EDUCATION
August 10, 2022
By: Nurse.org Staff
To become a nurse in California, the best course of action is to study at a California school. Studying at one of the state’s top schools will prepare you for a successful nursing career. To help you choose, Nurse.org has compiled a list of the best nursing schools in California.
Methodology
This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,
- Reputation
- NCLEX pass rate
- Tuition
- Acceptance rate, when available
- Only ACEN or CCNE accredited schools are eligible
Nurse Panel
Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.
- Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
- Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
- Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN
- Kathleen Gaines, MSN, RN, BA, CBC
- Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 California nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.
Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in California
1. California State University, Bakersfield
Annual In-State Tuition: $15,270 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.08%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
California has a plethora of incredible state schools, and residents can take advantage of lower in-state tuition. California State University, Bakersfield is no exception. Located roughly midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cal State Bakersfield has the feel of a college town. The nursing program offers plenty of options for undergraduate students, including a a traditional BSN and a 15-month RN-to-BSN. Like most California schools, Cal State Bakersfield has a high NCLEX pass rate and is a nationally recognized university.
2. California State University, Fullerton
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,995 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.97%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Located just north of Anaheim is another excellent school in the CSU system, California State University, Fullerton. Home to nearly 40,000 students, this ethnically diverse school has a low in-state tuition rate and a great location. Students interested in a BSN have four options:
- Traditional BSN: for direct-entry freshman
- Upper Division Transfer BSN Pathway: for upper division transfer students who are interested in earning a BSN
- Accelerated BSN: for students who have a bachelor’s degree in any field who are interested in earning a BSN
- RN to BSN: For ADN educated RNs who want to pursue a BSN
3. University of California, Irvine
Annual In-State Tuition: $11,928 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.64%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Considered by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top public schools, the University of California, Irvine is an all-around high-quality school. UC Irvine has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity, and graduates tend to have higher salaries than the national average for recent grads. The main undergraduate nursing program – a traditional BSN – also boasts high graduate employment and salaries, but only 2.5% of all applicants are admitted. If students are lucky enough to count themselves among those selected, they’ll be set up for an incredibly successful nursing career.
4. California State University, Long Beach
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,834 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 99.3%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
California State University, Long Beach is home to beautiful beaches and beaches, along with one of the top nursing programs in the state. CSULB’s nursing program has a lofty goal of becoming the premier nursing program, so nursing students can rest assured that they’re getting one of the best educations available. The university offers BSN and MSN programs. There are three main BSN routes students may take:
- Traditional BSN
- RN to BSN
- Accelerated BSN: for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field
The NCLEX pass rate of the recent graduating class speaks to the student outcomes.
5. California State University, Los Angeles
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,782 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.4%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Los Angeles, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation, is home to various hospitals where California State University, Los Angeles nursing students can complete their clinicals. There are four programs for undergraduate nursing students:
- Traditional BSN: for direct-entry freshman
- RN-BSN: A one-year program for ADN educated RNs
- ADN-BSN Collaborative Program: a dual enrollment program with local junior colleges that facilitates seamless entry into Cal State LA
- Accelerated BSN: for those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
6. University of California, Los Angeles
Annual In-State Tuition: $13,804 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 90.91%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
One of the most recognized institutions in the world is the University of California, Los Angeles. So, it should be no surprise that UCLA is also home to one of the top nursing schools in California. UCLA has one traditional BSN program that is for incoming freshman and transfer students. Most students will be interested in earning their BSN before anything else, although the master’s and doctoral level degrees offered by UCLA are among the top in the state, too. The price is higher than other state schools, but in-state students will still pay a lower tuition rate.
7. California State University, Sacramento
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,484 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.33%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Located in the state capitol, California State University, Sacramento is one of the most diverse schools in the nation. Students come from across California – and the US – to study at Sac State. One of the university’s top draws is the traditional BSN program, perfect for incoming freshmen that don’t have any nursing experience. An RN-BSN program and an LVN to BSN program is also available for current nurses that want to complete a BSN. Along with other state schools, Sac State is an excellent value for California residents, and they boast one of the highest NCLEX pass rates on this list.
