4 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Los Angeles, CA (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Why is Los Angeles one of the best places in the nation to pursue your nurse practitioner training? Because its top-notch medical centers and hospitals, and diverse patient populations, offer clinical training opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. NPs are well-respected members of Los Angeles’s healthcare ecology. On average, they earn $144,930 annually, and demand for their services is anticipated to increase by more than 55 percent in the next 10 years. Curious about what are the best NP programs in Los Angeles, California? Keep reading for the full low-down on the 4 best nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles for 2025.
TOP 5 REASONS WHY LOS ANGELES IS A GREAT PLACE TO PURSUE NP PROGRAMS
If Old Man Winter gets you down, you’ll love attending NP school in Los Angeles, which is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate that favors balmy days and cool nights 365 days of the year. Here are five other reasons why Los Angeles may be the perfect locale for your nurse practitioner education.
1. Los Angeles is a leader in healthcare services:
Some of the nation’s top hospitals are located in the City of Angels—and that means that as an aspiring NP, your clinical training will be the very best. LA is also one of the nation’s most culturally and ethnically diverse cities, so you’ll learn to work with many different types of patient populations.
2. Los Angeles has a booming economy:
Los Angeles has a wide range of industries, which help its residents earn high median incomes in comparison to other cities throughout the U.S. These high-earning Angelenos put a premium on excellent healthcare, so as a nurse pursuing an NP program, you should have no trouble finding a lucrative part-time job, and if you want to stay in the area after you graduate, employment opportunities will abound.
3. Los Angeles can be a home away from home:
Because Los Angeles is so multi-cultural, you should have no trouble at all finding familiar things if you get homesick while you’re in an NP program. From grocery stores selling the food items you grew up with to ethnic enclaves reflecting the culture you’re most comfortable with, in Los Angeles, home never seems that far away.
4. Los Angeles has many recreational opportunities:
Experts agree that studying is most effective when you program in regular downtime. There’s no shortage of leisure-time activities in Los Angeles when it’s time to look up from your nurse practitioner textbooks. Whether exploring adjacent beaches or mountains, investigating an abundance of local and international restaurant cuisines, attending sports events, or visiting Disneyland, there’s always something fun to do in LA.
5. Los Angeles has a significant airport:
Feeling nostalgic for your family and friends? LA’s airport has flights to just about every other place in the U.S., so it’s easy to slip away from your nurse practitioner program for a weekend home.
HOW LONG ARE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOS ANGELES?
Nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles can take you anywhere between one to two years to complete depending upon the associated academic pathway you choose to pursue. Master’s of Science in Nursing degree programs are typically longer than stand-alone post-master’s certificates because MSN curricula include core APRN classes, but
at five semesters, the PMHNP post-master’s certificate at Charles R. Drew University Of Medicine And Science is nearly as long as the
two-year MSN/AGACNP at UCLA. The University of Southern California offers the shortest MSN/NP program in Los Angeles:
USC’s FNP track can be completed in 21 months. If you enroll at
California State University-Los Angeles, you can expect to complete your MSN/NP in two years and your post-master’s NP certificate in one.
HOW MUCH DO NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOS ANGELES COST?
Pursuing a nurse practitioner program in Los Angeles will cost anywhere between $16,000 and $100,000, depending on the academic program and the school you choose. While this is serious bank, remember you are investing in your future, and Los Angeles-based NP programs are some of the nation’s finest.
In general, NP programs at public universities and colleges are less expensive than private institutions. For example,
the University of Southern California, a private institution, charges tuition of $2,045 a credit, so the 49-credit MSN/FNP program will set you back $100,205. In contrast,
California State residents pursuing the two-year (six-semester) MSN/NP program at California State University-Los Angeles can expect to spend approximately $16,432 on tuition. (Keep in mind, other fees may also apply.) And even out-of-state residents will end up paying less at a public university than they might at a private institution:
If you’re a legal resident of an area outside the Golden State and you enroll at Cal State LA, you’ll still only pay $35,440 in tuition—which is considerably less than what you would pay at USC.
