Nursing Schools in California

Nurses play an essential role in California's health care system. Dedicated to patient care, health education, and providing support for patients, families, and other health care workers, California's more than 230,000 registered nurses (RNs) are often called upon to develop and implement care plans; keep patient records; care for ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients; and much, much more. Nurses are valuable in a variety of settings, and these able workers sometimes pursue advanced degrees to practice as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and certified RN anesthetists.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the 2009 mean annual salary for RNs in California was $85,080.

What it Takes to be a Nurse

Regardless of the setting in which they work, nurses need to be caring, compassionate, sympathetic, and detail oriented. While these embedded traits are essential, learned skills and formal training are also extremely important. Fortunately, those looking at nursing schools in California can find lots of options.

Nursing Schools in California

Nursing schools in California offer the following three educational paths to becoming an RN:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which typically takes four years to complete
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which typically takes two years
• Nursing diploma, which typically takes three years

California has nearly 120 accredited nursing schools that offer RN degrees and nursing diplomas.

While there are many options for those seeking to attend nursing schools in California, it is important to carefully weigh your options. According to information from the BLS, advancement opportunities are more prevalent for RNs who hold BSN degrees than for RNs with ADN degrees or diplomas.

In addition to obtaining a degree or diploma, RNs must be licensed by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Continuing education is essential for RNs, and the California Board of Registered Nursing requires RNs to renew their licenses and complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.