RN Programs in San Diego, California

Get your RN degree in San Diego, California - online & campus-based options available.

Contact a school today for more info.

RN Programs in San Diego, California

In San Diego, the first step in becoming a registered nurse is to apply to a program that is approved by the California board of nursing. One can become an RN with either an associate's or a bachelor's degree.

After graduating from an accredited program, one must apply for an RN license in the state in which he or she intends to practice. In order to be eligible, he or she must also pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

ADN vs. BSN Programs

When deciding which type of degree program to enter into, one must weigh the pros and cons of each option. The benefit to earning an ADN is that it can usually be done in as little as two years, allowing one to begin a nursing career in a short amount of time. The advantage of earning a BSN is that it may make one eligible for more promotions and cause them to have a higher earning potential.

In addition to the decision between ADN and BSN programs, one must decide whether to enroll in an online program or a traditional, campus-based program. Though classes can be completed online, students must still have clinical experience before becoming licensed.

Online vs. Traditional Programs

Online RN programs can be completed on a flexible schedule, as long as coursework is turned in on time. Students can login 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and from anywhere in the country. These programs are designed to mimic a classroom environment.

Campus-based RN programs in San Diego and the surrounding area allow students to interact with each other and with instructors in a classroom environment. These programs offer more structure, as students must attend classes at scheduled times. Some of these programs are offered at traditional, four-year colleges and universities, so students can get the full college experience.

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer San Diego RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in San Diego?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses make really good money in California. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in California. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in California.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.

RN Schools Near You & Online Near San Diego, California

San Diego City College

  • 1313 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101
    Programs: ADN, LVN, RN
    (619) 388-3400

University of San Diego

  • 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN to DNP, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, Nursing Administration, Nursing PhD, Pediatric Nursing, RN, RN to MSN
    (619) 260-4600

Point Loma Nazarene University

  • 3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, CA 92106
    Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (619) 849-2200

San Diego State University

  • 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (619) 594-5200

Kaplan College

  • 9055 Balboa Avenue San Diego, CA 92123
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, Phlebotomy, RN
    (858) 279-4500

Southwestern College

  • 900 Otay Lakes Road Chula Vista, CA 91910
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, RN
    (619) 421-6700

Grossmont College

  • 8800 Grossmont College Drive El Cajon, CA 92020
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (619) 644-7000

California State University at San Marcos

  • 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road San Marcos, CA 92096
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (760) 750-4000

Palomar College

  • 1140 West Mission Road San Marcos, CA 92069
    Programs: ADN, RN
    1(760)744-1150

Saddleback College

Mt San Jacinto College

  • 28237 La Piedra Rd Menifee, CA 92584
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, RN
    (951) 672-6752

University of California – Irvine

  • Campus Dr. and West Peltason Dr. Irvine, CA 92697
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN
    (949) 824-5011

College of the Desert

  • 43-500 Monterey Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, RN
    (760) 346-8041

Santa Ana College

  • 1530 W 17th St. Santa Ana, CA 92706
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (714) 564-6000

California Baptist University

  • 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (877) 228-3615

Golden West College

Riverside Community College

  • 4800 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92506
    Programs: ADN, LVN, Physician Assistant, RN
    (951) 222-8000

Cypress College

  • 9200 Valley View Street Cypress, CA 90630
    Programs: ADN, Health Information Management-Associate, Radiography, RN, Sonography
    (714) 484-7000

Loma Linda University

  • 11370 Anderson Street Loma Linda, CA 92354
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, ADN, BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, LPN to BSN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Nursing PhD, Phlebotomy, Physician Assistant, Radiation Therapy, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (909) 558-2850

California State University at Long Beach

  • 1250 Bellflower Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90840
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, Nursing Administration, Public Health Nursing, Radiation Therapy, RN, RN to BSN
    (562) 985-4111

American University of Health Sciences

  • 1600 East Hill Street, Building #1 Signal Hill, CA 90755
    Programs: BSN, RN
    (562) 988-2278

San Bernardino Valley College

  • 701 South Mount Vernon Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92410
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (909) 384-4400

Long Beach City College

  • 4901 East Carson Street Long Beach, CA 90808
    Programs: ADN, LVN, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Phlebotomy, Radiography, RN
    (562) 938-4560

Biola University

  • 13800 Biola Ave. La Mirada, CA 90639
    Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    1(562)903-6000

Imperial Valley College

  • 380 E. Aten Road Imperial, CA 92251
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, LVN, RN
    (760) 352-8320

Cerritos College

  • 11110 Alondra Blvd. Norwalk, CA 90650
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (562) 860-2451

Los Angeles Harbor College

  • 1111 Figueroa Place Wilmington, CA 90744
    Programs: ADN, CNA, RN
    (310) 233-4000

Western University of Health Sciences

  • 309 E Second St. Pomona, CA 91766
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, MSN, Physician Assistant, RN, RN to MSN
    (909) 623-6116

Mt. San Antonio College

  • 1100 N. Grand Avenue Walnut, CA 91789
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Radiography, RN
    (909) 594-5611