Because it’s specifically geared toward providing opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to professional careers in the healthcare sector,
Charles R. Drew University Of Medicine And Science charges the lowest tuition for its NP programs of any of the LA-based schools: $961 per credit, which works out to $56,699 for its MSN/NP. At the
University of California at Los Angeles, residents can expect to pay $52,232 for their NP education, while non-residents can expect to pay $76,722.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN LOS ANGELES, CA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 4 Best NP programs in Los Angeles, California (Online & Campus) for the year 2025.)
1. University Of California
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology — Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, Adult/Gerontology — Occupational & Environmental Health Nurse Practitioner with additional focus in Occupational & Environmental Health, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care — Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care — Dual Nurse Practitioner & Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner with additional focus in Occupational & Environmental Health, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Primary Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — DUAL Primary Care/Acute Care, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist — DUAL Acute Care/CNS
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
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About the School: The University of California at Los Angeles was one of only seven sites the Health Resources Service Administration (HRSA) selected for its pilot family nurse practitioner programs in 1971. That’s because even then, UCLA’s nursing school had an outstanding reputation for preventive care; health promotion; disease management for individuals, families, and communities; and all the other factors that contribute to great primary healthcare provision. Today, UCLA’s NP tracks are widely considered among the best nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles—and the nation.
UCLA’s nurse practitioner tracks are offered as part of its MSN program and as a post-master’s certificate option. The university offers seven individual NP tracks: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (AGPCNP), Adult-Gerontology Occupational & Environmental Health Nurse Practitioner with additional focus in Occupational & Environmental Health, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Family Nurse Practitioner with additional focus in Occupational & Environmental Health, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PPCNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (PNACNP.) UCLA’s occupational NP specialties are two of only a handful of occupational NP programs in the U.S.
The University of California at Los Angeles also offers three dual specialty NP tracks: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner & Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DUAL Primary Care/Acute Care, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist DUAL Acute Care/CNS.
Additionally, you can become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) by completing UCLA’s post-master’s certificate program.
MSN Program Details: UCLA uses the quarter system. The AGACNP track consists of 69 to 70 quarter credits and 739 clinical hours, while the AGPCNP track entails 78 to 79 quarter hours and 720 clinical hours. If you choose to enroll in the AGPCNP track with an Occupational & Environmental Health emphasis, you’ll be responsible for completing 89 quarter credits and 720 clinical hours in addition to 150 hours of special conferences, labs, and simulated experiences.
The FNP track alone involves 78 to 79 quarter credits and 720 clinical hours, but the FNP track with an Occupational & Environmental Health emphasis requires 89 quarter credits and 720 clinical hours in addition to 150 hours of special conferences, labs, and simulated experiences.
Pursuing the PACNP track will require you to complete 77 to 78 quarter credits and 840 clinical hours, while the PPCNP track demands 67 to 68 quarter credits and 720 clinical hours. UCLA also offers dual PACNP/PPCNP training, which involves 88 quarter credits and 1,260 clinical hours.
Two of UCLA’s NP tracks lead to certification as a clinical nurse specialist in addition to certification as a nurse practitioner. The AGACNP/Clinical Nurse Specialist dual track comprises 92 quarter credits and 1,179 clinical hours, while the PACNP/Clinical Nurse Specialist dual track involves 102 quarter credits and 1,350 clinical hours.
