California ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) Careers

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) prepares students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN). Much like RNs with higher level degrees, registered nurses holding an ADN typically work in hospitals, offices of physicians, home health care services, nursing care facilities, and outpatient care centers. However, they may not be considered for higher level positions such as administrative and leadership positions, nurse education or management.

The good news is, registered nurses of all education and skill levels are in demand.  This is especially true in the State of California, which currently has the largest population of nurses in the U.S.

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) Education and Training Programs

There are several paths you can take to become a registered nurse (RN) in the State of California. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and Johnson & Johnson Services' DiscoverNursing.com explain the differences.

An Associate of Science/Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN/ADN) takes 2-3 years to complete at a college or university and prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings. This program also qualifies you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

A Bachelor of Science Nursing (BS/BSN) takes 4 years to complete at a college or university and prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions. This program also qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN.

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) takes 2 years to complete at a college or university, after earning your BSN. This degree qualifies you to work as a Nurse Educator or manager, and is a prerequisite for PhD programs.

The BRN also lists the Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing (ELM) as an option in the State. This program is designed for adults who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and wish to become registered nurses. The program takes 1-2 years to complete depending on how many nursing course prerequisites you have already completed. Graduate receives a masters degree.

LVN 30 Unit Option. According to the BRN, this option, which is not recognized by most other states, is designed as a career ladder for California Licensed Vocational Nurses wishing to become registered nurses. The option takes approximately 18-24 months and it does not lead to a degree.

No matter which path you decide to take, you must obtain a license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of California. In addition, all applicants must pass a criminal background check.
 
ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) Schools and Training Programs in California

Because the population of RNs in California is the largest in the nation, you will likely find more education and training programs here than any other state. The list below will give you an excellent idea of what California has to offer.

Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, CA
Bakersfield College, Bakersfield, CA
Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA
Career Networks Institute, Costa Mesa
Cerritos College, Norwalk, CA
Chaffrey College, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
College of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA
College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA
College of the Desert, Palm Desert, CA
El Camino College-Compton Center, Compton, CA
Everest College-Ontario Metro, Ontario, CA
Evergreen Valley College, San Jose, CA
Golden West College, Huntington Beach, CA
ITT Technical Institute-Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cordova, CA
Kaplan College, San Diego, CA
Lassen Community College, Susanville, CA
Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Harbor College, Wilmington, CA
Los Angeles Pierce College, Woodland Hills, CA
Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Trade Technical College, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Valley College, Valley Glen, CA
Los Medanos College, Pittsburg, CA
Mendocino College, Ukiah, CA
Merced College, Merced, CA
Merritt College, Oakland, CA
Modesto Junior College, Modesto, CA
Moorpark College, Moorpark, CA
Napa Valley College, Napa, CA
Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA
Palomar College, San Marcos, CA
Porterville College, Porterville, CA
Rio Hondo College, Whittier, CA
Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA
West Hills College-Lemoore, Lemoore, CA
Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA

Employment and Earnings Outlook for California ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) Professionals

The U.S. is home to 2,711,500 registered nurses (RNs) averaging $65,470 per year. In 2008, the nation was home to 2,542,760 RNs averaging $65,130 per year. For the 2012-2022 decade, employment for RNs is expected to increase by 19% or 526,800 jobs.

The State of California is home to 249,980 RNs averaging $94,120 per year. The state offers the nation’s highest average salary for RNs and it continues to grow. In 2008, California was home to 240,470 RNs, averaging $83,040 per year. In addition to offering the highest average salary for RNs, California is home to the Top 10 Highest Paying Metro Areas for this occupation. They  include:

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, $122,990 per year
2. Vallejo-Fairfield, $119,310
3. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, $113,520
4. San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, $110,630
5. Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, $107,710
6. Salinas, $105,610
7. Napa, $104,440
8. Santa Rosa-Petaluma, $102,990
9. Modesto, $100,780
10. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, $98,050

Although not mentioned above, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Metro Area is home to 69,540 RNs—the 3rd highest employment level for this occupation (among metro areas). Registered nurses residing in this metro area average $86,990 per year.