Retraining ReportJob training public funding can pay for

Find training

RN programs in California

31 RN (registered nurse) programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

23 schools offer these RN programs, and California has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care and teach patients and their families about health conditions. To work as one, you graduate from an approved nursing program (a bachelor's or associate degree in nursing, or a hospital diploma) and pass a licensing exam for your state nursing license.1 The exam is the NCLEX-RN from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which the nursing boards of every state, DC and four US territories use in deciding who gets a license.2

In California, 8 of the 31 programs ask for a high school diploma or equivalent and 23 ask for earlier courses first.

By kind, the 31 programs here are RN associate degree (ADN, 17 programs), LPN to RN bridge (associate degree, 7 programs), RN program (level not stated, 4 programs), RN bachelor's degree (BSN, 2 programs), and 1 more of one other kind.

See the 31 programs

How much do RN programs cost in California?

Two-year degrees (24 programs)
$1,852 to $4,528most of them, usually 49 to 72 weeks long
Bachelor's degrees (2 programs)
$17,904 to $138,350all 2 with a price
Other RN programs (1 program)
Not reportedno usable price

What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.

In the typical program

Finished the program
85%
Working 6 months later
90%
Earned a year, estimated
Not enough data
Only 6 of 31 programs report it
Length
48 to 72 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in California may also offer RN programs. How these figures are made

Are there free RN programs in California?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 31 RN programs in California approved for WIOA funding

Filters
What you need to enroll
Kind of program
School
How it's taught
How to show the list

31 programs

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Registered Nursing Traditional Program

    College of the Sequoias

    Visalia

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    College of the Sequoias, VisaliaRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$98,100
    Price if you pay yourself$1,840

    113 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Registered Nursing Traditional Program at College of the Sequoias
    More details about Registered Nursing Traditional Program at College of the Sequoias
    Finished
    85%
    Working at 6 months
    87%
    Earned in a quarter
    $24,523
    Length
    72 weeks, 19 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $4,030
    Students counted
    1,089
    Earned a year, estimated
    $98,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,840
    students trained with WIOA funding
    113
    Program website, Registered Nursing Traditional Program at College of the Sequoias

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Registered Nurse (AS Degree)

    Shasta College

    Redding

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Shasta College, ReddingRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$93,400
    Price if you pay yourself$3,694

    101 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Registered Nurse (AS Degree) at Shasta College
    More details about Registered Nurse (AS Degree) at Shasta College
    Finished
    51%
    Working at 6 months
    97%
    Earned in a quarter
    $23,355
    Length
    72 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $11,102
    Students counted
    814
    Earned a year, estimated
    $93,400
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,694
    students trained with WIOA funding
    101
    Program website, Registered Nurse (AS Degree) at Shasta College

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Registered Nurse

    Fresno City College

    Fresno

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Fresno City College, FresnoRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,863

    14 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Registered Nurse at Fresno City College
    More details about Registered Nurse at Fresno City College
    Finished
    98%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $5,570
    Students counted
    621
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,863
    students trained with WIOA funding
    14
    Program website, Registered Nurse at Fresno City College

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Registered Nursing

    Butte College

    Oroville

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Butte College, OrovilleRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$99,200
    Price if you pay yourself$3,221

    230 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Registered Nursing at Butte College
    More details about Registered Nursing at Butte College
    Finished
    91%
    Working at 6 months
    76%
    Earned in a quarter
    $24,801
    Length
    68 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $4,916
    Students counted
    586
    Earned a year, estimated
    $99,200
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,221
    students trained with WIOA funding
    230
    School website, Registered Nursing at Butte College

  • RN bachelor's degree (BSN)HybridEducation and courses

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

    San Jose

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, San JoseRN bachelor's degree (BSN) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$138,350
    Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
    More details about Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
    Finished
    67%
    Working at 6 months
    55%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    120 weeks, 21 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,323
    Students counted
    518
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $138,350
    Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing

    Santa Rosa Junior College

    Santa Rosa

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa RosaRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$6,992

    6 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing at Santa Rosa Junior College
    More details about Nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing at Santa Rosa Junior College
    Finished
    41%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 21 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,428
    Students counted
    512
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,992
    students trained with WIOA funding
    6
    School website, Nursing: Associate Degree in Nursing at Santa Rosa Junior College

  • RN program (level not stated)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Nursing Education: Registered, Occupational

