending on factors such as the specific program, institution, location, and whether it is an online or on-campus program. It is essential to research individual programs to obtain accurate and up-to-date cost information. However, I can provide you with general cost ranges for each type of nurse practitioner program:

1. RN to MSN nurse practitioner program: The cost of an RN to MSN nurse practitioner program can range from $15,000 to $40,000 or more. This estimate includes tuition, fees, and other expenses over the course of the program.
2. BSN to MSN nurse practitioner program: The cost of a BSN to MSN nurse practitioner program can range from $20,000 to $60,000 or more. The overall cost will depend on factors such as the duration of the program, the institution, and any additional fees or expenses.
3. Direct entry MSN nurse practitioner program: The cost of a direct entry MSN nurse practitioner program can vary significantly, ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 or more. These programs are typically designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are seeking to transition into nursing and advance to become nurse practitioners.
4. BSN to DNP nurse practitioner program: The cost of a BSN to DNP nurse practitioner program can range from $40,000 to $100,000 or more. These programs are terminal degrees in nursing and usually require a significant investment due to their longer duration and advanced coursework.
5. MSN to DNP nurse practitioner program: The cost of an MSN to DNP nurse practitioner program can range from $25,000 to $70,000 or more. These programs are designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in nursing and want to further advance their knowledge and skills.
6. Post-master’s certification nurse practitioner program: The cost of a post-master’s certification nurse practitioner program can range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more. These programs are intended for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in nursing and wish to obtain additional specialization as a nurse practitioner.

To help offset the cost of becoming an NP you can apply for scholarships and/or loan forgiveness programs. Here are a few examples.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
• Perkins Loan Cancellation
• Military Programs
• Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness

Scholarships outside of the school you are applying to are not as common for NP programs as they are for BSN programs, but our Nursing School  and Scholarship guide  can help you figure out additional ways to offset costs.

Scholarships for NP Students in California

1. Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) Nursing Student Scholarship – ACNL offers scholarships for nursing students, including nurse practitioners, to support their graduate studies. The deadlines and scholarship amounts vary year to year.
2. California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CAN/NNOC) Continuing Education Scholarship – The CAN/NNOC provides scholarships to its members to further their education. Deadlines and scholarship amounts are updated annually on their website.
3. Health Professions Education Foundation (HPEF) Scholarships – HPEF provides various scholarships and loan repayment programs for health professionals, including nurse practitioners, serving in underserved areas in California. The deadlines and scholarship amounts vary.
4. Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation – AANP NP Scholarships – NPHF provides scholarships for nurse practitioner students. The application deadline typically falls in March, and the scholarship amount is $2,000.
5. California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) Educational Foundation Scholarships – CANP provides scholarships to members who are pursuing further education as nurse practitioners. The deadlines and scholarship amounts vary year to year.
6. California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) Foundation Scholarships – The CANP Foundation offers scholarships to support the education and professional development of nurse practitioners in California. These scholarships aim to advance the quality of healthcare delivery in the state.
7. California Nurses Foundation Scholarships – The California Nurses Foundation provides scholarships to nursing students, including nurse practitioners, who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the nursing profession. These scholarships contribute to the growth and advancement of nursing in California.
8. California Student Aid Commission Scholarships – The California Student Aid Commission offers various scholarships and financial aid programs for students pursuing higher education, including nurse practitioner programs. Eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts vary for each scholarship program.
9. Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program – The Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program supports doctoral nursing students, including those specializing in nurse practitioner roles, who are committed to addressing healthcare needs in California. This scholarship program aims to develop nursing leaders and improve healthcare outcomes in the state.
10. NurseTim Scholarships – NurseTim offers scholarships for nursing students, including aspiring nurse practitioners, who are pursuing their education in California. These scholarships are designed to alleviate financial burdens and promote the professional growth of nursing students.

Earnings for California Nurse Practitioners

• The number of Nurse Practitioners currently employed in California is 17,400.
• Nurse Practitioners in California earn an average of $151,830 per year or $72.99 per hour.
• The percentage of U.S. Nurse Practitioners who work in California is 7%.
• California will need 26,900 new Nurse Practitioners by 2030 or 2,120 new nurses per year.

Salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and the specific institution of employment, but here are estimated salary ranges NP can expect to earn in California according to

Type of Nurse Practitioner	Estimated Annual Salary
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP	$95,000 – $120,000
Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP	$90,000 – $115,000
Family Nurse Practitioner	$90,000 – $110,000
Neonatal NP	$100,000 – $125,000
Psychiatric Mental Health NP	$95,000 – $120,000
Pediatric Acute Care NP	$90,000 – $115,000
Pediatric Primary Care NP	$85,000 – $110,000
Women’s Health NP	$90,000 – $115,000

According the the

Area	Average Salary	COL Adjusted	Difference
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara	$197,870	$176,481	$-21,389
Napa	$184,700	$165,754	$-18,946
Vallejo-Fairfield	$180,380	$166,372	$-14,008
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward	$177,160	$150,941	$-26,219
Yuba City	$159,260	$160,060	$800
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande	$153,300	$139,962	$-13,338

Online & Campus Nurse Practitioner Programs

University	Offered as	City/State
University of San Francisco	Campus, Hybrid, Online	San Francisco, CA
Azusa Pacific University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Azusa, CA
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University	Campus, Online	San Jose, CA
California Baptist University	Campus, Online	Riverside, CA
Sonoma State University	Campus, Hybrid	Rohnert Park, CA
California State University-Bakersfield	Campus, Hybrid	Bakersfield, CA
Brandman University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Irvine, CA
California State University-Stanislaus	Campus, Online	Turlock, CA
California State University-San Marcos	Campus, Hybrid, Online	San Marcos, CA
California State University-Dominguez Hills	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Carson, CA
West Coast University	Campus	North Hollywood, CA
California State University-Fresno	Campus, Online	Fresno, CA
University of California-Los Angeles	Campus	Los Angeles, CA
California State University-Long Beach	Campus	Long Beach, CA
California State University-Channel Islands	Campus	Camarillo, CA
California State University-Los Angeles	Campus	Los Angeles, CA
United States University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	San Diego, CA
Fresno Pacific University	Campus, Hybrid	Fresno, CA
Holy Names University	Campus	Oakland, CA
Loma Linda University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Loma Linda, CA
National University	Campus, Hybrid, Online	La Jolla, CA
Samuel Merritt University	Campus, Hybrid	Oakland, CA
University of San Diego/Hahn	Campus	San Diego, CA
San Francisco State University	Campus, Hybrid	San Francisco, CA

Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners

FAQ for California Nurse Practitioner Students

What types of NP programs are available in California, and do they offer specializations?

A: California offers a diverse range of NP programs including specialties such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). These programs may be offered both on-campus and online through accredited institutions.

Are online NP programs offered by schools in California accredited and recognized?

A: Yes, many nursing schools in California provide accredited online NP programs that allow students to specialize while offering flexibility for working professionals. Accreditation is typically granted by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Do all nurse practitioner programs require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for admission?

A: Most nurse practitioner graduate programs require applicants to have completed a BSN degree; however, some might offer bridge programs for Registered Nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing who wish to advance their education.

What is the expected salary range for NPs practicing in California after completing their degree program?

A: The salary for nurse practitioners can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience level, specialty area, and type of practice setting. In general, NPs tend to earn higher salaries than registered nurses due to their advanced qualifications with average salaries often exceeding national figures given the high demand and cost-of-living adjustments specific to certain areas within California.

Why is accreditation important when selecting an NP program?

A: Attending an accredited nurse practitioner program ensures that you receive education meeting industry standards which is crucial not only for quality assurance but also eligibility sit certification exams qualify licensure Additionally many employers prefer hire graduates from accredited.

California Organizations for Nurse Practitioners

Here is a bulleted list using Markdown format for California organizations for nurse practitioners:

• California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP): A professional organization representing nurse practitioners (NPs) in California. CANP advocates for the interests of NPs, promotes high standards of practice, and provides educational resources and networking opportunities for its members.
• California Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (CCNP): An organization dedicated to advancing the role of nurse practitioners in California. CCNP focuses on advocacy, legislative efforts, and promoting professional development opportunities for NPs in the state.
• California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN): The regulatory body responsible for overseeing the licensure and practice of registered nurses (including nurse practitioners) in California. The BRN ensures that NPs meet the state’s standards for safe and competent practice.
• California Association of Nurse Anesthetists (CANA): A professional organization representing nurse anesthetists in California. CANA promotes the safe and effective administration of anesthesia by nurse anesthetists, provides educational resources, and advocates for the profession.
• California Nurse-Midwives Association (CNMA): An organization that supports and represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in California. CNMA promotes evidence-based midwifery care, advocates for reproductive health, and provides resources for midwives and their clients.

