RN School Online: Your Guide to Pre-Licensure Registered Nursing Programs in California

Navigating the path to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in California can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the flexibility of online education. If you’re searching for an “Rn School Online,” it’s important to understand the landscape of pre-licensure nursing programs in California and how online learning fits into this journey.

While the term “RN school online” might conjure images of fully remote programs, the reality for pre-licensure RN education – the initial training to become an RN – is that it primarily involves in-person clinical experiences. Direct patient care and hands-on skills are crucial components of nursing education, and these are best learned and assessed in real-world healthcare settings.

However, this doesn’t mean online learning is absent from the RN education sphere. Many reputable nursing programs are incorporating online components to enhance learning, improve accessibility, and cater to diverse student needs. Furthermore, for those who are already Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or have prior college coursework, there are online pathways to advance their nursing careers.

This guide will explore the landscape of pre-licensure RN programs in California, focusing on how online learning is integrated and providing a comprehensive list of Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) approved programs. While you might not find a fully “RN school online” for your initial RN licensure, understanding the options and program structures available is the first step towards your nursing career.

Understanding Pre-Licensure RN Program Types

Before diving into the list of schools, it’s helpful to understand the different types of pre-licensure RN programs available in California. These programs lead to your eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become a licensed Registered Nurse. The primary program types are:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically offered at community colleges, ADN programs provide a quicker route to becoming an RN, usually taking around two years to complete. ADN-prepared nurses are highly valued and employable, and many choose to later pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to further their career options.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Offered at universities and some colleges, BSN programs are four-year degrees that provide a more comprehensive nursing education, often emphasizing leadership, research, and community health. A BSN is increasingly becoming the preferred degree for employers and is often required for career advancement into specialized roles and leadership positions.
  • Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM): These accelerated programs are designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. ELM programs allow you to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and RN licensure in an accelerated timeframe, typically around 2-3 years.

The Role of Online Learning in RN Programs:

While complete “RN school online” programs for pre-licensure are not common due to the hands-on nature of nursing, online learning plays a significant role in modern nursing education. You can expect to find online components in various forms within these programs:

  • Hybrid Programs: Many ADN, BSN, and ELM programs utilize a hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person labs, simulations, and clinical rotations. This offers flexibility for students while ensuring they receive essential hands-on training.
  • Online Coursework: Lectures, readings, assignments, and discussions are frequently delivered online through learning management systems. This allows students to learn at their own pace and manage their schedules more effectively.
  • Virtual Simulations: Advanced programs may incorporate virtual simulations to supplement traditional clinical experiences, offering safe and controlled environments to practice skills and decision-making.
  • Prerequisites Online: Some students may choose to complete prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, online before applying to an in-person RN program.

It is crucial to remember that regardless of online components, all pre-licensure RN programs must include substantial in-person clinical hours to meet BRN requirements and prepare graduates for safe and competent nursing practice.

BRN Approved Pre-Licensure RN Programs in California

The following tables list BRN-approved Pre-Licensure RN programs in California, categorized by degree type: Associate Degree, Baccalaureate Degree, and Entry-Level Master’s Degree. This information is based on the latest data available and is intended to help you begin your search for the right program.

Important Considerations:

  • Program Format: While this list primarily focuses on in-person programs, inquire directly with the schools about the extent of online components and hybrid learning options they offer.
  • Tuition and Fees: Tuition costs can vary significantly between public and private institutions. Remember to factor in additional costs such as books, supplies, uniforms, and living expenses. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to help offset these costs.
  • Location and Campuses: Consider the location of the school and campus, especially if you require in-person attendance for labs and clinicals. Some institutions have multiple campus locations.
  • LVN to RN Options: Programs marked “LVN” specifically cater to Licensed Vocational Nurses seeking to become Registered Nurses.
  • Accreditation: All programs listed are BRN-approved, which is essential for licensure in California. You may also want to inquire about additional accreditation, such as CCNE or ACEN, which signifies national quality standards.
  • Program Website: Always visit the school’s website for the most up-to-date information on program details, admission requirements, application deadlines, and costs. Contact the nursing department directly with specific questions.

