How to Become a Nurse in California

Nursing attracts many qualified professionals because it pays well and enjoys high demand due to the nationwide shortage of nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of registered nurses (RNs) in the U.S. is projected to grow by 15% between 2016 and 2026 — more than twice the national average growth rate for all occupations. Many people choose to pursue careers in nursing in California because of the state’s strong employment and salary prospects. According to California’s Employment Development Department, the number of RNs in California will increase by 16.2% between 2016 and 2026 — faster than the national average.

The nursing profession in California will likely continue to grow at an above-average rate for the foreseeable future. Prospective nurses can start their careers in California by earning an associate degree in nursing, but they can access higher wages and more responsibilities with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), master of science in nursing (MSN), or doctorate in nursing from an accredited California school. Read on to better understand what California RNs can expect in terms of salaries, specialization options, and access to in-state professional organizations.

Nurses in California face optimistic prospects in terms of their salary and employability. According to the BLS, the state pays RNs the highest mean annual wage, exceeding $100,000. It is also home to the largest number of RNs in the nation. The following sections explore the advantages of a California-based nursing career, including especially lucrative pay for those in major metropolitan areas and the overall high demand and pay for specialized nurses, such as nurse anesthetists.

Source: BLS

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Those interested in becoming nurses in California should consider working in the state’s larger metropolitan areas, where nurses make the nation’s highest mean annual wages. According to the BLS, the highest-paying metropolitan area for nurses in California is the Redwood City/South San Francisco area, where more than 14,000 RNs earn a mean annual salary of almost $140,000. Most of the highest-paying areas concentrate around the Bay Area, where nurses earn annual wages exceeding $110,000.

These numbers reflect the high cost of living found in California’s larger metropolitan areas, such as the Bay Area and Napa County, along with the high demand for RNs statewide.

Source: BLS

After obtaining your degree and RN licensure, you may pursue advanced practice certification, which qualifies you to work in a specialized nursing field. California officially recognizes six forms of such certification: nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric nurse, public health nurse, and nurse-midwife.

Candidates for specialized nursing fields may obtain certification through national credentialing bodies, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). In California, these professionals gain state certification after earning national certification. They must also hold a master’s degree and hold acceptable clinical experience or prove clinical competency through documentation or an evaluation from a licensed physician and advanced practice nurse (APN).

Specialized certification leads to higher earnings, more professional responsibilities, and a better career outlook for nurses in California. For instance, according to the BLS, nurse practitioners can anticipate 36% growth in employment nationally between 2016 and 2026 . As of 2017, California employed the most nurse practitioners of any state — 13,570 — and paid them the nation’s highest mean annual wage for the profession: $126,770. Additionally, nurses interested in pursuing less traditional careers can consider working as travel nurses or remote nurses.

Nurse practitioners coordinate care with physicians, diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medicine, and sometimes even act as primary care providers. Their graduate-level medical education grants them many responsibilities typically reserved for physicians.

Median Salary in Los Angeles: $102,510

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients, working in teams of specialists overseen by anesthesiologists or surgeons. They also provide pain management and emergency management services, such as endotracheal intubation.

Median Salary in Los Angeles: $42,000

These nurses work in emergency rooms, using their advanced medical training to assess patients’ conditions. They stabilize and monitor patients before and after physicians see them.

Median Salary in Los Angeles: $71,855

Neonatal nurses address the needs of newborns suffering from birth defects, prematurity, and congenital cardiac issues and malformations. They may work in the neonatal intensive care units at hospitals.

Median Salary in Los Angeles: $88,699

Psychiatric nurses interact with, evaluate, provide therapy to, and administer medication for patients with mental and emotional disorders in institutional settings. They often work in psychiatric care units in hospitals and inpatient clinics.

Median Salary in Los Angeles: $61,042

Certified nurse midwives help ensure the safe, natural delivery of babies, providing holistic prenatal and postpartum care to women. They sometimes work in hospitals, but they may also run their own private practices.

Median Salary in Los Angeles: $91,528

Once you earn California RN licensure, you should consider joining a professional nursing organization to expand your professional network. Additionally, state government resources help California nurses stay current with the exact requirements needed to maintain licensure. Along with the resources listed below, our nursing career overview page can provide you with more ideas on where to find assistance.

Founded in 1850, the California State Library features online and physical collections to serve the continuing education needs of healthcare and psychology professionals. The library’s reading room also provides access to research materials.

This board determines requirements and fee schedules for nursing licensure and state-recognized nursing certifications. The FAQ section on the board’s website addresses common questions regarding continuing education, certification, and license renewal.

CNSA provides nursing students in California with mentorship and networking opportunities. It also holds an annual convention where speakers explore issues pertaining to nursing ethics and advanced practice careers.

ACNL advocates for nurse leaders in California and provides mentorship opportunities, such as its Foundation for Leadership Excellence program. It also provides access to scholarships and an online career center.

CNA — a constituent of National Nurses United — advocates for excellence among California RNs. The organization offers continuing education opportunities and several scholarships targeted at in-state nursing students, including the Sandra R. Spaulding memorial scholarship.

Many colleges offer RN-to-BSN programs, which emphasize flexibility and affordability to meet different learners’ needs. Working professionals often opt for online programs to accommodate their schedules, and some learners pursue accelerated programs to earn their degrees more quickly. The following ranking compiles the top accredited RN-to-BSN programs in California.