[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]License Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]Registered Nursing License[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Fees[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]RN License: $300Renewal: $190[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California just might be the country’s best state for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] (RNs).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Golden State boasts a host of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/”]top-ranked nursing degree programs[/hen-ui-link] and the nation’s highest total employment (332,560) and average annual salary ($137,690) for nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse in California, keep reading to learn more about the educational requirements, licensing process, and career trend lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California nurses spend 2-4 years completing nursing coursework and clinical requirements before [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]earning their RN license[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In California, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) is the most popular nursing degree, followed by an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN). According to state data, BSN-prepared nurses made up [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/education/prelicensure21-22.pdf” target=”_blank”]54% of graduates[/hen-ui-link] from California nursing schools between 2020-2022, while ADN-prepared nurses made up 39% of graduates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Complete Guide to How to Become a Registered Nurse” href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]California Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As in other states, California’s BRN licenses and regulates nurses and the practice of nursing. They set educational standards for RNs and certify nursing programs in the state. Currently, the BRN approves roughly 140 pre-licensure programs and more than 50 advanced-practice programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition, the BRN evaluates applicants for California RN licenses. The licensure process ensures that California’s nurses meet educational and examination requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective RNs can find information about current processing times, fees, approved programs and up-to-date licensure information on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/” target=”_blank”]BRN website[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get Your Nursing License in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California offers two pathways to a nursing license: licensure by examination for new nurses and licensure by endorsement for out-of-state RNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With both options, you’ll need to submit nursing school transcripts demonstrating that you meet the state’s educational requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You’ll also submit an application, undergo a fingerprint background check, and pay application fees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for Nurses From a Different State”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you already hold an RN license in another state, California offers a licensure by endorsement option. You’ll need an active license to submit your application. While waiting for your California RN license, you can request a temporary license to practice in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for an RN License”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Listed below are the various steps applicants need to follow in order to earn their license by endorsement to practice in California.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-end.shtml” target=”_blank”]application for licensure by endorsement[/hen-ui-link] ($350 fee for U.S. nurses; $750 fee for international nurses).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit nursing school transcripts.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Verify your license by submitting a verification of license form or an online verification through Nursys, a third-party service provider[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide the following identifying information: SSN or individual taxpayer identification number; fingerprint card or live scan fingerprint results. [/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide documents explaining previous disciplinary actions if applicable.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Optionally, request a six-month [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/end-app.pdf” target=”_blank”]temporary license[/hen-ui-link] to practice while awaiting approval of your permanent license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Initial evaluation must be completed within 90 days of receiving the application.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nursing Programs in California” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your California RN license will remain valid for two years. You’ll receive a renewal reminder through your [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.breeze.ca.gov/”]BreEZe account[/hen-ui-link], a state government services portal that can also help you track renewal requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continuing Education: In California, RNs must complete [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtml” target=”_blank”]30 hours of continuing education[/hen-ui-link] to renew their license. The BRN waives this requirement for the first renewal cycle after receiving your license. You’ll need to choose a BRN-approved educational provider for your continuing education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fingerprints: Renewal applicants who do not have a valid fingerprint on file must submit [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/ren-fp.shtml” target=”_blank”]fingerprints for license renewal[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discipline/Convictions: At the time of renewal, applicants must disclose any [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/enforcement/convictions.shtml” target=”_blank”]disciplinary issues[/hen-ui-link] or criminal convictions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/consumers/fees.shtml#ren” target=”_blank”]cost of a license renewal[/hen-ui-link] varies depending on specialization. RNs pay a $190 fee while most advanced practice RNs pay a $150 fee. The state waives renewal fees for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/public-health-nurse/”]public health nurses[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/mental-health-nurse/how-to-become/”]mental health nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment Outlook for Nurses in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than 332,000 RNs work in California, according to 2023 BLS data, which is more than any other state in the country. And California nurses benefit from a strong salary and job outlook.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California ranks as the top-paying state for RNs, with an average annual salary of $137,690 as of May 2023. That’s 46% higher than the national RN average wage of $94,480. (California also routinely ranks among the nation’s top states for cost of living, meaning higher salaries may not necessarily translate to a higher standard of living.)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In fact, the country’s 10 highest-paying metro areas for RNs are all located in California. The Bay Area tops the list with an average salary of $174,370.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Jobs for nurses in California are growing at a faster rate than nationally. Federal projections estimate [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=CA” target=”_blank”]11% job growth[/hen-ui-link] for RNs in California from 2020-2030, compared with 6% nationally from 2023-2033.