If you want to practice nursing in California, you will need to use the state’s nursing license verification system. Under a series of statutes called the Nursing Practice Act, the California Board of Registered Nurses (CBRN) oversees licensing and regulation of all California Registered Nurses. The Nursing Practice Act outlines the scope and responsibilities of registered nurses, and it gives the CBRN the authority to investigate complaints and enforce disciplinary action. In an effort to protect the public, the CBRN created the database system as a tool to verify the status of licenses. Any disciplinary action the CBRN has taken against the licensee, such as a suspension or revocation, shows up in the verification system.

How To Use the California Nursing License Verification System

Go to the California Board of Registered Nursing website. Choose the “Permanent License Verification” link from the menu on left-hand side of the homepage. You will be redirected to an entry page that contains information about the system and a disclaimer.

Click on the “Click to Verify License” button at the top of the screen. The following page contains a search template. Enter your name or license number in the appropriate fields, then click the “Find” button. The system returns all the names that match your search data. Click on your name to find a detailed record of your license information, including the status and date of expiration. The status field indicates whether your license is active or inactive.

Tips for Temporary License and Permit Holders

The CBRN also issues temporary licenses and interim permits in certain situations. You may be eligible for a temporary license, if you have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN exam and hold an active and current license in another state. You may eligible for a non-renewable interim permit, if you are a recent graduate of a registered nurse program.

Just like permanent licenses, the nursing license verification database keeps records of temporary licenses and permits issued in the state. You can locate this information in much the same way you would a permanent license, the only difference being that you click on the “Temporary License and Interim Permit Verification” link on the homepage, as opposed to the “Permanent License Verification” link.

You can also verify a license by calling the Automated Voice Verification Service at 800-838-6828. Email Licensee Services & General Information at Renewals.BRN@dca.ca.gov, if you have any questions about verifying or renewing your license. The nursing license verification database is updated regularly Monday through Friday.

Once you have decided to become a nurse, one of your first tasks should be to find out if you qualify for any nursing scholarships to help pay for your education. If you live in California and will be attending a nursing school in California you are in luck! The state and various organizations offer a wide range of scholarships and grants to nursing students. Some of these awards are sponsored by private individuals, memorial funds, private sector business, nursing associations, universities, and colleges. Below are just a few of the great options for those who are looking for financial assistance with their professional nursing education.

Nursing Scholarships in California

California Emergency Nurses Association

With this scholarship, eligible members of the ENA (Emergency Nursing Association) will award California nursing students financial aid for completing their studies. This annual award amount will equal $1,000 in grant money to one lucky student or $500 to two lucky students. The applications for this grant must be completed before April of each academic year.

The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Must be an active member of ENA and must hold a California RN license
• Turn in their CV (a letter explaining how their nursing career will benefit from more training)
• Be interested in registering for a bachelor’s degree or advanced accreditation and must be accepted or enrolled into one of those programs.

A.W. Bodine-Sunkist Memorial

This scholarship is awarded by Sunkist to individuals, or their family members, who have had a personal involvement with the agricultural industry. It is not specific to the nursing field, and is open to any student at any stage of their undergraduate career. The number of nursing scholarships awarded each year depends on the number of applicants. This scholarship is geared toward students who will be the first in their families to attend colleges for nursing. The deadline for applications is April 30th each year.

The following are common eligibility requirements:

• Must have a financial need.
• Must have a family member or a personal involvement in the California or Arizona agriculture industry.
• Good grade point average.
• College Board test scores and essay will be evaluated.

Continuing Education Scholarships for School Nurses

Each year, ten scholarships are given out for $500 to any nurse who would like to further his or her career through higher education. The deadline for this scholarship is each November.

These are the typical eligibility requirements:

• Applicant must be a licensed RN who is employed with a public school for at least one year.
• The applicant must have one year experience working in a public school and be contracted to work in a public school for the following year.
• The RN applicant must plan to practice being a nurse at a public school in the future and must plan to attend a nursing program in California.

A Final Word on Nursing Scholarships

I have outlined just a small list of available scholarships and grants for eligible nursing students. With further research you will find that there are many more nursing scholarships available to any student that wishes to continue their education in the field of nursing.

Recommended Nursing Schools in California!

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Health Administration - Health Management

Locations: Lancaster

The College Network

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• And more...

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

As a treating intern, you will gain first-hand knowledge of working in a clinical environment. You will have the opportunity to work at both our campus clinic and our off-site externships located at hospitals, clinics, and designated treatment sites. Working alongside acupuncturists, medical doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and fellow students, you’ll have the opportunity to treat different types of patients, and to put your classroom knowledge into practice.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nursing

Locations: New York

Kaplan College - KHE

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
• And more...

Locations: San Diego

Carrington College

Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.

Programs:

• Registered Nursing
• Medical Assisting

Locations: Reno

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• And more...

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Locations: Anaheim

West Coast University

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Locations: Ontario

California College San Diego

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• And more...

Locations: National City

According to the Department of Labor, employment opportunities for the California registered nurse are expected to remain strong as baby boomers increase in age. Registered nurses go to college 2-4 years and, after obtaining their license, they can independently work in a variety of health care areas. Some areas RNs may be interested in working include: Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives, or Nurse Anesthetists. Below is an outline of the steps one would take in becoming an RN at a nursing school in California.

Becoming a California Registered Nurse

Step One – Take College Prep Classes

You will need a high school diploma in order to become a California registered nurse (RN). So, if you would like to get a head start on your nursing career take the following classes in high school: 4 years of Math, (including Algebra and Geometry), 4 years of English, 2-4 years or Science, 3-4 years of Social Studies and lastly, it is recommended (not required) that you take 2 years of a foreign language. It also a good idea to check out the prerequisites at the college you may be interested in attending. There may be additional or fewer classes needed to enroll.

Step Two – Decide on a Nursing School

In California there are three types of pre-licensure programs to choose from and two alternative avenues to take. The three types are as follows: The first is an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN). This program is usually offered in many Community Colleges and takes roughly between 2-3 years.

The second is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), also known as a Baccalaureate degree. It takes 4 years to complete.

The third option is Masters Entry Level program in Nursing. It takes1-2 years and it is designed for people who already have a Baccalaureate in another field but wish to become a registered nurse.

As mentioned previously, there are two other avenues to follow as well. These are: LVN 30 Unit option and The Military Corpsmen. The LVN 30 unit option only takes 18-24 months to complete. However, the down side is that no degree is granted upon completion and most other states do not recognize the California LVN 30 unit option and will not issue an RN license. The Military Corpsmen option allows military corpsmen to take the national exam for RN licensure only if they have completed the clinical experience and the necessary education first.

Step Three – Apply for Admission and Financial Aid

A good thing to keep in mind when choosing colleges for nursing is to find out which entry exams are required for entering the school. For example: SAT, Act or the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam. Some other ideas of what to think about when choosing a college to attend is the location. There are over 100 schools to choose from, so geographic location and cost are important factors to consider. It is also important to find out when and how far in advice you may need to apply. Lastly, apply to more then one college, it is important to have options.

Step Four – Obtain a California Registered Nurse License

After you have all the education requirements tackled and in order for you to practice as California registered nurse you must pass the licensing exam and the background check. The exam is called the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX), it is computerized and offered six days a week. It is better to take the exam soon after graduation. Research has shown that graduates of California Registered Nurse programs do much better on the exam sooner after graduation then later.

Recommended California Registered Nurse Programs!

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• MS in Nursing/Master of Health Administration
• And more...

Locations: Roseville

The College Network

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• And more...

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)
• Medical Assisting, AS

Carrington College

Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.

Programs:

• Registered Nursing
• Medical Assisting

Locations: Reno

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Registered Nursing
• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• And more...

Locations: Sacramento

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• And more...

California College San Diego

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)
• And more...

Locations: National City

West Coast University

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Locations: Ontario

Career Colleges of America

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Los Angeles

Grand Canyon University

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)
• And more...

The standard Registered Nurse education includes courses in medical theory and the general sciences, as well as practical, hands-on training with live patients. Each state has its own requirements for the number and type of units that a student must complete, as well as the number of training hours that must be logged in order to earn a degree. This article discusses the general graduation requirements for RN programs in California and strategies that a student can apply in order to begin his or her career as a Registered Nurse more quickly.

