Don’t let your lack of a BSN hold you back from the nursing career in California you deserve. Enrolling in one of the Direct Entry MSN programs in California can help you earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree even if your undergraduate degree is not in nursing. An MSN will give you entrée into clinical and management positions that are closed to you now. Graduates of Direct Entry MSN programs make $153,290 a year—the same amount as traditional MSN program graduates. With this degree, you can become an APRN, a nurse executive, or a nursing professor in the Golden State. Check out the following list of the 11 best Direct Entry MSN programs in California for 2025.
Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 11 Best Direct-Entry MSN programs in California (Online & Campus).
University of California-Los Angeles Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: If you are seeking to enroll in one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in California, then the University of California-Los Angeles’s MSN for non-nurses is an excellent choice. The program is designed for non-nurses who want to enter the field of nursing as generalist registered nurses.
The two-year program prepares you for the NCLEX-RN licensure. The program is offered on a full-time basis with classes held on the UCLA campus. In addition to didactic courses, the program also includes extensive clinical experiences at affiliate hospitals.
The curriculum educates you on various topics including, health promotion, health equity, evidence-based practice, informatics, collaboration & teamwork, healthcare policy and advanced research, and population health. The final year of this direct-entry MSN program in California entails completing an immersion experience in a hospital.
University of California-Los Angeles Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for the University of California-Los Angeles direct-entry MSN, you must foremost have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to complete pre-requisite courses in microbiology, nutrition, psychology, statistics, and communication. Also, you must be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation, and your official transcripts.
Interesting Highlights For University of California-Los Angeles Direct-Entry MSN Students
• University of California-Los Angeles direct-entry MSN students practice clinical skills at some of the prominent healthcare centers in California, including the UCLA Medical Center, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, and VA-West Los Angeles Healthcare Center, to name a few.University of California-Davis Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Offering one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in California, the University of California-Davis must be on your list if you are keen on a career switch to nursing.
The 92-credit direct-entry MSN program is comprehensive, offering a well-rounded education. With a combination of rigorous didactic training and diverse clinical experiences, the program prepares non-nurses for nursing leadership.
During the first year, the program teaches you about the social, cultural & behavioral determinants of health, research quality improvement, foundations of pharmacology, health assessment, collaborative practice, and the care of adults with chronic conditions. The first year also entails completing courses in quality & safety education in healthcare, and the nursing care of adults with complex illnesses & injuries. In the second year, you’ll mainly learn about health status & care systems, emphasizing professional nursing role formation. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
University of California-Davis Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: University of California-Davis direct-entry MSN is open to applicants who have an accredited bachelor’s degree. To qualify for this direct-entry MSN program in California your GPA must be at least 3.0. Further, the submission of three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a statement of purpose is required.
Interesting Highlights For University of California-Davis Direct-Entry MSN Students
• University of California-Davis’s Master’s Degree in Nursing ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.University of San Francisco Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: University of San Francisco’s direct-entry MSN is a great option for someone who is seeking a new career in nursing. Counted among the best direct-entry MSN programs in California, the program prepares non-nurses for nurse leader positions.
The program is offered on a full-time basis and requires completion of 92 credits. Within as little as two years, students are equipped with the professional skills to positively impact patient care.
The curriculum starts with foundational topics including pathophysiology & pharmacology, foundations of leadership, health assessment, health informatics, quality improvement & patient safety, and med-surgical nursing. This direct-entry MSN program in California also covers topics such as financial resource management, pediatric nursing, maternal & newborn health, health policy ethics & advocacy, and leadership for quality improvement.
University of San Francisco Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: University of San Francisco direct-entry MSN accepts applications for non-nurses who have an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. To complete your application, you must submit a personal statement, a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, and your official transcripts.
Interesting Highlights For University of San Francisco Direct-Entry MSN Students
• The University of San Francisco ranks among the best graduate schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.Specialties Offered: Community and Population Health Nursing (CPHN)
University of California-Irvine Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: The best direct-entry MSN programs in California such as the one offered by the University of California-Irvine are great for career changers who want to position themselves as nurse leaders. The Master’s Entry Program in Nursing offered by the University of California-Irvine combines didactic and clinical training in a two-year full-time program.
The program leads to the NCLEX-RN exam and prepares students to become registered nurses. Further, students also gain specialized skills in Community and Population Health Nursing.
Comprising around 89 credits, this direct-entry MSN program in California teaches you concepts in the foundations of nursing practice, pharmacology, pathophysiology, research methods, professional issues in nursing, adult health care, and human behavior & mental health nursing. As the program progresses, you learn about maternity & women’s healthcare, pediatrics, care of vulnerable populations, leadership & management in healthcare, and health promotion & disease prevention. The program also includes a course in community-based healthcare
University of California-Irvine Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: University of California-Irvine direct-entry MSN program is open to applicants who are eager to become registered nurses. To be considered for admission, you must have a non-nursing bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires you to complete courses in statistics, psychology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and general chemistry. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts. Because the program only takes in a small number of students, the admission process is highly competitive.
