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
Orange County is home to an impressive 18,510 registered nurses (RNs), 8,450 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and 6,120 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). These professionals earn some of the most competitive salaries in the healthcare industry. Orange County-based RNs average $85,400 per year, LVNs average $48,690 per year, and CNAs average $27,450 per year.
California’s Inland Empire is home to an impressive 23,610 registered nurses (RNs). The area, which consists of cities such as Ontario, Riverside, and San Bernardino, is also home to 6,140 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and 8,160 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). While opportunities for nurses are plentiful in Ontario, the field is still very competitive.
Oakland is located in California’s East Bay area, and it is the eighth-largest city in the state. The East Bay is home to 20,070 registered nurses (RNs), 7,280 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and 4,260 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). These professionals earn some of the highest salaries in the healthcare field. East Bay-based RNs earn an average of $127,930 per year, LVNs average $61,700 in annual salary, and CNAs earn $34,180 annually.
If you are interested in becoming a nurse in Modesto, California, you’re in luck. The city of more than 200,000 residents offers some of the highest nursing salaries in the United States. Modesto’s 3,670 registered nurses (RNs) earn an average annual salary of $104,180 per year. The city’s 600 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) average $54,770 per year, while its 740 nursing assistants (CNAs) average $25,120 per year.
Merced is home to a small community of registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and nursing assistants (CNAs) that make a big impact on the city’s healthcare scene. With just 790 RNs, 240 LVNs, and 560 CNAs, hospitals and health centers such as Mercy Medical Center, Sutter Health Memorial Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Central California are able to deliver exceptional healthcare to a population of more than 80,000.
Long Beach, California is in Los Angeles County, which is home to a noteworthy 69,610 registered nurses (RNs), 20,010 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and 31,030 nursing assistants (CNAs). While opportunities for nursing professionals are plentiful in Long Beach, the area’s top employers are very selective. This means you’ll need the right amount of education, training, and experience, plus a license and/or certification.
With a population of 18,510 RNs averaging $85,400 per year, 6,120 LVNs averaging $48,690 per year, and 8,450 CNAs averaging $27,450 per year, Irvine is a great place to begin a nursing career. While the opportunity for success in Irvine is promising, nursing requires skills that can only be obtained through the right combination of education and training.
A master of science in nursing (MSN) is the best degree option for professional nurses looking to advance their careers. While a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can lead to advancement opportunities as well, an MSN or higher is highly desired by hospitals, universities, and other medical facilities seeking skilled administrators, educators, and managers. Most MSN programs require 18-24 months to complete.
California’s Inland Empire, which consists of Ontario, Riverside, and San Bernardino, offers a variety of opportunities for skilled registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and more. So what does it take to get your foot in the door?
The East Bay region, which includes Fremont, Hayward, and Oakland, is home to 20,070 registered nurses (RNs), 7,280 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and 4,260 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). These professionals earn some of the highest salaries in the healthcare field. Hayward-based RNs average $127,930 per year, LVNs average $61,700 per year, and CNAs average $34,180 per year.