California Registered Nursing Schools and Training Programs (RN Schools)

A registered nurse, or RN, is a licensed medical professional who provides critical treatment and care to sick and injured patients. Registered nurses typically work in hospitals, but can also be found in physicians' offices, home healthcare services or social assistance agencies.

Registered Nursing Schools in California

You can become an RN by earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) from a college or university. You can also get an associate degree at a community college or a diploma from a hospital-based nursing school. Registered nurses who earn a master's degree in nursing (MSN) are known as advanced practice nurses. These nurses can perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as prescribe medication. As a registered nursing student, you can expect to have both classroom education and hands-on clinical experience. Examples of registered nursing coursework include chronic disease management, health assessment, human anatomy, microbiology and nursing studies. Whether online or in a traditional classroom, California RN schools can help you earn your nursing degree or diploma. All states and the District of Columbia require that registered nursing students graduate from an approved program as well as pass a licensing examination (NCLEX-RN). Additional requirements may be necessary depending on your state. Earning a degree from one of the many registered nursing schools in California is a great way to start your nursing career.

Registered Nursing Salaries in California

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of registered nurses is expected to grow much faster than the average--22 percent, or 581,500 new jobs, between 2008 and 2018. With 2.6 million jobs in 2008, registered nurses constitute the largest health care occupation. In California, there are 233,030 registered nurses. BLS states that in May 2009, California RNs made an annual median salary of $82,910. Those in the 90th percentile earned $117,330 a year. In California, registered nurses earned the highest median salary in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside and San Diego. Most RNs can be found in the San Jose area, San Francisco area and Oakland area.

Take a look at the list of RN schools in California to find one that's most convenient for you.

Fast Facts for Registered Nurses in California

• Cities with highest percentage of jobs relative to population: Madera, Hanford and Chico
• Cities with lowest percentage of jobs relative to population: Bakersfield, Redding and Santa Barbara
• Cities with the highest absolute number of jobs: San Diego, Santa Ana and Riverside

Salaries for Registered Nurses in California

• Metro areas with the highest median salaries: San Jose, Visalia and San Francisco