Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in California 2026

<p>Nurses are one of the largest sectors in the national workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with nursing job growth year after year. There are many opportunities for people looking to enter this profession, from the licensed vocational nurse (LVN) to the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_to_Be_a_Certified_Registered_Nurse.html">certified registered nurse</a> (RN). </p> <p>This article explores some of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_way_to_become_nurse.html">quickest ways to become a nurse</a> in California. Read on to learn more about the fastest way to become a nurse and launch your career in the healthcare industry. </p> <h2 id="section---EducationRequirementsForNursesInCalifornia">Education Requirements for Nurses in California</h2> <p>Below, we outline the key education requirements for the fastest way to become an RN or LVN in California. </p> <h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">High School Diploma or GED</h3> <p>A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) is the first step in earning your LVN or RN license. You must submit your official high school or GED transcripts when applying to your chosen program. </p> <h3 id="section---NursingEducation">Nursing Education</h3> <p>LVNs, also known as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in most states, complete a state-approved vocational nursing program, which takes about one year to complete. </p> <p>RNs typically go to college for two to four years to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Another pathway is the accelerated BSN (ABSN), which is a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs.html">12-month accelerated nursing program</a>. </p> <p>After earning your BSN, you may choose to enter the workforce or continue with higher education and earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). </p> <h3 id="section---NCLEXExam">NCLEX Exam</h3> <p>After completing your nursing education, you'll sit for the appropriate exam. The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is designed for LVNs; the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is for RNs. </p> <p>The NCLEX covers topics like coordination of care, safety and infection control, health promotion and maintenance, and physiological and psychosocial integrity. </p> <h3 id="section---CaliforniaLicensureRequirements">California Licensure Requirements</h3> <p>After completing the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> and passing the NCLEX, you must apply for your appropriate licensure. </p> <p>Nursing licenses are given by the California Board of Registered Nursing (California BRN) and the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (California BVNPT). You'll need to submit your transcripts and NCLEX results and undergo a background check. </p> <h2 id="section---FastestWaysToBecomeANurseInCalifornia">Fastest Ways To Become a Nurse in California</h2> <p>These educational programs are some of the fastest ways you can become an LVN or RN in California. </p> <h3 id="section---LVNProgram">LVN Program</h3> <ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> 12 to 18 months </li></ul><p>Licensed vocational nurses perform tasks under RN and physician supervision. While the role and responsibilities of an LVN are not as complex as those of an RN, LVNs provide vital care that has a direct impact on patient health. </p> <p>LVN programs (also known as LPN programs) typically take 12 to 18 months to complete. These training programs provide foundational skills and knowledge, such as administering medications, taking vital signs, and documenting patient care. </p> <h3 id="section---AcceleratedBachelorOfScienceInNursing">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</h3> <ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One year </li></ul><p>An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a fast-track option for students who have already earned their bachelor's degree in a non-nursing major. Students leverage their previous credit hours to bypass the BSN general education requirements and move directly into nursing theory coursework. Full-time students can typically complete this program in 12 to 15 months. </p> <p>Accelerated BSN programs involve nursing courses, lab work, and clinical rotations. </p> <h3 id="section---RNToBSNBridgeProgram">RN-to-BSN Bridge Program</h3> <ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>An RN-to-BSN bridge program is designed for students who have already received their ADN degree and RN license. Students build on their previous education, bypassing the general education requirements for a bachelor's degree to jump directly into nursing courses. RN-to-BSN programs typically include a bridge course, which is completed in one semester, to help students transition to advanced coursework. </p> <p>These bridge programs consist of nursing courses, labs, and clinical experiences. </p> <h3 id="section---LVNToRNBridgeProgram">LVN-to-RN Bridge Program</h3> <ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>An LVN-to-RN bridge program is similar in concept to an RN-to-BSN bridge program: nursing students leverage prior experience and education to bypass prerequisite courses and earn their nursing degree more quickly. In this case, LVNs earn their ADNs and thus become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses. </p> <p>LVN-to-RN bridge program curriculums include nursing theory courses and clinical experiences. </p> <h3 id="section---AssociateDegreeInNursing">Associate Degree in Nursing</h3> <ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> Two years </li></ul><p>ADN programs are typically two years long, after which students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Students enrolled in these degree programs take general education and nursing theory courses &mdash; in addition to gaining hands-on experience via clinical practices and skills labs. </p> <h2 id="section---FastestNursingDegreesInCalifornia">Fastest Nursing Degrees in California</h2> <p>The following California schools offer some of the fastest ways to earn your nursing degree. Some programs are offered as a hybrid of online coursework and in-person