Are you interested in becoming a nurse in California? As of August 2024, California boasts the highest number of nurses in the country with over 530,000 active registered nurses (RNs) and over 450,000 licensed nurses (not including the advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) – certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and nurse practitioners (NPs)). California has a vast amount of opportunities available to become a nurse and, if desired, to expand your knowledge and schooling to become an APRN. Here are some California RN stats:
- The average age of a nurse at graduation is 28.2
- Average hours worked per week are 36.3
- 4% speak Tagalog and 11.1% speak Spanish
- 2% work in inpatient settings or the emergency department
- 4% work in ambulatory care
- 5% work in home health agencies
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a California RN is to obtain your high school diploma or equivalent. The next step is to decide what type of nursing school to attend. There are currently 140 nursing programs in California with varying tuitions and requirements. If possible, try not to limit yourself by applying to one program. Sometimes the wait lists can be extensive and seats limited.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An ADN is offered at many community colleges and takes approximately 2-3 years. Obtaining an ADN is a great start to your nursing career in a cost-efficient way.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A BSN is a 4-year program that is offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. While an ADN can open most doors for prospective nurses, obtaining your BSN may provide a higher earning potential or better opportunities for career advancement.
Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing (ELM)
This program is for prospective nurses who have a baccalaureate degree in another field. Depending on the number of prerequisites already completed, it takes approximately 1-2 years to obtain a masters degree through this program.
State Licensing Requirements
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is a key resource to completing all necessary tasks to be a California RN. To be licensed, complete the following:
- 6-8 weeks prior to graduating, fill out the California BRN application.
- Once the application has been received, you will receive an email with a link to complete required fingerprint processing.
- When schooling has completed, request that your school send the BON your school transcripts.
NCLEX-RN Examination
Regardless of the nursing program you graduated from, all nursing graduates take the same National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX)-RN. This is a computerized test that is given 6 days a week. It is recommended to take this exam as soon as you can after graduation as this is when you have the most knowledge retention and are likely to have a better success rate. Visit the NCLEX Test Centers website for locations.
If you are interested in taking NCLEX prep classes, there are many options available online. Some are listed below. Before signing up for one, talk with your instructors and classmates to see if they have had success with a previous program or recommend one.
- Kaplan – often a top choice; 97% of students pass the NCLEX on their first try.
- Nursing.com – pass the NCLEX or they will pay you back 200%
- NurseAchieve – most advanced practice exam technology
- Hurst Review – best first-attempt pass rate
- NCLEX Mastery – most affordable
- Mometrix University – best free resources
- ATI – best product offerings
- Crush NCLEX – best online course
Job Outlook and Opportunities
California is one state that is always looking for more nurses. It is projected that the current nurse shortage in California will close by 2027, but may last longer if newly hired nurses do not stay in their positions.
On average, RNs in sunny California can expect an annual wage between $124,000 and $137,690, a salary 49% higher than the national average. However, certain areas in California pay more than others. If you want to maximize your salary, the San Francisco Bay Area is the place to be at an annual wage of $133,474. However, the Northern counties aren’t far behind as the least paid at $95,641. Many employers also offer shift differentials, which are certain shifts that pay more than others (e.g., evening or night shifts, weekends).
Resources and Support
There are many state and national resources available for nurses as you navigate through schooling and the difficulties of working in this new field.
- American Nurses Association
- California Nurses Association
- Support groups
- Operation Happy Nurse: Free! To help all nurses decompress and engage with another to practice stress-relief and talk work-related issues.
- New Nurses Facebook Support Group
- Don’t Clock Out: Free virtual peer support group for nurses, nursing students, and nursing assistants.
So why nursing? Nursing is a rewarding career that has countless opportunities to both advance your career or specialize. You will always be in demand and can find the nursing niche that provides the most personal and professional rewards, whether that is working in the hospital in an inpatient unit, as an APRN, or even behind the scenes with an insurance company. Becoming a nurse in all these career opportunities have the same timeline:
- Graduate with a high school diploma or equivalent
- Apply and complete a nursing program
- Fill out the application for the California Board of Registered Nursing and complete their requirements
- Take the NCLEX-RN
- Find a job!
Nursing is a work of heart – become a part of the nursing community today.