Associate Degree Programs

* Denotes Private Schools / ** See School Website for Campus Information

LVN = Admits LVNs Only

School Name City Phone Number Tuition and Fees (before Financial Aid) Costs Include Approved Annual Enrollment LVN
Allan Hancock College Santa Maria (805) 922-6966 x3543 $3,588 – $3,726 Tuition 50 X
*American Career College **Campuses: Los Angeles; Ontario Los Angeles (323) 668-7555 $81,603.50 Total Program 250
American River College Sacramento (916) 484-8254 $3,588-$3,772 + startup program costs of $6,500 Total Program 90
Antelope Valley College Lancaster (661) 722-6300 x6402 $3,404 Tuition 102
Bakersfield College Bakersfield (661) 395-4282 $8,460 Total Program 360
Butte Community College Oroville (530) 879-4338 $3,634-$3,680 Tuition 168
Cabrillo College Aptos (831) 479-6280 $9,135.50-$10,285.50 Total Program 70
*California Career College Canoga Park (818) 710-1310 $70,732 Total Program 72
*Career Care Institute Lancaster (661) 942-6204 $86,525-$86,645 Total Program 32
*Carrington College Sacramento (916) 361-1660 $59,794 Total Program 72 X
Cerritos College Norwalk (562) 860-2451 x2551 $6,300 Total Program 100
Chabot College Hayward (510) 723-6896 $3,772-$3,910 Tuition 110
Chaffey College Rancho Cucamonga (909) 652-6671 $3,381 Tuition 80
Citrus College Glendora (626) 914-8791 $6,010 Total Program 32
City College of San Francisco San Francisco (415) 239-3218 $3,956-$4,140 Tuition 100
College of Marin Kentfield (415) 485-9319 $6,847 Total Program 43
College of San Mateo San Mateo (650) 574-6218 $15,000 Total Program 50
College of the Canyons Santa Clarita (661) 362-3369 $5,040-$6,592 Total Program 100
College of the Desert Palm Desert (760) 568-3093 $5,790 Tuition + Books 200
College of the Redwoods **Campuses: Eureka; Del Norte Eureka (707) 476-4214 $5,616 Tuition + Books 64
College of the Sequoias Visalia (559) 730-3732 $3,450-$3,542 Tuition 200
Compton College Compton (310) 900-1600 $5,100 Total Program 80
Contra Costa College San Pablo (510) 215-4103 $6,464 Tuition + Books 48
Copper Mountain College Joshua Tree (760) 366-3791 x5801 $5,148-$5,728 Total Program 32
Cuesta College San Luis Obispo (805) 546-3119 $7,254 Tuition + Books 46
Cypress College Cypress (714) 484-7283 $9,493 Tuition + Books 84
De Anza College Cupertino (408) 864-5618 $6,973 Tuition + Books 144
East Los Angeles College Monterey Park (323) 265-8896 $8,000 Total Program 60
El Camino College Torrance (310) 900-1600 x2700 $4,584 Total Program 90
Evergreen Valley College San Jose (408) 270-6448 $3,956 Tuition 80
Fresno City College Fresno (559) 244-2604 $10,651 Tuition + Books 244
Gavilan College Gilroy (408) 848-4883 $8,133 Tuition + Books 22 X
Glendale Community College Glendale (818) 551-5270 $8,925 Total Program 90
Golden West College Huntington Beach (714) 895-8285 $7,302 Total Program 100
Grossmont College El Cajon (619) 644-7301 $6,164 Tuition + Books 80
*Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Fresno (559) 222-1903 $31,991 Total Program 112
Hartnell College Salinas (831) 770-6146 $7,727 Total Program 50
*High Desert Medical College Lancaster (661) 940-9300 ADN: $89,995 LVN-RN: $68,325 Total Program 2024: 30 2025: 50
Imperial Valley College Imperial (760) 355-6348 $8,407 Total Program 80
Lassen Community College Susanville (530) 251-8870 $5,899 Total Program 40/2yr
Long Beach City College Long Beach (562) 938-4166 $3,339-$3,385 Tuition 96
Los Angeles City College Los Angeles (323) 953-4000 x2065 $3,174 Tuition 80
Los Angeles County College of Nursing & Allied Health Los Angeles (323) 409-5911 $11,300-$11,400 Total Program 120
Los Angeles Harbor College Wilmington (310) 233-4262 $5,076 Total Program 80
Los Angeles Pierce College Woodland Hills (818) 719-6477 $5,907.50 Tuition + Books 80
Los Angeles Southwest College Los Angeles (323) 241-5461 $3,542 Tuition 60
