To become a registered nurse or RN, there are various RN nursing programs in California that one can take. One can start right in high school where college prep classes are available. The classes give one a head start. They are English, math, including geometry and algebra, 2 to 4 years of science and this has to include chemistry and biology classes with physics and computer science being highly recommended. Also of benefit are social studies. Learning a foreign language is also recommended but it is not a requirement. The different subjects need to have been studied for at at least two to four years.
There are several nursing schools in California so pick your top three and check out what they ask for as every school has their requirements. When selecting one, consider the specific type you want to go for. In this state, there are at least three kinds of prelicensed nursing programs one can take and there are two different routes to becoming qualifying as a registered nurse.
One option is the Associate Degree in Nursing program or AND. RN Nursing Programs In California. It takes two to three years to complete and it can be taken at a number of community colleges. It opens up doors to nursing care in various settings including hospitals, clinics, private care and working as a travel nurse.
There is also the Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN that takes four years to complete. It is also called the Baccalaureate degree and several state universities offer it as well as private institutions. It gives one a registered nurse credential in several health care facilities and one can also take up managerial positions.
The third alternative is the Masters entry level program in nursing which is made for those who already have a degree other fields and now wish to qualify as registered nurses. The duration of the program depends on the number of course requirements one has already completed but it will usually take between one and two years to complete. Those who successfully complete the course are bestowed a masters degree.
There is also the LVN 30 Unit Option which is a career pathway created for those who have been licensed as vocational nurses in California and now wish to qualify as registered nurses. RN Nursing Programs In California. The course takes a year and a half to two years. It is important to beware that most of the other states do not recognize this qualification and they will not give licensed vocational nurses licenses as registered nurses. Neither will a degree be awarded upon completion of the course.
It is for this reason that some licensed vocational nurses choose to take an AND program. This way, they can get a degree and they can use it to become registered nurses even in other states. Also, the majority of ADN programs do give credit for some of the courses done for the LVN qualification.
For those in the military, provision has been made whereby the laws of the State of California allow military corpsmen to sit for the national exam to qualify for a registered nurse license. RN Nursing Programs In California. This is on condition that RN education have been completed and the applicant does have some clinical experience.
Upon deciding which route one will take to become an RN, you can conveniently log on and go over different colleges and see their requirements online. There are almost 100 nursing schools in California so narrow down on the exact area you wish to study at and look at the schools in the area.
It is important to be prepared for entrance exams. Most schools use the SAT or ACT tests while others require applicants to take and pass a national entrance examination. Find out which one is done at the school you wish to join. You can access sample tests at libraries and online so you are well prepared.
It is also important to find out when applications need to be turned in so that you do not miss deadlines. It is advisable to apply to more than one school so you can be sure you will get admission rather than applying to only one. For students who need it, there are scholarships and other financial aid programs.
Upon completing an RN program, one has to have a California State Board of Registered Nursing or BRN license. A criminal background check and national licensing examination has to be passed as well. When all these prerequisites have been satisfied and the one of the RN Nursing Programs In California have been successfully taken, one can look forward to a satisfying and well remunerated job in the medical field.
Online RN Programs In California
Because lives are busy and education is the key to the future, finding out more about online RN programs in California is a popular option. The internet provides a variety of sites and explanations to help you.
Advanced nursing courses offer additional income and job opportunities for those who finish the classes. You can complete the classes while continuing with your day job. It is convenient to work at your own pace and during the hours that are most convenient for your schedule. Internet classes may be combined with on-the-job experience at your current nursing facility.
Registered nursing job openings are available in almost every locale. Be sure to choose an internet program that is recognized and certified by the governing nursing boards. Moving up to an RN degree almost always improves earnings capacity as well as number of openings.