You’ll pursue your NP education at the University of California-Los Angeles campus. Like other nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles, UCLA’s NP curriculum consists of classes focusing on the advanced practice RN knowledge base, courses pertaining to your chosen NP specialization, and clinical practicums. You must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain in the program. Your practicums will be scheduled at hospitals in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, including the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
MSN Program Length: All NP programs at UCLA begin in the fall quarter and take two years to complete.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission into this program is very competitive. The program is only open to applicants who’ve earned BSNs from accredited colleges or universities with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and you must have an active, unencumbered California RN license. If you haven’t completed physical assessment, research, statistics, or human physiology courses, you’ll have to make them up before you’re admitted to classes.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: UCLA’s post-master’s PMHNP certificate is a collaborative effort with its sister University of California schools in Davis, Irvine, and San Francisco. The program is a hybrid track that combines synchronous and asynchronous online classes with three campus immersion sessions. You’ll need to log a minimum of 500 clinical hours, but most students can complete their practicums at healthcare facilities close to where they live. All clinical placements are managed by the UC Davis School of Nursing.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Length: UCLA’s post-master’s PMHNP certificate takes 12 months to complete.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: This program only accepts APRN-prepared nurses who hold California licensure. You must have completed coursework in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, and advanced pharmacology.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for University Of California NP Students: The UCLA School of Nursing administers several scholarships, some of which are open to graduate students. By filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may also qualify for need-based state and federal grants and loans.
Interesting Highlights About University Of California NP School
• During the 2019-2020 academic year, UCLA awarded 149 MSN degrees.
•
U.S. News & World Report rates UCLA’s Master’s of Science in Nursing degree program as the 19th best in the nation.
• The FNP program at the University of California-Los Angeles ranks #15 on
U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top Family Nurse Practitioner programs in the U.S.
2. University of Southern California
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
About the School: The University of Southern California’s Master’s of Science in Nursing degree is considered one of the best online nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles. It’s offered through the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing. It may be the only NP program in the nation that actively champions an in-depth understanding of the social as well as biomedical determinants of health. This nurse practitioner program in Los Angeles offers a single Family Nurse Practitioner specialty.
MSN Program Details: Most students entering this MSN-NP program will be required to complete 49 credits of coursework, but students who graduated from an international BSN program or whose cumulative undergraduate GPA was less than 3.0 will also be required to complete a two-credit bridge course that focuses on pathophysiology and pharmacology. All students must complete 680 clinical hours.
The curriculum is divided into core MSN classes, FNP-specific coursework, and practicums. Core MSN classes include “Human Behavior in the Social Environment,” “Professional Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing,” and “Research/Analytical Methods.” The distance learning platform offers both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. Though you’ll be able to access most of your educational materials online, you will be required to participate in two skills intensives on the University of Southern California’s campus in Los Angeles. During the second of these visits, you’ll be graded on your clinical assessment skills.
Plan on spending around 12 hours a week at your clinical placement site. While the USC clinical placement team makes clinical assignments, every effort will be made to find you a site and preceptor at a family care or pediatric practice, internal medicine clinic, or community healthcare clinic close to where you live or work. You’ll complete four clinical rotations in all, and each rotation will last for approximately 14 weeks.
MSN Program Length: Start dates are offered in January, May, and September, and each class cohort is limited in size to 12 students. USC’s MSN/FNP offers full-time and part-time completion tracks. Full-time students should be able to complete the program in 21 months, while part-time students should be able to finish it in 33 months.
MSN Admission Requirements: You must have a BSN or an MSN from an accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must also have a current, unencumbered U.S. RN license. Applicants to this program must have at least one year of professional clinical experience.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for University of Southern California NP Students: The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing administers several scholarships that fund graduate nursing students. Its Financial Aid Office can also help you track down external nursing scholarships. Filling out a FAFSA form may also make you eligible for state and federal financial aid.
Interesting Highlights About University of Southern California NP School
• One hundred and eight students graduated from USC with MSN degrees during the 2019-2020 academic year.
•
U.S. News & World Report has dubbed the University of Southern California’s Master’s of Nursing degree program the 72nd best in the nation.
• Students can access USC’s MSN-NP related content on their smartphones.