Interesting Highlights For University of California-Irvine Direct-Entry MSN Students
• University of California-Irvine direct-entry MSN students not only obtain an MSN but also position themselves as healthcare leaders by earning the Community & Population Health Nursing concentration. Graduates are prepared to lead health care teams, focusing on improved care for underserved populations.University of San Diego Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: The main reason why the University of San Diego’s direct-entry MSN gets counted among the best Direct-Entry MSN programs in California is that here the education is well-rounded. The program focuses on training compassionate, critical thinkers, who are passionate about improving health.
The curriculum comprises 71 credits and includes a nursing externship elective course. The program is mainly made up of courses in the MSN core and MEPN core. While the MSN core covers topics such as evidence-based practice, policy & systems, and healthcare information management, the MEPN core is more comprehensive, including foundational and advanced nursing concepts.
The MEPN core includes classes in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, health assessment, fundamentals of nursing, and clinical nurse leadership. The coursework also trains you for nursing practice with children, adults, and the elderly suffering from acute and chronic health conditions. This direct-entry MSN program in California also includes an advanced generalist nursing internship and clinical nurse leader practicum. Program graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and a career as a generalist advanced registered nurse.
University of San Diego Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To apply for the University of San Diego direct-entry MSN, you must have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field. Further, your GPA must be at least 3.0. The program also requires you to submit your transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, and three letters of recommendation. Further, completion of the prescribed list of pre-requisite courses is also required to fulfill the admission requirements.
Interesting Highlights For University of San Diego Direct-Entry MSN Students
• University of San Diego’s MSN ranks among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.Western University of Health Sciences Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: If you looking for one of the well-known direct-entry MSN programs in California that is also nationally recognized, then applying to Western University of Health Sciences is an excellent idea. The school’s direct-entry MSN, meant for non-nurses can help fulfill your dream of becoming a nurse. Ranked for its high-quality master's in nursing education, here, within as little as two years, you’ll be prepared to embark on a career as a registered nurse.
The program is offered on a full-time basis and requires completion of didactic and clinical courses. The program also offers graduates the opportunity to complete the FNP certification, provided they work as an RN for at least one year. Comprising 90 credits, the program teaches you concepts in patient-centered care, pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and evidence-based care. This direct-entry MSN program in California also trains you in the nursing care of adults across the lifespan. Also, the program includes courses in nursing leadership & management, health system leadership, informatics & technology, and public health and population-based nursing practice.
Western University of Health Sciences Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for Western University of Health Sciences direct-entry MSN, applicants must be graduates of a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, completion of pre-requisite courses is required. Besides, applicants must be prepared to submit their official transcripts, resume, goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Interesting Highlights For Western University of Health Sciences Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Western University of Health Sciences direct-entry MSN students study in small-sized classes where individualized attention is allowed.Azusa Pacific University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: If you are seeking to enroll in one of the faith-based direct-entry MSN programs in California, then Azusa Pacific University should be considered. In a Christian environment, the school trains non-nurses to become compassionate care providers.
Azusa Pacific’s direct-entry MSN prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and a career as an advanced nurse. The program also makes you eligible for the Public Health Nursing Certificate, giving you an edge over other master’s prepared registered nurses. Also, should you desire to enter an advanced practice field of nursing, you’ll be prepared with the skills and knowledge to pursue any advanced practice nursing specialization.
This direct-entry MSN program in California requires completing 108 to 120 credits, depending on the courses previously completed by you. The first four terms of the program are offered full-time, after which you’ll take the NCLEX-RN exam and complete the remaining portion of it, either full-time or part-time. At this point in the program, you can choose a nursing specialty. Upon graduation, you will earn an MSN.
Azusa Pacific University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To apply for Azusa Pacific University direct-entry MSN, you must have an accredited non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The program also requires applicants to have completed pre-requisite courses in human anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, and communication. Further, the submission of transcripts, an essay, and references are required.
Interesting Highlights For Azusa Pacific University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Azusa Pacific University direct-entry MSN students practice clinical skills in some of the culturally most diverse clinical settings. The clinical sites also include underserved and homeless neighborhoods.Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: If you are from a non-nursing field, aspiring a career transition to nursing then Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a great place to start your journey. The school offers an entry-level master of science track which is typically designed for non-nurses.
Of all the direct-entry MSN programs in California, this program stands out for preparing non-nurses for the NCLEX-RN and Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to assume leadership roles in nursing. The 81-credit curriculum is offered as full-time coursework. The program also includes 1059 hours of clinical training.