Registered Nurse Education in California

Because the state is projected to have historically-high demand for new health care professionals in the coming decade, California’s registered nurse education system has grown to become one of the largest in the country. With no fewer than 144 accredited nursing schools in California, students up and down the Golden Coast have a wide range of educational options available to them.

Best of all, the state also ranks among the national leaders in financial aid for college students. Whether you are interested in attending online nursing classes at a private school, or attending one of California’s renowned community colleges for nursing, there is a good chance that financial assistance is available to help cover your tuition and other associated fees.

Educational Requirements to Become an RN

Regardless of the state you live in, there will be two main steps required to become a registered nurse: earn a degree from an accredited nursing program, and pass your state’s licensure examination. Nursing programs in California offer several different types of degrees which qualify their recipient to sit for the state’s licensing test:

• An LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) diploma or certificate
• An associates degree in nursing (ASN or ADN)
• Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The graduation requirements for each degree program will obviously vary somewhat, but it can be generally stated that:

• LVN diplomas require a demonstrated proficiency in hands-on skills learned during the course with a minimum of theoretical study necessary
• Associates degrees require completion of theory, basic skills and practical skills courses
• BSN and MSN degrees have the same requirements as the associates degree, but with a far greater number of general education classes required, and more focus placed on specialized skills

Completing Your RN Training Quickly

If you are anxious to get started in your career as an RN, you are undoubtedly wondering “How long does it take to become a nurse?” In order to start out as a Registered Nurse, instead of an LVN, the answer is probably two years. This is the amount of time required to earn an associates degree – the lowest level of degree accepted for NCLEX-RN test takers.

While it is also possible to become an RN after beginning your career as a vocational nurse, this route requires you to complete an LVN to RN bridge program after you’ve spent some time working in the field. In the end, however, it all boils down to how quickly you can prepare yourself for the licensure exam. Regardless of how quickly you finish your Registered Nurse education, you will still need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become a nurse.

Recommended Registered Nurse Programs in California!

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• MS in Nursing/Master of Health Administration
• And more...

Locations: San Jose

The College Network

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• And more...

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)
• Medical Assisting, AS

Carrington College

Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.

Programs:

• Registered Nursing
• Medical Assisting

Locations: Reno

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• And more...

California College San Diego

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration (Online)
• And more...

Locations: San Marcos

Career Colleges of America

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant

Locations: South Gate

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Registered Nursing
• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• And more...

Locations: Sacramento

West Coast University

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN
• RN to BSN

Locations: Anaheim

Grand Canyon University

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing: Public Health (Bridge)
• And more...

Students interested in acquiring the training and degrees required to work in the nursing profession have several accredited nursing schools in Northern California to choose from. As a matter of fact, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to four of the highest-rated registered nursing programs in the state. These outstanding institutions are noted for not only the quality of education and training they provide to their students, but also for the consistently high level of medical research they conduct. In short, graduates from these schools are perfectly positioned to become tomorrow’s leaders in the medical industry.

Best Accredited Nursing Schools in Northern California

The Northern California nursing schools discussed in this article are all based in the Bay Area. This does not mean, however, that there are not also outstanding nursing programs offered in other parts of the state’s northern half. Sacramento State, in particular, is noted for its tremendous program that offers several different types of nursing degrees. The four schools discussed in this article, however, are consistently ranked among the top 10 nursing programs in California. A brief review of each follows.

University of California, San Francisco

In addition to topping most lists of best accredited nursing schools in Northern California, the UCSF School of Nursing is also ranked as one of the top four programs in the United States. Both in terms of graduate performance on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and ratings provided by prominent members of the health care community, UCSF represents the cream of the crop in nursing education.

San Francisco State University

One of the finest of the nursing schools from the CSU system, the San Francisco State University School of Nursing is renowned for its excellent advanced degree programs. Students are able to pursue both BSN and MSN degrees at the school, as well as Bachelor of Science for RN and APO (Advanced Placement Option for LVNs) degrees and study under one of the best faculties on the West Coast.