    College of Marin

    Greenbrae

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College of Marin, GreenbraeRN program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,625
    Program website, Nursing Education: Registered, Occupational at College of Marin
    More details about Nursing Education: Registered, Occupational at College of Marin
    Finished
    26%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,222
    Students counted
    490
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,625
    Program website, Nursing Education: Registered, Occupational at College of Marin

  • LPN to RN bridge (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Licensed Vocational Nursing to Registered Nursing

    San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office

    Visalia

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office, VisaliaLPN to RN bridge (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$43,056

    13 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Licensed Vocational Nursing to Registered Nursing at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office
    More details about Licensed Vocational Nursing to Registered Nursing at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office
    Finished
    74%
    Working at 6 months
    90%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    50 weeks, 29 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    466
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $43,056
    students trained with WIOA funding
    13
    School website, Licensed Vocational Nursing to Registered Nursing at San Joaquin Valley College - Central Administration Office

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN)

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

    San Jose

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, San JoseRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$97,060

    4 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
    More details about Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
    Finished
    67%
    Working at 6 months
    67%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    90 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $750
    Students counted
    454
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $97,060
    students trained with WIOA funding
    4
    Program website, Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Associate Degree Nursing Program

    Yuba College

    Marysville

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Yuba College, MarysvilleRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,771

    328 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Associate Degree Nursing Program at Yuba College
    Finished
    88%
    Working at 6 months
    94%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    30 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    328
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,771
    students trained with WIOA funding
    328

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personPrerequisite courses

    Registered Nurse-BC

    Kern Community College District

    Bakersfield

    Prerequisite courses

    Kern Community College District, BakersfieldRN associate degree (ADN)In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,370

    307 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Registered Nurse-BC at Kern Community College District
    More details about Registered Nurse-BC at Kern Community College District
    Finished
    95%
    Working at 6 months
    93%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $4,683
    Students counted
    307
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,370
    students trained with WIOA funding
    307
    School website, Registered Nurse-BC at Kern Community College District

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Associate Degree Nursing

    San Joaquin Delta College

    Stockton

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    San Joaquin Delta College, StocktonRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported

    8 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Associate Degree Nursing at San Joaquin Delta College
    Finished
    57%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 23 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    249
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported
    students trained with WIOA funding
    8

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personPrerequisite courses

    Associate Degree in Nursing

    Napa Valley College

    Napa

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Napa Valley College, NapaRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,155
    School website, Associate Degree in Nursing at Napa Valley College
    More details about Associate Degree in Nursing at Napa Valley College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 26 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,287
    Students counted
    224
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,155
    School website, Associate Degree in Nursing at Napa Valley College

  • LPN to RN bridge (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Registered Nursing: LVN to ADN

    Butte College

    Oroville

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Butte College, OrovilleLPN to RN bridge (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,380

    53 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Registered Nursing: LVN to ADN at Butte College
    More details about Registered Nursing: LVN to ADN at Butte College
    Finished
    87%
    Working at 6 months
    51%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    34 weeks, 12 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $5,413
    Students counted
    188
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,380
    students trained with WIOA funding
    53
    School website, Registered Nursing: LVN to ADN at Butte College

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personPrerequisite courses

    Registered Nursing

    Porterville College

    Porterville

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Porterville College, PortervilleRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,842

    43 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Registered Nursing at Porterville College
    More details about Registered Nursing at Porterville College
    Finished
    85%
    Working at 6 months
    97%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 27 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $7,014
    Students counted
    175
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,842
    students trained with WIOA funding
    43
    School website, Registered Nursing at Porterville College

  • LPN to RN bridge (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Associate of Science in Nursing - LVN-to-RN Advanced Placement Pathway (ADN-AP)

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

    San Jose

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, San JoseLPN to RN bridge (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$52,500

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Associate of Science in Nursing - LVN-to-RN Advanced Placement Pathway (ADN-AP) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
    More details about Associate of Science in Nursing - LVN-to-RN Advanced Placement Pathway (ADN-AP) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
    Finished
    90%
    Working at 6 months
    90%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    33 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $408
    Students counted
    164
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $52,500
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3
    Program website, Associate of Science in Nursing - LVN-to-RN Advanced Placement Pathway (ADN-AP) at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridEducation and courses

    Registered Nursing, AS

    College of the Redwoods

    Eureka

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    College of the Redwoods, EurekaRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$74,700
    Price if you pay yourself$4,900

