NP Schools

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to pursue nurse practitioner certification? Get started by finding an accredited NP program near you.

Eligibility to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) national nurse practitioner certification examinations requires graduation from an accredited graduate nurse practitioner program. Graduate programs in nursing may be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To verify a school’s accreditation status, you may search for it on the websites below:

Nurse practitioner program approval by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is a voluntary process that California schools can undergo to verify that the NP program curriculum conforms to the BRN’s “Standards of Education for Nurse Practitioner Programs.” Visit the BRN website to verify that an NP program is approved.

Note for applicants to out-of-state nurse practitioner education programs

Requirements and eligibility for certification as a nurse practitioner by the California BRN may vary from those of the state in which you plan to complete your NP education. If you plan to practice in California after graduation, it is recommended that you evaluate the curriculum of the program in which you plan to enroll for congruency with California BRN requirements. The requirements to apply for California NP certification and a California NP furnishing number may be found on the California BRN website.

The inclusion of any school below does not constitute an endorsement by the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP).