How to Become an RN in California: 4 Steps
Wondering how to become an RN in California? The process includes completing a nursing program, passing the NCLEX exam, and applying for a license with your state. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to earn an RN license in California.
Not only do nurses in the Golden State enjoy some of the highest incomes in the nation, but they also have strong union representation which helps secure better benefits and workplace protections. Plus, with one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the country, California offers 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.
Becoming an RN in California: A Snapshot of the Role
Before diving into how to become an RN in California, it’s important to get a clear sense of what the role involves — and decide if it matches your goals. Whether you want to work in fast-paced, adrenaline-filled acute care, slower-paced post-acute facilities, or non-clinical roles like teaching or managing teams, California offers plenty of options. And if you’re interested in tech, you’re in luck — thanks to Silicon Valley, nurses here also have the chance to work with cutting-edge medical innovations.
So, what do nurses do all day? Whatever nursing specialty you pick, if you’re working in a clinical setting, your day will typically include these core nursing tasks:
- Performing head-to-toe assessments
- Giving medications
- Collaborating with healthcare teams to develop care plans
- Educating patients and families
- Documenting care provided in medical records
- Monitoring patient status
- Assisting with procedures and treatments
- Responding to emergencies
- Providing emotional support
One major perk for nurses in California is that the state sets minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospital settings. This regulatory framework supports safer staffing and increases demand for RNs — which in turn supports higher wages and employment opportunities.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in California?
Expect to spend about two to four years earning your nursing degree. Here’s what your options look like:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This program typically takes 2 years to complete and focuses on the core nursing skills and clinical training necessary to take the NCLEX-RN exam and practice as an entry-level registered nurse.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This program typically takes 4 years to complete and covers all the core nursing skills plus additional coursework in leadership, research, and community health.
Want to know how to become an RN in California fast? There are accelerated programs for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, allowing them to earn a BSN in a shorter timeframe. There are also bridge programs, such as LPN-to-RN or paramedic-to-RN, that build on your existing education to help you advance more quickly into a registered nurse role.
5 Steps to Earn an RN License in California
Wondering how to become an RN? In California the process is very similar to that in other states — combining rigorous schooling, comprehensive testing, and applying for licensure. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works.
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
The first step to becoming an RN is completing an ADN or BSN program, which combines classroom lessons with clinical rotations, giving you real-world experience in hospitals and a taste of life as a nurse.
Interested in earning a bachelor’s degree? Here are some of California’s top-ranked schools to explore:
- Angeles College
- Arizona College of Nursing-Ontario
- California State University-Long Beach
- California State University-Fullerton
Curious about 2-year nursing programs? California is also home to these schools:
- Smith Chason College
- San Diego City College
- Sierra College
- Saddleback College
- Moorpark College
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.
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.
Tip: 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 a CNA course. Some nursing students also pursue student nurse jobs in CA to earn more experience before they enter professional nursing.
Step 2: Take the NCLEX
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 which will be based 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.
The exam is adaptive and includes 85 to 150 questions that include clinical scenarios to check your critical thinking skills. You’ll have up to five hours to complete it. You should get your official test results back within six weeks of your exam.
Tip: 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 perform well.
Step 3: Obtain RN Licensure
Once you pass the NCLEX, you can apply to the California Board of Nursing for your RN license. California isn’t a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so if you earn a California nursing license and later move or work in another state, you’ll need to obtain a license in your new state. Learn more about the California Nurse Practice Act.
Step 4: 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.
Wondering where you can put your RN license to work in California? Key healthcare employers in the state include:
- Anchor Health
- Cedars-Sinai
- Dignity Health
- Emanate Health
- Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
- Kaiser Permanente
- Rancho Springs Hospital
- Scripps Health
- Stanford Health Care
- Sutter Health
- MemorialCare
- Mission Healthcare
- PIH Health
- UCI Health
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
In California, RN licenses must be renewed every two years by completing continuing education requirements and paying the $190 renewal fee. For your first renewal, you’re exempt from most of the education requirements, except for the implicit bias training. For all subsequent renewals, you’ll need to complete 30 continuing education hours to maintain your license. Learn more about nursing license renewals in CA.
How Much Do RNs Earn in California?
When it comes to RN salary, California boasts the highest income for registered nurses in the U.S., at $148,330 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.
If you’re considering a move within or to California, check out RN roles in the most populous cities in the state:
Need Help Landing a Nursing Job in California?
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