University of San Francisco

The third of three elite programs on the San Francisco Peninsula, the University of San Francisco College of Nursing has been one of the best accredited nursing schools in Northern California ever since it opened its doors in 1954. The school features both BSN and MSN degrees (both available through including online nursing classes as well), and in 2007 expanded its offerings to include the state’s first Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

Other Accredited Nursing Programs in Northern California

Along with the four outstanding institutions covered in this article, Northern California is also home to several other noteworthy accredited nursing schools. As mentioned earlier, Sacramento State is widely regarded as having one of the best programs around and is typically ranked just outside the state’s top 10. Additionally, the Bay Area houses one of California’s best community colleges for nursing in the City College of San Francisco, Vocational Nursing Department. If you are thinking about attending any one of these accredited nursing schools in Northern California, you can rest assured that the degree you earn will open the door to a long, successful career in the medical field.

Recommended Nursing Schools in California!

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Health Administration - Health Management

Locations: Diamond Bar

The College Network

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• And more...

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

As a treating intern, you will gain first-hand knowledge of working in a clinical environment. You will have the opportunity to work at both our campus clinic and our off-site externships located at hospitals, clinics, and designated treatment sites. Working alongside acupuncturists, medical doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and fellow students, you’ll have the opportunity to treat different types of patients, and to put your classroom knowledge into practice.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nursing

Locations: New York

Kaplan College - KHE

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
• And more...

Locations: San Diego

Carrington College

Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.

Programs:

• Registered Nursing
• Medical Assisting

Locations: Reno

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• And more...

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Locations: Ontario

California College San Diego

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• And more...

Locations: San Diego

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing
• And more...

Locations: Sacramento

A natural question for prospective nursing students to ask is “How long is nursing school?” The answer obviously depends on the type of nursing degree you are pursuing, as well as whether or not you plan to be a full-time student.

Generally Speaking, How Long is Nursing School?

Assuming that you’re going to be a full-time student, the coursework required for most nursing degrees lasts between two years (as is required for an associates degree in nursing) and six years (as is typical for a MSN degree). A brief summary of the exact time required for each degree or certification, as well as options available for completing the programs faster, appears below.

Licensed Vocational Nursing Certifications

For students who wish to become an LVN in California, the necessary schooling can actually be completed in as little as one year in some cases. It must be pointed out, however, that vocational nurses are awarded certifications instead of degrees and have lower earning potential as a result. Nonetheless, because of the lower educational requirements and opportunity to begin work sooner, many people become LVNs first and later enroll in LVN to RN or LVN to BSN bridge programs.

RN Degrees

The typical amount of time required to complete most RN programs in California is two years. One of the shortest and most-popular routes to earning an RN degree is to enroll in a two-year program at one of the state’s accredited community colleges for nursing, and to then sit for the NCLEX-RN test at its completion. Many students find this approach to be both incredibly convenient and affordable.

BSN Degrees

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree requires four years of study. This can be completed all at once at any accredited nursing schools in California, or through an accelerated, two-year program if the student has previously completed either an RN degree or LVN certification.

MSN Degrees

In most cases, students who wish to earn a master’s-level degree in nursing (MSN) will have to devote a total of six years to study. Like any other master’s degree, getting an MSN requires the student to first complete a BSN degree and then spend an additional two years studying for the master’s.

How Long is Nursing School if You’re a Part-Time Student?

All of the aforementioned time frames are for full-time students. As one might guess, part-time students should expect to spend quite a bit more time completing their education. If you are asking “how long is nursing school?” and are only able to go to class part-time, the answer could be quite a bit longer than you were expecting.

Recommended Nursing Schools in California!

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Health Administration - Health Management

Locations: Lancaster

The College Network

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• And more...

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Kaplan College - KHE

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
• And more...

Locations: San Diego

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

As a treating intern, you will gain first-hand knowledge of working in a clinical environment. You will have the opportunity to work at both our campus clinic and our off-site externships located at hospitals, clinics, and designated treatment sites. Working alongside acupuncturists, medical doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and fellow students, you’ll have the opportunity to treat different types of patients, and to put your classroom knowledge into practice.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nursing

Locations: New York

Carrington College

Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.