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
About the School: The Patricia Chin School of Nursing at California State University-Los Angeles is known for its commitment to educating advanced practice RNs who can help solve the current shortage of primary healthcare providers in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties. Cal State LA bundles four nurse practitioner options with its MSN degree: an AGACNP track, an AGPCNP track, an FNP track, and a Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) track. The same four NP specialties are also offered as post-master’s certificates. These NP programs in Los Angeles must be pursued at Cal State LA’s campus, five miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
MSN Program Details: Cal State LA’s MSN curriculum is split between core APRN classes, focused nurse practitioner coursework, and clinical practicums. Core APRN classes include “Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning,” “Advanced Pharmacology,” and “Advanced Pathophysiology.” All courses must be taken sequentially. You can count on attending classes two days a week during your first year and once a week during your second year. At the end of your MSN-NP program, you can choose between writing a master’s thesis or taking a comprehensive examination similar to the national test you must pass to be certified in your NP specialty.
The AGACNP track comprises 44 credits, while the AGPCNP track consists of 41 credits. You’ll complete 44 credits to earn either an FNP or an FPMHNP from this nurse practitioner program in Los Angeles. All nurse practitioner tracks at California State University require 540 clinical hours.
Clinical practicums begin during the second year and typically meet twice a week. The Clinical Placement Office makes all site and preceptor assignments; practicums are scheduled at acute and primary care healthcare facilities throughout the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.
MSN Program Length: Cal State LA’s MSN/NP program takes two years to complete. All MSN/NP programs begin in the fall semester. The program is only offered full-time.
MSN Admission Requirements: You must have a BSN from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Additionally, you must have an active, unencumbered nursing license in California.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: All four of Cal State LA’s post-master’s NP options involve 20 credits and 540 clinical hours. Their curricula are similar to the MSN curricula except that they don’t entail APRN core courses. Students attend classes at the California State University-Los Angeles campus and pursue practicums at the same healthcare facilities where MSN/NP students pursue practicums.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Length: Cal State LA’s post-master’s NP certificate program takes one year to complete.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: You must have an active, unrestricted California RN license and a Master’s in Nursing (MSN or MN) from an accredited institution for admission into this program.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for California State University- Los Angeles NP Students: Most scholarships designated for nursing students at Cal State Los Angeles are earmarked for undergraduate nursing students. However, NP students may qualify for federal grants and loans based on the information they submit with their FAFSA forms.
Interesting Highlights About California State University- Los Angeles NP School
• California State University-Los Angeles awarded 73 MSN degrees in 2021.
• The MSN program at California State University-Los Angeles is the 78th best in the country, according to
U.S. News & World Report.
4. Charles R. Drew University Of Medicine And Science
Programs Offered: MSN and Post Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner Program (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP)
Post Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner Program (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP)
About the School: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science was founded in 1966 with the explicit mission of providing the medically underserved Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles with better access to healthcare services. Its Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing offers an MSN degree with two NP specialties: FNP and PMHNP. Those same two NP specialties are also available as post-master’s certificates.
MSN Program Details: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science’s nurse practitioner programs are designed to accommodate the needs of working students. Students spend one long weekend a month (Saturday through Tuesday) in the classroom throughout the semester; the rest of the time, they access educational materials through synchronous and asynchronous distance learning.
The FNP track consists of 51 credits and 645 clinical hours, while the PMHNP track comprises 59 credits and 630 clinical hours. Like other nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles, the curriculum is divided into three components: APRN coursework, specialty NP coursework, and clinical practicums. Your APRN-oriented classes will include “Advanced Pharmacology,” “Advanced Pathophysiology,” and “Advanced Physical Assessment.” Students will participate in clinical experiences at healthcare facilities like the Harbor UCLA Medical Center, the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, and the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, LA County.
MSN Program Length: Classes begin in the spring, summer, and fall. The MSN/FNP track can be completed in 16 months, while the MSN/PMHNP track can be completed in 20 months. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science doesn’t offer a part-time enrollment option.
MSN Admission Requirements: This NP program in Los Angeles is only open to RNs with at least one year of professional clinical experience. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted RN license in the U.S. and have graduated from an accredited BSN program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must submit three professional references, a resume or CV, and a professional goal statement with your application.