Los Angeles Trade-Tech College Los Angeles (213) 763-7175 $5,001-$5,047 Tuition + Books 80
Los Angeles Valley College Valley Glen (818) 947-2559 $3,197 Tuition 80
Los Medanos College Pittsburg (925) 473-7756 $3,680-$3,818 Tuition 40
Madera Community College Madera (559) 675-4800 $6,840 Tuition + Books 15 X
*Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing **Campuses: Glendale; San Diego; Bakersfield; Riverside; West Covina Glendale (800) 639-3384 $80,158 Total Program 675
Mendocino College Ukiah (707) 468-3099 $6,000 Total Program 24
Merced College Merced (209) 384-6123 $3,588-$3,726 Tuition 130
Merritt College Oakland (510) 436-2487 $3,726-$3,772 Tuition 40
MiraCosta College Oceanside (760) 795-6651 $3,105-$3,335 Tuition 100
Mission College Santa Clara (408) 855-5016 $3,312 Tuition 30 X
Modesto Junior College **Campuses: Modesto; Columbia Modesto (209) 575-6362 $6,630 Total Program 160
Monterey Peninsula College Monterey (831) 646-4258 $6,198-$6,238 Tuition + Books 40
Moorpark College Moorpark (805) 378-1433 $6,000 Total Program 88
Mt. San Antonio College Walnut (909) 274-4560 $2,760 Tuition 120
Mt. San Jacinto College, MVC Menifee (909) 639-5577 $5,000-$7,000 Total Program 57
Napa Valley College Napa (707) 256-7603 $5,500 Total Program 40
Ohlone College Newark (510) 742-2300 $5,900 Total Program 40
*Pacific College Costa Mesa (800) 867-2243 $85,312.50 Total Program 90
*Pacific Union College **Campuses: Angwin; Napa Angwin (707) 965-7262 $67,356 Tuition + Fees 153
Palomar College San Marcos (760) 744-1150 x2279 $3,119-$3,579 Tuition + Fees 72
Palo Verde College Blythe (760) 921-5500 $8,515 Total Program 20
Pasadena City College Pasadena (626) 585-7324 $3,634 Tuition 160
Porterville College Porterville (559) 791-2321 $9,924 Total Program 40
Rio Hondo College Whittier (562) 908-3421 $3,519 Tuition 80
Riverside City College Riverside (951) 222-8407 $9,648-$10,150 Total Program 260
Sacramento City College Sacramento (916) 558-2271 $7,274-$7,688 Tuition + Books 128
Saddleback College Mission Viejo (949) 582-4701 $5,386.35 Total Program 100
San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino (909) 384-4450 $3,312-$3,404 Tuition 110
San Diego City College San Diego (619) 388-3441 $3,128-$3,220 Tuition 85
San Joaquin Delta College Stockton (209) 954-5454 $3,427-$3,473 Tuition 140
*San Joaquin Valley College **Campuses: Visalia; Ontario; Rancho Mirage Visalia (559) 651-2500 $71,768 Total Program 306
Santa Ana College Santa Ana (714) 564-6825 $5,765 Total Program 100
Santa Barbara City College Santa Barbara (805) 965-0581 x2366 $8,000 Tuition 82
Santa Monica College Santa Monica (310) 434-3453 $6,128-$7,128 Total Program 80
Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa (707) 527-4527 $10,420 Total Program 120
Shasta College Redding (530) 339-3606 $7,657.95-$8,145.95 Total Program 60
Sierra College Rocklin (916) 660-8300 $5,244-$6,266 Total Program 40
*Smith Chason School of Nursing Los Angeles (888) 815-8897 $77,870 Total Program 90
Solano Community College Fairfield (707) 864-7108 $8,000 – $8,500 Total Program 48
Southwestern College San Diego (619) 482-6352 $8,474-$8,997 Total Program 75
*Sri Sai Krish Institute Orange (714) 890-7023 $70,000 Total Program 72
*United Nursing College Murrieta (951) 526-1033 $37,700 Total Program 120
*Unitek College Fremont (510) 694-6940 $55,000 Total Program 50
Ventura College Ventura (805) 289-6342 $7,274-$7,320 Tuition + Books 120
Victor Valley College Victorville (760) 245-4271 x2285 $10,603 Total Program 80
*Weimar University Weimar (530) 422-7999 $101,000 (including room and board) Total Program 20
West Hills College Lemoore Lemoore (559) 925-3490 $7,265-$7,449 Tuition + Books 50
*Xavier College Stockton (209) 941-0968 $47,000 Total Program 30
Yuba College Marysville (530) 741-6784 $6,470.03 Total Program 60

