To become a professional registered nurse, you have to go through the process of enrolling in one of the best nursing schools in California. Undoubtedly, there are several nursing schools in Califonia that offer courses and programs that will help you get started with your nursing career.
Note that, California nursing salaries are among the highest in the nation. Aside from the salaries, there are other perks to studying in Califonia, and the degree you opt for will most likely help you build your career in the future.
While California has several nursing schools that will help your career in nursing, this article will provide a list of the top 10 best nursing schools in California.
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Table of Contents
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND NURSING SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA?
California is one of the best states in the US where you can pursue your nursing career due to the competitive nursing program and wide range of nursing job opportunities for certified nurses.
Moreover, California has high-quality healthcare facilities for nurses who are skilled and experienced in the field. California is ranked among the top five states for nurses in three out of four categories. Nurses in California have a lot of job opportunities around then, and their salaries are very high compared to other states.
Also, California has many top-notch nursing programs that offer high-quality clinical training and science education in some of the best hospitals in the country.
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WHAT ARE THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR NURSING SCHOOLS IN CALIFONIA?
Undoubtedly, there are several nursing schools in Califonia. Although some of these nursing schools offer similar degree programs, some differ in the programs offered. Nonetheless, the requirements for most Nursing Schools In Califonia may vary from one another. However, some of the basic requirements for nursing schools in California are:
- ACT or SAT scores
- Birth certificate
- High school transcript (GPA)
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Well written College entrance essay(s)
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HOW TO BECOME A NURSE IN CALIFONIA?
To become a nurse, you must enroll in the best nursing school that suits you. Nursing schools will enable you to become a professional. Also, to become a registered nurse, you must pass the NCLEX exam from an accredited institution.
Hence, it is crucial that you enroll in an institution that is accredited by The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
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WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF NURSING SCHOOL IN CALIFORNIA?
The average cost of nursing school in California depends on the type of program you are applying for and how much your budget is. However, the average cost of a BSN program in the US ranges between $35,000 to $60,000 (US dollars).
Generally, BSN tuition in California costs about $13804 (US dollars) annually for students who are California residents. While for out-of-state students in California, the average cost is about $31,026 (US dollars) per year. However, there are other programs available in California for nursing programs that have a different tuition cost.
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TOP 10 BEST NURSING SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA
Below are some of the best nursing schools in California:
1. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE
University of California, Irvine (UCI) is one of the top public universities in California. It is one of the best nursing schools in Califonia, and the school offers over 224 degree programs.
UCI is improving lives through the integration, dissemination, and discovery of knowledge in all aspects, including education, health care, and technology.
Also, the school offers a studious and practical environment to aspiring students who hope to become registered nurses. UCI is a good place for quality education that fosters enthusiastic, passionate, ongoing expansion of knowledge and leads to greater understanding.
UC Irvine has been known for its commitment to variation, and graduates tend to earn higher salaries than the national average for recent graduates. UCI annual in-state tuition is $12,522.
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2. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON
California State University, Fullerton (CSU, Fullerton) is a highly regarded university in California that offers bachelor, master, and doctorate programs. It is one of the leading nursing schools in Califonia.
CAU, Fullerton offers a wide range of programs for aspiring nursing students who are yet to become a certified professional nurse. The School of Nursing has been advancing its educational programs in Southern California for over 40 years.
CSU, Fullerton will prepare you to advance equitable healthcare through clinical practice and education experiences. At CUS, You will be guided by professional expertise faculty in state of the art and research in the nursing field. The annual in-state tuition is $7,078.34.
Students who are interested in pursuing their nursing degree at CSU, Fullerton have four options available to them to choose from, this options include:
- Upper-division transfer pathway: the program is available for transfer students who are interested in earning a BSN.
- RN to BSN: For ADN-educated RNs who want to pursue a BSN
- Traditional BSN: the program is available for direct-entry freshers
- LVN to BSN: the program is available for LVNs who are interested in earning an RN
- Accelerated BSN: For students who have a bachelor’s degree in any field who are interested in pursuing a BSN
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3. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is one of the best nursing schools in California. The university has a diverse and dedicated faculty that provides comprehensive educational programs to create professional nurses and nursing practitioners.
CSULB offers BAN and MSN programs, there are two various BSN courses that students may take which include Traditional BSN and RN to BSN. CSULB is a public university. The university also offers courses in nursing that help students learn about nursing education from a professional perspective.
CSULB has great instructors from professionals in the field this is why students should be encouraged to get one of the best educations available.
