RN Programs in California
California RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in California
- ADN Programs: 85
- BSN Programs: 54
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 88%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 59.97% to 100.00%
- Average Net-Price $8,426.74
- Net-Price Range: $2,695.00 to $27,925.00
- Average Student Loan : $7,201.62
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 86.57%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 74.93% to 97.25%
- Average Net-Price $18,693.46
- Net-Price Range: $2,791.00 to $39,870.00
- Average Student Loan : $19,680.04
Help You Will Find on This Page
- California RN Program Guide
- Accredited RN Programs in California
- ADN Programs in California
- BSN Programs in California
- MSN Programs in California
- Online Programs in California
- California RN Licensing Requirements
- RN Salaries in California
- Best Ranked ADN Programs in California
- Best Ranked BSN Programs in California
California RN Program Guide
In our California RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key California RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.
The state of California is unique in that it offers college preparatory classes in high school so students can get a jump-start on their nursing degree. While most of the classes offered are prerequisites, the academic opportunity will help students get an early lead on their nursing education in college. The state of California offers three different options for pre-licensure nursing programs and two alternative routes to becoming a registered nurse. An Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) can be completed in about 2-3 years. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will take about four years to be complete. These are the two most common routes to take in order to gain licensure. When students choose their route, they must also choose the school they want to attend and apply. There is always financial aid available to those who qualify.
In the State of California, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.
The State of California offers 135 RN programs in 95 different cities. Public institutions offer 99 of the RN programs while there are 17 private for-profit and 19 private not-for-profit institutions that make up the rest.
Accredited RN Programs in California
Nursing school accreditation is very important to consider when deciding which RN program to attend. If you ever plan to continue your education, the academic credits from an accredited program are more easily accepted or transferred between accredited college programs. There are more financial aid options available to you when you attend an accredited nursing school. Some employers will prefer to hire nurses from an accredited program.
The two primary accrediting agencies for nursing programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), We recommend that you attend a nursing program that is active and current in their accreditation status. Find those programs in our ranking guide below.
ADN Programs in California
RN-ADN programs are abundant throughout California, as the need for RNs is not keeping up with the demand. California colleges also typically offer the 30-unit RN option and many are offering dual enrollment programs with neighboring universities that offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing, where the nursing student can concurrently attend school for their BSN, or attend immediately after graduation.
The LVN “30 Unit Option” is another route to an RN license; it is specific to the state of California. The 30 unit options allows the LVN to take enough credits so that they have the basic knowledge necessary to practice as an RN. Upon completion of the program, the LVN is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. They become a “non-degree” RN. Their RN license may not be transferable other states so is not always a desirable option. Weighing the pros and cons of the 30 unit option prior to enrollment is important, as many schools do not let the student change course once enrolled in the program.
NCLEX Passing Rates for California ADN Programs
Stanbridge College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in California of 100.00%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $21,142.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in California: 85
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 87.99%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 59.97% to 100.00%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in California?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in California so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in California is offered by College of the Sequoias at about $2,695.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 85.42%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Unitek College and it will cost about $27,925.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 78.50%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inCalifornia: $8,426.74
- Net-Price Range for California ADN Programs: $2,695.00 to $27,925.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for California Schools: $7,201.62
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in California: $3,500.00 to $24,000.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 77
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 4
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 4
BSN Programs in California
The RN-BSN Programs are known as bridge programs or BSN completion programs. They are designed to give credit to experienced RNs based on the knowledge they already have. The experience they gain working as an RN will help them move towards a Bachelor’s degree. Courses in humanities and medical ethics can prepare even the most well-informed professional nurse to seek out a career in advanced practice. A typical nursing school in California offers RN to BSN programs that include curriculum such as:
- Developmental Psychology and Sociology
- Algebra
- Nursing management of complex health issues
- Foundations in nursing informatics
- Health assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Pathophysiology concepts for nursing
NCLEX Passing Rates for California BSN Programs
California State University-Sacramento wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in California with a score of 97.25%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $9,006.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in California: 54
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 86.57%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 74.93% to 97.25%
Prepare for to pass the NCLEX-RN exam with our NCLEX practice questions with rationales.
