Embarking on a career in nursing is a rewarding path, and California offers numerous avenues to become a Registered Nurse (RN). If you’re exploring options for RN nursing programs in California, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides a detailed overview of pre-licensure RN programs approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), helping you navigate the educational landscape and make informed decisions about your nursing education journey.
While the term “Online Rn Nursing Programs” is frequently searched, it’s crucial to understand the landscape of pre-licensure nursing education. Becoming a registered nurse typically requires substantial hands-on clinical experience, making fully online pre-licensure RN programs uncommon, especially for initial licensure. Instead, most BRN-approved programs in California are primarily on-campus, offering the necessary in-person clinical training. However, some programs may incorporate online components for coursework. Furthermore, options like online RN-to-BSN programs exist for current RNs looking to advance their education.
This guide focuses on pre-licensure programs in California that will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become a registered nurse. We will explore the different types of programs available, including Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Entry-Level Master’s Degree programs, all essential pathways to launching your nursing career in California.
Understanding Different RN Program Types in California
California’s BRN approves various pre-licensure programs to cater to diverse educational backgrounds and career goals. Choosing the right program depends on your individual circumstances, prior education, and desired career trajectory.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs provide an accessible and efficient route to becoming an RN. Typically offered at community colleges, ADN programs are generally shorter in duration, often taking two to three years to complete. These programs focus on foundational nursing skills and knowledge, preparing graduates for entry-level RN positions in various healthcare settings. ADN programs can be an excellent option for students seeking a quicker entry into the nursing profession or those who prefer a more cost-effective educational path. Many ADN graduates later pursue RN-to-BSN programs to further their education and career advancement opportunities.
Below 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 |
Baccalaureate Degree Programs (BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are typically four-year programs offered at universities and colleges. A BSN degree is increasingly becoming the preferred entry point for registered nurses, with many healthcare employers favoring BSN-prepared nurses. BSN programs offer a more comprehensive curriculum that includes not only fundamental nursing skills but also leadership, critical thinking, research, and community health aspects of nursing. BSN graduates often have broader career opportunities and are positioned for faster career advancement into specialized nursing roles, management, and advanced practice nursing. For nurses aiming for long-term career growth and leadership roles, a BSN is a valuable investment.
Explore the list of BRN-approved Bachelor of Science 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 |
Entry-Level Master’s Degree Programs (ELM)
Entry-Level Master’s Degree in Nursing (ELM) programs are designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and wish to transition into a nursing career. These accelerated programs typically range from 18 to 36 months and provide a fast track to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and RN licensure. ELM programs are rigorous and intensive, combining accelerated coursework with significant clinical hours. Graduates emerge with advanced nursing knowledge and skills, making them competitive for specialized roles and leadership positions. For those with a prior bachelor’s degree seeking a career change into nursing and aiming for advanced education, ELM programs are an excellent option.
Below are the BRN-approved Entry-Level Master’s Degree programs available 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 |
Choosing the Right RN Program for You
Selecting the ideal RN program is a significant decision. Consider these key factors to guide your choice:
- Program Length and Time Commitment: ADN programs are typically shorter than BSN programs, allowing for quicker entry into the workforce. ELM programs are accelerated but intensive. Evaluate your desired timeline for starting your nursing career.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Tuition and fees vary significantly among program types and institutions. Community colleges generally offer more affordable ADN programs, while private universities tend to have higher costs. Explore financial aid options, scholarships, and grants to help manage expenses.
- Career Goals: If you aim for leadership roles, specialized nursing areas, or advanced practice nursing, a BSN or ELM program may be more advantageous. An ADN is a solid starting point for entry-level RN positions, with opportunities to pursue further education later.
- Location and Program Format: Consider program locations convenient for you, keeping in mind that clinical rotations require in-person attendance at healthcare facilities. While fully online pre-licensure RN programs are rare, explore programs that may offer some online coursework components to enhance flexibility, but prioritize programs with robust in-person clinical experiences.
By carefully evaluating these factors and exploring the BRN-approved programs listed, you can find an RN nursing program in California that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. Remember to visit program websites, contact admissions offices, and attend virtual or in-person information sessions to gather detailed information and make the best choice for your nursing education journey.