Programs:

• Registered Nursing
• Medical Assisting

Locations: Reno

California College San Diego

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• And more...

Locations: National City

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• And more...

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing
• And more...

Locations: Sacramento

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Locations: Anaheim

If you are interested in becoming an RN, BSN or MSN, you should be aware of a trio nursing schools in Southern California whose programs annually rank among the finest in the world. All three of these California nursing schools offer the aforementioned types of nursing degrees and regularly see better than 90% of their graduates pass the NCLEX-RN exam on their first attempt. While these schools are by no means the only outstanding institutions between Los Angeles and the Mexican border, any discussion of the region’s best programs must certainly include them.

Top Nursing Schools in Southern California

The three elite Southern California nursing programs mentioned in the preceding paragraph are the University of California, Los Angeles, California State University, Los Angeles and San Diego State University. Each of these three schools offers Registered Nursing (RN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, and is respected throughout the country for the quality and skill of their graduates. A brief review of each institution follows.

UCLA School of Nursing

Since first opening its doors in 1949, the University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing has distinguished itself as one of the nation’s premier colleges for nursing and one of the leading nursing schools in Southern California. In 2011, the school was ranked seventh in the U.S. in research for the nursing sciences by the National Institutes of Health, and first in funding by the same organization.

The school’s RN, BSN and MSN students not only study under some of the most-respected instructors in California, but also have the opportunity to complete their clinical training at the top-rated health care facility in the Western U.S. – the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

California State University, Los Angeles School of Nursing

It should come as no surprise to find out that the CSU Los Angeles School of Nursing is an impacted program. When one considers the fact that its graduates have passed the NCLEX-RN at a 90% rate or better every year since 2006, and that the school’s graduate programs in Nursing Administration, School Health, and Nursing Education are among the highest-regarded anywhere in the West, it’s no wonder that students are willing to wait in line for admission.

San Diego State University School of Nursing

One of several world-class nursing schools in San Diego, the SDSU School of Nursing sets itself apart by offering one of the state’s widest ranges of degree programs, and allowing students to study in a state-of-the-art simulated hospital (the Sharp Healthcare Human Patient Simulation Center). These two factors, combined with its highly­-respected faculty, make San Diego State one of the very best nursing programs in California.

What About Other Southern California Nursing Programs?

As alluded to earlier, the three programs mentioned in this article are certainly not the only outstanding ones in their region. Other notable institutions include the University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, and a pair of nursing schools in Los Angeles – The Loma Linda University School of Nursing, and the Mount St. Mary’s College School of Nursing. A degree earned at any one of these nursing schools in Southern California guarantees its recipient a long, lucrative career in whichever specific field of nursing he or she chooses.

Recommended Nursing Schools in Southern California

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Health Administration - Health Management

Locations: Lancaster

The College Network

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• And more...

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Kaplan College - KHE

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
• And more...

Locations: San Diego

Carrington College

Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.

Programs:

• Registered Nursing
• Medical Assisting

Locations: Reno

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

As a treating intern, you will gain first-hand knowledge of working in a clinical environment. You will have the opportunity to work at both our campus clinic and our off-site externships located at hospitals, clinics, and designated treatment sites. Working alongside acupuncturists, medical doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and fellow students, you’ll have the opportunity to treat different types of patients, and to put your classroom knowledge into practice.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nursing

Locations: New York

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• And more...

California College San Diego

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• And more...

Locations: National City

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing
• And more...

Locations: Sacramento

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Locations: Anaheim

Although there are many different types of nursing degrees, all of them can be classified as either professional certifications or academic degrees. Aside from the amount of schooling required, these two categories also differ greatly in several other important ways. This article takes a look at the various certifications and academic nursing degrees that can be acquired at nursing schools in California, as well as several of the more popular sub-categories of each.

The Main Types of Nursing Degrees

Certifications

A nursing certification is a degree awarded to a person who has completed a very specific type of training. In essence, it signifies that the nurse is a specialist in a certain field, but is also limited in the range of tasks he or she can perform. The types of nursing degrees under this umbrella that are awarded from nursing programs in California are summarized below.

