The best California nursing schools have a variety of programs for new nurses and returning nurses. It is important for a person to consider what program they are looking for as what is the best nursing school in California includes numerous options for nurses at different levels.
There are accredited public and private nursing schools in California. Also, there are accredited online nursing schools in California. California accredited or accredited private campus nursing schools, as well as California accredited online nursing schools, are recognized by a board of education as having a curriculum that adequately prepares students for a job in nursing. In fact, the only way for a person to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN is to attend one of the accredited nursing schools in California.
How We Rank the Best Nursing Schools in California
To rank the best nursing schools in California, Nursing School Hub editors must consider what is important to the working nurse and new nursing student. What all nursing students have in common is the desire for their degree to have an impact on their careers.
That's why NSH ranks programs based on important data from reputable sources like IPEDS and College Scorecard. All programs are accredited and ranked based on cost of tuition, student satisfaction, and potential salary.
1. UCLA
The UCLA School of Nursing offers these degree options: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), MSN - Master of Clinical Nursing Entry, Master of Science in Nursing - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Doctor of Philosophy, and Nursing Practice Program. Nursing PhD in Nursing. Students develop real world skills along with theory and socialization. The curriculum features interdisciplinary education and independent study. Ranked 20th on the US New and World Report Best Nursing Schools list, the UCLA School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in California.
The UCLA School of Nursing is a public school. The motto is “Fiat lux”, translated as “Let there be light”. The university's nickname is "Bruins" and the school colors are blue and gold. UCLA is the fourth oldest campus in the University of California system. The nursing school is located in the Westwood neighborhood. The UCLA School of Nursing is one of the top recipients of research funds in the United States, with particular emphasis as one of the top 20 recipients of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Degrees: BSN, MSN, PhD, DNP
2. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University offers bachelor's degree programs in nursing, as well as master's and doctoral degrees in nursing with online, regional, and campus-based educational options. APU nursing programs offer study abroad options and community health internships. With small classrooms and mock labs, the goal is to support compassionate care. Azusa Pacific University is the best nursing school in California.
Azusa Pacific University is a private evangelical (interdenominational) institution recognized among national universities by US News & World Report and ranked as one of the best in social mobility. The mascot is the Puma. The school colors are black and brick. The motto is “God first”.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
3. University of California, Irvine
UC Irvine offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. The focus of the nursing program is to promote the health of the population locally and internationally, improving the level of patient care. UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in California.
UC Irvine is a public research institution, ranked 36th among national universities by US News & World Report, specializing in neuroscience and cancer studies. The motto “Fiat lux” means “Let there be light”. UCI is one of the leading research institutions in the United States. The university is dedicated to discovery, with the goal of improving lives.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
4. Dominican University of California
The Dominican University of California offers a Bachelor of Nursing with a focus on clinical excellence. The goal is to facilitate orientation and engagement, with real opportunities for research and study abroad. Dominican University of California is one of the best nursing schools in California. The program focuses on training and qualifying for military-trained healthcare professionals, as well as students with an international background.
Dominican University of California is ranked 23rd among the universities in the western region, as well as 24th on US News & World Report's Best Value Schools list. The motto is “Veritas Fax Ardens”, translated as “Truth is a burning torch”. Dominicana is a private university, with the nickname “Penguins” and the mascot “Chilly the Penguin. Fittingly, the school colors are black, gold, and white. Students participate in important research projects while gaining real-world experience in the dynamic Dominican community.
Degrees: BSN
5. University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco offers Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The University of San Francisco is the best nursing school in California. The objective of the School of Nursing and Health Professions is to prepare health personnel for the demands of politics and promotion, with the commitment to learn and innovate.
The University of San Francisco is ranked 97th among national universities according to US News & World Report. It is a private Jesuit-Catholic institution with a focus on service-based learning and a commitment to contribute to and improve the community. The traditional motto is: “Pro Urbe et Universitate”, translated as “For the city and the university”, but the current motto is “Change the world from here”. The more modern motto reflects the emphasis on work that contributes to the betterment of society and the world. The school colors are green and gold. USF is ranked #67 for "Best Value." Washington Monthly ranked the university 149th in research, contribution to the public good, and promotion of public service.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
6. Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Graduate Program in Pre-Nursing. Concordia University is one of the best nursing schools in California. The program focuses on teaching knowledge-based skills and delivering the correct information to support compassionate, caring and competent care by dedicated and experienced nurses. Concordia students have a high 99% pass rate for the National Board Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN® exam).
Concordia University is a private Christian university, ranked 34th on the US News & World Report list of Western Region Universities. Approximately 68% of students in degree programs currently receive need-based financial aid for full-time status. The motto is “Developing wise, honest and educated citizens”. The university is one of nine universities and colleges that are part of the Concordia University network/system.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, minor
7. Simpson University
Simpson University offers a BSN (pre-licensing) and RN-BSN (post-licensing) program track. Simpson University is one of the best nursing schools in California with a focus on faith-based nursing education and curriculum. The core value of the Betty M Dean School of Nursing program is care, with personalized guidance from faculty, hands-on experiences, small classes, simulation labs, and engaging discussions.
Simpson University is a private, faith-focused liberal arts college affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The motto is “Door to World Service”. The nickname is "Red Hawks", with the colors red and black. The university encourages critical thinking and research with the aim of demonstrating the values and precepts of human dignity and social justice.
Degrees: BSN, RN para BSN
8. Biola University
Biola University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with the mission of preparing students to assume the role of competent nursing professionals. Biola's Nursing program incorporates clinical opportunities with a theoretical (evidence-based) curriculum to support an environment of learning and growth. Biola University is one of the best nursing schools in California.
Biola University is a private Christian university. The university is ranked 185th among national universities in a list by US News & World Report. It is tied for 61st for Best Undergraduate Teaching and ranks 88th on the Best Value Schools list. The motto is “Above all, give glory to God”.
Degrees: BSN
9. California Baptist University
California Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Basic Master of Science in Nursing (which is designed for non-nursing degrees), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Doctor of Practical Nursing ( DNP). ). California Baptist University is one of the best nursing schools in California, with a focus on creating highly qualified, caring, and responsible nursing candidates in a demanding field. Added to this objective is the training of nurses with the worldview imbued with the university, contemplating the satisfaction of needs both globally and locally.
California Baptist University is a private Christian institution, affiliated with the Southern California Baptist Convention. It is ranked 43rd in US News & World Report's list of the best universities in the western region. It ranks 28th in Best Value Schools and 5th in Most Innovative Schools. The school's motto is “Live Your Purpose”. The nickname is "Lancers" and the colors are blue and gold.
Degrees: BSN, MSN, DNP
10. San Diego State University
San Diego State University offers Bachelor of Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN, Master of Nursing (MSN), and LVN to RN degrees. The SDSU Nursing Program, BSN, was ranked in the top 25 for all school Nursing programs according to Best Health Ratings, while also being ranked #1 on the list of Hispanic Nursing Care programs. San Diego State University is the best nursing school in California.
San Diego State University is a public research institution. The motto "Leadership Begins Here" accompanies the prestige of the Nursing Course and the achievements and recognition of the entire university. SDSU has been recognized as the #1 Research University and is ranked as High Research Activity. The Aztec warrior is their mascot, and the nickname is "Aztecs", with colors scarlet and black. In keeping with this school identity, San Diego State University is committed to diversity and is recognized as one of the top 10 universities in the US for racial and ethnic diversity in the number of degrees earned by minority students. , as well as in the general composition of the student body.
Degrees: BSN, MSN
How do I become a nurse in California?
If a person does not yet have an LPN or RN, they will need to look for programs on campus in order to complete the clinical portion of their education. if he or shealready have an LPN or RN, he or she can search for LPNs for BSNs orRN to BSN programs online or on campus.
How do I choose a nursing school in California?
First of all, a person wants to research which is the best nursing school in California. The results for this or what are the best nursing schools in California will show numerous options. When deciding which is the best nursing school in California, a person should search for accredited nursing schools in California.
A person will want to do additional research on each of the options of what are the best nursing schools in California. He or she will want to see how recognized a program is by employers. In addition, he or she will want to review the NCLEX results for that school. A person searching for the best nursing school in California for him or her will want to consider price.
What is the nursing job market like in California?
Before a person decides if a nursing job in California is right for them, they probably want to know about the job market for nurses in California, especially for new nursing jobs in California. First, before specifically looking at nursing jobs in California, a person must understand that nursing is an in-demand field and will always be needed. While not specifically about nursing jobs in California, the number of jobs for registered nurses in the US is expected to increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028. That's faster than average.
More specifically, nursing jobs in California are higher than in any other state. The state ranks first in the highest level of nursing jobs. In 2018, there were 294,510 nursing positions in California for registered nurses. Nursing jobs in California are expected to grow in number over the years.
Some possible California registered nurse jobs are in hospitals. These can be new nursing jobs in California or for experienced nurses. Registered nurse jobs in California are also found in nursing homes, ambulatory care facilities, and nursing hotlines. Registered nurse jobs in California are also found in doctors' offices.
The job market for nurses in California also takes into account the jobs of California traveling nurses. California travel nurse jobs allow a person to go to multiple locations to care for patients. California travel nursing jobs may be for a hospice. Also, travel nursing jobs in California are in nursing agencies.
How much do nurses in California earn?
Another vital factor when deciding if a nursing career is right for a person is evaluating the salary of nurses in California. A person should look at California Registered Nurse Salaries, California Nurse Salaries for LPNs, and California Nurse Salaries to compare.
The salary of a California nurse for an LPN is $56,200 on average. The lowest salary for nurses in California in terms of LPNs is $41,000, while the highest salary for a California nurse who is an LPN is $75,050. California nurses salary for LPNs is higher than the national average, which is $46,240.
Registered Nurse Salary in California
The salary for registered nurses in California is the highest of any state. California nurse salaries for RNs were ranked #1 on the BLS list of states that pay nurses the best. The salary for a California Nurse with RN is $106,950. In terms of nursing wages in California, this California nursing wage equals $51.42 per hour. California nursing salaries for RNs are higher, on average, than the national median salary, which equals $71,730.
However, not all nursing salaries in California are that high. The lowest salary for registered nurses in California is $66,440. The maximum salary for nurses in California is much higher. The best registered nurse salary in California is $157,160.
Although the California registered nurse salary is incredibly high, especially when compared to other areas, the California registered nurse salary is not as high as the California registered nurse salary. The average salary for a nurse in California is much higher for a registered nurse. The reason the average California nurse salary for an NP is so high is that a nurse can have her own practice there. In addition to the increased responsibility, this is one of the reasons why the salary for a registered nurse in California is not as high as that of an NP.
nurse salary in california
The salary of a nurse in California averages $133,780 per year. This means that salaries for nurses in California are typically around $64.32 per hour. This puts salaries for nurses in California above the national average of $107,030 per year.
In general, the average salary for a nurse in California is higher than the national average at all levels. Even the average nurse salary in California for the lowest paying RNs is similar to the national average.
For those comparing the California average nursing salary to determine if nursing is a career for them, the California average nursing salary is definitely worth the money for anyone who is interested in caring for the health and well-being of people.
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