Become an RN in California:
FAQs at our Ontario Campus
Become a Registered Nurse with a BSN degree at Arizona College of Nursing – Ontario. Below you will find some of the frequently asked questions that future RN’s often ask our campus faculty and staff.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)?
The length of time it takes to become an RN with a BSN can vary depending on the program and the student’s prior educational background. Bachelor’s degrees often take 4 years to complete, but with our 3-year BSN program, you can complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 3 years.
If you have completed some college credit or have a degree in another field, qualifying transfer credits can shorten your program length. To learn more about the pathway to becoming an RN with a BSN degree in California, contact an admissions representative at our Ontario campus.
Preparing Future RNs at Arizona College of Nursing – Ontario
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This is because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about 1-2 years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. While the time commitment to complete an LPN program is relatively short, LPNs often find their employment opportunities very limited.
Click here to read our blog post comparing a LPN Program with a BSN Program.
To pursue nursing in California, aspiring RNs must earn an accredited degree and pass the NCLEX Exam. The California Board of Registered Nursing only considers candidates with accredited degrees like an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Source: https://nursejournal.org/state/california/nurse-licensing-requirements/
Registered Nurses in California have a median salary of $133,990 per year.
As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in California range from a low rate of $83,510, per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $194,240 per year.
Updated 06/2024. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=CA
Updated 2024. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3
Transferring credits can get you on track to complete your program in less time and at a lower cost. Students can progress through our BSN program of study in 3-years or less with qualifying transfer credits, if the courses apply to the program of study. For questions about transfer credits, including credits associated with college level credit test scores, visit our Campus Locations page for details to contact your local campus.
Read more about Arizona College of Nursing’s credit transfer requirements.
Students of all ages and backgrounds who qualify may be eligible for a variety of financial aid programs and payment options including:
- Federal student loans
- Federal PELL and SEOG grants
- Eligible State-based grant programs
- Private educational loans
- Military veteran educational benefits (ex: Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®)*
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. The Falls Church, Hartford, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St. Louis, Greenville, Melbourne, and Chesapeake Arizona College of Nursing campuses are not approved to train eligible Veterans and their dependents.
Yes. While every student’s schedule may vary due to prior academic experience, you’ll start your BSN degree program with evening general education courses. In addition, some general education courses are offered in a convenient on-campus/online hybrid format.
We offer general education courses in the evening because we know students are busy and often can’t immediately change their entire schedule when starting Nursing school.
Once you begin your Core Nursing courses, your schedule will shift to daytime classes.
As of 2020, there were 323,900 RNs employed in California.
Registered Nurses jobs in California are projected to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030.
RN employment in the United States is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, creating 193,100 new nursing jobs.
Updated June 2024: Data Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=CA
There are various types of nursing degrees available in California. All potential nursing students must successfully complete a state-approved nursing program. Tuition fees for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) range anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000.
Additional Fees in California:
NCLEX-PN Exam
- $300 Application Fee by Examination – California Graduate
- $350 Application Fee by Examination – Out of State Graduate
Source: https://nursinglicensemap.com/states/california-nursing-license/
In CA, you may take the NCLEX-RN Exam every 45 days. Please keep in mind you must again pay Pearson and the California Board.
Source: https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-california/