experiences, while others are designed to be completely in-person. </p> <p>If you're looking to enroll in an online degree program, it's important to consider the tools you'll need to successfully keep up with coursework. Investing in a reliable internet connection and one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_laptops_nursing_students.html">best laptops for nursing students</a> will help you thrive in a technology-focused environment. </p> <h3 id="section---1.PasadenaCityCollege">1. Pasadena City College</h3> <p>Pasadena City College (PCC) offers a vocational nursing program that prepares students to become licensed LVNs. The curriculum focuses on basic nursing skills, health promotion, and caring for patients with physical and mental health disorders. </p> <p>Coursework for this program is primarily in person. After completing PCC's program, students receive a Certificate of Achievement and are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $46 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.ConcordiaUniversityIrvine">2. Concordia University-Irvine</h3> <p>Concordia University-Irvine offers two options for its ABSN program: fully in-person at its Irvine campus or hybrid through its Rancho Cucamonga campus. The program emphasizes leadership, critical judgment, evidence-based information, and technology skills. </p> <p>Coursework for this accelerated BSN degree program is given online. Students visit campus to attend simulation labs and take in-person exams. Each semester, nursing students complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities in Los Angeles and Orange County. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $990 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.CaliforniaBaptistUniversity">3. California Baptist University</h3> <p>Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University has an online RN-to-BSN program. Students with an active RN license move directly into nursing theory courses such as Community and Public Health Nursing. Courses are given 100% online. </p> <p>Clinical experiences must be completed in person; however, students may complete their rotations at facilities in their home communities. California Baptist University has partnerships with Kaiser Permanente, Parkview Community Hospital, and more. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $340 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 14 to 16 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.SacramentoCityCollege">4. Sacramento City College</h3> <p>Sacramento City College offers an LVN-to-RN bridge program that spans three semesters, with both full-time and part-time options available. Students take a transition course before moving directly into nursing theory courses. While some coursework is given online, the curriculum is primarily completed on campus and in clinical rotations. </p> <p>After completing this bridge program, students earn their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and are eligible to take the NCLEX. The first-time pass rate for program graduates consistently ranks 94% and above. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $46 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> One year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.SanJoaquinDeltaCollege">5. San Joaquin Delta College</h3> <p>San Joaquin Delta College, located in Stockton, CA, offers an ADN program designed for entry-level students just starting their nursing careers. Students gain the knowledge and skills to become registered nurses over the course of four semesters. </p> <p>This program is mainly offered in person. The curriculum focuses on communication, direct care, critical thinking, and leadership. Clinical rotations take place in local hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and other healthcare settings. </p> <ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $46 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> Two years </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> ACEN </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2> <p>We use the following factors when featuring schools: </p> <ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Schools must be accredited by either the CCNE or the ACEN. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Programs must follow standard nursing curriculums, have experienced faculty, and earn approval from the state board of nursing. </li><li><b>Program length:</b> Programs must be two years or shorter. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestWayToFinishNursingSchoolInCalifornia">FAQs About the Fastest Way To Finish Nursing School in California</h2> <p>The following answers address some frequently asked questions about California nursing school programs. </p> <h3 id="section---HowLongIsNursingSchool">How Long Is Nursing School?</h3> <p>Nursing school program length depends on which degree or certification you're looking for and how much previous education and experience you have. Generally speaking, nursing programs take between one and four years to complete. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesANursingDegreeCost">How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?</h3> <p>Again, the cost of a nursing degree ranges widely depending on specific schools and programs. According to the <a href="https://www.rn.ca.gov/education/rnprograms.shtml#adn">California BRN</a>, the total cost for ADN programs alone ranges between $4,585 and $101,000. </p> <p>To keep overall education costs low, you can apply to programs offered by <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheap_online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">accredited online colleges that accept financial aid</a> </p> <h3 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnRNInOneYear">Can You Become an RN in One Year?</h3> <p>Yes, you can become an RN in one year if you already have experience as a licensed vocational nurse. LVN-to-RN pathways consist of three semesters, which can be completed in one academic year. </p> <h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2> <p>There are many ways to direct your career path into the nursing field. To find the school that best suits your unique goals, check out the featured institutions at Learn.org.</p>