For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
California
We've organized a comprehensive list of California nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LVN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major California city.
For our 2024 rankings of prelicensure BSN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of bachelor’s degree programs.
One of the fastest routes to licensure as a registered nurse (RN) is an associate degree program. A traditional ADN curriculum requires two years of fulltime study and prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Many of California’s approved ADN schools also offer an advanced placement option for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), often called an LVN-to-RN bridge program. Indeed, several schools like Allan Hancock College and College of the Siskiyous offer only the LVN-to-RN track.
Licensed vocational nurses care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the supervision of registered nurses, surgeons, and physicians. They measure and record vital signs, dress wounds, prepare and give injections, collect samples for testing, and clean and monitor medical equipment. LVNs also gather information from patients for medical and insurance purposes, teach family members how to care for patients, and supervise junior healthcare staff such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
With a population of more than 250,000 registered nurses and hundreds of renowned nursing schools, California is one of the most promising places to start a nursing career, with Los Angeles leading the pack. While California nursing programs and career opportunities are plentiful, it still takes a lot of work and the right education to obtain a lucrative position in this competitive field.
California nursing programs and careers
City-specific information
Nursing is the nation’s largest healthcare profession. With more than 450,000 nursing professionals across all roles, California is home to more nurses than any other state. In Pomona, California, you will find hundreds of nurses working at dozens of hospitals in or near the city. Some of the largest local healthcare providers are Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, Casa Colina, Glendora Community Hospital, and Kindred Hospital San Gabriel.
With more than 450,000 nursing professionals, California has the largest population of nurses in the United States. They are among the highest-paid professionals in the healthcare industry, with advanced nursing roles commanding $180,000 or more per year. Compensation for Lancaster-based nurses is particularly impressive. For example, the city’s certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) earn an average annual salary of $183,470, while its nurse practitioners (NPs) take home $122,120 per year.
Nursing is the largest profession in California. The state is home to more than 430,000 nurses who fill a broad range of healthcare and medical roles. The three most common nursing roles, both in the state of California and the city of Fontana, are registered nurse (RN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Nursing is the largest profession in California. The state is home to more than 430,000 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). In Costa Mesa, many of these healthcare professionals earned their degree at a local college or university, such as Vanguard University, Pacific College, or University of Phoenix’s Southern California campus. Collectively, these schools offer programs for a broad spectrum of nursing roles.
A successful nursing career in Concord, California, begins with a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited nursing school. Fortunately, the city of nearly 125,000 residents is home to several schools with highly regarded nursing programs. For example, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts offers a licensed vocational nursing (LVN) diploma program and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree completion program. Mount Diablo Adult Education has a certified nursing assistant (CNA) / home health aide (HHA) certificate program.
Chico, California, is home to 2,230 registered nurses (RNs), 490 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and 920 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Each nursing role requires a tailored educational program. RNs typically hold an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and/or a master of science in nursing (MSN). LVNs must complete an accredited, state-approved certificate or associate’s degree program in vocational nursing. CNAs must finish a brief training program of approximately 100 hours before certification.
Tulare County, California – also known as the Visalia / Porterville area – is home to 1,830 registered nurses (RNs), 1,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and 520 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). These professionals serve the county’s nearly 450,000 residents at top healthcare providers like Sierra View District Hospital, Porterville Developmental Center, and Kaweah Delta Health Care District.
What does it take to become a registered nurse (RN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the Vallejo / Fairfield area of California? RNs must be skilled at performing a variety of challenging duties, from establishing care plans for the sick or injured to conducting diagnostic tests and analyzing results. As a result, many employers prefer to hire professionals with a bachelor of science or master of science in nursing degree. An associate’s degree in nursing is acceptable for most entry-level positions.
If you are thinking about becoming a nurse in Stockton, California, you’re in luck. The city of nearly 300,000 is home to some of the top hospitals and healthcare providers in the state. Excellent local facilities include St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Dameron Hospital, and San Joaquin General Hospital. In addition to strong employment opportunities, the city offers competitive salaries for nurses at all levels. Stockton’s 3,570 registered nurses (RNs) average $93,030 per year, while the city’s 1,080 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) average $51,610 per year.
The Sonoma area is home to 3,580 registered nurses (RNs), 520 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and 1,030 nursing assistants (CNAs). Together, these professionals deliver exceptional healthcare to over half a million residents of Sonoma County. Some of the area’s top treatment centers include Sonoma Valley Hospital, Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Sonoma Developmental Center, and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.