8. San Diego State University
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,174 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.8%
Traditional: Yes
Online: No
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
San Diego State University, home of the Aztecs, has been educating students since 1897. Now home to more than 36,000 students, SDSU has entrenched itself as one of the top public schools in California. The nursing school at SDSU has four main programs:
9. University of California, San Francisco
Annual In-State Tuition: $54,980 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 88.%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: No
Yes, the in-state tuition at the University of California, San Francisco is incredibly high considering out-of-state students will be required to pay a higher rate. However, that’s the cost of studying at one of the nation’s best nursing schools. UCSF offers a traditional BSN and an accelerated MSN. This three-year MSN program is for current bachelor’s degree holders who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.. Keep in mind that the tuition rate can change depending on which nursing option you choose.
10. California State University, Stanislaus
Annual In-State Tuition: $5,742 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.83%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
California State University, Stanislaus has two campuses – one in Turlock and the other in Stockton. Of course, not all students will study on campus. There are four BSN options:
- Traditional BSN
- Accelerated BSN: for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- LVN-BSN
- online RN-BSN
When it’s time for clinicals, CSU Stanislaus states that students will be placed “as far south as Madera and as far north as Stockton.” This is meant to give nurses extra exposure and more experience. Of course, the low tuition and high NCLEX pass rate are reasons to look at CSU Stanislaus, too.
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4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each individual student depending on various factors including,
- Transfer credits
- Completed competency exams
- Amount of credits taken per year
- Financial aid awards
Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.
Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
- California employs 324,400 nurses, by far the most in the nation.
- Nurses in California earned an annual mean wage of $124,000 in 2021, making it the highest paying state for nurses.
Along with large cities and natural wonders, nurses in California can enjoy the high pay – especially if they specialize in their practice.
However, the downside to California is that it’s one of the lowest employers of nurses per capita. Only 19.63 nurses are employed per thousand jobs, as compared to 21.84 in Florida and 26.73 in Pennsylvania.
No state is without its drawbacks, though, and there’s no denying that California is a top destination for nurses looking for a long, successful career in an excellent area.
Next Steps:
There are dozens of great nursing school options in California, but you can only attend one. To find the perfect school, you should first make a list of your top options. Once you’ve determined which schools you’re most interested in, it’s time to prepare your application.
The next steps are to:
- Contact each school’s admissions offices. You can learn about application requirements, nursing school requirements, and anything else about a school through their admissions office. Admissions counselors are there to help you through the application process.
- Make sure you meet the nursing school requirements. Yes, many nursing programs have their own set of admissions requirements on top of the school requirements. Find out what they are and how to meet them. Some requirements may need to be fulfilled while in school, so don’t sweat it if you aren’t already eligible.
- Submit your application(s). Always apply to more than one school! Schools may offer more financial aid than you expect, making one option even more affordable. Items you’ll need to submit include:
- High school transcript (GPA)
- ACT and/or SAT scores
- College entrance essay(s)
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Other requirements could also be required, so check with each admissions office representative before applying. Also, if you ever feel lost, contact the admissions office. They can answer any questions you have.
Show Me California Nursing Programs
Important considerations when comparing schools:
Both in-state and out-of-state students are attracted to California public schools. However, no two schools are the same, and one option could have clear advantages over another – even if the nursing program doesn’t seem as good on the surface.
To pick the best school, compare the pros and cons. This can include anything, including:
- Annual tuition and total program cost (these can be different)
- Cost of living in the area
- Cost of living at the school
- Scholarships, grants, and federal aid offered
- Acceptance rate (both for the school and the nursing program)
- Length of the program
- Potential program outcomes
- Distance from hospitals
- Accreditation (regional and national)
Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation
Accrediting agencies are in charge of setting minimum standards for education programs and ensuring specific programs meet their rigorous standards. An accredited school doesn’t just mean the program is great – unaccredited schools may make you ineligible for federal funding, and many employers will only accept nurses with a BSN from an accredited school.