Some of the classes you take include the concepts of professional practice, pathophysiology, physical assessment, pharmacology, medical-surgical, informatics & evidence-based practice, and psychiatric mental health. This direct-entry MSN program in California also trains you in topics such as cultural diversity, advanced biostatistics & epidemiology, nursing research, and nursing care of individuals & families of all age groups.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: For admission into Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science direct-entry MSN, you must be a graduate of any non-nursing baccalaureate. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. Further, the program also requires applicants to submit their transcripts, resume, and a personal goal statement.
Interesting Highlights For Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science direct-entry MSN students engage in interprofessional learning experiences at the school's academic medical center.California Baptist University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: California Baptist University offers one of the other faith-based direct-entry MSN programs in California. Here, the excellent didactic and clinical training makes it rather seamless for non-nurses to transition to the nursing workforce.
The program requires a completion of 102 to 108 credits, based on the courses completed in your previous degree. The program is offered on a full-time basis and spans 10 to 11 semesters. Starting with the pre-licensure courses, this direct-entry MSN program in California first offers courses that prepare you for the NCLEX-RN, after which students continue with the program to complete the MSN courses. Students also complete courses within their chosen specialization either in nursing education, nursing informatics, or nursing organizational leadership.
The program offers intensive coursework and it is preferred that students refrain from working during the program. The pre-licensure courses train you in various foundational concepts of nursing, including, physical assessment, community & public health nursing, pharmacology, and nursing care of individuals across the lifespan. The post-licensure courses mainly focus on interprofessional collaboration, nursing research & scholarship, health policy & bioethics, and advanced nursing leadership. Thereafter, you’ll complete the concentration-specific courses after which you’ll earn an MSN and gain the eligibility to take the certification exam within your chosen area of specialization.
California Baptist University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: California Baptist University direct-entry MSN’s admission requirements include a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, the completion of the prescribed list of pre-requisite courses is required. Applicants are also required to submit their official transcripts.
Interesting Highlights For California Baptist University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• California Baptist University's direct-entry MSN program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.Specialties Offered: Case Management (CM) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Samuel Merritt University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Regardless of the professional field you come from, if you are aspiring to enter the advanced practice nursing field either as a case manager or a family nurse practitioner, then Samuel Merritt University is the right place for you. By offering one of the most reputable direct-entry MSN programs in California, the school trains non-nurses for rewarding careers in advanced nursing practice.
The direct-entry MSN offers two specializations of Case Management & Family Nurse Practitioner and takes seven semesters to complete. Regardless of the specialization you choose, you’ll complete the coursework in a sequential manner. In the first four semesters, you’ll complete the pre-licensure coursework after which you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. While the first four semesters are offered full-time, students can opt for part-time coursework from the fifth semester onwards.
While the case management concentration direct entry MSN comprises 93 credits, students who opt for the FNP track require completing 109 credits. Regardless of the specialization, the first four semesters include courses in nursing fundamentals, nursing leadership management, and community health. Thereafter, students complete the graduate-level courses and courses related to their nursing specialty.
Samuel Merritt University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Samuel Merritt University direct-entry MSN requires applicants to have a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, to complete the application, you must submit two letters of reference and all your transcripts. You must know that the admission process for this direct-entry MSN program in California is highly competitive.
Interesting Highlights For Samuel Merritt University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Samuel Merritt University consistently makes it to the best graduate schools in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report.Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nursing Administration, and Public/Community Health
San Francisco State University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: San Francisco State University offers another of our featured direct-entry MSN programs in California. With three specialization options, the school prepares non-nurses to move into thriving advanced-practice nursing careers. Students can choose from four specialty areas, including, clinical nurse specialist, nursing administration, public health, or family nurse practitioner.
The 97-credit direct-entry MSN coursework starts with pre-licensure courses, after which students complete the MSN core and specialty-specific courses. The pre-licensure coursework consists of 53 credits and includes courses in human development, health promotion, reproductive health, psychiatric mental health, nursing care of adults, and advanced med-surgical nursing. Thereafter, students complete 36 credits of graduate core courses, covering topics such as health systems management, education, informatics, health care policy, advanced physical assessment, epidemiology, program planning & financial management, ethics in advanced practice nursing, and nursing research. After completing the MSN core courses, you’ll complete the courses within your chosen specialty.
San Francisco State University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be able to apply for San Francisco State University direct-entry MSN, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Further, the program requires you to have a GPA of at least 3.0. To complete the application, you must submit a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. This direct-entry MSN program in California also requires applicants to have completed some health-related experience. Also, completion of pre-requisite courses is required to qualify.
Interesting Highlights For San Francisco State University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• San Francisco State University ranks highly for ethnic diversity according to the U.S. News & World Report. The diverse student population helps direct-entry MSN students in becoming more culturally competent.