How Much Does It Cost To Go To Nursing School In California
A number of factors influence how much you may need to spend while pursuing a nursing degree in California. They may include the degree program where you live, and whether you live off-campus or live on campus.
Considering some of these factors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000+ per semester for tuition fees and then a little more on books, accommodation and other supplies.
Your total due pay may be up to $13, 000 each year.
What Are The Requirements For A Degree In Nursing
Accelerated BSN programs in California typically include a core nursing curriculum of about 60 credits. Coursework builds on foundational knowledge gained during nursing prerequisites prior to admission. Learners explore topics including mental health nursing, public health nursing, family nursing, and gerontology. The top nursing schools in California emphasize hands-on practice through supervised clinical rotations and practicum experiences.
Applicants to accelerated BSN programs must typically hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. The best nursing schools in California generally require applicants to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and strong grades in nursing prerequisite courses. Some programs also require a minimum score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills examination.
List Of Accredited Nursing Schools In California
The path to a nursing career in California begins with the proper education and training at an accredited nursing school. California is home to the highest-paid nursing professionals in the country and requires licensing, registration and/or certification, and continuing education for all nursing career paths. The most common nursing career paths include registered nurse , certified nursing assistant , and licensed vocational nurse .Registered nurses comprise the nations largest healthcare occupation, with a growing population of more than 2.7 million nationwide and over 250,000 employed in the state of California alone. California-based RNs earn a median salary of $94,310 per year. Expected employment growth for RNs overall is 19% for the 2012-2022 decade.
Certified nursing assistantsLicensed vocational nurses
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Entry Level Adn Bsn & Msn Programs In Los Angeles Ca
Direct-entry nursing programs for those with no prior nursing degree are available in a variety of formats in Los Angeles. The Associate’s Degree in Nursing is the most basic, but there are also direct-entry opportunities for those looking to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or even a Master’s of Science in Nursing .
California State University Los Angeles

The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing at California State University Los Angeles Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students that have a bachelors degree in another area of study for a career in nursing. Students complete both didactic and clinical coursework over an accelerated 15-month period. Graduating students are eligible to take the NCLEX exam and obtain their RN licensure.
- Tuition: $444.93 per credit hour/unit
- NCLEX first time pass rate: 96.04%
- Accreditation: CCNE, WSCUC
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Msn Programs In California
Master of Science in Nursing programs are gaining visibility as Americans grapple with a looming shortage of qualified nurses and healthcare workers. The medical field has expanded greatly in the last decade or so as medical advances are made almost weekly – this means that knowledgeable nurses are increasingly valuable. Like the BSN, there are a number of professional pathways to help RNs achieve their career goal of a graduate degree through accelerated, part-time or distance coursework. There are more than 20 such programs in California Sonoma State University is a great example of one that offers the core MSN program, a Nurse Practitioner program, and other specialties that help nurses assume leadership roles in facilities and communities around the state and beyond.
California State Universitysan Marcos
One of the best nursing schools in California is CSU San Marcos . It is a relatively young program that has grown and served the increasing need for professional nurses in the local area of north San Diego County. Currently, CSUSM offers an RN to BSN program for students that have an RN license that is clear and current. There is a traditional on-campus BSN program for students just starting their education at CSUSM as well as a newly added MSN program for students desiring to further their education and professional career.
- Location: San Marcos, California
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95%
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College Of The Sequoias
The College of the Sequoias offers a four-semester ADN program for aspiring RNs, along with an LVN to RN option for those looking to advance their education and careers. The curriculum includes courses in nursing fundamentals, including medical, surgical, geriatric, pediatric, psych/mental health, and much more.
Select A Nursing Program
You can become a nurse by merely completing a two-year associate degree in nursing . But is that what you want? There are several other program options in nursing such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing , Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing , LVN 30 Unit Option, and Military Corpsmen. You have to know which is right for you and go for it.
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California State Universitylong Beach
CSU Long Beach , a top BSN program, offers two different tracks for students wanting to earn their BSN degree. One track for the traditional 4-year student entering the program as a freshman and the other as an accelerated BSN program for California students who have already completed some nursing courses, received an ADN, or hold an RN license but have not yet earned a BSN. The curriculum is used to teach students to develop an understanding of self and others, hone critical thinking skills, communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and patients, and use their broad knowledge base to treat patients.
- Location: Long Beach, California
University Of California At Los Angeles
The University of California at Los Angeles offers several nursing program options, including the unique Master of Science in Nursing Masters Entry Clinical Nurse program. Students with a bachelors degree in another area are eligible to apply to the program and pursue their goal of moving forward into nursing leadership roles.
