Best associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in California

One of the fastest routes to becoming a registered nurse (RN) is an associate’s degree. Depending on the school, associate’s degree options may include an associate of science or associate of art degree in nursing (ADN), an associate of applied science (AAS), or an associate's degree in licensed vocational nursing (LVN). With the exception of the LVN program, each program takes 2-3 years to complete and prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The associate’s in licensed vocational nursing typically requires 18 to 24 months to complete and prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Students in either program must complete 70 to 80+ credit hours of study to graduate, and many programs offer evening and weekend schedules. Nursing students often use the ADN program as a stepping stone to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, while AAS students typically enter the field immediately after completing the program and obtaining licensure. Graduates of the associate’s degree in LPN program may take either route.

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Newly licensed California RNs can expect an excellent job outlook and competitive salaries. Registered nurses in the state earn a median salary of $94,310 per year; this is the highest salary for RNs in the entire country. Expected employment growth for the 2012-2022 decade is 19% for RNs and 25% for LVNs. California-based LVNs can expect to earn a median salary of $51,620 per year.

Below is a list of accredited California nursing schools that offer some of the state’s top associate’s degree programs.