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in California?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in California to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in California is offered by California State University-Dominguez Hills and will cost you about $2,791.00. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by West Coast University-Orange County and will cost you about $39,870.00.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in California: $18,693.46
- Net-Price Range for California BSN Programs: $2,791.00 to $39,870.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for California Schools: $19,680.04
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in California: $10,251.00 to $42,032.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 21
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 14
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 19
MSN Programs in California
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in California offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online Programs in California
Today there are very few disadvantages to earning an online RN degree in California. With advances in online learning coupled the need to educate more nurses because of the nursing shortage, many nursing schools are offing online nursing programs.
For nurses needing to complete clinicals, nursing programs usually help a nurse to find one.
Be sure to choose an accredited program that meets quality standards set by either the ACEN or CCNE accrediting agencies. An accredited online RN Nursing program will help ensure that your units pass can transfer to another accredited college and help you in gain employment. Learn more about online RN programs.
California RN Licensing Requirements
RN License by Endorsement
Candidates who are licensed in one of the other 50 states can obtain licensure by endorsement. They must also meet the following requirements:
- Completion of an approved education program meeting all requirements as set by California
- Obtaining a passing score on the NCLEX or State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE).
- Appropriate fees
- Completed endorsement application
- Completed fingerprints using either Live Scan or the Applicant Fingerprint Card
- A recent passport-type photography
- Verification of License
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates who have studied abroad also have the opportunity to gain licensure through the state of California. In order to complete this the following documentation must be provided:
- Passing an exam to prove comprehension in the English language
- Curriculum similar to that of a California college
- Application for licensure
RN Salaries in California
The RN-BSN Programs are known as bridge programs or BSN completion programs. They are designed to give credit to experienced RNs based on the knowledge they already have. The experience they gained working, as an RN will help move them towards a Bachelor’s degree. Courses in humanities and medical ethics can prepare even the most well informed professional nurse to seek out a career in advanced practice. A typical nursing school in California offers RN to BSN programs that include curriculum such as:
- Developmental psychology and sociology
- Algebra
- Nursing management of complex health issues
- Foundations in nursing informatics
- Health assessment and diagnostic reasoning
- Pathophysiology concepts for nursing
California Registered Nursing Salaries
The Los Angeles area has the most registered nursgin, but they are paid the highest annual median wage in all of the metropolitan areas in the state of California. However, the Oakland metropolitan area has the highest hourly mean wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 4,370 | $40.09 | $80,850 |
| Chico, CA | 2,240 | $37.17 | $72,480 |
| El Centro, CA | 680 | $36.71 | $73,200 |
| Fresno, CA | 5,870 | $40.48 | $78,380 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 1,180 | $43.91 | $89,550 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division | 70,140 | $45.26 | $95,040 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA | 88,420 | $44.80 | $93,590 |
| Merced, CA | 800 | $44.16 | $92,260 |
| Modesto, CA | 3,360 | $50.17 | $103,900 |
| Napa, CA | 1,690 | $48.18 | $101,610 |
| Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division | 20,310 | $59.01 | $127,480 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 4,470 | $41.29 | $86,760 |
| Redding, CA | 1,780 | $43.25 | $90,240 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 23,980 | $43.04 | $88,480 |
| Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA | 15,750 | $50.67 | $108,620 |
| Salinas, CA | 2,500 | $48.63 | $101,630 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA | 23,490 | $41.23 | $83,500 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 34,460 | $60.09 | $130,480 |
| San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Divi | 14,150 | $61.63 | $134,260 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 14,510 | $58.57 | $130,030 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 1,300 | $42.02 | $89,010 |
| Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division | 18,280 | $43.04 | $88,310 |
| Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA | 2,570 | $45.64 | $92,880 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 1,380 | $59.17 | $136,570 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 3,580 | $49.36 | $101,740 |
| Stockton, CA | 3,840 | $42.99 | $90,370 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 2,260 | $54.95 | $114,340 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 1,840 | $35.89 | $74,380 |
| Yuba City, CA | 700 | $38.56 | $78,210 |
| Eastern Sierra Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 260 | $38.46 | $78,240 |
| North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 1,670 | $32.92 | $66,910 |
| North Valley Region of California nonmetropolitan area | 240 | $37.63 | $80,650 |
| Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan ar | 1,200 | $35.88 | $71,850 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
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