Post Master’s Certificate Program Details: You must take 39 credits and 645 clinical hours to complete CDU’s post-master’s FNP certificate and 47 credits and 630 clinical hours to complete CDU’s post-master’s PMHNP certificate. Coursework focuses on Advanced Practice RN classes, specialty NP classes, and clinical practicums. You’ll spend four days each month on campus in a classroom with your instructors and cohorts; the rest of the time, you’ll access instructional resources over the Internet. You’ll complete your clinical practicums in precepted settings that have been approved by CDU nursing faculty.
Post Master’s Certificate Program Length: You can start your studies in the spring, summer, or fall semesters. The PMHNP certificate will take five semesters to complete, and the FNP certificate will take four semesters.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: You’ll need a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution for admission into either of these two post-master’s NP certificate programs, plus a current, unrestricted RN license.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Charles R. Drew University Of Medicine And Science NP Students: Though CDU doesn’t offer much in the way of internal scholarships for graduate nursing students, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship will help you locate external nursing scholarships for which you may qualify. You may also be eligible for government grants and loans based on the information you submit in your FAFSA form.
Interesting Highlights About Charles R. Drew University Of Medicine And Science NP School
• Two hundred and fourteen students graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science with MSN degrees in the 2020-2021 academic year.
•
U.S. News & World Report recognizes CDU’s MSN degree as the 128th best nursing master’s degree in the U.S.
• While CDU is recognized as a Historically Black Graduate Institution by the federal Department of Education, you don’t have to be Black to enroll in its nurse practitioner programs.
• CDU’s nurse practitioner students can work with several university-sponsored clinics and primary healthcare programs such as the CDU Mobile Health Clinic, Drew CARES, and the AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) Health Center.
• Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science also offers an MSN/FNP track for non-nurses who hold baccalaureates or master’s degrees in non-nursing fields and are interested in earning a graduate degree in nursing.
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
CAREER INFORMATION FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
HOW MANY NURSE PRACTITIONERS ARE THERE IN LOS ANGELES?
Some 5,490 nurse practitioners are employed throughout the Greater Metropolitan Los Angeles Area.
Employment |
5,490 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
WHERE DO NURSE PRACTITIONERS WORK IN LOS ANGELES?
Graduates of NP programs in Los Angeles work in many healthcare practice settings, including medical centers, hospitals, ambulatory care clinics, physician practices, long-term care facilities, community healthcare agencies, and government organizations.
Work Setting |
Offices of Physicians |
General Medical & Surgical Hospitals |
Outpatient Care Centers |
Offices of Other Health Practitioners |
Home Health Care Services |
WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN LOS ANGELES?
The future is bright for Los Angeles-based NPs: Employment opportunities for nurse practitioners in the City of the Angels are expected to increase by 55 percent in the next 10 years.
10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
+55.49% |
(Source: Careeronestop.org) |
HOW MUCH DO NURSE PRACTITIONERS MAKE IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS IN LOS ANGELES EXPECT?
As a new graduate of one of the NP programs in Los Angeles, you can expect to earn $106,140 annually. This works out to $51.03 an hour, $2,041 a week, or $8,850 a year.
Hourly | $51.03 |
Weekly | $2,041 |
Monthly | $8,850 |
Annual | $106,140 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS IN LOS ANGELES EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
As you gain professional experience, you can expect your nurse practitioner salary in Los Angeles to rise. NPs with one to four years of experience earn 20 percent more than the entry-level nurse practitioner salary. NPs with five to nine years of experience make 25 percent more.
With 10 to 19 years of experience, you can expect your NP salary to be 55 percent more than the typical NP starting salary in LA. And nurse practitioners in Los Angeles with 20 or more years in the profession earn 79 percent more than their colleagues who are just beginning NP careers.
Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
Entry-Level | $51.03 | $2,041 | $8,850 | $106,140 |
1-4 Years of Experience | $61.39 | $2,456 | $10,640 | $127,690 |
5-9 Years of Experience | $63.73 | $2,549 | $11,050 | $132,550 |
10-19 Years of Experience | $79.14 | $3,166 | $13,720 | $164,620 |
20 Years or More Experience | $91.11 | $3,644 | $15,790 | $189,500 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOS ANGELES?
