Nursing Schools in California

A trained and qualified nursing force is an integral part of an efficient healthcare system, helping to keep a hospital or other healthcare facility running smoothly. Recognizing this, the state of California launched the Nurse Education Initiative. This initiative was introduced as a response to an increasing shortage of nurses in California. An increasing aging population and a retiring nursing workforce have increased the demand for nurses. It is no wonder then that nursing has emerged as one of the fastest growing careers in California. Whether you are a fresh graduate from high school or someone looking to change career, nursing may be an ideal career choice for you. If you are looking to applying to nursing schools in California, you will be able to choose from several accredited programs.

Why Practice Nursing in California?
That nursing has emerged as one of the fastest growing careers in California is not the only good news for prospective nurses in the state. Nurses are also the highest paid in California, as compared to any other state. Registered nurses earned an annual mean income of $96,980 as compared to Texas (the 2nd biggest employing state for nurses) nurses, which earned $67,860.

Nursing School Programs
|A typical nursing career starts with earning a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree. This is usually a four year program during which students take courses in natural and social sciences along with gaining clinical experience. A wide range of universities and colleges, private and public institutions, are offering nursing programs in California. California nursing programs are rated as some of the best in the country.

I Have Earned my Degree, Now What?
After earning a bachelor's degree, you will need to obtain a valid nursing license in order to practice as a nurse. After getting licensed, you will be able to work as a registered nurse (RN). RNs are qualified to work in hospitals, private practices, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. If you would like to continue your education or improve your chances of applying for more senior positions, you may want to consider enrolling in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. There are many MSN programs that are offered in California. Usually an MSN program takes two years to complete and involves an RN specializing in a particular field such as:

• Nurse administrator
• Psychiatric nurse practitioner
• Certified nurse midwife
• Pediatric endocrinology nurse

There are shorter paths to starting a nursing career. One way is by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited program in California. There are hundreds of community colleges and vocational programs that offer this two year degree. The degree may qualify you to take the registered nurse licensing exam. Some nursing programs in California offer accelerated programs for those who hold a bachelor's degree in another field, but wish to start a career as a nurse. With full-time, part-time, and online programs available in many California schools, you have many options to choose from to begin your career in nursing.