How to Become a Registered Nurse in California: A 2025 Guide
California registered nurses earn a staggering $137,690 annually – 46% higher than the national average of $93,600.
A nursing career in California offers exceptional financial rewards and outstanding job security. California leads the nation in nursing employment with more than 332,000 registered nurses. On top of that, while the national job growth for RNs sits at 6%, California’s nursing profession grows at an impressive 11% from 2020-2030.
This complete guide will show you how to become a nurse in California. You’ll learn about educational pathways and RN requirements in California. We’ll explain how to get your RN license in California and give you insights into the thriving job market that awaits after certification.
Are you ready to start a rewarding healthcare career with exceptional growth potential? Let’s head over to your step-by-step roadmap to becoming an RN in California.
Step 1: Choose the Right Nursing Education Path
Starting your nursing trip means picking the right educational path that lines up with your career goals and life situation. California has several ways to become a registered nurse. Each path comes with its own benefits.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The ADN program is one of the fastest ways to become an RN in California. Students can finish this program in 2-3 years. Many community colleges across the state offer it. About 39% of nursing graduates in California choose ADN programs, which shows how popular this option is.
ADN programs need 60-75 credits and cost $6,000-$15,000. This makes them much cheaper than other options. ADN-prepared nurses make around $76,000 per year. These programs teach you how to provide registered nursing care in healthcare settings of all types.
The program has courses in general education, pharmacology, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, and psychiatric nursing. Students also complete clinical hours at healthcare facilities.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN degree takes about 4 years to finish. California State Universities and private colleges commonly offer this program. This complete education prepares you for direct patient care and opens doors to administrative and leadership roles. The latest data shows 54% of nursing graduates in California earned a BSN.
BSN programs need about 120 credits and cost $20,000-$50,000. BSN-prepared nurses earn about $94,000 yearly. Many hospitals now want to hire nurses with BSN degrees. This makes the degree more valuable for moving up in your career.
Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN)
The ELMSN path works best for adults who already have a bachelor’s degree in something other than nursing. This fast-track option takes 1-2 years. The time depends on how many nursing prerequisites you’ve already finished.
Students take pre-licensure nursing courses to get ready for the NCLEX-RN examination. After getting their RN license, they complete post-licensure coursework for the Master of Science in Nursing degree. Career-changers who want advanced nursing positions often choose this path.
LVN 30-Unit Option and Military Corpsmen Pathway
The LVN 30-Unit Option helps California Licensed Vocational Nurses become RNs. Students can finish this in 18-24 months. It’s worth mentioning that this option doesn’t give you a degree. Most other states don’t accept this path for RN licensure. That’s why many LVNs choose to complete an ADN program instead.
California law lets military corpsmen with RN-level education and clinical experience take the national exam for RN licensure. People with military healthcare experience might get advanced placement in nursing programs. This applies to Basic Medical Technician Corpsmen (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialists (68W Army Medic), and Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technicians.
Each path to becoming a nurse has its benefits based on your current qualifications, career goals, and schedule. Looking at these options carefully is your first vital step toward becoming a registered nurse in California.
Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited Nursing Program
Your next big step after choosing your educational path is to enroll in an accredited nursing program that meets California’s strict requirements. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) sets nursing education standards, and proper accreditation is vital to your future career.
How to select a BRN-approved school
The BRN must approve all pre-licensure registered nursing programs in California to ensure they follow statutory and regulatory requirements. You can’t take the NCLEX-RN exam or get licensed in California without this approval.
You can check BRN approval by searching the database on the California Board of Nursing website. Beyond BRN approval, look for programs accredited by these recognized bodies:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
School accreditation is different from program accreditation. Your school might be accredited, but its nursing program might not meet specific nursing standards. Make sure to check both before you apply.
Factors to think about: cost, location, clinicals
Cost: A nursing education is a major investment. Associate degree programs usually cost between $20,000 to $40,000 total, while Bachelor’s programs run from $20,000 to $50,000 each year. Master’s programs cost even more—about $30,000 to $60,000 yearly.
Public schools offer better rates for in-state students compared to private institutions. California State University campuses charge about $23,000-$35,000 for tuition and fees. This is a big deal as it means that private universities can cost over $100,000 for the entire program.
