California Board of Nursing

California Board of Nursing – Overview

The California Board of Registered Nursing ensures the health, safety and well-being of the public by fair and consistent enforcement of regulations governing nursing education and practice within the state.

The Board is responsible for conducting licensing exams and issuing licenses to practice different types of certified nursing professionals.

RN License From the California Board of Nursing

California Board of Nursing

California Board of Nursing – RN License from the California Board of Nursing

California Board of Nursing – Becoming a Registered Nurse

Here are the steps to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of California:

Step 1 – Take college prep classes in high school

The Board’s Section 1412 of regulations dictates that candidates should have at least a US high school education or equivalent to become an RN.

Apart from this, the candidates should also take the following classes during their high school education to get a head-start for their nursing prerequisites at college:

  • English – 4 years
  • Math – 3 – 4 years (including geometry and algebra)
  • Science – 2 – 4 years (including chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science)
  • Social studies – 3 – 4 years
  • Foreign language – 3 – 4 years

Next, you should make sure to check out the specific prerequisite at the college you are considering taking enrolment in. You need to understand that different nursing schools have different course prerequisites.

Hence, you should consult with your high school guidance counselor and check the Board’s official website for specific requirements at https://www.rn.ca.gov/education/rnprograms.shtml.

Step 2 – Choose a nursing school

In the state of California, you can apply for one of three different pre-licensure nursing programs which offer two alternative paths to becoming an RN:

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)

You can choose to take 2 – 3 years of ADN which is offered at numerous community colleges. This degree prepares you to provide registered nursing care in different types of healthcare settings.

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

You can choose to take the BSN program for 4 years. It is also offered as a Baccalaureate degree and is offered in many universities and private nursing colleges in California. This program trains you to provide registered nursing care in various types of healthcare settings.

This program is also significant in helping you to progress your career to leadership and administrative positions faster.

ELM (Entry Level Master) Program in Nursing

This program is advisable for candidates who have a baccalaureate degree in another field but wish to become a registered nurse.

This is a 1 – 2 year-long program, depending on the number of nursing course prerequisites you have already completed. Upon graduating from the ELM program, you receive a Master’s degree.

Step 3 – Choose a college and apply for admission

Make sure to visit the campuses and websites of nursing colleges in your area. You can choose from more than 140 nursing schools in California through this website https://www.rn.ca.gov/education/rnprograms.shtml. Find out if the college you are seeking admission to requires you to pass an entry exam.

It is advisable to apply at multiple colleges to give yourself better chances of getting admission as many colleges have limited seats in their nursing programs.

Step 4 – Apply for financial aid

Nursing schools, just like medical schools, can be quite expensive to attend. If you are unable to afford the high fee and expenses, then you should seek to get scholarships, student loans, and loan forgiveness programs to pursue your nursing education.

Step 5 – Get an RN License

The work as an RN in California, you must get a license from California’s Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Make sure that you fulfill all education and other requirements and pass the licensure exam.

To learn the details of applying for an RN license in California, you can visit the official website at https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-exam.shtml.

Conclusion

The California Board of Nursing regulates the license to practice for registered nurses within the state in different types of healthcare settings. This license is mandatory for all registered nurses to practice their skills in California. This license is an incredible way to boost your chances of promotion in the nursing field.

Reference links

https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/ad-pract.shtml

https://www.rn.ca.gov/careers/howto.shtml

https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-exam.shtml

See Also

Virginia Board of Nursing

Oklahoma Board of Nursing

Florida Board of Nursing

Texas Board of Nursing

Ohio Board of Nursing

Pell Grant in California

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