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://app.powerbigov.us/view?r=eyJrIjoiZDI5ODI2Y2YtYTAyNS00MGEwLThlMzItMGRkOWY3MTEzMDljIiwidCI6IjA2Y2FjMjQ5LTU3YzYtNGVlZC05NGZkLTI1NmFiZGU4MmI0ZSJ9&pageName=ReportSectioneed0ef440c940c70081a” target=”_blank”]California Employment Development Department[/hen-ui-link] estimates 211,970 job openings for RNs in California from 2020-2030, which means many opportunities for nurses in California.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metropolitan Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$173,510[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Santa Cruz-Watsonville[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$173,350[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Vallejo-Fairfield[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$164,960[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$163,070[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Santa Rosa[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$156,250[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”hospitals”]Best Hospitals to Work as Nurse in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Did you know that more than 60% of California’s recent nursing program graduates work in hospitals, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/education/prelicensure21-22.pdf” target=”_blank”]2023 BRN data[/hen-ui-link]? Landing a job at one of California’s top-rated hospitals can be a great way to start your nursing career. U.S. News & World Report ranks these five hospitals as the best hospitals in California when factoring in patient outcomes, nurse staffing, and patient experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] Cedars-Sinai Medical Center[/hen-ui-heading] Los Angeles’s premier nonprofit hospital serves more than 1 million patients annually. Cedars-Sinai employs roughly 4,700 nurses, with specialty areas in critical care, med-surg, research, women’s health, and a host of other areas.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://stanfordhealthcare.org/” target=”_blank”] Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] One of California’s largest academic hospitals, Stanford Health Care employs more than 4,100 nurses. It also ranks among the best hospitals in the country.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] UCLA Medical Center[/hen-ui-heading] The UCLA health system operates nearly 300 clinics, hospitals, and medical centers across Southern California. Across the system, more than 5,800 RNs provide care.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] UC San Diego Health-La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading] More than [hen-ui-link href=”https://employment.ucsd.edu/nursing” target=”_blank”]4,000 nurses work[/hen-ui-link] at UC San Diego Health, which supports its nurses with a mentorship program, nurse residency program, and other professional development opportunities.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″] University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center[/hen-ui-heading] A research and teaching center, about [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursing.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/sites/g/files/tkssra2366/f/2022-2023%20UCSF%20Health%20Nursing%20Annual%20Report.pdf” target=”_blank”]4,600 nurses work at UCSF Health[/hen-ui-link], with 92% of these nurses holding a BSN degree or higher.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/california-nurses-association” target=”_blank”] California Nurses Association (CNA)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] A labor and professional organization, CNA advocates for increased health care rights and works toward negotiating collective bargaining agreements for RNs. The association offers [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/cnf-scholarships” target=”_blank”]nursing scholarships[/hen-ui-link] and free continuing education programs for members.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.anacalifornia.org/why-join-ana-c” target=”_blank”] American Nurses Association-California[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The ANA’s California branch advocates for nurses, holds events with industry experts, and offers continuing education courses. Members of the ANA can also join ANA-C. Other benefits of ANA membership include certification discounts, access to the ANA career center, and networking opportunities.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cnsa.org/” target=”_blank”] California Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] As a part of the National Student Nursing Association, the CNSA provides assistance to those who are searching for additional educational opportunities in order to develop their professional growth in various healthcare settings. The CNSA provides membership meetings and an annual convention in order to help those looking for additional professional growth.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://acnl.org/” target=”_blank”] Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] The ACNL comprises leaders within the nursing community such as managers, directors, chief officers, and educators. The association provides continuing educational development as well as scholarship opportunities through their Circles of Giving program.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is California a good place for nurses?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. California is a good place to work as a nurse. In addition to the highest average RN salary in the country, California RNs benefit from a very strong job outlook, with about 211,000 job openings projected in the state through 2030. California also is the only state that requires specific nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, which help reduce [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/cdc-nurse-healthcare-worker-burnout/”]nurse burnout[/hen-ui-link] and ensure nurses can deliver the highest-quality care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse in California?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll spend 2-4 years meeting the educational and other requirements. RNs need an ADN or BSN to receive licensure. You’ll also need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure to the California Board of Nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can a nurse live comfortably in California?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Nurses can live comfortably in California even in spite of the state’s notoriously high cost of living. RNs report an average annual salary of $137,690 as of May 2023, which ranks as the highest RN pay in the country. Nurses can increase their earning potential with a graduate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the demand for nurses in California?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]California reports a high demand for nurses. While BLS projections estimate 6% overall job growth for all U.S. RNs from 2023-2033, California projects faster growth. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=CA” target=”_blank”]2020-2030 state job projections[/hen-ui-link], the number of RN jobs will increase 11% in California. That translates to more than 211,000 job openings over a decade.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Programs in California[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”California Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in California” href=”/state/california/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top California RN-to-MSN Programs” href=”/state/california/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best California DNP Programs” href=”/state/california/dnp-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best San Diego Registered Nurse RN Options” href=”/state/california/san-diego-registered-nursing-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best LVN to BSN Programs in California” href=”/state/california/lvn-to-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]