Have you always known that you wanted to become a registered nurse (RN)? Or, perhaps you decided to become a nurse after pursuing another career? The question of how to become an RN in California can be complex, as there are many paths and degree options available to you. It’s important to understand the various educational and career options open to you so that you can choose a nursing education program that will help you achieve your goals.

National University offers several degree programs and certificates, as well as graduate programs in nursing. Since many nursing students already have busy personal and professional lives, the nursing education programs at National University are designed to offer flexible options and the kind of high-quality training and education that will help you reach your nursing career goals on a schedule that meets your needs. Lori Mattingly Boyd, Nursing Program Coordinator for the RN to BSN program at National University, says, “National University offers asynchronous learning formats,” a student-centered teaching method that uses various electronic resources and capabilities to make learning as flexible as possible. “This works well with people who are already working full-time and who may also have family responsibilities.”

Good News: The Job Outlook for RNs in California is Great

The first step in making a well-informed decision about your nursing career options is to learn about the occupational outlook and salary for RNs in California. For many reasons, both positive and negative, there has never been a better time to become an RN. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives.”

When broken down by state, the employment outlook for registered nurses in California looks even better. For RNs who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, job growth in California during that same time period (2016-2026) is projected to be 17%. This reflects the continued effect of the factors stated above, along with the nurse shortage in California.

What is the Average RN Salary in California?

Nursing is a profession that requires physical endurance, emotional stability, empathy, and strict attention to detail — as well as high levels of communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Most people who choose to become registered nurses do not make the decision lightly or based simply on money.

However, many find that nursing can be both a satisfying and economically rewarding profession. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for RNs across the US in 2016 was approximately $70,000. By comparison, the average annual wage for registered nurses in California was almost a third more: $100,730. The majority of RNs earning this salary start their career with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The salary levels currently earned by registered nurses, combined with a positive job outlook, makes nursing one of the more reliable career choices available.

The Basics: Steps to Becoming an RN in California

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) details how to become an RN in California in a series of steps. These steps include choosing the best type of nursing school and program to fit your needs, selecting a college and applying for admission, applying for financial aid, and obtaining your RN license.

• Nursing education: which type of school and program is best for me?
  Because there are various paths to fulfilling California’s requirements, you need to determine how to become an RN in California in the way that best fits in with your personal goals. Key to this is choosing a school that offers an appropriate program. National University offers several program options to choose from. NU’s flexible programs are geared specifically for busy adults. In addition, National University is a military-friendly college and a Yellow Ribbon school. You will be able to earn your degree on campus, at home, on base, or abroad.
• Applying for admission
  Once you have decided on a goal for your nursing education, your next step is to apply for admission. On National University’s website, you will find out about admission requirements and programs, and you will find contact information for speaking to an advisor. Fill out the form on this page, and an admissions advisor will contact you.
• Get some help: applying for financial aid
  As a nursing student, you can apply for multiple scholarships, grants, loans, and loan forgiveness programs. National University lists many options here, including links to financial aid and scholarships, the federal work-study program, and the Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award. In addition, BRN’s financial aid information page has helpful information for you. There you will also find many links, including those to necessary forms and publications, aid for military personnel and families, and frequently asked questions.When applying for financial aid, remember: You don’t need to limit yourself to just one source of funding. You can creatively combine loans, grants, and scholarships to save you many thousands of dollars.
• The final milestone: obtaining your RN license
  To practice as an RN in California, you must be licensed by the BRN. You must meet educational requirements, pass a criminal background check, and pass the national licensing examination. The National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) is computerized and given continuously six days a week. (New graduates are advised to take the exam soon after graduation because research has shown that there is a higher success rate for early test-takers compared with those who wait several months.) You can find out more about licensure requirements on the BRN website

National University Accelerated Nursing Program Cost

Graduate Tuition & Fees

Juen A. – Class of 2021, Military Veteran

Current graduate tuition rates, effective July 1, 2019 are as follows:

Course Level	Cost per Quarter Unit	4.5 Quarter Unit Course
500	$442	$1,989
600 & 700	$442	$1,989

* Tuition for 500-level courses is charged according to students’ degree programs.
National University offers many financial aid options and scholarships to students who qualify. Learn more about how you can finance your education.

Current general fees include:

General Fees

Fees are non-refundable. All records and services are withheld from students who have any outstanding financial obligations to the University or have defaulted on a Title IV loan at the University.

International Student Orientation Fee

$50, See also International Student Prepayment and Refund policy.

Transcript Fee

$5, Per copy fee for each transcript
(Per copy fee for each transcript–additional $2 surcharge applicable to e-transcripts)

Returned Check Charge

$20

Reinstatement Fee

$100, Charged only to those students with unpaid delinquent financial obligations.

Credit by Examination Fee

$100, Per examination, per course.

Challenge Examinations Fee

$50, Per course charge, course waiver, no credit.

Nursing Fees

NSG 330 Course Fee: $6,414
NSG 403 Course Fee, $6,414
Nursing Clinical Laboratory (NSG) Fee, $675 per course
SIMS Lab Fee, $350
(Per make-up session.)
ORI 10 Nursing Course Fee, $250
E-Portfolio, $35 per year
E-Portfolio Renewal Fee, $30 per year

MA in Digital Journalism Fees

iPad Mini Package, $900
(Including the device and related software.)

MFA Digital Cinema and Professional Screenwriting Fees

MDC 688 Course Fee, ,250
MDC 689 Course Fee, $550
MDC 695 Course Fee, $300
SCR 675 Course Fee, $750
SCR 670P Course Fee, $250
SCR 690 Course Fee, $350
SCR 691 Course Fee, $350

Master of Science in Nursing Fees

FNP and PMHNP Area of Specializations carry additional program fees.
Program Fees, $11,325
NA and NI Area of Specializations carry additional program fees
Program Fees, $475
(in addition to tuition)