The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
If a school is accredited by one of these institutions, then their nursing program adheres to strict national standards.
Show Me California Nursing Programs
Getting a License in California
To become an RN in California, students should start preparing in high school. The best way to ensure license eligibility in California is to study at a California school, and admission into those schools can be tough. So, preparing early is key, according to the California Board of Registered Nursing.
>> Related: Complete Guide to Nursing in California
After completing your BSN, you’ll need to:
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Pass a criminal background check and submit your fingerprints
- Send your information to the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) in California
- Apply to become a nurse via the California Board of Nursing
It can take up to six weeks to get your official NCLEX results. In the meantime, you can apply for an “interim” RN permit so you can interview for jobs and even start practicing while your official nursing license is processed.
FAQs
What is the number 1 nursing program in California?
- U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of California-San Francisco as the top nursing school in the state.
What is the easiest nursing school to get into in California?
- California State University—Bakersfield has an acceptance rate of 78%, which is higher than other schools in the state.
Is it difficult to get into a nursing school in California?
- Some nursing schools can be more competitive than others, with rigorous prereqs that include organic chemistry, microbiology, and more.
Conclusion
California is arguably the top destination for nursing professionals. However, there are relatively few nursing opportunities available in the state. That said, California nurses enjoy high wages. To become a nurse in California, the best first step is to earn a BSN through a California school. After, all that’s left is to pass the NCLEX then find a position!
References:
FAQs
Which nursing program is easiest to get into in California? ›
San Diego State University School of Nursing As One of the Easiest Nursing Schools to get into in California. The School of Nursing was established as a baccalaureate program within San Diego State University in 1953, with a Master's program being added in 1982.
What is the #1 nursing program in the US? ›#1: Duke University
The National League for Nursing has designated the Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) a Center of Excellence on six separate occasions. The school consistently ranks among the best in the nation in U.S. News & World Report's top MSN and DNP programs.
School | # of Nursing Students | BSN NCLEX 1st Time Pass Rate |
---|---|---|
Cox College | 236 | 90% |
D'Youville College | 259 | 85% |
Herzing University – Madison | 248 | 53% |
The University of Texas at El Paso | 445 | 98% |
What is the number 1 nursing program in California? U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of California-San Francisco as the top nursing school in the state.
Where in California do nurses get paid the most? ›San Jose, CA and the surrounding area has average RN salaries of $155,230. This makes San Jose the highest-paying city for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the BLS). In the United States, the average salary for RNs is $82,750.
What is the hardest course in nursing school? ›- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
Certified Nursing Assistant
A CNA program is a fast-paced program that only takes a couple of months to fully complete. After graduation, students can enter the field right away, assisting nurses with patient work in a wide variety of settings.
An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast track options. With each of these ways to receive nursing instruction, they require passing the NCLEX licensure examination.
Is nursing the hardest degree? ›There's a rumor circulating on the internet that The Guinness Book of Work Records has declared a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to be the toughest of all bachelor's degrees to obtain. There's no truth to this claim.
Which school is best for nursing? ›- 1.) Duke University.
- 2.) Georgetown University.
- 3.) Johns Hopkins University.
- 4.) New York University.
- 5.) University of Pennsylvania.
- 6.) University of Michigan.
- 7.) University of California Los Angeles.
- 8.) University of Washington.
What is the lowest GPA you can have in nursing school? ›
Most programs require at least a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some set their limit at a 3.0 GPA. This is important to find out during the research phase of your accelerated nursing program search.
Is nursing school hard or easy? ›Thinking about going to nursing school? You're headed for a great career, one that's rewarding, challenging, and always exciting. But nursing school is notoriously difficult. Most nursing programs require high GPAs and impressive scores in math, chemistry, biology, psychology, and other demanding subjects.
Why is becoming a RN so hard? ›The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts. While it is challenging, nursing school is not impossible.
What school is number 1 in California? ›University of California, Berkeley.
Is nursing in California worth it? ›Becoming a Registered Nurse is a solid career choice when it comes to job security, salary potential, and fulfillment. For nurses who plan to work in California, the rewards and opportunities are even more promising. The average registered nurse salary in California is often higher than any other state!
