How to Become an RN in California: 4 Steps
Wondering how to become an RN in California? Nurses in the Golden State enjoy some of the highest incomes in the nation, along with diverse opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings. From bustling hospitals in Los Angeles to serene wellness clinics in Napa Valley, California offers professional growth and plenty to do during your downtime. Let’s go over how to become a registered nurse in California.
What Does an RN in California Do?
In California, registered nurses provide essential care. Here are a few specific nursing skills you might be responsible for, depending on your specialty:
- Head-to-toe assessments
- Giving medications
- Collaborating with healthcare teams to develop care plans
- Educating patients and families
- Documentation
- Delegation
RNs in CA have opportunities to work in cutting-edge research facilities or participate in innovative healthcare initiatives. In addition, California’s nursing union helps ensure that nurses receive breaks and patient ratios are regulated for safety. And the beautiful scenery and variation in this state means that you’ll never be bored on your days off.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in California?
The time it takes to become an RN depends on your chosen educational pathway. You can either pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While the ADN is a faster track, the BSN is the preferred entry-level nursing degree. Want to know how to become an RN in California fast? Check out our video on the quickest way to become a nurse.
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
Wondering how to become an RN? In California, the process is very similar to that in other states — it starts with nursing school. If you want to get your nursing education in CA, you’ll have options. There are more than 100 approved nursing programs in the state, including these schools:
- The University of California, San Francisco
- California State University, Long Beach
- Fresno Pacific University
- Sonoma State University
Curious about 2-year nursing programs? California is also home to these schools:
- American Career College (Los Angeles)
- College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita)
- Santa Monica College
- Southwestern College (San Diego)
Whichever program you choose to pursue, be sure it is approved by California’s Board of Nursing. This will ensure that you are eligible for licensure in the state after you graduate.
You can expect nursing school to be challenging, yet rewarding. Give yourself the best chances by arriving to class prepared, creating good study habits, and actively participating in clinical rotations.
You may have the option to work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) during school. California uses a CNA equivalency system, meaning nursing students can qualify to take the certification exam and begin working in a healthcare setting without taking an additional CNA course. Some nursing students also pursue student nurse jobs in CA to earn more experience before they enter professional nursing.
Wondering how you’ll pay for nursing school in California? The Bonnie Fang Foundation Nursing Scholarship is offered to pre-licensure students in California and Nevada. Learn more about nursing scholarships and student nurse grants.
Step 2: Take the NCLEX and Obtain Licensure
About two months before you graduate nursing school in California, you’ll apply for the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN). You can apply for the exam online, but you’ll take it in person on exam day. To apply, you’ll need to complete a fingerprint card and submit your application fee, transcripts, and any accommodation requests.
The board requires an NCLEX application fee depending on where you attended nursing school. If you want to work before becoming licensed, you’ll need an interim permit, which costs an additional $100. Fingerprint cards also require a fee of $49. These are the application costs:
- In-state graduates: $300 application fee
- Out-of-state graduates: $350 application fee
- International graduates: $750 application fee
Once your application is approved, you’ll get an email from the nursing board with instructions on how to schedule your exam. You can take the test up to eight times per year, but you’ll have to wait 45 days between tries. Prepare well for the exam to avoid retesting (and paying the application fee again). Self-testing, strong study plans, and consistency with your study habits can help you do well.
You should get your test results back within six weeks of your exam, and once you pass, you can apply to the CA Board of Nursing for your RN license. California isn’t a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so if you earn a CA nursing license and you end up moving or working in another state, you’ll need to obtain another license in your new state. Your scope of practice may also change depending on your location. Learn more about the California Nurse Practice Act.
Step 3: Start Your Job Hunt
With your license in hand, it’s time to start your job search. California offers a wide range of specialties and certifications, with high demand in areas like critical care, pediatrics, and oncology. Some specialties, like med-surg, are generally easier to find a role in if you’re a new graduate nurse.
Healthcare employers in California include:
If you’re considering a move within or to California, check out RN roles in the most populous cities in the state:
Want to increase your RN salary? California boasts the highest income for registered nurses in the U.S., at $137,690 per year. You may make more or less depending on your experience, extra certifications, and specialty area. Also, keep in mind that some employers in CA offer loan repayment programs and relocation bonuses, which can impact your financial decision-making process.
Step 4: Keep Your License Up to Date
When you get your initial license in CA after passing the NCLEX, it will be valid for two birthdays, then you’ll need to renew it by the last day of the month on your second birthday. After that, renew every two years. For your first renewal, there are no continuing education (CE) requirements. But for your subsequent renewals, you’ll need 30 CE hours to renew. Learn more about nursing license renewals in CA.
Find Nursing Jobs in the Golden State
Now that you know how to become an RN in California, you might be curious about open roles in your area and desired specialty. Personalized job notifications can help put you in control of your nursing career. Learn more today.