There are many nursing schools in California and the programs of study are administered by a range of colleges and universities. The Registered Nursing Program is an institution that regulates the practice of nursing as well as certifying advanced practice nurses. The program is mainly designed to have rigorous standards and controls in order to protect the public and the health and safety of consumers, as well as to provide quality nursing care in the state of California.
First steps to becoming a Registered Nurse in California
The process is basically a 5-step one:
- take college preparatory classes in high school
- select the type of nursing school you wish to attend
- choose a college and apply for admission
- find financial aid
- obtain your nursing license
High School
It is not mandatory to take certain classes in high school to become a nurse, but if you have, then you can save some time in College. The classes that contribute in high school to your college nursing degree are:
- English (4 years)
- Math (3-4 years)
- Science (2-4 years; biology, chemistry, physics and computer science are recommended)
- Social Studies (3-4 years)
- Foreign Language (2 years, recommended)
Nursing School Types
Associate Degree in Nursing — 2-3 years, offered at community colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — 4 years, offered at California State Universities and some private colleges
Masters Entry Level Program in Nursing — 1-2 years, designed for adults from another background who wish to become registered nurses
LVN 30 Unit Option — 18-24 months, career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses (not recognized in other states)
Military Corpsmen — military personnel can take the national exam for RN licensure if they have the education and clinical experience
Selecting a College
Find out as much information as you can about the college by visiting their website and also visit the campus on an Open Day to see in person. Find out which entry exams you will need to complete, as well as what the application deadlines are. You should not put all your eggs in one basket and apply at more than one college so you have many options. Many nursing schools in California have limited places.
Apply for financial aid
The next step is to secure a scholarship or a loan. You can also try for one of the government grants administered by FAFSA.
Obtain a Registered Nursing license
There is a complicated process involved in getting a license that involves application forms, transcripts from your school, a fingerprint background check and finally the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). If you would like to work in a supervised nursing capacity in the meantime while awaiting the results of your application, you can also apply for an Interim Permit.
Prior convictions and charges
To become a registered nurse, you must have a background check and report any prior misdemeanors or felony charges that you have incurred. There is not one type of conviction that would disqualify you from becoming a nurse, however, each application is reviewed by the Board on a case by case basis. You must submit all documentation relating to court procedures and charges for the Board to be able to evaluate your case properly and decide whether to approve or deny your application.
If your application is under review because of former convictions, you are not eligible for an Interim Permit. In this case, you will have to do some other type of work until a final decision has been made regarding your application.
What is the length of the review process?
The normal processing time to receive your certification after you have finished your degree in nursing schools in California is 4-6 weeks.