What does it take to become a nursing professional in Fresno, California? Registered nurses (RNs) must perform a variety of challenging tasks, from conducting diagnostic tests and analyzing results to establishing effective care plans for the sick or injured. RNs must therefore earn an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or master of science in nursing (MSN), and they must successfully pass the national licensure exam. Most hospitals and healthcare providers prefer a BSN or MSN degree.

Some of the top hospitals and healthcare providers in Fresno include Community Medical Centers, VA Central California Health Care System, Saint Agnes Cancer Center, and Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center.

Other popular nursing careers include licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and certified nursing assistant (CNA). LVNs care for the sick or injured under the supervision of RNs, surgeons, and physicians, while CNAs provide hands-on care and perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and other medical staff. LVNs must complete a certificate or associate's degree program and pass the national licensure examination, while CNAs must complete an accredited training program and obtain state certification.

Graduates of Fresno's RN, LVN, or CNA programs will join a sizable community of local nursing professionals that earn some of the highest salaries in the healthcare industry. Fresno is home to 5,340 RNs who earn $73,590 annually, 1,350 LVNs earning $46,470 per year, and 2,530 CNAs who earn $24,560 on average.

The following is a list of accredited nursing schools in Fresno, California that offer some of the top educational programs in this lucrative field.

Fresno nursing schools by NCLEX score

California State University, Fresno
2345 East San Ramon Avenue | Fresno, California 93740
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 88.4% NCLEX pass rate (2011-12 through 2020-21)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Fresno Adult School
2500 East Stanislaus Street | Fresno, California 93721
  • Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 85.0% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2021)
Clovis Adult Education
1452 David E. Cook Way | Clovis, California 93611
  • Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 83.1% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2021)
Fresno City College
1101 East University Avenue | Fresno, California 93741
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 77.2% NCLEX pass rate (2011-12 through 2020-21)
  • LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Gurnick Academy - Fresno
4747 North First Street, Suite 192 | Fresno, California 93726
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 75.4% NCLEX pass rate (2018-19 through 2020-21)
  • Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 72.5% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2021)
  • Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing
  • LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Institute of Technology
564 West Herndon Avenue | Clovis, California 93612
  • Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 66.8% NCLEX pass rate (2016 through 2021)
Fresno Pacific University
Five River Park Place West, Suite 303 | Fresno, California 93720
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
School Program NCLEX score Time period
California State University, Fresno Bachelor of Science in Nursing 88.4% 2011-12 to 2020-21
Doctor of Nursing Practice
LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Master of Science in Nursing
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Fresno Adult School Certificate in Vocational Nursing 85.0% 2012 to 2021
Clovis Adult Education Certificate in Vocational Nursing 83.1% 2012 to 2021
Fresno City College Associate Degree in Nursing 77.2% 2011-12 to 2020-21
LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Gurnick Academy - Fresno Associate Degree in Nursing 75.4% 2018-19 to 2020-21
Certificate in Vocational Nursing 72.5% 2012 to 2021
Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing
LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Institute of Technology Certificate in Vocational Nursing 66.8% 2016 to 2021
Fresno Pacific University Bachelor of Science in Nursing
LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Category: 
California