Become a Nurse in California: Requirements, Licensing, and Employment Outlook
ADN or BSN
Registered Nursing License
License: ($300)Renewal: ($190)
16.7% growth from 2019-2029
Registered nurses (RNs) in California can look forward to bright professional futures. California has the highest number of employed RNs and the highest average salaries in the U.S. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the job growth for RNs in the state to reach 7% between 2019-2029, faster than the national average.
However, in order to legally work as an RN in California, you need to earn registered nursing licensure from the state. The licensure process ensures candidates meet the proper education, supervised experience, and examination requirements. This guide clearly outlines the steps needed to earn a California nursing license.
How to Become a Nurse in California
The path to pursuing nursing in California starts with education. Aspiring RNs need to earn an accredited degree to qualify for licensure, as accreditation ensures that academic programs provide students with a quality education. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) only considers candidates with accredited degrees.
A nursing degree can take anywhere from 2-4 years to complete, possibly longer for part-time students. Upon graduating, candidates must sit for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). After passing this exam, candidates can apply for BRN licensure.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
California Board of Nursing
The BRN is the state body that licenses and regulates nurses. It is their responsibility to protect the health and safety of patients by ensuring the quality of the state’s nurses. The board also has the authority to investigate any grievances and take disciplinary action if appropriate.
Furthermore, the BRN aids nurses who have suffered due to substance abuse or mental illness by providing support. The BRN is also responsible for providing appropriate resources for new and out-of-state nurses to become licensed within California through examination or endorsement. The board provides a pathway for nurses to renew their license so they can continue to practice in the state.
How to Get Your Nursing License in California
There are two licensing options for nurses who wish to work in California: licensure by examination and licensure by endorsement. Licensure by examination requires nursing applicants to pass the NCLEX-RN. Those who want to practice in California need to pass the exam, even if they have been employed in other states, as not all states require nurses to take the exam. In order to earn licensure by endorsement, applicants must have an active license from another state and pass the NCLEX-RN.
California also requires educational prerequisites including six semester or nine quarter hours of courses that develop communication skills (e.g., oral, written, and/or group). Applicants must also have at least 16 semester or 24 quarter hours related to the natural sciences (e.g., anatomy, physiology, microbiology, behavioral sciences, and/or social sciences).
Licensure for New Nurses
New nurses in California must fulfill various eligibility requirements prior to applying for a license. Once they are eligible, applicants can complete the steps needed to become a licensed nurse in California.
RN Licensure Eligibility Requirements
Prior to applying for a license to practice in the state, the BRN requires prospective nurses to meet several eligibility requirements:
- Associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing from an accredited academic institution
- Academic prerequisites:
- Communication: oral, written, and/or group communication
- Natural Sciences: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, behavioral sciences, and/or social sciences
- Pass the NCLEX-RN ($300 fee for CA graduates; $350 for non-CA graduates; $750 for international graduates)
- Complete a fingerprint background check ($49)
- Apply for an interim permit to work in a supervised setting while awaiting NCLEX-RN results (application fee: $100); this is optional
Steps to Apply for an RN License
Once a nurse meets the eligibility requirements as laid out by the BRN, the next step would be to apply for an RN license:
- Complete the application for licensure by exam.
- Provide SSN, fingerprint card, passport-style photograph, and transcripts.
- If applicable, provide a request for accommodation of disabilities form and documents explaining previous disciplinary actions.
- International applicants need to provide the same materials as U.S. applicants with the inclusion of a license or diploma that allows them to practice nursing in their country.
Initial evaluation of the application can take 10-12 weeks; NCLEX-RN results take 2-3 weeks.
Resources
- Licensure by Exam: Online Application
- NCLEX-RN Information: Offers resources in connection to the NCLEX exam
- “NCLEX Using CAT” Video: Provides explanation of changes with regard to the NCLEX exam
- Pearson VUE: Information regarding the administration of the NCLEX exam
Licensure for Nurses From a Different State
In order to qualify for licensure by endorsement, the applicant must hold an active license from another state and meet certain academic prerequisites required by the BRN. Once those requirements are met, applicants can then apply for their California license.
Steps to Apply for an RN License
Listed below are the various steps applicants need to follow in order to earn their license by endorsement to practice in California.
- Complete the application for licensure by endorsement (application fee: $350).
- Provide SSN, fingerprint card, 2″ x 2″ passport-type photograph, and transcripts.
- Complete the verification of license form (expires 90 days from request date).
- Provide documents explaining previous disciplinary actions if applicable.
- Request temporary license to practice while awaiting approval of permanent license (optional).
Initial evaluation must be completed within 90 days of receiving the application
Resources
- Licensure by Endorsement: Online Application
How to Renew Your Nursing License in California
Nurses are required to renew their license and complete additional requirements to continue practicing every two years; upon renewal, applicants pay a $10 fee that goes toward the RN Education Fund. Licenses can be renewed electronically through BreEZe Online Services.