On average, nurse practitioners in Los Angeles make $144,930 annually. This equals $69.68 an hour, $2,787 a week, or $12,080 a month. NPs usually reach this benchmark sometime during their ninth year of experience.
Hourly | $69.68 |
Weekly | $2,787 |
Monthly | $12,080 |
Annual | $144,930 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN LOS ANGELES VS. OTHER SALARIES
NP SALARY IN LOS ANGELES VS. NP SALARY IN THE NATION
Nurse practitioners in Los Angeles earn salaries that are 23 percent higher than the average NP salary throughout the U.S. as a whole.
Average Los Angeles NP Annual Salary | Average National NP Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$125,270 | $118,040 | +$7,230 | +6.13% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN LOS ANGELES VS. NP SALARY IN CALIFORNIA
As high as they are, nurse practitioner salaries are actually 5 percent less than the average NP salary throughout California as a whole.
Average Los Angeles NP Annual Salary | Average California NP Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$144,930 | $151,830 | -$6,900 | -4.54% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN LOS ANGELES VS. NP SALARIES IN OTHER CALIFORNIA CITIES
NP salaries in Los Angeles are in the midway range for NP salaries across the Golden State. They are 27 percent less than the salaries paid to nurse practitioners in Silicon Valley, which includes San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara; and they are 18 percent less than the salaries paid to nurse practitioners in San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward, and other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area.
On the other hand, NP salaries in Los Angeles are 9 percent higher than they are in Santa Barbara, 11 percent higher than they are in San Diego and Carlsbad, and 19 percent higher than they are in the Central Valley cities of Hanford and Corcoran.
Metro | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $197,870 | -$52,940 | -26.75% |
Napa | $184,700 | -$39,770 | -21.53% |
Vallejo-Fairfield | $180,380 | -$35,450 | -19.65% |
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | $177,160 | -$32,230 | -18.19% |
Yuba City | $159,260 | -$14,330 | -9.00% |
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande | $153,300 | -$8,370 | -5.46% |
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade | $153,050 | -$8,120 | -5.31% |
Santa Rosa | $152,150 | -$7,220 | -4.75% |
Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $150,280 | -$5,350 | -3.56% |
Fresno | $147,760 | -$2,830 | -1.92% |
Modesto | $147,190 | -$2,260 | -1.54% |
El Centro | $147,080 | -$2,150 | -1.46% |
Redding | $146,040 | -$1,110 | -0.76% |
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $145,250 | -$320 | -0.22% |
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $144,930 | $0 | 0.00% |
Bakersfield | $144,770 | +$160 | +0.11% |
Madera | $142,400 | +$2,530 | +1.78% |
Salinas | $142,130 | +$2,800 | +1.97% |
Visalia-Porterville | $141,650 | +$3,280 | +2.32% |
Chico | $137,760 | +$7,170 | +5.20% |
Stockton-Lodi | $135,940 | +$8,990 | +6.61% |
Merced | $133,410 | +$11,520 | +8.64% |
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $133,060 | +$11,870 | +8.92% |
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $132,180 | +$12,750 | +9.65% |
San Diego-Carlsbad | $130,240 | +$14,690 | +11.28% |
Hanford-Corcoran | $122,130 | +$22,800 | +18.67% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN LOS ANGELES VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN LOS ANGELES
Nurse practitioners are the standout earners in Los Angeles’s nursing sector. They make 25 percent more than RNs who have not pursued advanced practice education, more than twice as much as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and nearly three times as much as nursing assistants.
Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
Nurse Practitioner | $144,930 | $0 | 0.00% |
Nurse Midwife | $133,660 | +$11,270 | +8.43% |
Registered Nurse | $116,110 | +$28,820 | +24.82% |
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $109,310 | +$35,620 | +32.59% |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $63,990 | +$80,940 | +126.49% |
Nursing Assistant | $38,690 | +$106,240 | +274.59% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
NP SALARY IN LOS ANGELES VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN LOS ANGELES
Nurse practitioners earn comparatively high salaries in Los Angeles when compared with other healthcare professionals whose medical purview is assessment and diagnosis. While they make 38 percent less than physicians and 4 percent less than dentists, they earn 6 percent more than pharmacists and 9 percent more than podiatrists.
