How can i be a RN in California?

How Can I Become an RN in California?

• Answer:

  If you are considering becoming a registered nurse (RN), several options are available. According to the California State Board of Nursing, in order to be a registered nurse, you must have passed a criminal background check and completed either an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN). In addition, you must pass a licensing examination, e.g. NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse), in order to receive licensing to practice. Difficulty: Challenging Instructions Select the appropriate educational program for you. This includes completing a basic high school education, with a focus on science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and other subjects such as English. Attain at least a 3.0 grade point average in order to gain admission to college-level nursing programs. ADN programs require two to three years of education and are a faster route to entering the nursing profession than the four-year BSN programs. However, there is a substantial difference in the amount of study between the two, and the BSN gives better career prospects and options, including management roles. It also facilitates entry to advanced degrees, such as Master's or Doctoral programs. Some educational institutions recognized by the California Board of Nursing include the City College of San Francisco, San Diego State University, California State University (Fullerton Campus), and the University of California system colleges (e.g. University of California - Los Angeles and San Francisco). Take the NCLEX-RN. Upon graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-RN in order to practice as a RN. This compulsory, computer-based examination assesses your nursing knowledge and competencies. Register with Pearson VUE, the administrators of the NCLEX-RN test. Next, contact the California Board of Nursing to verify that you are eligible for licensing. Pearson VUE will then provide you with an "Authorization to Take The Test (ATT)". This has an expiry date; therefore, book a test as soon as possible. If necessary, take review courses to help you pass the NCLEX-RN, or use practice tests. One month after you are examined, the NCLEX results will be issued to you. Apply for licensing. If you have passed the NCLEX-RN (or another US licensure examination, such as the SBTPE) you can complete the Application for Licensure by Examination. If you come from Canada or overseas, meet all the educational and/or work experience requirements, and hold a current license, you can apply for licensing by endorsement. In all cases, criminal background checks will have to be completed before you can be issued a license.