With a population of 23,670 registered nurses (RNs) averaging $83,160 per year, 5,170 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) averaging $48,190 per year, and 8,320 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) averaging $27,670 per year, Chula Vista is one of the nation’s best places to start a career in nursing. While the opportunity for success in the city is promising, nurses must demonstrate the ability to juggle a variety of demanding tasks to land a position at a top hospital or healthcare provider. This can only be accomplished with the right education and training.

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 as a registered nurse (RN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or certified nursing assistant (CNA). RNs must be skilled at performing a variety of challenging tasks from conducting diagnostic tests and analyzing results to establishing effective care plans for the sick or injured.

Public schooling offers a great education at a decent cost, but private schools usually have the advantage of smaller class size and more personalized attention. Private institutions also enjoy greater freedom in curriculum development since they are not subsidized by the state or local government. As a result, private schools often hold an innovation edge over their public counterparts, especially when it comes to nursing education.

Public schooling often doesn't receive the full credit it deserves. There's a common misperception that public institutions come up short when compared side-by-side with their private counterparts. That’s actually far from the truth. Like any private school, the public school system has an impetus to offer quality education to students. There are many excellent public education options within the nursing field.

The cost of nursing school depends on a wide variety of factors including the type of school you attend (public vs. private), the type of program you choose (certificate vs. degree program), where you live (state resident vs. non-resident), and whether you commute or live on campus. With this in mind, aspiring nursing professionals can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000+ per semester for tuition fees.

Embarking on a nursing career is a monumental life decision. It's critical to evaluate all factors when selecting your educational institution, including personal fit, programs offered, and (of course) price.

While it's understandable to be pocket-weary, bear in mind that a nursing education is an excellent investment. In Iowa, the annual mean wage for registered nurses is $53,520. Advanced practice registered nurses can earn anywhere from $85,290 (nurse practitioners) to $161,770 (nurse anesthetists) on an annual basis.