LVN Degrees

Licensed Vocational Nursing Degrees (called Licensed Practical Nursing, or LPN, degrees everywhere other than California and Texas) are generally geared toward entry-level nursing candidates who do not want to attend a formal college. Degrees can be earned in as little as a year, and qualify the LVN to sit for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN licensure examination (depending, on the state). Upon becoming licensed, an LVN will perform a variety of general patient-care tasks.

Registered Nursing Degrees

Probably the most popular nursing degree, a Registered Nursing Degree qualifies its recipient to begin his or her career with the title of RN. Admission to RN programs in California requires students to already hold either an associates degree in nursing, an advanced nursing degree like a BSN, or to have previously earned an LVN degree. Taking the final step to become an RN requires, of course, successfully passing the NCLEX-RN.

Advanced Certifications

Assuming that the nurse has already successfully earned an RN degree, it is possible to take a variety of specialized training courses in order to gain even more advanced certifications. Examples of these types of nursing degrees are NP (Nurse Practitioner), APN (Advanced Practice Nurse), CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) and CRNA (Certified Nurse Anesthesiologist) degrees – each of which qualifies the nurse to advance into higher-paying, specialist roles in the health care industry.

Academic Degrees

As opposed to certifications, which focus the nurse’s training on very specific, practical skills, academic degrees are intended to provide a much broader style of education. They are the equivalent of traditional university degrees, and reflect the amount of education the recipient has completed, rather than any specific type of training received.

Associates Degrees in Nursing

Known as either ADN or ASN degrees (depending on the school that awards them), these associate-level, two-year degrees are offered by a number of community colleges for nursing in California. They allow the recipient to immediately take either the NCLEX-RN to become a Registered Nurse, or to continue on into a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program if they so choose.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The BSN degree is, for all intents and purposes, the equivalent of any other four-year college degree. Graduates must pass a well-rounded curriculum that includes a number of general education courses (with particular emphasis on the sciences), as well as the prerequisite nursing material. Upon earning a BSN, the recipient may choose to begin a career in health care management role, or continue on into a MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program.

Master of Science in Nursing

Earning an MSN degree often means that the nurse will have been in school for as long as six years (including undergraduate studies) before entering the workplace. The upside is that the MSN is able to immediately work in extremely advanced, technical roles, and earns a significantly higher salary than nurses with less education.

Ph.D. in Nursing

The highest of all types of nursing degrees awarded is the Ph.D. in Nursing. Earning a doctoral degree in nursing allows the nurse to work at the highest levels of the health care administration or in any other type of research field. With that said, very few nurses choose to pursue these types of nursing degrees due to the fact that they require such extensive schooling, and lead to a career that is far more administrative than patient care-based in nature.

A Final Word on Nursing Degrees

Choosing which degree to pursue can be difficult for many prospective nurses. Some important questions to ask yourself during this process are “how soon do I want to start work?” and “what type of nursing work am I interested in?” By honestly answering these two questions, you can make a well-grounded decision on which types of nursing degrees to consider, and which are not applicable to your career goals.

Recommended Nursing Degree Programs in California!

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• MS in Nursing - Nursing/Health Care Education
• And more...

Locations: Roseville

The College Network

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN
• And more...

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Kaplan College - KHE

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
• And more...

Locations: San Diego

Carrington College

Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.

Programs:

• Registered Nursing
• Medical Assisting

Locations: Reno

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine

As a treating intern, you will gain first-hand knowledge of working in a clinical environment. You will have the opportunity to work at both our campus clinic and our off-site externships located at hospitals, clinics, and designated treatment sites. Working alongside acupuncturists, medical doctors, physical therapists, counselors, and fellow students, you’ll have the opportunity to treat different types of patients, and to put your classroom knowledge into practice.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nursing

Locations: New York

Walden University

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (BSN)
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General
• And more...

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant
• Associate of Occupational Science in Respiratory Therapy

Locations: Ontario

California College San Diego

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• And more...

Locations: San Marcos

Roseman University

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN