Become a Registered Nurse in California - CA

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 12 2010

How to Become an RN in California

Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of California involves meeting the specific education requirements, most commonly completing an accredited degree program, passing a criminal background check, and successful completion of the national licensing examination. There are currently three accepted types of traditional academic nursing programs and two alternative types of programs available towards becoming a registered nurse in the state of California.

1. Degree options include a two or three-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a one or two-year masters entry level program in nursing for those who already completed a bachelor’s degree in another field. 
2. Non-degree paths to RN status include a California Licensed Vocation Nurse (LVN) accreditation or military corpsmen option. The LVN option includes an 18 to 24 month, 30 Unit course of study. This, however, may not be recognized outside of California for licensed RNs. Under California law, military corpsmen may sit for the national exam for RN licensure upon completion of their RN education and clinical experience.
3. Once all educational requirements are met through California RN programs, all candidates must pass a criminal background check. This background check is administered by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and carried out by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
4. Finally, all applicants must pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) and submit test results to the BRN.