How To Become a Nurse in California 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) are an important part of healthcare facilities. They not only take care of patients but also help keep operations running smoothly.

All RNs need to have a license. Because licensure requirements vary by state, how to become a nurse also varies. Keep reading to learn about the requirements to become a nurse in California.

What Does an RN Do?

Registered nurses are responsible for providing and coordinating patient care within healthcare settings. They may also educate patients and the community about various health conditions.

Typical job duties of a nurse include:

• assessing patients' conditions
• observing patients
• recording observations, medical history, and symptoms
• administering medication and treatments
• operating and monitoring medical equipment
• setting up or contributing to patient care plans
• teach patients about their conditions and how to care for themselves at home

The specific job duties of a certified registered nurse will depend on where they work. Most nurses work in hospitals, but they can also work in clinics, at care facilities, for educational services, or for the government.

Specific tasks will also depend on the department. Every medical department, from the ER to the ICU, from pediatrics to gerontology, needs nurses.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in California?

The length of time it takes to become a licensed RN in California depends on a few factors, including the type of degree you choose and how long it takes you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses.

If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you may be able to find accelerated nursing programs online that allow you to become a nurse in just a year. Otherwise, most associate degree programs take two to three years.

4 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in California

There are three key requirements to become a nurse in California. You must meet the educational requirements for nurses, pass the NCLEX-RN, and pass a background check. We've broken down the steps below.

Step 1: Complete a Nursing Degree Program

The first step to becoming a nurse in California is to complete nursing school. There are several different degree options for nurses.

If you don't have a college degree yet, you can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Associate degree programs are shorter, but BSN programs can lead to leadership roles and graduate study.

Many students choose to earn an ADN, get their RN license, and then return to finish their bachelor's with an RN to BSN program. Additionally, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to become RNs can consider LVN to RN programs.

If you already hold a bachelor's degree, consider a second bachelor's program in nursing. These are often accelerated BSN (ABSN) options that take one to two years. Some schools also offer entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

Whatever program you choose, it needs to be accredited or otherwise approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Your program will include coursework on key nursing concepts and provide you with clinical experiences.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN

Once you've earned your nursing degree, you can take the NCLEX-RN exam. This is a standardized, computer-based test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

The NCLEX-RN exam will test you on client needs, fundamental processes in nursing, and clinical judgment. You can find a full breakdown of the exam content on the NCLEX website.

Step 3: Obtain and Maintain a Registered Nursing License

Once you've earned your degree and passed your exams, you're close to becoming an RN. You just need to submit your application, which includes passing a criminal background check.

The official results of your NCLEX will take about six weeks to come in. California allows nurses to apply for an interim permit if they wish to work in a supervised nursing capacity while awaiting their results.

To maintain your license, you must renew it every two years. To qualify for renewal, you have to complete at least 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during that period. New applicants are exempt from this requirement until their first renewal.

Step 4: Consider Further Education and Career Advancement

Even after obtaining your RN license, there are many options to further your education and nursing career. For example, if you have an ADN, you can return to school through an RN to BSN program. These degrees are often only one to two years � and many are offered online.

Some RNs decide to further their career path by pursuing licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), like a nurse practitioner. This requires advanced nursing education, like an MSN or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Top Nursing Degree Programs in California

The BRN has approved over 140 accredited nursing programs in California for RN licensure. Some are solely in person, while others have options for online nursing programs. We've highlighted a few top programs below.

1. California State University, Long Beach

California State University, Long Beach is a public research institution in Long Beach, CA. It offers a BSN program that leads to licensure.

The BSN includes five semesters of nursing courses on topics like pharmacology, pathophysiology, mental health nursing, and health assessment. It has a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN for the most recent test year.

CSULB also offers an RN to BSN program that can be taken online, as well as a BSN to DNP program with multiple specialties.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,608 per year (in-state); $17,688 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. American River College

At American River College, students can earn an Associate of Science in nursing. This program takes about four semesters of nursing courses to complete and has a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX.

ARC is a public community college located in Sacramento, CA. It also offers a plan of study that allows pre-nursing students to complete all prerequisite courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,288 per year (in-state); $12,616 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

3. City College of San Francisco

City College of San Francisco offers an ASN program that leads to RN licensure in California. CCSF is a public community college in San Francisco and has a 100% pass rate for the most recent NCLEX test year.

The program includes academic classes on campus, skills practice in the nursing skills laboratory, and patient care experience in various hospitals and facilities in the San Francisco area. An RN to BSN program through a partnership with San Francisco State University is also available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,696 per year (in-state); $14,656 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACCJC

4. Stanbridge University

The BSN program at Stanbridge University provides students with advanced technology, such as cadaver labs and virtual reality. Students learn how to think critically, solve problems, and ultimately, heal those in need as a registered nurse. The program most recently had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN.

Stanbridge University, based in Irvine, CA, is a private, nonprofit institution. It also offers an LVN program at the associate level and a master's degree in nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $36,610 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: WASCUC and CCNE

5. Ventura College

Ventura College is a public community college in Ventura, CA. It offers a two-year ADN through its School of Nursing and Allied Health.

This program is approved for licensure in the state of California and has a 100% NCLEX pass rate. The school also offers an LVN to RN program that requires 30 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,426 per year (in-state); $9,615 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACCJC and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in California

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nursing jobs are expected to increase by 6% across the nation by 2033. The outlook is even better for California, with an expected increase of 13%.

The median annual salary for nurses in California is also higher than it is nationwide, $140,330 compared to $93,600. However, salary also varies by area:

• San Jose/Santa Clara/Sunnyvale metro: $208,940 per year
• San Francisco/Oakland metro: $188,020 per year
• Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim metro: $133,440 per year
• San Diego metro: $133,090 per year

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in California

Understanding the educational and licensure requirements to become a nurse can feel a little overwhelming. We've answered some frequently asked questions below to help you out.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in California?

The cost of a nursing degree in California depends on multiple factors, including what school you choose, what degree you're earning, and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student.

Many of the community colleges in California allow you to earn an ADN for under $4,000. Others charge tens of thousands of dollars for the same degree.

Additionally, you'll need to cover the cost of things like textbooks, scrubs, and other nursing supplies. Many programs also require a laptop, and you'll want to consider the best laptop for nursing students.

To keep your costs low, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for need-based financial aid, like the Pell Grant and Cal Grant. There are several online colleges that accept FAFSA in California.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Like cost, the prerequisites for a nursing degree can vary. Many require you to have taken core courses like:

• human anatomy
• human physiology
• chemistry
• microbiology

Some schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online.

You may need to have a minimum high school GPA. Some nursing programs also require you to take entrance exams, like the Casper Situational Judgement Test (CSJT) or Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse in California, if you don't already have college experience, is through an ADN program. These usually take just a couple of years to complete.

You can always return to school after you earn your nursing license to complete your bachelor's through an RN to BSN program. Many colleges offer these online so that students can work and earn their BSN at the same time.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

The easiest nursing degree is probably an RN to BSN program. These degrees are for registered nurses who want to complete their bachelor's degree.

A few things make these easy options. For example, if you're already licensed, you don't have the stress of studying for licensure. They're often designed to be convenient and flexible, with online or evening courses. Additionally, many will allow you to complete clinical hours at the site where you already work.

Find a Nursing Degree

Find the perfect nursing degree by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about how they can help you reach your nursing career goals.