Best Nursing Schools in California 2023

Best Nursing Schools in California

California's best nursing schoolsThere are many nursing programs in California dedicated to helping people like you start successful careers. Whether you live in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or somewhere in between, you have access to an excellent education for a wonderfully rewarding profession. Nurses in California are always in high demand, so you should have no trouble finding work with the right training behind you. Here is some more information about how to go about obtaining that training.

How to Become a Nurse in California

To become a registered nurse (RN) in California, you need to get a degree. The particular degree you choose will depend on the type of job you want to have after you graduate. Once you know what degree is necessary for your line of work, you can start looking for nursing schools in California. Just make sure the one you choose is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). These boards assess individual nursing programs to make sure every one of them complies with modern day employment expectations.

Here are some examples of degree programs you might go through as a nurse and the timeframes they take to complete:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

After you get through your degree program, you can get a license or certification to work in your profession. This will require you to take a test or a series of tests related to your level of education. To learn more about nurse licensure in California, contact the California Board of Nursing.

Tuition for California Nursing Schools

California has high tuition rates overall, but some schools have rather affordable nursing degree programs. You will need to find a school that offers a degree related to your prospective nursing career. The chart below shows average tuition rates in California based on data collected by the College Board. Use it to approximate what you will pay for school.

  • Public Two-Year College: $1,424 per year
  • Public Four-Year University: $9,037 per year
  • Private Four-Year University: $36,914 per year

Job Prospects for California Nurses

The job market for nurses in California is always reliable. No matter what type of nursing career you choose, you should be able to find work in this state. To get an idea of how your earning potential will change with each job, check out the statistics below. (BLS)

Start looking for a nursing school today, and you will be on your way to a career in no time.

Top 5 Nursing Schools in California

School NameDegree LevelTuition
California Baptist UniversityBachelor’s$25,090
King’s UniversityBachelor’s$8,280
Azusa Pacific UniversityBachelor’s$30,236
San BernardinoBachelor’s$5,472
California State University-Dominguez HillsBachelor’s$5,472

California Baptist University

  • City: Riverside
  • Degree Level: Bachelor’s
  • Tuition: $25,090

King’s University

  • City: Van Nuys
  • Degree Level: Bachelor’s
  • Tuition: $8,280

Azusa Pacific University

  • City: Azusa
  • Degree Level: Bachelor’s
  • Tuition: $30,236

California State University-San Bernardino

  • City: San Bernardino
  • Degree Level: Bachelor’s
  • Tuition: $5,472

California State University-Dominguez Hills

  • City: Carson
  • Degree Level: Bachelor’s
  • Tuition: $5,472