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

* Denotes Private Schools / ** See School Website for Campus Information

LVN = Admits LVNs Only

School Name City Phone Number Tuition and Fees (before Financial Aid) Costs Include Approved Annual Enrollment LVN
*American University of Health Sciences Signal Hill (562) 988-2278 $111,234 Total Program 120
*Angeles College Los Angeles (213) 487-2211 $125,000 Total Program 120
*Arizona College of Nursing Ontario (855) 706-8382 $64,444-$125,000 Total Program 120
*Azusa Pacific University **Campuses: Azusa; Monrovia; High Desert; Inland Empire Azusa (626) 815-5386 $59,400 Tuition 283
*Biola University La Mirada (562) 903-4850 $186,816 Tuition 60
*California Baptist University Riverside (951) 343-4700 $175,758-$179,128 Total Program 192
*California Northstate University Rancho Cordova (916) 686-7300 $164,113 Total Program 90
California State University, Bakersfield Bakersfield (661) 654-2506 $40,912 Tuition + Books 92
California State University, Channel Islands **Campuses: Camarillo; Goleta Camarillo (805) 437-3367 $51,000 Tuition + Fees 66
California State University, Chico Chico (530) 898-5891 $23,190 Tuition + Fees 80
California State University, East Bay Hayward (510) 885-3481 $27,976 Tuition + Fees 96
California State University, Fresno Fresno (559) 278-2041 $28,493 Tuition + Fees 120
California State University, Fullerton Fullerton (657) 278-3336 $33,116 Tuition + Fees 80
California State University, Long Beach Long Beach (562) 985-4463 $27,552 Tuition + Fees 228
California State University, Los Angeles Los Angeles (323) 343-4700 $32,180 Tuition + Books 100
California State University, Northridge Northridge (818) 677-5591 $46,400 Tuition 120
California State University, Sacramento Sacramento (916) 278-6525 $29,936 Tuition + Fees 160
California State University, San Bernardino **Campuses: San Bernardino; Palm Desert San Bernardino (909) 537-5380 $29,827.60 (Plus 1st Year RN Prgm Costs = $2,500-$3,500) Tuition + Fees 132
California State University, San Marcos San Marcos (760) 750-7550 $35,488 (Plus 1st Year RN Prgm Costs = $2,000) Tuition + Books 80
California State University, Stanislaus Turlock (209) 667-3141 $22,872-$27,200 Tuition + Books 100
*Chamberlain University Rancho Cordova (916) 330-3410 $101,653 Total Program 135 1/2023 – 180 1/2024 – 240
*Chamberlain University – Irwindale Irwindale (877) 751-5783 $98,755 Total Program 120
*Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing Los Angeles (323) 568-3317 $53,515 Tuition + Books 80
*CNI College Santa Ana (714) 437-9697 $147,450 Total Program 200
*Concordia University Irvine **Campuses: Irvine; Rancho Cucamonga Irvine (949) 214-3280 $60,000-$62,000 Total Program 408
*Dominican University of California San Rafael (415) 485-3204 $207,272 Tuition + Books 134
*Fresno Pacific University Fresno (559) 453-2000 $136,752 Tuition + Fees 24
*Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Concord (925) 687-9555 $139,672.50 Total Program 112
*Loma Linda University Loma Linda (909) 558-1000 x87718 $102,120 Total Program 168
*Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles Los Angeles (310) 954-4230 $186,960 Tuition + Fees 178
*National University **Campuses: San Diego; Los Angeles; Fresno San Diego (858) 521-3911 $67,561 Tuition + Fees 300
*Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego (619) 849-2425 or 7055 $177,520 Tuition + Fees 85
*Samuel Merritt University **Campuses: Oakland; San Francisco Peninsula; Sacramento Oakland (510) 869-6511 x3765 $126,500 Total Program 336
San Diego State University San Diego (619) 594-2540 $37,280 Tuition + Books 200
San Francisco State University San Francisco (415) 338-1801 $34,484 Tuition + Books 92
*Simpson University Redding (530) 226-4760 $156,495 Tuition + Fees 100
Sonoma State University Rohnert Park (707) 664-2465 $34,325-$34,525 Total Program 48
*Stanbridge University **Campuses: Orange County; Los Angeles; Riverside Irvine (949) 794-9090 $142,995 Total Program 440
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University San Jose (408) 924-3131 $48,768-$50,466 Total Program 120
*Unitek College **Campuses: Fremont; Concord; Bakersfield; Sacramento Fremont (510) 249-1060 $143,392.50 Total Program 600
University of California, Irvine Irvine (949) 824-1514 $76,397.96 Tuition + Fees 50
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles (310) 825-4321 $68,329.12 Tuition + Fees 69
*University of Massachusetts Global (Program closure 10/20/2024) **Campus: San Diego Irvine (800) 746-0082 $100,305 Tuition + Fees 72
*University of Phoenix (Effective 6/13/2019, program not accepting new students) La Palma (800) 888-1968 No new students enrolling 0 X
*University of Phoenix (Effective 7/1/2021, program not accepting new students) Ontario (800) 888-1968 No new students enrolling 0 X
*University of Phoenix (Effective 7/1/2021, program not accepting new students) Pasadena (800) 888-1968 No new students enrolling 0 X
*University of San Francisco San Francisco (415) 422-6681 $226,736 Tuition + Books 254
*Vanguard University Costa Mesa (800) 722-6279 $159,400 Tuition + Books 32
*West Coast University **Campuses: Los Angeles; Orange County; Inland Empire North Hollywood (949) 783-4800 $148,253 Total Program LA – 500 OC – 500 IE/Ontario – 500
*Westmont College Santa Barbara (805) 565-6000 $71,150 Tuition + Books 48
*William Jessup University Rocklin (916) 577-2200 $36,000 Tuition 60