    30 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Registered Nursing, AS at College of the Redwoods
    More details about Registered Nursing, AS at College of the Redwoods
    Finished
    99%
    Working at 6 months
    89%
    Earned in a quarter
    $18,664
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,600
    Students counted
    156
    Earned a year, estimated
    $74,700
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,900
    students trained with WIOA funding
    30
    School website, Registered Nursing, AS at College of the Redwoods

  • RN bachelor's degree (BSN)In personEducation and courses

    Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing Program

    Sonoma State University

    Rohnert Park

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Sonoma State University, Rohnert ParkRN bachelor's degree (BSN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$17,904
    School website, Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing Program at Sonoma State University
    More details about Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing Program at Sonoma State University
    Finished
    83%
    Working at 6 months
    92%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    104 weeks, 21 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,158
    Students counted
    127
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $17,904
    School website, Pre-Licensure BSN Nursing Program at Sonoma State University

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridPrerequisite courses

    Nursing AS (ADN)

    West Hills College Lemoore

    Lemoore

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    West Hills College Lemoore, LemooreRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,611

    10 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Nursing AS (ADN) at West Hills College Lemoore
    More details about Nursing AS (ADN) at West Hills College Lemoore
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    144 weeks, 35 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $6,270
    Students counted
    104
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,611
    students trained with WIOA funding
    10
    Program website, Nursing AS (ADN) at West Hills College Lemoore

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridEducation and courses

    Registered Nursing A.S.

    Cuesta College

    San Luis Obispo

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Cuesta College, San Luis ObispoRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,843
    Program website, Registered Nursing A.S. at Cuesta College
    More details about Registered Nursing A.S. at Cuesta College
    Finished
    79%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $7,100
    Students counted
    104
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,843
    Program website, Registered Nursing A.S. at Cuesta College

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personPrerequisite courses

    Nursing - Nursing AS Degree

    Cabrillo College

    Aptos

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Cabrillo College, AptosRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,688

    54 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Nursing - Nursing AS Degree at Cabrillo College
    More details about Nursing - Nursing AS Degree at Cabrillo College
    Finished
    98%
    Working at 6 months
    83%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    68 weeks, 17 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $6,945
    Students counted
    60
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,688
    students trained with WIOA funding
    54
    School website, Nursing - Nursing AS Degree at Cabrillo College

  • LPN to RN bridge (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses

    Registered Nursing (Paramedic/LVN to RN)

    College of the Redwoods

    Eureka

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    College of the Redwoods, EurekaLPN to RN bridge (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$83,000
    Price if you pay yourself$1,000

    46 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Registered Nursing (Paramedic/LVN to RN) at College of the Redwoods
    More details about Registered Nursing (Paramedic/LVN to RN) at College of the Redwoods
    Finished
    78%
    Working at 6 months
    82%
    Earned in a quarter
    $20,744
    Length
    48 weeks, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,500
    Students counted
    46
    Earned a year, estimated
    $83,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,000
    students trained with WIOA funding
    46
    School website, Registered Nursing (Paramedic/LVN to RN) at College of the Redwoods

  • RN associate degree (ADN)HybridPrerequisite courses

    Associate of Science Degree Registered Nursing

    Contra Costa College

    San Pablo

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Contra Costa College, San PabloRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,254
    School website, Associate of Science Degree Registered Nursing at Contra Costa College
    More details about Associate of Science Degree Registered Nursing at Contra Costa College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 17 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,846
    Students counted
    42
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,254
    School website, Associate of Science Degree Registered Nursing at Contra Costa College

  • RN program (level not stated)In personEducation and courses

    Certificate of Acheivement, Paramedic/LVN to RN

    College of the Redwoods

    Eureka

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    College of the Redwoods, EurekaRN program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,012

    7 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Certificate of Acheivement, Paramedic/LVN to RN at College of the Redwoods
    More details about Certificate of Acheivement, Paramedic/LVN to RN at College of the Redwoods
    Finished
    83%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,488
    Students counted
    32
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,012
    students trained with WIOA funding
    7
    School website, Certificate of Acheivement, Paramedic/LVN to RN at College of the Redwoods

  • LPN to RN bridge (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses

    Licensed Vocational Nurse to ADN

    West Hills College Lemoore

    Lemoore

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    West Hills College Lemoore, LemooreLPN to RN bridge (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$97,000
    Price if you pay yourself$1,242