National Organizations for Nurse Practitioners

Since it is such a popular career path there are multiple resources and organizations available for you to utilize as you gather more information:

1. American Psychiatric Nurses Association: The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is a professional organization that focuses on advancing the practice of psychiatric nursing. APNA supports nurse practitioners in California specializing in psychiatric-mental health care. They provide resources, education, and advocacy to enhance the quality of mental health services and promote the role of nurse practitioners in this field.
2. American Association of Nurse Practitioners: The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional organization for nurse practitioners in the United States. AANP represents and advocates for the interests of nurse practitioners in California and nationwide. They offer educational opportunities, professional development resources, and support for nurse practitioners in various specialties.
3. Society of Nurses in Advanced Practice: The Society of Nurses in Advanced Practice (SNAP) is an organization that supports and promotes advanced practice nursing, including nurse practitioners. SNAP provides a platform for California nurse practitioners to network, share knowledge, and advocate for their profession. They strive to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery through advanced practice nursing.
4. Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education: Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education (NPACE) is dedicated to providing high-quality continuing education opportunities for nurse practitioners in California and beyond. NPACE offers conferences, workshops, and online courses to support the professional growth and development of nurse practitioners across different specialties.
5. Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation: The Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation (NPHF) is committed to improving the health and well-being of patients through the advancement of nurse practitioners’ practice, education, and research. NPHF supports California nurse practitioners by funding research initiatives, promoting evidence-based practice, and advocating for policy changes to expand their scope of practice.
6. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners: The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) is an organization that focuses on advancing the role of nurse practitioners in pediatric healthcare. NAPNAP provides resources, educational opportunities, and advocacy for California nurse practitioners specializing in pediatric care. They strive to promote optimal health outcomes for children through the expertise and dedication of nurse practitioners.
7. International Council of Nursing Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network: The International Council of Nursing Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network (ICN APN) is a global organization that supports and promotes the role of nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses. They provide a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among California nurse practitioners and their international counterparts. ICN APN advocates for the recognition and integration of nurse practitioners into healthcare systems worldwide.
8. Doctors of Nursing Practice: The Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an organization that represents and supports nurse practitioners who have earned the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. DNPs in California and beyond play a crucial role in clinical practice, research, education, and policy development. The organization promotes the highest standards of practice and facilitates leadership opportunities for DNPs in various healthcare settings.
9. Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association: The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) focuses on enhancing the knowledge and skills of nurse practitioners specializing in the care of older adults.
10. National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties: The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) is an organization dedicated to promoting high-quality education for nurse practitioners in California and across the country. NONPF provides resources, professional development opportunities, and networking platforms for nurse practitioner faculty members. They work to ensure that nurse practitioners receive comprehensive and evidence-based education to deliver excellent patient care.
11. Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health: Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) is an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the role of nurse practitioners in women’s health care. NPWH provides resources, education, and advocacy for California nurse practitioners specializing in women’s health, addressing various aspects such as reproductive health, gynecology, and primary care for women.
12. Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology: The Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO) is a professional organization that supports nurse practitioners and other advanced practice providers involved in the care of patients with cancer and blood disorders. APSHO offers educational opportunities, networking events, and resources to enhance the knowledge and skills of California nurse practitioners in the field of hematology and oncology.
13. National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners: The National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners (NADNP) is an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in dermatology nursing practice. NADNP provides educational programs, resources, and networking opportunities for nurse practitioners in California who specialize in dermatology. They strive to enhance the quality of dermatological care through advanced practice nursing.
14. American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners (AAENP) is an organization that focuses on supporting and advancing the role of nurse practitioners in emergency care settings. AAENP provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for California nurse practitioners practicing in emergency medicine. They aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of care in emergency departments through the expertise of nurse practitioners.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me

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