Best Nursing Schools in California

Best RN Programs in California

California Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you’ve considered entering the nursing field for the first time, you may be wondering how to get started. As a registered nurse, the degree you’ll need depends on your specific background and your goals for the future. In general, many first-time nurses choose to go with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) due to their low cost and fast timeline. Learn the differences between these, and many other types below.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

At the quicker and more affordable end of the spectrum, you have RN diplomas and ADN degree programs. Both RN diplomas and ADN degree programs are offered at the entry level and can be completed in as little as a year or two. If you’re already working as an LPN, you may be eligible to enroll in an LPN to RN bridge program which can allow you to graduate with an ADN or BSN (normally a 4-year degree) in as little as a year or two.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in California include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in California.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

If you’re aiming your prospects a little higher, a BSN is typically the better choice for entry-level nursing education. These are 4-year degrees that cover everything you need to know to be successful as a registered nurse. They can also be more easily leveraged into a graduate degree if you decide to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner later on down the line. Bridge programs such as an RN to BSN or an accelerated BSN program can also be a great choice for the right candidates.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in California typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

If you have an RN license already and an ADN degree, you may be eligible to get your BSN in half the time through a California RN to BSN program. While a BSN can take 4 years to complete (if not more) an RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as 2.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Some individuals may decide later in their career that they want to make the switch to nursing. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing, you can enroll in a Califronia ABSN program which can get you to graduation in as little as a year.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you’re hoping to invest even more into your nursing education, a graduate degree might be the way to go. Nursing graduate degrees come in a few different varieties such as Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs require that you already hold a minimum of a BSN or MSN, hold an active and unencumbered RN license, and meet all the entry requirements specific to each program.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in California:

• California Nurse Practitioner Programs
• California MSN Program
• California RN to MSN Programs
• California RN to MSN Programs
• California Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• California DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in California

The final step for beginning your nursing career is licensure. The RN licensing process begins with completing an accredited nursing program (see below) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a nationally standardized test assessing critical entry-level nursing skills. After passing the NCLEX-RN, candidates must apply for licensure with the California Board of Nursing and meet continuing education requirements for renewal.

Requirements for RN Licensure in California

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the California Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

Without accreditation, many nursing programs lose their ability to produce licensed nurses. In other words, you’ll need to make sure that your nursing program is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) if you intend to get licensed.

Getting a California Nursing License

California regulations for nursing licensure within the state by application and those from another state by endorsement:

A completed application along with the following items should be submitted:

• Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Fingerprint documentation – Live Scan or Hard Card
• Recent passport picture (2" x 2")
• Request for transcript
• Request for Accommodation of Disabilities (if applicable)

Application for endorsement of licensure can be done by providing all of the above documentation, as well as the following:

• Current/active license from another state
• NURSYS Verification Application completed
• NCLEX-RN or State Board Test Pool Examination – passing score

Accelerated Nursing Programs in California

There are more than 10 different accelerated BSN programs offered throughout the state. The programs vary in length, but all generally run for 12 to 24 months, depending on the college attended. Most of these programs require a full-time commitment, and have required courses that must have been passed before admission to the accelerated program will be granted. The prerequisites vary depending on the degree previously attained, as well as which college program being taken. Total costs for an accelerated degree can run as much as $65,000, this is dependent upon the program, how many prerequisite courses needed, and if housing costs need to be factored in as well.

• California Accelerated BSN Programs
• California Accelerated MSN Programs

Continued List of All RN Programs in California

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