Meet all the objectives of this program and take the NCLEX exam to obtain your RN licensure. Students then become eligible to receive their MSN degree, Clinical Nurse Leader certification, and Public Health Nursing certification. This program allows graduates to work in a variety of nurse leadership positions. Estimated tuition is based on non-resident status.
- Tuition: approx. $526.33 per credit hour
- NCLEX first time pass rate: 95%
- Accreditation: CCNE
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Inland Empire Nursing Schools By Nclex Score
Victor Valley College
- Associate Degree in Nursing: 96.6% NCLEX pass rate
- LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 96.5% NCLEX pass rate
- Associate Degree in Nursing: 93.7% NCLEX pass rate
- Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing
- LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 95.1% NCLEX pass rate
Chaffey College
- Associate Degree in Nursing: 94.5% NCLEX pass rate
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 72.6% NCLEX pass rate
- Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing
- LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 93.7% NCLEX pass rate
- Associate Degree in Nursing: 87.6% NCLEX pass rate
- Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing
- LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
- Associate Degree in Nursing: 93.6% NCLEX pass rate
- LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 93.3% NCLEX pass rate
- Nursing Assistant Certificate
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 89.1% NCLEX pass rate
- Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Concorde Career College – San Bernardino
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 85.2% NCLEX pass rate
Baldy View Regional Occupational Program
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 85.0% NCLEX pass rate
American Career College – Ontario
- Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 82.6% NCLEX pass rate
San Bernardino Valley College
- Associate Degree in Nursing: 82.0% NCLEX pass rate
- LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Smith Chason School of Nursing – Ontario
- Diploma in Vocational Nursing: 81.8% NCLEX pass rate
North-West College – RiversideSummit CollegePalo Verde College
Advantages Of Adn Programs

ADN programs have a few advantages over other program types, though there is no ‘one size fits all’ for post-secondary education. Amongst the main benefits cited for the style and length of program at the ADN level is the quality of teachers. Community colleges are built on the strengths of faculty that have extensive in-field experience in their chosen area of expertise. At the college level, faculty are fully committed to students and do not have to compete for research interests or pressure to publicize their work in order to gain job security, known as tenure.
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How Can I Become A Registered Nurse In California
Before we reveal to you the best private nursing schools in California offering quality nursing programs, you need to understand the career path youre choosing. What do you need to do to become a Registered Nurse in the beautiful city of California?
In five simple steps, we will show you how to become a Registered Nurse in California.
Bachelor Of Science Nursing Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: The Health Professions Education Foundation offers this scholarship through the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Recipients must provide direct patient service in a medically underserved community for at least 12 months after graduation. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and must be accepted to or enrolled in a BSN program.
Amount: Up to $10,000 annually, renewable for up to three years
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Nursing Program In Sacramento: A Hands
At Chamberlains nursing school in Sacramento, you get hands-on training in our SIMCARE CENTER and in our on-site clinical setting. You work with classmates, faculty, mentors, and experienced registered nurses as you gain skills in direct patient-care nursing. The SIMCARE CENTER features a wide range of simulated care, giving you the chance to learn crucial nursing skills on high-tech patient manikins. Patient simulators have bodily functions and show vital signs, and they demonstrate various symptoms. You can sharpen your nursing skills in a safe health care setting before advancing to actual human patients in the clinicals portion of the Chamberlain Sacramento curriculum.
Next class session starts January 3
California State Universitylos Angeles
CSU Los Angeles has been preparing excellent nurses for decades and has a long-standing reputation for quality education. CSULA offers many different tracks for students to earn their BSN degree. Currently, CSULA offers an ADN to BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN and a traditional BSN degree track. Students have the ability to graduate much faster, spend less money on tuition, and enter the field of healthcare at a much faster rate if they so choose. If students desire to earn an MSN there are also accelerated tracks for that degree including an RN to BSN to MSN and a BSN to MSN. These tracks are accelerated and build on the knowledge base learned in the BSN courses.
- Location: Los Angeles, California
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Rn Licensing Information And Requirements In California
Planning ahead and taking note of Californias specific RN licensing requirements can save you time and a potential headache down the road. While theres occasional overlap between Californias requirements, which can be found at Californias Board of Nursing Page, and those of other states, knowing which ones are specific to California is critical to your success. Heres what youll need to do to become licensed as an RN in California after you graduate from your nursing program.
STEP
License Renewal and Continuing Education
There are three main components for renewing an RN license in California. The first is the CE requirement. For this, an RN must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education. More information on what qualifies can be found here. Applicants who are renewing their license to an active status must provide the Department of Justice with a full set of fingerprints. More information about the fingerprint requirement can be found here. Finally, applicants must report if theyve had a license disciplined by a government agency or other disciplinary body and if theyve been convicted of a crime in any state, U.S. territory, military court, or other country since their last renewal. More info on reporting discipline and convictions can be found here.
