California RN to BSN and Accelerated RN to BSN Careers

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is not a career, but a degree that can lead to a higher position in the nursing field. It can also prepare students for study at the graduate and doctorate levels. RNs with a BSN degree hold positions as research assistants, in nurse education, public/community health, consulting, specialized care, and some leadership positions. RNs with a BSN work in just about every type of healthcare environment, and they work in all regions from large cities to small towns.

Although registered nurses (RNs) of all degree levels are in high demand, RNs with a BSN have access to even better opportunities. This is especially true in the State of California, which has the highest population of RNs in the U.S.
 
RN to BSN and Accelerated RN to BSN Education and Training Programs

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), RN to BSN programs “provide an efficient bridge for diploma and ADN-prepared nurses who wish to develop stronger clinical reasoning and analytical skills to advance their careers.” These programs, says the AACN, “build on initial nursing preparation with course work to enhance professional development, prepare for a broader scope of practice, and provide a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence care delivery.”

The following is a sample curriculum plan for the RN to BSN program:

Nursing Research, Clinical Scholarship, and Evidence Based Practice
Professional Communication in Nursing
Critical Thinking to Facilitate Role Professionalism in Baccalaureate Nursing Practice
Nursing in a Global Society
Community Health Nursing
Nursing Leadership and Finance
RN to BSN Practice Experience Capstone

A typical RN to BSN program may take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete. However, some programs may take up to 2 years to complete. An accelerated RN to BSN program may be completed in as little as 15 months.

RN to BSN and Accelerated RN to BSN Schools and Training Programs in California

California is home to dozens of schools that offer RN programs and a number of schools that offer RN to BSN programs. A few (in bold) offer accelerated RN to BSN programs. The nursing programs below are listed with the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Azusa Pacific University, CA (accelerated RN to BSN)
Brandman University, Irvine, CA
California Baptist University, Riverside, CA
California State University, Bakersfield, Camarillo, Chico, Fresno, Northridge, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Marcos, CA
Concordia University-Irvine, Irvine, CA (accelerated RN to BSN)
Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, CA
Holy Names University, Oakland, CA
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
National University, La Jolla, CA
Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA
Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA
San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus, Calexico, CA
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
United States University, San Diego, CA
West Coast University-Los Angeles, North Hollywood, CA
West Coast University-Orange County, Anaheim CA

For a full list of RN to BSN programs, please visit the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Employment and Earnings Outlook for California Registered Nurses (RNs)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide information for RNs by degree level. As stated earlier, RNs with a 4-year or advanced degree can expect higher pay and better job opportunities. Fortunately, the industry is growing at a rapid pace overall, especially in the State of California.

The State of California is home to 249,980 RNs averaging $94,120 per year, up from $83,040 in 2008 when the state was home to 240,470 RNs. California has the nation’s highest employment level for RNs, with the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Metro Area leading the pack. Home to 69,540 RNS, this metro area has the 3rd highest employment level for this occupation (among metro areas).

California also offers the nation’s highest average salary for RNs and it is home to the Top 10 Highest Paying Metro Areas for this occupation. The areas 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

For the 2012-2022 decade, employment for RNs is expected to increase by 19% or 526,800 jobs. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report (January 8, 2014), the U.S. is home to 2,711,500 registered nurses (RNs), averaging $65,470 per year, up from 2,542,760 averaging $65,130 in 2008. In 2012, the top 10% of RNs averaged $94,720 per year, and the bottom 10% averaged $45,040 per year.