Accredited Nursing Schools & RN Salaries in California
There are currently 656 accredited nursing programs evaluated across California. Choosing the right program requires analyzing key metrics such as institutional accreditation, hands-on clinical hours, total program tuition, and first-time NCLEX exam pass rates.
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.
Average RN Salary & Career Outlook in California
For aspiring healthcare professionals researching what registered nurses make in California, employment data indicates strong financial returns and high market demand. Licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) in California earn an average annual salary of approximately $140,270, which translates to roughly $67.44 per hour.
Annual Mean Salary
$140,270
Based on official federal labor reporting.
Estimated Hourly Rate
$67.44
Calculated across standard full-time hours.
Licensed Programs
656 Schools
Active accredited tracks across the state.
Earnings can vary significantly depending on metropolitan versus rural placement, specialized certifications (such as ICU, ER, or Nurse Practitioner tracks), and your level of education (ADN vs. BSN). Graduating from an accredited program listed below ensures you meet all state board requirements to sit for the NCLEX and enter the workforce.
All California Nursing Programs
San Francisco, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Riverside, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Cabrillo College
ABSNAptos, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Sacramento, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Los Angeles, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
West Covina, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Los Angeles, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Berkeley, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Los Angeles, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Santa Maria, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
College of Alameda
ABSNAlameda, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Oakland, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Lancaster, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Pasadena, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Los Angeles, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
San Francisco, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Butte College
ABSNOroville, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Anaheim, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Biola University
ABSNLa Mirada, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Bethesda University
ABSNAnaheim, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Chula Vista, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Barstow, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Bakersfield College
ABSNBakersfield, CA • Accreditation: CCNE
Azusa, 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.