How to Become a Nurse in California

Nurses are in-charge of performing various medical duties in a healthcare setting. They administer medicines to patients and set up patient care programs. They also operate and monitor medical equipment and teach patients how to manage their illnesses or injuries.

The following table lists down the details of this career, including information on the national and state salaries for nurses in the US.

Should I Become a Nurse in California?

If you want to help people in distress without getting a medical degree, then a career as a nurse can be a very good option. Nurses all across the US are paid very well and if you want to join their ranks, then keep on reading.

Education Required	Bachelor’s Degree
Training	None
License/Certification	required
Key Skills/Qualities	Critical-thinking Skills, Emotional Stability, Physical Stamina, Attention to detail, etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National	$77,460
Job Outlook (2018-28)	12%
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – California	$113,240

Sources: O*Net Online and US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

The career outlook for nurses in California is great, with the state being the highest employer for this occupation (302,770). Jobs for nurses all over the US are expected to increase in the coming years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered in the US will see an increase of 12% in the years from 2018 to 2028.

Steps to Become a Nurse in California

There are certain steps that you will have to complete to become a nurse in California.

1. Complete a Nursing Program

There are several options in nursing programs – an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN); associate of science in nursing (ASN) and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). These programs expose students to topics such as anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and so on.

1. Pass the NCLEX Exam

All nurses in the US are required to be licensed to practice. For this, they need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination.

1. Look for a Job

Once you have cleared the licensure exam, you can begin looking for a job in a healthcare facility. The top employers of registered nurses are General Medical and Surgical Hospitals, Offices of Physicians, and Home Health Care Centers.

How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in California?

Becoming a nurse in California can take around 2 to 4 years after the completion of high school. The amount of time taken to start working as a nurse depends largely on the educational path you take.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in California?

In order to become a nurse in the state of California, candidates will have to meet the following requirements:

Complete high school
Enroll in a nursing program
Complete the relevant coursework
Pass the NCLEX exam
Get a job

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in California?

Registered nurses in California made an annual mean income of $113,240 in 2019, as per data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. California also happens to be the highest paying state for this occupation, followed by Hawaii and the District of Columbia.