The Top Nursing Schools in California

Exploring the best nursing schools in California for your educational needs can be a daunting task. This page contains information about the top schools in California. It also details how to select programs that fit your career goals and learning style, earning potential for nurses, and licensing requirements.

Aspiring nurses can also explore options for advanced programs and increased earning potential. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in California.

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.

Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology 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.

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.

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.

Other important factors include pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), acceptance rates, nursing school and program accreditation, and financial aid options.

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.

While the cost of living is higher than other states, students can access financial aid opportunities for nurses only available to California students. The Cal Grant 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.

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.

The average registered nursing salary in California is higher than anywhere else in the United States. 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. These RNs earn over $120,000 on average, while the national median hovers at $75,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Salary data also indicates that practitioners in the 75th percentile earn over $150,000 annually. However, RNs often go on to earn advanced degrees. California NPs earn $145,970 on average, while NPs earn $114,510 on average nationwide, according to the BLS.

Students can enroll in the nursing program of their choice as projected employment should increase by 16.7% between 2018 and 2028.

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.

RN requirements in California include completing the mandatory coursework, participating in field experiences, taking the NCLEX exam, and applying for licensure.

Students should note that there are many practitioners in California, which may cause longer waiting periods to get approved for licensure.

Factors that determine whether or not a student should launch their nursing career in California 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For instance, students who go on to earn an advanced degree qualify to become NPs, nurse educators, 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.

Students should also pay attention to the number of professionals in the field close to retirement. This shows areas of the field that would benefit from highly motivated and skilled professionals eager to fill these openings.

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.

Processing periods for licenses can exceed eight weeks. Therefore, students may want to get a temporary permit, which costs $100.

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.

Students may also want to think about the cost to maintain their licenses. RNs pay $190, while advanced roles range from $125-$172.