Accredited Nursing Schools & RN Salaries in California
There are currently 656 accredited nursing programs evaluated across California. Choosing the right program requires analyzing institutional accreditation, clinical hours, total program tuition, and first-time pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.
California features one of the most competitive nursing employment markets in the nation, governed strictly by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Due to high demand in major metropolitan centers like Los Angeles and the Bay Area, local programs maintain rigorous clinical hour requirements and high standards for first-time NCLEX pass rates.
Nursing Degree Pathways in California
Candidates with prior non-nursing bachelor degrees can explore fast-track options via Accelerated BSN Programs (ABSN), while working associate-degree nurses can pursue flexible upward mobility through RN-to-BSN Bridge Programs. Ensure you meet entrance testing standards by reviewing our TEAS Exam Preparation Guide and secure funding through our Nursing Financial Aid & Scholarship Guide.
Average RN Salary & Career Outlook in California
Licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) in California earn an average annual salary of approximately $140,270, which translates to roughly $67.44 per hour based on BLS occupational employment data. Compare regional variance across the country on our comprehensive National RN Salary Directory.
Annual Mean Salary
$140,270
Official state workforce wage estimates.
Estimated Hourly Rate
$67.44
Based on full-time 2,080-hour work schedule.
Evaluated Programs
656 Schools
Accredited degree tracks across the state.
Earnings and career velocity are heavily tied to specialized credentials (ER, ICU, NICU), advanced certifications, and institutional prestige. Ensure any school you evaluate maintains active accreditation verified through our Nursing School Accreditation Guide.
All California Nursing Programs
Chapman University
ABSNOrange, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Chaffey College
ABSNRancho Cucamonga, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Chabot College
ABSNHayward, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Ridgecrest, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Cerritos College
ABSNNorwalk, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
CET-Salinas
ABSNSalinas, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
CET-Watsonville
ABSNWatsonville, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
CET-Colton
ABSNColton, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
San Francisco, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Claremont, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Sacramento, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Contra Costa College
ABSNSan Pablo, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Martinez, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Compton College
ABSNCompton, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Los Angeles, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Columbia College
ABSNSonora, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Pomona, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Coba Academy
ABSNAnaheim, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
San Jose, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Fountain Valley, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Costa Mesa, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Clovis, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Visalia, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Claremont, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Essential Nursing Student Toolkit
3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope
Gold standard diagnostic tool required across clinical rotations.
Nurse Notes NCLEX Guide
Comprehensive study guide tailored for Next Gen NCLEX board preparation.
Foldable Nursing Clipboard
Compact aluminum clipboard with quick-reference medical cheat sheets.
Sockwell Compression Socks
Graduated support socks to prevent fatigue during long clinical shifts.
Medical Penlight & Scissors Kit
Essential pocket kit featuring a diagnostic penlight and bandage shears.