NPs make significantly higher salaries than healthcare professionals who perform rehabilitative services. Nurse practitioners in Los Angeles earn 38 percent more than occupational therapists, 53 percent more than physical therapists, and 75 percent more than chiropractors.
Of particular interest is the salary differential between NPs in Los Angeles and physician assistants in Los Angeles since NPs and PAs can be said to have a very similar scope of practice. NPs in the City of Angels earn 12 percent more than PAs. This may have to do with the fact that there are more employment opportunities for NPs than PAs in Los Angeles and other parts of California, and competition to fill those jobs has driven up wages.
Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
Physician | $235,630 | -$90,700 | -38.49% |
Dentist | $151,540 | -$6,610 | -4.36% |
Nurse Practitioner | $144,930 | $0 | 0.00% |
Pharmacist | $136,950 | +$7,980 | +5.83% |
Podiatrist | $133,160 | +$11,770 | +8.84% |
Physician Assistant | $129,210 | +$15,720 | +12.17% |
Optometrist | $126,010 | +$18,920 | +15.01% |
Veterinarian | $121,750 | +$23,180 | +19.04% |
Occupational Therapist | $105,150 | +$39,780 | +37.83% |
Audiologist | $101,370 | +$43,560 | +42.97% |
Speech-Language Pathologist | $100,530 | +$44,400 | +44.17% |
Physical Therapist | $94,940 | +$49,990 | +52.65% |
Chiropractor | $83,110 | +$61,820 | +74.38% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT
1. Who Accredits Nurse Practitioner Programs In Los Angeles?
Nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE.)
2. How Many Accredited Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Los Angeles?
Four schools offer NP programs in Los Angeles: The University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Southern California, California State University-Los Angeles, and Charles R. Drew University Of Medicine And Science.
3. On Average, How Long Does It Take To Become A Nurse Practitioner In Los Angeles?
The average time it takes to become a nurse practitioner depends upon the academic pathway you pursue. If you choose to complete an MSN program, on average, it will take you two years. If you’re already APRN-certified and eligible to enroll in a post-master’s certificate program, it will take you one year.
4. On Average, How Much Do NP Programs Cost In Los Angeles?
There really is no average cost for nurse practitioner programs in Los Angeles. NP programs in LA range in cost from roughly $16,000 to $100,000.
5. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Hour In Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, nurse practitioners average $69.68 hourly.
6. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Month In Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, nurse practitioners average $12,080 monthly.
7. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Year In Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, nurse practitioners average $144,930 annually.
8. Are Nurse Practitioners In Demand In Los Angeles?
Yes, the demand for nurse practitioners in Los Angeles is high. Nearly one-fifth of California’s NP workforce is employed in the Los Angeles area, and employment opportunities for LA-based NPs are expected to increase by 55 percent within the next decade.
9. Can Nurse Practitioners Practice Independently In Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is in California. As of 2024, California nurse practitioners who’ve completed 4,600 hours or three years of full-time clinical experience working in collaboration with a supervising physician will be able to apply for full-practice authority, allowing these NPs to practice autonomously to the full extent of their nurse practitioner training.
10. Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medications In Los Angeles?
Yes, nurse practitioners in Los Angeles can prescribe medications. If the California Board of Nursing has not yet granted them full practice authority, NPs can prescribe medications within the collaborative practice agreement they have with a supervising physician; if they’ve been granted full practice authority, they won’t need physician oversight to prescribe.
Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. After 10 years of providing direct care, she went back to school and earned concurrent Master’s degrees in both public policy and public health from the University of California, Berkeley. Thereafter, she worked for various public health agencies in California at both the community and state levels providing economic and legislative analysis.
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