How much a RN earns in California? ›RNs in California make the top salaries in the nation, earning 49.8% higher than the national average. California RNs earn an average yearly salary of $124,000 and an average hourly pay rate close to $60.
What type of RN gets paid the most? ›- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $202,000.
- Nursing Administrator – $120,000.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse – $120,000.
- General Nurse Practitioner – $118,000.
- Critical Care Nurse – $118,000.
- Certified Nurse Midwife – $114,000.
- Informatics Nurse – $102,000.
Rank | State | Average RN Salary |
---|---|---|
1 | California | $124,000 |
2 | Hawaii | $106,530 |
3 | Oregon | $98,630 |
4 | District of Columbia | $98,540 |
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled Registered Nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.
What is the hardest nurse? ›- Intensive Care Unit nurses (ICU) ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment and these nurses work with patients who have significant injuries and disease with added morbidity risks. ...
- Emergency Department nurses. ...
- Neonatal ICU. ...
- OR nursing. ...
- Oncology Nursing. ...
- Psychiatric Nursing.
What is the hardest RN job? ›
The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
Who are the happiest nurses? ›- School Nurse. ...
- Labor and Delivery Nurse. ...
- Case Management Nurse. ...
- Nurse Educator. ...
- Parish Nurse. ...
- Travel Nurse.
Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.
Everyone is different, but in general, it is recommended that nursing school students study anywhere from 2-4 hours a day. Committing class material to memory is essential to becoming a registered nurse, so the more time studying, the better! What should I know before starting nursing school?
Can I study nursing for one year? ›The One Year Higher Certificate in Nursing (R169) is a one year programme. The objective of this programme is to prepare a nurse practitioner who will be able to demonstrate basic nursing care in all Health Care settings.
Where is it easiest to become a nurse? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
Those interested in becoming a nurse in California in the shortest amount of time should pursue an associate degree in nursing, as this can be completed within a two-year timeframe. Upon completion of the program, passing the NCLEX-RN and applying for a license can take an additional 10-12 weeks.
Which state is the hardest to become a nurse? ›...
5 States that Take Longest to Get an RN License In
- Ohio (4-6 months) ...
- 2. California (3-6 months) ...
- Maryland (10 weeks) ...
- Maine (8-10 weeks) ...
- Alaska (8 weeks)
Nursing requires more dedication than many other careers. However, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Nursing school is notoriously difficult—and it's not for everyone. Graduate school is challenging as well.
How can I finish my nursing school faster? ›The fastest way to become an RN is through an RN diploma program, which can be completed in as little as a year. While completing this program does not lead to a degree, it does make the individual eligible to take the NCLEX and earn their RN license.
What are the hardest nursing skills? ›
- Basic Life Support. ...
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) ...
- Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. ...
- Patient Care. ...
- Telemetry. ...
- Computer skills. ...
- EHR Proficiency. ...
- Intravenous therapy.
Up to a third of a three-year programme can be accredited in this way, so you could potentially complete your nursing degree in two years. Universities and colleges offer shortened nursing degree courses for candidates with relevant previous learning. These are sometimes known as accelerated programmes.
Is nursing school harder than med school? ›However, don't take it for granted that nursing school will be much easier than medical school, especially in an accelerated format. Both offer a unique set of challenges and demand the utmost in student commitment and work rate.
Which state is best for nursing? ›- New York. New York has come in as #1 among the best states for nurses. ...
- Colorado. Colorado was the fourth state in the nation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact. ...
- Maryland. ...
- 4. California. ...
- Texas. ...
- Arizona. ...
- Washington. ...
- Georgia.
Being a Nurse is better than being in Nursing School
In nursing school, it's about 90% theory and lectures, and 10% skills and application. In the nursing profession, it's flipped: its 90% application and 10% theory and learning. In fact, you apply theory and think critically as you're working.
The minimum passing grade is 60%.
Can I get into nursing school with a 1.5 GPA? ›With a 1.5 grade point average, no community college ADN program will admit you. Even if you were to raise that GPA to 3.0, you're competing against the 4.0 GPA hopefuls.