Break down financial aid options, including federal loans, state grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs for nurses who work in underserved areas.
Location: Schools in cities offer clinical rotations in specialty hospitals and community clinics, while rural programs focus on primary care and community health. Think about your daily commute—nursing students already have packed schedules, and long commutes can add extra stress.
Clinical experience: The quality of hands-on training opportunities matters. Ask about the program’s healthcare facility partnerships, clinical rotation specialties (pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, geriatrics), and simulation labs with advanced technology.
Online vs. in-person programs
Online and traditional nursing programs must meet similar accreditation standards. All the same, they work quite differently.
In-person programs give you structured learning environments with direct faculty interaction but less schedule flexibility. Students who learn better with face-to-face instruction and direct supervision often prefer this traditional format.
Online programs let you balance work and family commitments more easily. They might cost less when you factor in saved commuting expenses and the ability to keep working. Some online programs run completely remotely except for clinical requirements, while others use hybrid models that mix online theory with in-person skills labs.
The right nursing program for you depends on how you balance practical needs with your learning style and life situation. Good research before applying will help you succeed on your path to becoming a registered nurse in California.
Step 3: Complete Your Nursing Coursework and Clinicals
Starting a nursing program marks the beginning of your educational path to become a registered nurse in California. A good grasp of what lies ahead will help you prepare for this challenging yet fulfilling path.
Core subjects covered in RN programs
California nursing programs must include at least 58 semester units (or 87 quarter units) across specific areas. The curriculum includes:
- Art and science of nursing – 36 semester units, split equally between theory and clinical practice
- Communication skills – 6 semester units that cover oral, written, and group communication
- Related natural sciences – 16 semester units including anatomy, physiology, and microbiology with labs
Your coursework extends beyond these basics. You’ll study fundamentals, pharmacology, adult health, pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, nursing research, health assessment, leadership, and public health. The California Board of Registered Nursing requires additional courses in psychology, human nutrition, sociology, critical thinking, and statistics.
The program teaches you more than facts and figures. You’ll develop critical thinking skills to use this knowledge in clinical settings and prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination.
Importance of hands-on clinical experience
Clinical practice is a vital part of your nursing education. California law requires a minimum of 500 direct patient care clinical hours. Students must spend at least 30 hours in each specialty: geriatrics, medical-surgical, mental health/psychiatric nursing, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
Nursing faculty supervise clinical rotations with a maximum of 15 students per instructor. Your skill level and patient conditions help instructors decide the right amount of supervision.
Patient care units display clinical objectives. Schools must review these facilities to meet student learning needs. This ground experience lets you put theory into practice while building skills with electronic medical records and healthcare technologies.
Tips for succeeding in nursing school
The demanding workload of nursing school requires smart strategies. Time management plays a vital role—create SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) to stay on track.
Reading material before class and keeping track of assignments, exam dates, and commitments will set you up for success. Building connections with peers who share your experience provides academic and emotional support.
Nursing school brings challenges, so take good care of yourself. Sleep well, exercise, eat right, and reach out for support when you need it. Don’t shy away from asking questions or seeking help from professors, classmates, or clinical instructors.
Use active learning techniques like flashcards, self-quizzing, or teaching concepts to others. Make your clinical experiences count by trying new procedures and staying receptive to feedback.
These guidelines and your focus on becoming a registered nurse in California will give you the tools to handle nursing education’s challenges and prepare for licensure.
Step 4: Apply for Licensure and Pass the NCLEX-RN
You’ve completed your nursing education. Now comes the final step toward becoming a registered nurse in California – getting your license and passing the NCLEX-RN examination.
How to get RN license in California
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) manages the licensure process for all registered nurses. Your journey starts by creating an account on BreEZe, the BRN’s online portal. The system lets you select “RN Initial Exam Application” from the dropdown menu. RNs need to pay a $350 application fee through credit card during the online process.
Students graduating from California schools have an advantage. Their nursing programs submit transcripts automatically. Students from out-of-state programs must have their transcripts sent electronically. A certified third-party vendor or the school can send them directly.
