Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is a rewarding and in-demand career path. If you’re exploring options for nursing education, you might be wondering about the availability of Online Rn Degree programs, especially in California. While the path to becoming a licensed RN typically involves hands-on clinical experience, understanding the educational landscape is the first step.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of pre-licensure RN programs in California approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). We’ll explore the different degree levels – Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Entry-Level Master’s Degree in Nursing – and what each entails. While fully online RN degree programs for pre-licensure are less common due to the clinical requirements, we’ll clarify your options and help you navigate the educational routes available in California.
Understanding Pre-Licensure RN Programs in California
The California BRN plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of nursing education. Their approval of pre-licensure RN programs guarantees that these programs meet specific statutory and regulatory requirements, preparing graduates to provide safe and effective patient care. These programs are designed for individuals who are not yet Registered Nurses and are seeking initial licensure.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are typically offered at community colleges and provide a quicker route to becoming an RN compared to a four-year BSN program. ADN programs focus on the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for entry-level nursing practice. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and, upon passing, become licensed Registered Nurses.
Here is a list of BRN-approved Associate Degree in Nursing programs in California:
| 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 |
Image alt text: Nursing students practicing skills in a lab setting at Allan Hancock College, demonstrating hands-on learning crucial for RN programs.
Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) Programs
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a four-year program that provides a more comprehensive nursing education. BSN programs delve deeper into areas like leadership, research, and community health, alongside fundamental nursing skills. Many hospitals and healthcare systems are increasingly preferring to hire nurses with BSN degrees, and it’s often a prerequisite for career advancement and specialized nursing roles. BSN programs also prepare nurses for graduate studies in nursing.
Here are the BRN-approved Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing programs in California:
| 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 |
Image alt text: Nursing students attentively listening to a lecture in a classroom at CSU Chico, highlighting the academic rigor of BSN programs.
Entry-Level Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (MSN) programs are designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing but wish to become Registered Nurses and earn a Master’s degree. These accelerated programs combine the foundational nursing education of a BSN with advanced coursework at the master’s level. Graduates earn an MSN degree and are eligible for RN licensure. This path is ideal for those seeking a career change and advanced nursing opportunities.
Here are the BRN-approved Entry-Level Master’s Degree in Nursing programs in California:
| 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 |
Image alt text: Nursing students engaging in hands-on training with advanced medical simulation equipment at UC Irvine, crucial for developing practical skills in MSN programs.
The Reality of Online RN Degrees for Pre-Licensure
While the flexibility of online learning is appealing, it’s important to understand that fully online RN degree programs for pre-licensure are not common, especially when seeking initial RN licensure in California. Nursing is a practice-based profession, and direct clinical experience is a fundamental requirement for licensure.
Why are fully online pre-licensure RN programs rare?
- Clinical Hour Requirements: The BRN and other licensing bodies mandate a significant number of clinical hours to ensure competency in patient care. These hours must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities.
- Hands-on Skill Development: Nursing education involves learning crucial psychomotor skills, such as administering injections, starting IVs, and performing physical assessments. These skills are best learned and practiced in supervised, in-person settings like labs and clinical rotations.
- Accreditation Standards: Accrediting bodies for nursing programs also emphasize the importance of in-person clinical experiences as a core component of pre-licensure education.
Hybrid RN Programs: A Blend of Online and On-Campus Learning
While fully online RN degree programs are uncommon for pre-licensure, hybrid programs offer a more flexible approach. Hybrid programs combine online coursework with in-person components for labs, simulations, and clinical rotations. This format can provide some flexibility for students who need it while still ensuring they receive the necessary hands-on training.
What to look for in a Hybrid RN Program (If Available in California):
- BRN Approval: Always verify that any program you consider, hybrid or on-campus, is approved by the California BRN. This is essential for licensure eligibility in California.
- Clinical Rotation Quality: Inquire about the clinical rotation sites and the support provided during clinical experiences. High-quality clinical placements are crucial for your learning and future career.
- Online Learning Platform: If considering a hybrid program, evaluate the online learning platform and technology used. It should be user-friendly and supportive of your learning.
- Faculty Interaction: Understand how you will interact with faculty in a hybrid format. Ensure there are opportunities for support and guidance, even in the online portion of the program.
Choosing the Right RN Program for You
Deciding on the right RN program is a significant step. Consider these factors as you explore your options:
- Degree Level: ADN, BSN, or MSN – your choice will depend on your career goals, prior education, and time commitment. A BSN is increasingly becoming the standard and opens more career and further education doors.
- Program Format: While fully online RN degree pre-licensure programs are limited, consider if a hybrid program might be a suitable option if available and BRN-approved. Otherwise, traditional on-campus programs are the standard for pre-licensure RN education in California.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Tuition and fees vary significantly between programs. Explore financial aid options, scholarships, and loan programs to make your education affordable.
- Location and Convenience: Consider the location of the program, especially for on-campus and clinical components. Choose a program that is geographically convenient for you.
- Program Reputation and NCLEX Pass Rates: Research the program’s reputation and NCLEX-RN pass rates. Higher pass rates can indicate a program’s effectiveness in preparing students for licensure.
- School Type (Public vs. Private): Public community colleges and state universities generally have lower tuition costs than private institutions.
The Future of Online Learning in Nursing
While fully online RN degree programs for pre-licensure are currently limited, online learning continues to evolve in nursing education. Technology advancements, simulation innovations, and changing educational paradigms may lead to more online and hybrid options in the future. For now, for pre-licensure in California, focus on BRN-approved programs that provide robust in-person clinical experiences, whether ADN, BSN, or Entry-Level MSN pathways.
Take the Next Step
Becoming a Registered Nurse is an achievable goal with dedication and the right education. Explore the BRN-approved programs listed, research schools that interest you, and contact program advisors to discuss your specific situation and career aspirations. While your search for an online RN degree in California for pre-licensure might lead you to hybrid or primarily on-campus programs, remember that the quality of clinical training and BRN approval are paramount for a successful nursing career in California.