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4. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, BAKERSFIELD
California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is one of the top nursing schools in California. In CSUB, the Department of Nursing provides nursing education to undergraduate and graduate students looking forward to pursuing their nursing career in a professional nursing or advanced education.
The nursing department at CSUB offers a baccalaureate program built upon a foundation of science and liberal education that prepares graduates as professional nurses for positions in the hospital.
CAUB offers a traditional nursing program that runs 3 years/ 6 semesters with summer off. The nursing[programs offered are organized according to the four universal concepts of nursing, which include the environment, the clients, health, and the nurse. The annual in-state tuition is $15,400.
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5. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES
California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) is one of the best nursing schools in Los Angeles, California. The university is a public university. Los Angeles is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation.
In CAULA, the Department of Nursing offers a wide range of program options available to students to choose from. This nursing university helps students complete their clinical studies.
There are four undergraduate nursing programs for students, which include RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, Traditional BSN, and ADN- BSN collaborative program. CSULA’s annual in-state tuition is $6,792, and their out-of-state tuition is $16,296.
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6. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACRAMENTO
California State University, Sacramento is a highly regarded university in California, with a great reputation as one of the Best Nursing Schools In California. The university was founded in 1947 as Sacramento State College.
California State University, Sacramento, the school of nursing prepares students and working professionals to take on many roles in the field of nursing. The baccalaureate degree in nursing program and master’s degree in nursing program at California State University, Sacramento are accredited by the commission on colligate nursing Education.
The school offers a traditional bachelor of science and various tracks to nursing professionals who are interested in taking advance in their nursing career. They also offer online courses for students who are interested in attending a nursing school but have other things they are doing. California State University, Sacramento tuition is $5742.
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7. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
Founded in 1881, the University of California, Los Angeles is a public land grant research university in Los Angeles, California, United States. It is one of the best nursing schools in California.
The university has one traditional BSN program, that is designed for transfer students and incoming freshmen. Most students are interested in earning their BSN before any other degree. UCLA also offers one of the best master’s and doctoral-level degrees.
University of California, Los Angeles is considered one of the most recognized universities in California. The price is higher compared to other schools in the state. The annual tuition for instate is $14,478.
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8. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY STANISLAUS
California State University, Stanislaus is one of the best public universities for Nursing programs. The university is based in Turlock, Stanislaus County, California.
The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs being offered in the nursing department are accredited by the commission on colligate nursing education. Also, There are four BSN program options available for nursing at California State University, Stanislaus, which include LVN – BSN, Traditional BSN, Online RN- BSN, and Accelerated BSN.
When it is time for students to begin the clinical assessment, California State University states that “Student will be placed as Madera and as far north Stockton. This will help nurses gain more experience and as well gain more insight. The annual tuition for in-state is $5,752, and the annual tuition for out-state is $17,622.
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9. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1897, San Diego State University is a highly respected university in California, the university offers a wide range of nursing courses that can help you pursue your career successfully in the nursing field. It is one of the best nursing schools in California.
The nursing school department at San Diego State University has four main courses, which include Traditional BSN, MSN, LVN – RN, and RN – BSN. These medical programs are available for undergraduate and graduate students to help them prepare for their careers in the nursing industry.
The Annual tuition for in-state students is $8,290, while the annual tuition for out-of-state students is $20,170.
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10. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a public research university in San Francisco, California. UCSF is recognized as one of the best nursing schools.
UCSF offers a traditional BSN and an Accelerated MSN. This MSN program is for current bachelor’s degree holders who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The program helps aspiring nursing students to become professional nursing students in the nursing profession.
The tuition fee for each program varies depending on the program you want to attend. The tuition for in-state students is $54,980.
ARE NURSING SCHOOLS WORTH IT IN CALIFONIA?
Yes! Califonia is a good place for nursing as it features some of the best nursing schools. These schools have high NCLEX passing rates and they offer some of the best programs.
HOW MANY YEARS DOES IT TAKE TO STUDY NURSING IN CALIFORNIA?
It will take two to four years to become a registered nurse, depending on the type of program. Associate in nursing degree requires two years and BSN programs require four years.
HOW MUCH DOES A REGISTERED NURSE N LICENSE COST IN CALIFONIA?
To become an RN in Califonia, you need to sit for the Licensure exam. The application fee for the exam is $88, the examination fee is $200, and the endorsement fee is $43.
CONCLUSION
Nursing schools in Califonia will provide you with the right education that will help you achieve your aim of becoming a registered nurse. That is why this article has elaborated on nursing schools in Califonia and how you can become a registered nurse. We hope this article is helpful to your search.
REFERENCE
- Nurse.org
- Wikipedia
- inspiraadvantage.com
- bold.org