Steps to apply for Authorization to Test (ATT)
After your application submission:
- Complete the required fingerprinting (detailed below)
- Pay all applicable fees
- Submit any additional requested documentation
- Standard processing takes 10-12 weeks
The BRN sends your eligibility to Pearson VUE once approved. You’ll receive an email with your Authorization to Test. The next step is paying the $200 NCLEX exam fee and scheduling your test.
Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam
Success in NCLEX-RN requires solid preparation. The official NCLEX Candidate Bulletin will guide you from start to finish. Sample questions, exam previews, and candidate tutorials are available on the NCLEX website to help you understand the testing software.
Well-laid-out review courses blend live instruction with self-paced online learning. These courses help you develop test-taking strategies and time management skills while teaching you ways to identify different question types.
Fingerprinting and background check
Criminal history checks through the Department of Justice and FBI are mandatory for all applicants. You have two options:
- Live Scan: Electronic fingerprinting at California locations takes 1-2 weeks for processing
- Manual Fingerprint Card (FD-258): Out-of-state applicants need this option, which takes 1-2 months
The DOJ keeps monitoring after fingerprinting and reports any future arrests or convictions to the BRN.
Step 5: Start Your Career and Explore Specialties
Congratulations on getting your California RN license! The Golden State offers the highest nursing salaries in America, and you’re about to discover some amazing career opportunities.
Where to find RN jobs in California
The California healthcare scene is packed with job opportunities. Big names like Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and City of Hope often look for ICU nurses, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse educators. Beyond the usual job boards, you’ll find hundreds of California positions on nursing platforms like Vivian. These include staff, travel, local contract, and per diem roles. New graduates can start in medical-surgical units or jump into specialized departments throughout the state’s healthcare network.
Popular nursing specialties
California’s unique healthcare challenges have created high demand for several nursing specialties:
- Critical care and ICU nurses are top priorities, especially in big cities with Level I trauma centers
- Psychiatric mental health nurses are in short supply as California’s mental health services don’t deal very well with the homelessness crisis and rural provider shortages
- Public health nurses help meet the health needs of California’s diverse population, especially in immigrant communities and farming regions
- Labor and delivery nurses take care of California’s roughly 450,000 annual births
Salary expectations and job outlook
California nurses earn more than anywhere else in the country. The average RN salary is $137,690 per year ($66.20/hour), which is way above the national average of $93,600. The nursing field should grow by 13% from 2022-2032, creating about 23,420 job openings yearly. Corcoran ($139,000), Avenal ($127,000), and Portola Valley ($124,000) pay nurses the most.
How to become an RN in California with advancement in mind
You can boost your career by taking these smart steps: get advanced education through BSN or MSN degrees, earn specialty certifications in high-demand areas, build experience in specialized units, try travel nursing for better pay (up to $4,491 weekly), aim for leadership roles like charge nurse or nurse manager, and maybe join nursing unions that help California nurses get better wages and benefits.
Start Your Journey Now
A career as a registered nurse in California comes with exceptional rewards. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know – from choosing your education path to starting your nursing career in America’s highest-paying state for healthcare professionals.
California stands out as the top spot for nursing careers. The impressive $137,690 average annual salary and a projected 13% job growth through 2032 create unique opportunities for financial stability and career advancement. The diverse healthcare scene also provides many options to specialize and grow professionally.
You’ll need careful planning and dedication to become a California RN. Choose the educational route that fits your situation best—an ADN for quicker entry, a BSN for broader opportunities, or an ELMSN for career-changers. Next, pick a BRN-approved program that matches your needs for cost, location, and clinical experiences.
The path requires hard work through challenging coursework and clinical hours. These challenges prepare you well for the NCLEX-RN examination and real-life nursing practice. After getting licensed, you’ll join over 332,000 registered nurses who serve California’s diverse communities while enjoying excellent pay and job security.
Note that your nursing career grows beyond licensure. You’ll find countless specializations—from critical care to psychiatric nursing—each with its own rewards and growth opportunities. Your California RN license becomes a valuable credential in a thriving job market, whether you want to work at major healthcare systems like Kaiser Permanente or prefer smaller community settings.
The path might look challenging, but the outcome makes it worthwhile—a rewarding career helping others while earning exceptional pay. Your trip to becoming a California registered nurse begins now, and this piece gives you the roadmap to turn your healthcare career dreams into reality.