Requirements:
- Continuing Education: In California, RNs are required to complete at least 30 hours of continuing education prior to each renewal except within their first two licensed years. The educational provider must be approved by the BRN.
- Fingerprints: Renewal applicants must submit a full set of fingerprints to the DOJ and FBI.
- Discipline/Convictions: At the time of renewal, the applicant must disclose any discipline issues or if they have been convicted of a crime.
The cost of a license renewal varies depending upon nursing specializations. To renew as an RN, the fee is $190. However, fees for specializations can cost upwards of $750 if paid on time, whereas delinquent fees can range from $187-$1,125.
Salary and Employment Outlook for Nurses in California
According to BLS data, California employs over 300,000 registered nurses, making it the state with the highest employment of RNs in the country. Additionally, California ranks as the top-paying state for registered nurses. BLS data shows that RNs in the state make an annual mean wage of $120,560 — much higher than the national mean wage of $80,010.
In fact, the top 10 highest-paying metro areas for RNs in the U.S. are located in California. San Jose ranked as the best paying city with registered nurses earning a mean pay of about $155,980.
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $155,980 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | $155,170 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield | $150,850 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade | $137,040 |
| Salinas | $132,650 |
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Hospitals to Work as Nurse in California
The following hospitals come from U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best hospitals in California. When calculating these rankings, the publication considers factors including patient outcomes, patient experience, expert opinions, and other care-related indicators like nurse staffing and patient volume.
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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Nearly 2,400 nurses work at the Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The hospital has 886 hospital beds and admits over 50,000 patients per year. Cedars-Sinai treats patients for diseases and illnesses within departments such as oncology, womens health, pediatrics, and orthopaedics. -
University of California, San Francisco Medical Center
The 2,500 nurses who work at UCSF Health help the 30,000 patients admitted to the hospital and 750,000 patients who visit each year. In fact, UCSF Health holds the well-respected Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The medical center operates from several specialty clinics and two childrens hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland. -
Scripps La Jolla Hospitals
With locations in San Diego and La Jolla, this hospital network operates as a $2.9 billion nonprofit medical center. Scripps offers services at 60 medical and surgical specialties, four emergency rooms, three urgent care centers, and a same-day walk-in express center. About 15,000 employees work at these many locations. -
University of California Davis Medical Center
Located in Sacramento, the UC Davis Medical Center serves 33 counties and six million residents in the state. This teaching hospital sees one million visits and 30,000 patient admissions each year. About 1,800 nurses and nurse practitioners work at UC Davis Health. According to the medical centers 2019 nurse report, about 9% of employed nurses held an ADN, 71% a BSN, and 18% an MSN. Additionally, about 57% of nurses hold a specialty certification. -
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center
With locations in Long Beach, Laguna Hills, and Fountain Valley, MemorialCare offers services in joint replacement, weight loss surgery, imaging and radiology. About 4,000 RNs work at this medical center, and about half of them hold BSNs.
Resources for Nurses in California
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California Nurses Association (CNA)
As the largest professional association of registered nurses, the CNA advocates for increased health care rights and works toward negotiating collective bargaining agreements for RNs. -
United Nurses Association of California (UNAC)
The UNAC fights for universal health coverage in order to provide immediate care for those who are suffering yet cannot afford medical care. Members of the UNAC volunteer their time to aid those who are susceptible to diseases in an attempt to improve community health outside of hospitals. -
California Nursing Students Association (CNSA)
As a part of the National Student Nursing Association, the CNSA provides assistance to those who are searching for additional educational opportunities in order to develop their professional growth in various healthcare settings. The CNSA provides membership meetings and an annual convention in order to help those looking for additional professional growth. -
Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL)
The ACNL comprises leaders within the nursing community such as managers, directors, chief officers, and educators. The association provides continuing educational development as well as scholarship opportunities through their philanthropic program Circles of Giving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a nurse in California?
The length of time it takes to become a licensed nurse in California can vary depending on where an individual is in the process. Initially, it takes 2-3 years to earn an associate degree and 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree. For those who have earned their bachelor’s and want to complete a master’s program, it takes an additional 1-2 years. After earning a degree and becoming eligible to apply for a license in California, it typically takes 10-12 weeks to process the application.
What is the fastest way to become a nurse in California?
Those interested in becoming a nurse in California in the shortest amount of time should pursue an associate degree in nursing, as this can be completed within a two-year timeframe. Upon completion of the program, passing the NCLEX-RN and applying for a license can take an additional 10-12 weeks.
Can a nurse live comfortably in California?
Despite the cost of living in California being rather high, the BLS identifies the mean wage for an RN in the state to be approximately $120,560. However, in choosing to live away from pricier areas such as San Francisco or Los Angeles, nurses can live comfortably in a state that offers one of the highest average salaries within the profession.
Are nurses in demand in California?
According to Projections Central, which analyzes state employment projections, registered nursing positions in California are predicted to increase by 16.7% between 2019-2029. This projected demand places California as one of the top states for nursing employment.
Top Nursing Programs in California
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