Do grades in nursing school matter? ›Grades Do Matter, but They Aren't Everything
The most important thing is that you are able to graduate through the program and pass NCLEX. However, I would encourage nursing students to work hard to keep their grades as high as possible, as there are also many benefits to maintaining a high GPA.
Nursing in the "real world" generally requires very basic math skills, but almost all programs require at least one college-level math class — usually algebra. Some nursing schools may require a basic statistics course as well, so if you know what schools you're applying to, be sure to check for this requirement.
How do you survive nursing school? ›- Get to know your professors early in the semester. ...
- Review every single test you get back. ...
- READ YOUR BOOKS! ...
- Get your assignments done early. ...
- Get organized!!!! ...
- Find good study habits. ...
- Study during your breaks. ...
- Self-care is so important for nursing students.
How much do nurses make? ›
...
How much do nurses make in each state?
State | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
---|---|---|
Arkansas | $29.01 | $60,340 |
California | $53.18 | $110,620 |
Colorado | $36.10 | $75,100 |
Nurses are the ones who care for patients directly, often giving them more attention and treatment than doctors. If you want to make a difference in your community, and you have the patience required to work with people, then this might be the tell-tale sign that you are meant to become a nurse.
Is RN worth getting? ›High demand and good job outlook
You do not have to worry about not finding a job as a nurse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the position of a registered nurse has a promising job outlook with a projected growth of 9% from 2020 to 2030.
There's a lot to learn, the exams are challenging, the schedules are complicated, and the assignments keep piling up. All of these factors can make life difficult for you as a student. Nursing is a highly competitive field from the moment you begin the application process until you receive your degree.
What Cal State is best for nursing? ›- Cal State University, Long Beach.
- California State, Fullerton.
- San Diego State University.
- California State University, Stanislaus.
- California State University, San Marcos.
- California State University, Sacramento.
- California State University, Chico.
- University of California, Irvine.
- Johns Hopkins University.
- Duke University.
- Emory University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
- University of Washington.
- Columbia University.
- Ohio State University.
- University of Michigan--Ann Arbor.
University of California, Berkeley.
Which UC is the best for nursing? ›- UC Davis. #23 Best Nursing Schools: Master's.
- UC Irvine. #42 Best Nursing Schools: Master's.
- UCLA. #19 Best Nursing Schools: Master's.
- UCSF. #11 (tie) Best Nursing Schools: Master's.
Average RN Salaries in California
RNs in California make the top salaries in the nation, earning 49.8% higher than the national average. California RNs earn an average yearly salary of $124,000 and an average hourly pay rate close to $60.
High demand, the high cost of living and union power underlie the higher salaries of California's registered nurses. Burger said the nurse's union has also played a role in assuring that nurses have access to pension plans and that they retire with health benefits.
Is being a nurse in California worth it? ›
Becoming a Registered Nurse is a solid career choice when it comes to job security, salary potential, and fulfillment. For nurses who plan to work in California, the rewards and opportunities are even more promising. The average registered nurse salary in California is often higher than any other state!
Which level of nursing school is hardest? ›It shouldn't be too surprising that many nursing students consider Pharmacology to be the hardest class in nursing school.
What is California's easiest college? ›The easiest colleges to get into in California include the Academy of Art University, California State University-Fresno, California Northstate University, Azusa Pacific University, Sonoma State University, California State University-Channel Island, and California State University-Monterey Bay.
Which is the world's No 1 college? ›View the World University Rankings 2023 methodology
The University of Oxford tops the ranking for the seventh consecutive year.
Marin County
#1 Counties with the Best Public Schools in California.
UCLA School of Nursing is extremely competitive. In fact, UCLA in general is highly competitive. For Fall 2021, there were 139,490 freshman applicants. Of them, only 15,028 were admitted and 6,586 enrolled in the university.
Is it hard to get into nursing school in California? ›Despite the high demand for more nurses, students at some California community colleges are finding it difficult to get accepted into nursing programs.