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RN Programs in San Jose, California

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

Contact a school today for more info.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in San Jose, California

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in San Jose, California? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from understanding what an RN does to finding the right local RN programs.

Registered Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare, providing patient care, educating patients about health conditions, and offering emotional support to patients and their families. Let’s dive into why becoming an RN in San Jose might be the perfect career choice for you.

Why Become an RN in San Jose?

San Jose, known as the heart of Silicon Valley, is an exciting and vibrant city with a rich cultural landscape and a booming job market. With its proximity to tech giants and a diverse population, San Jose offers a unique blend of opportunities and experiences.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for RNs in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area is one of the highest in the nation, making it an attractive place to start your nursing career. The job outlook for RNs is also promising, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029.

For more information about San Jose, you can visit the official city website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before you can enroll in an RN program, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites. These typically include:
– A high school diploma or GED
– Minimum age requirement (usually 18 years or older)
– Completion of prerequisite courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, and math
– Passing scores on entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
– Background checks and immunizations

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs are designed to provide you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:
General Education Courses: English, psychology, and sociology
Core Nursing Courses: Anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and nursing ethics
Clinical Training: Hands-on experience in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics, supervised by experienced RNs

RN Training Programs in San Jose, California

San Jose is home to several reputable institutions offering RN programs. Here are three options to consider:

  1. Evergreen Valley College
    • Address: 3095 Yerba Buena Rd, San Jose, CA 95135
    • Program Details: Evergreen Valley College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program includes classroom instruction and clinical practice.
    • Website: Evergreen Valley College Nursing Program
  2. San Jose State University
    • Address: 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192
    • Program Details: San Jose State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This program not only prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam but also provides a strong foundation for advanced nursing roles.
    • Website: San Jose State University Nursing Program
  3. Carrington College
    • Address: 6201 San Ignacio Ave, San Jose, CA 95119
    • Program Details: Carrington College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program with a mix of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience. The program is designed to be completed in about two years.
    • Website: Carrington College Nursing Program

RN Employment Opportunities in San Jose

San Jose boasts several top-tier healthcare facilities where RNs can find employment. Here are a few major ones:

  1. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
  2. Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center
    • Location: South San Jose
    • Website: Kaiser Permanente Careers
    • Description: Part of the renowned Kaiser Permanente network, this facility provides comprehensive healthcare services and numerous opportunities for RNs.
  3. Regional Medical Center of San Jose
    • Location: East San Jose
    • Website: Regional Medical Center Careers
    • Description: A full-service hospital known for its advanced medical care, offering various RN positions.

RN Certification Requirements

To practice as an RN in California, you must meet both state and national certification requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
NCLEX-RN Exam: Passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses is a must.
California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN): You must apply for licensure through the BRN. For more information, visit the California BRN website.
Continuing Education: California requires RNs to complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their license.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in San Jose can vary widely. For instance:
Community Colleges: Tuition can range from $3,000 to $6,000 per year for in-state students.
Universities: Tuition at institutions like San Jose State University can be around $7,000 per year for in-state students.
Private Colleges: Costs can be higher, often exceeding $20,000 per year.

Financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. Be sure to check with each school’s financial aid office for specific opportunities.

Licensure Reciprocity

If you’re an RN moving to California from another state, you’ll be pleased to know that California participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows RNs licensed in other NLC states to practice in California without obtaining additional licensure. However, you will need to meet California-specific requirements, such as completing CEUs.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Registered Nurse in San Jose, California, is a fulfilling and promising career path. With numerous training programs, strong job prospects, and excellent salaries, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the local schools mentioned above to learn more about their programs and start your journey toward becoming an RN today!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer San Jose 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 Jose?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent 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 Jose, California

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Evergreen Valley College

  • 3095 Yerba Buena Road San Jose, CA 95135
    Programs: ADN, CNA, RN
    (408) 274-7900

San Jose State University

  • One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192
    Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (408) 924-1000

Gavilan College

  • 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. Gilroy, CA 95020
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, RN
    (408) 848-4800

Cabrillo College

  • 6500 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003
    Programs: ADN, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, Radiography, RN
    (831) 479-6100

De Anza Community College

Ohlone College

  • 43600 Mission Boulevard Fremont, CA
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (510) 659-6000

Hartnell College

  • 411 Central Avenue Salinas, CA 93901
    Programs: ADN, LVN, RN
    (831) 755-6700

California State University – East Bay

  • 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard Hayward, CA 94542
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (510) 885-3000

Chabot College

  • 25555 Hesperian Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
    Programs: ADN, Medical Assistant, RN
    (510) 723-6600

College of San Mateo

  • 1700 W. Hillsdale Boulevard San Mateo, CA 94402
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (650) 574-6161

Monterey Peninsula College

  • 980 Fremont St Monterey, CA 93940
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (831) 646-4000

Merritt College

  • 12500 Campus Drive Oakland, CA 94619
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, Radiography, RN
    (510) 531-4911

University of Phoenix – Modesto

  • 5330 Pirrone Road Salida, CA 95368
    Programs: BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (800) 266-2107

Modesto Junior College

  • 435 College Avenue Modesto, CA 95350
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, RN
    (209) 575-6550

California State University

  • 1 University Circle Turlock, CA 95382
    Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (209) 667-3122

Samuel Merritt College

  • 3100 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94609
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, BSN, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Physician Assistant, RN
    (510) 869-6511

City College of San Francisco

  • 50 Phelan Avenue San Francisco, CA 94112
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Health Information Management-Associate, LVN, Medical Assistant, Radiation Therapy, Radiography, RN
    (415) 239-3000

San Francisco State University

  • 1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (415) 338-1111

University of California – San Francisco

  • 55 Laguna Street San Francisco, CA 94102
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, DNP, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to MSN
    (415) 252-3016

Los Medanos College

  • 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg, CA 94565
    Programs: ADN, LVN, RN
    (925) 439-2181

University of San Francisco

  • 2130 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94117
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, MSN, RN, RN to MSN
    (415) 422-5555

San Joaquin Delta College

  • 5151 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95207
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, RN
    (209) 954-5151

Contra Costa College

  • 2600 Mission Bell Drive San Pablo, CA 94806
    Programs: ADN, CNA, RN
    (510) 235-7800

Merced Community College

  • 3600 M Street Merced, CA 95348
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, Radiography, RN
    (209) 384-6000

College of Marin

  • 835 College Avenue Kentfield, CA 94904
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (415) 457-8811

Dominican University of California

  • 50 Acacia Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901
    Programs: BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, LPN to BSN, RN
    1(415)457-4440

Solano Community College

  • 4000 Suisun Valley Rd Fairfield, CA 94534
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (707) 864-7000

Napa Valley College

  • 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway Napa, CA 94558
    Programs: ADN, EMT Paramedic, LVN, RN
    (707) 253-3000

Sacramento City College

  • 3835 Freeport Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95822
    Programs: ADN, LVN, RN
    (916) 558-2111

Sonoma State University

  • 1801 East Cotati Ave. Rohnert Park, CA 94928
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (707) 664-2880

California State University at Sacramento

  • 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, EMT Paramedic, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (916) 278-6011

Western Career College

  • 8909 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95826
    Programs: ADN, LVN, RN
    (877) 206-5543