List Of Nursing Schools In California
Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in California. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LVN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the California Board Of Nursing.
901 E. Alosta Ave,Azusa,CA91702626-969-3434
Azusa Pacific University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Azusa, California. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the California Board of Nursing. The Azusa, California campus for Azusa Pacific University is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 10,095. In-state tuition and fees were $38,880 for the most recent reporting period.â¦
Nursing Programs:BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost$38,880
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How Do I Get Into An Online Rn Program In California
A majority of the online RN programs in California are bridge programs, meaning they require students to have already obtained their RN license before they can go on to pursue a BSN or MSN. For example, at CSU Fullerton, applicants are expected to have their RN certification within the first semester of the program in order to attend full-time. Applicants must meet the university prerequisites, which include completing 60 semester units from a regionally accredited university, and courses like English Composition and College Level Math, in addition to the School of Nursings own prerequisites, like microbiology with a lab, and statistics.
Adn Programs In California

With more than 50 ADN programs throughout the Golden State, California helps students meet the demand for more licensed RNs. Graduates from accredited programs are able to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and once passed are fit to practice anywhere in the state. Many nurses begin their career with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing diploma and strive for upward professional mobility in order to retire from a personally, professionally and financially rewarding career. With an ADN as the first step, nurses often take continuing education courses and further degrees as their professional and life circumstances suit.
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Why Should I Choose A Nursing School In Southern California
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals some interesting information about nursing opportunities in California, including in the Southern California area. Nursing school graduates have exceptional opportunities to pursue their goal of becoming a nurse with an exciting future.
The BLS revealed in May 2018 that California tops the nation as the state with the highest number of registered nurses . The State of California also ranks as the state with the highest pay rate for nurses in the U.S. When looking at the top-paying metropolitan areas for RNs, all the top ten areas are located in California, with most being in Southern California.
Why Choose A Private Nursing School
Public nursing schools are popular and have made their marks over the year. Thats true. Public nursing schools also offer you a cheap alternative to getting a quality nursing education. That too is true. But you should know that these points are also true for private nursing schools.
Private nursing schools are in business to produce high-quality nurses and over the years, theyve been successful at that. And while they may not offer their nursing programs as cheap the public nursing schools will, some are actually matching the cost of education with those of public nursing schools.
In addition to these, students are selecting private nursing schools these days because of the following
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List Of Nursing Schools & Accredited Programs In California
Advanced College
Certificate Program less than one year in Practical Nursing Certificate Program between one and two years in Practical Nursing Accreditation: Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians 13180 Paramount Blvd.
American Career College is a 2-year, private for-profit institution.
American River College
Certificate Program less than one year in Vocational Nursing Certificate Program between one and two years in Registered Nursing Certificate Program between two and four years in Registered Nursing Transfer Registered Nurse Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse Mobility Accreditation: California State Board of Registered Nursing 4700 College Oak Dr, Sacramento, California 95841-4286 Phone: 484-8011
American River College is a 2-year, public institution.
American University of Health Sciences
Nursing Programs Offered: Bachelors of Science in Nursing Approved by: California Board of Registered Nursing 1600 Hill St
American University of Health Sciences is a 4-year, primarily associates, private for-profit institution.
Antelope Valley College
Associates Degree in Nursing Certificate Program less than one year in Vocational Nursing 3041 West Ave K, Lancaster, California 93536-5426 Phone: 722-6300
Antelope Valley College is a 2-year, public institution.
Azusa Pacific University
California State University-East Bay is a 4-year, public institution.
California State University-Fresno
California State University-Fullerton
Career Development Institute
Military Personnel Policy Guidelines For Nursing Admission
Military Personnel and Veterans may be eligible for enrollment into a California Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program based on specific requirements.
I. Including but not limited to Basic Medical Technician or USAF Basic Medical Service Technician or Army Medical Specialist.
a) Challenge exam per college policy for the 1st semester of the ADN program.
i. Colleges have an established number of maximum units that can be challenged.ii. The course challenged are based on the needs and prior experience of the individual requesting.iii. Candidates must meet the same eligibility requirements for admission into the ADN program as other applicants, including completion of prerequisites and general education requirements.
II. Including but not limited to Basic Medical Technician or USAF Basic Medical Services Technician or Army Medical Specialist with an active California LVN license either through challenge or successful completion of an LVN program.
a) Admission credit may be given to applicants as an LVN to RN candidate per admission policies. This is normally full or partial credit for the first year of the nursing program but may vary from school to school.
b) An LVN to RN transition course is required and must be completed with a passing grade per individual program policy.
c) The program shall determine which course the veteran or corpsman will need to complete based on the criterion established by the program.
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