Entry Level Master’s Degree Programs

* Denotes Private Schools / ** See School Website for Campus Information

LVN = Admits LVNs Only

School Name City Phone Number Tuition and Fees (before Financial Aid) Costs Include Approved Annual Enrollment LVN
*Azusa Pacific University **Campuses: Azusa; Monrovia; Inland Empire; San Diego Azusa (626) 815-5386 $92,880-$103,200 Tuition 252
*California Baptist University Riverside (951) 343-4700 $83,846-$85,428 Tuition 40
*Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing Los Angeles (323) 568-3317 $141,748 Total Program 80
*Samuel Merritt University **Campuses: Oakland; Sacramento Oakland (510) 869-6129 x3765 $170,676 Total Program 48
San Francisco State University San Francisco (415) 338-1801 $40,220 Tuition + Books 20
University of California, Davis – Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing Sacramento (916) 734-2145 $121,536 Total Program 48
University of California, Irvine Irvine (949) 824-1514 $72,054.94 Tuition + Fees 40
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles (310) 825-4321 $46,626 Tuition + Books 70
University of California, San Francisco San Francisco (415) 476-1435 $77,748 Total Program 52
*University of San Diego-Hahn School of Nursing & Beyster Institute for Nursing Research San Diego (619) 260-7608 $168,346 Tuition + Books 60
*University of San Francisco **Campuses: San Francisco; Orange County San Francisco (415) 422-6681 $144,825 Tuition + Fees 78
*University of the Pacific Sacramento (209) 946-3929 $126,890 Tuition + Fees 80
*Western University of Health Sciences Pomona (909) 469-5523 $138,029 Total Program 60

Note: The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) in California is the official source for verifying program approval. Always confirm program information directly with the BRN and the school.

Conclusion: Embracing Online Flexibility in Your RN Journey

While a fully online pre-licensure “RN school online” might not be the standard pathway in California, the integration of online learning into nursing programs is expanding. By understanding the hybrid nature of many programs and the online resources available, you can leverage the flexibility of online education to achieve your goal of becoming a Registered Nurse.

Remember to prioritize BRN-approved programs, explore the different degree options that align with your career aspirations, and contact schools directly to learn about their specific program formats and online learning components. Your journey to becoming a Registered Nurse in California, even with the convenience of online learning, begins with informed research and proactive planning.

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