[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding the best nursing school in California for your needs can be a daunting task. Learn about the top nursing schools and programs in the state. Find out how to select programs that fit your nursing career goals and learning style, the earning potential for nurses, and licensing requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Explore Popular MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The list below includes the best nursing programs in California. Students may want to spend some time thinking about what they need in a program, which can provide some direction when exploring school options.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in California, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring nurses in California gain access to many programs across the state. However, applicants should identify what they value in a school to narrow down their options. For instance, students should look at tuition rates. This may also influence their decision about attending classes in person or online.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students considering online programs may also want to explore field experience requirements and program length. Many nursing degrees offer accelerated options that allow students to launch their careers quickly.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other important factors include pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), acceptance rates, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing school and program accreditation[/hen-ui-link], and financial aid options.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), there are more than 330,000 RNs and over 14,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) who hold an active license. Despite a large number of active professionals, BRN data projects an increase in demand for nursing professionals over the next 10 years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the cost of living is higher than other states, students can access [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid opportunities for nurses[/hen-ui-link] only available to California students. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants” target=”_blank”]Cal Grant[/hen-ui-link] is a California-specific financial aid option that does not need to be paid back. To qualify, students must hold one year of residency, U.S. citizenship, and enroll in classes at least part time. For the Cal Grant, applicants should not hold a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should also note that California participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Issued NLC licenses allow nurses to practice in multiple states. Additionally, California is not a right-to-work state, which means that nurses do not need to join a union as a condition of employment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/state/california/rn-salary/”]average registered nursing salary in California[/hen-ui-link] is higher than anywhere else in the United States. RNs in the state earn an average salary of about $138,000 on average, much higher than the national average of about about $95,000 for RNs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).The cost of living in California is also higher than in many other states throughout the country. For instance, Los Angeles and San Francisco rank among California’s most expensive places to live.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California NPs earn $161,540 on average, much higher than the average salary of $128,490 for NPs nationwide, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job growth for RNs in California is projected to grow 13% from 2022-2023, which is more than double the 6% average job growth of NPs nationwide, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students interested in maximizing their earning potential may want to consider programs in cities that offer the highest salaries. The table below includes the top-paying metropolitan areas in California for RNs. In addition to top salaries, graduates can launch their career working for prestigious institutions.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in California[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs (2022)[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]San Francisco — Oakland — Hayward[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$149,200[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]San Jose — Sunnyvale — Santa Clara[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$146,870[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Vallejo — Fairfield[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$142,140[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Sacramento — Roseville — Arden-Arcade[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$134,350[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salinas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$132,160[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]RN requirements in California[/hen-ui-link] include completing the mandatory coursework, participating in field experiences, taking the NCLEX exam, and applying for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should note that there are many practitioners in California, which may cause longer waiting periods to get approved for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Future RNs can take several pathways to begin their careers. Students interested in entering the workforce quickly can earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN), which requires about two years of full-time attendance and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This educational path does not include general education requirements and focuses primarily on the practical RN skills. Graduates typically begin working while earning their [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students interested in leadership opportunities often earn their BSN and enter the workforce directly after graduation. This educational path requires four years with full-time attendance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similar to other states, RNs must renew their license every two years in California unless a practitioner is called to active duty for the military.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs considering the next step in their career can become an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN), which requires a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP). Students with a BSN can apply directly to an MSN, complete their field experience, and apply for licensure after graduating.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADNs interested in qualifying for advanced positions can enroll in [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-rn-to-msn-programs/”]BSN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-link]. They provide required coursework in an accelerated format. Similarly, schools may also offer [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/”]BSN-to-DNP programs[/hen-ui-link] for qualified students interested in earning a terminal degree. DNP graduates also need to complete the state exam and provide proof of clinical hours to get their license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While accelerated programs appeal to practitioners’ long-term goals, students also need to consider APRN programs’ intensity.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”sm”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best MSN Programs in California” href=”/state/california/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in California” href=”/state/california/lvn-to-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is California good for nurses?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Factors that determine whether or not a student should launch their nursing career in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/”]California[/hen-ui-link] are personal. For instance, practitioners may not mind the high cost of living given the climate and other amenities California has to offer. Other practitioners may consider benefit packages and opportunities for advancement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs in California can choose from a lot of highly rated programs. Graduates can access high salaries at very prestigious hospitals and private practices. Additionally, practitioners can take comfort in knowing that California needs more skilled professionals in the field, including RNs and APRNs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it hard to get a job as a nurse in California?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California is experiencing a shortage of RNs and NPs. Practitioners should note that they may need to explore less popular cities to find the best opportunities, as many job-seekers consider more popular parts of the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Highly prestigious institutions may require more experience or possess higher standards for candidates. Other factors could include NCLEX scores, applicants’ GPA, or letters of recommendation.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is nursing in demand in California?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The demand for licensed nursing professionals has increased throughout the country, including California. Students should note that the healthcare industry relies on nursing professionals at all levels in every speciality.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For instance, students who go on to earn an advanced degree qualify to become NPs, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/”]nurse educators[/hen-ui-link], nurse administrators, or even nurse anesthetists. The healthcare industry also continues to give more responsibilities to nursing professionals, which increases their value in all institutions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should also pay attention to the number of professionals in the field close to [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/guide-to-retirement/”]retirement[/hen-ui-link]. This shows areas of the field that would benefit from highly motivated and skilled professionals eager to fill these openings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does it cost to get a California nursing license?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN examination applications for students who graduated in California costs $300, while applicants from another state or U.S. territory pay $350. International applicants must pay $750. However, the repeat examination application costs $250 for all applicants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Processing periods for licenses can exceed eight weeks. Therefore, students may want to get a temporary permit, which costs $100.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other miscellaneous costs may include manual fingerprint card processing, which costs $49, and certified copies of students’ school transcripts at $50. Practitioners applying for advanced licenses pay between $300-$500. Temporary permits for these licenses cost $150, excluding the temporary clinical nurse specialist application, which costs $30.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may also want to think about the cost to maintain their licenses. RNs pay $190, while advanced roles range from $125-$172.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34182,44364,34002″][/hen-ui-article-row]