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Licensed Vocational Nurse to ADN at West Hills College Lemoore
    More details about Licensed Vocational Nurse to ADN at West Hills College Lemoore
    Finished
    97%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    $24,256
    Length
    52 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $4,980
    Students counted
    30
    Earned a year, estimated
    $97,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,242
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3
    Program website, Licensed Vocational Nurse to ADN at West Hills College Lemoore

  • RN program (level not stated)In personEducation and courses

    LVN-RN Certificate of Achievement

    Madera Community College

    Madera

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Madera Community College, MaderaRN program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,150
    More details about LVN-RN Certificate of Achievement at Madera Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    54 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $500
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,150

  • RN associate degree (ADN)In personEducation and courses

    Registered Nursing - AS Degree

    City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoRN associate degree (ADN) · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,508
    More details about Registered Nursing - AS Degree at City College of San Francisco
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Left out
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,508

  • RN program (level not stated)In personEducation and courses

    LVN to Non-Degree Nurse- BC

    Kern Community College District

    Bakersfield

    Education and courses

    Kern Community College District, BakersfieldRN program (level not stated)In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,793
    School website, LVN to Non-Degree Nurse- BC at Kern Community College District
    More details about LVN to Non-Degree Nurse- BC at Kern Community College District
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 23 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $820
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,793
    School website, LVN to Non-Degree Nurse- BC at Kern Community College District

  • LPN to RN bridge (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses

    LVN to RN Career Ladder Associate of Science Degree

    Mendocino College

    Ukiah

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Mendocino College, UkiahLPN to RN bridge (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,820
    Program website, LVN to RN Career Ladder Associate of Science Degree at Mendocino College
    More details about LVN to RN Career Ladder Associate of Science Degree at Mendocino College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    68 weeks, 20 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $4,000
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,820
    Program website, LVN to RN Career Ladder Associate of Science Degree at Mendocino College

  • LPN to RN bridge (associate degree)In personPrerequisite courses

    LVN to Associate Degree Nursing Program- BC

    Kern Community College District

    Bakersfield

    Prerequisite courses

    Kern Community College District, BakersfieldLPN to RN bridge (associate degree)In person · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$5,422
    School website, LVN to Associate Degree Nursing Program- BC at Kern Community College District
    More details about LVN to Associate Degree Nursing Program- BC at Kern Community College District
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 23 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,422
    School website, LVN to Associate Degree Nursing Program- BC at Kern Community College District

  • RN refresher courseIn personEducation and courses

    RN Refresher Course

    Azusa Pacific University

    Azusa

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Azusa Pacific University, AzusaRN refresher course · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    More details about RN Refresher Course at Azusa Pacific University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    8 weeks, 11 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported

How to pay for RN programs in California

WIOA funding can pay for RN programs in California

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for RN programs

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.78

GI Bill for RN programs

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.9

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

LPN or RN in California?

The programs California approved for workforce funding in each, side by side. The figures are the typical program's, as on the two pages.

LPNRNthis page
Programs43 at 41 schools31 at 23 schools
Most cost, if you pay yourselfCertificates and short courses$5,655 to $33,824Two-year degrees$2,403 to $2,760$1,842 to $4,900
Length48 to 66 weeks48 to 72 weeks
Finished the program74%85%
Working 6 months later86%90%
Earned a year, estimatedabout $54,600Not enough data
Trained with WIOA fundingat least 1,261 peopleat least 1,373 people

Already working as an LPN? 7 of the 31 RN programs in California are LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which lead to a two-year degree; most cost $1,311 to $24,239.

LPN vs RN nationwide: what each job does, the license exams and how to get from one to the other

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024. Earnings are the second quarter after leaving the program, times four.

Quick facts: RN programs in California

programs with a price cost under $2,000
9 of 29
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
1st of 39
RN programs here, against the typical state's 17
31 vs 17

State comparisons use the same figures as the RN programs by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

RN programs in Visalia, San Jose, San Francisco and other California cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 14 more programs are in 11 other areas.

Other training in California

How RN programs compare with the rest of nursing and patient care: Nursing and patient care programs in California

Where the California RN program numbers come from

Which California RN programs are on this list?

These are the RN programs California approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).10 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what California offers.

How the prices and results of California RN programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about RN programs in California

Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses
  2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing: U.S. Members
  3. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  4. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  5. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  6. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  8. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  9. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  10. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List