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RN Programs in San Marcos, California

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

Contact a school today for more info.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in San Marcos, California

Are you considering a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in San Marcos, California? You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the process of becoming an RN in San Marcos, from understanding prerequisites to finding local training programs and employment opportunities. But first, let’s clarify what a Registered Nurse does. RNs play a crucial role in healthcare, providing patient care, administering medication, and collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Why Become an RN in San Marcos

San Marcos, located in the picturesque North County region of San Diego County, offers a fantastic environment for aspiring RNs. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant community, it’s an ideal place to start and grow your nursing career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in California is quite competitive, with a projected job growth rate that continues to rise. Plus, San Marcos is home to notable landmarks like Double Peak Park and the bustling San Elijo Hills neighborhood, making it a great place to live and work.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before you can enroll in an RN program, you’ll need to meet some basic prerequisites:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Minimum age of 18
  • Passing scores on entrance exams (such as the TEAS test)
  • Background check and drug screening

These requirements ensure that you are prepared for the rigorous training and responsibilities that come with being an RN.

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs typically include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. You’ll cover subjects such as:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing

Clinical rotations in various healthcare settings will give you real-world experience, preparing you for the demands of the profession.

RN Training Programs in San Marcos, California

San Marcos offers several reputable schools where you can pursue your RN education:

  1. California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)
    • Address: 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA 92096
    • Program Info: CSUSM RN Program
    • Description: CSUSM offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students for RN licensure. The program includes rigorous coursework and extensive clinical practice.
  2. Palomar College
    • Address: 1140 W Mission Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
    • Program Info: Palomar College RN Program
    • Description: Palomar College provides an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and begin their nursing careers.
  3. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
    • Address: 700 Windy Point Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069
    • Program Info: USAHS RN Program
    • Description: This institution offers advanced nursing programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for those looking to further their careers. While the primary focus is on advanced degrees, the foundational skills provided are top-notch.

RN Employment Opportunities in San Marcos

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll find plenty of employment opportunities in San Marcos. Major healthcare facilities include:

  1. Palomar Health
    • Address: 2185 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92029
    • Employment Page: Palomar Health Careers
    • Description: As one of the largest healthcare providers in North County, Palomar Health offers a range of nursing positions in various specialties. Located just a short drive from San Marcos, it’s a prime employment spot for new RNs.
  2. Kaiser Permanente San Marcos Medical Offices
    • Address: 400 Craven Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
    • Employment Page: Kaiser Permanente Careers
    • Description: Known for its high-quality care and comprehensive services, Kaiser Permanente is a great option for RNs seeking a dynamic work environment.
  3. San Marcos Health Center
    • Address: 150 Valpreda Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069
    • Employment Page: San Marcos Health Center Careers
    • Description: This community-focused health center offers diverse opportunities for RNs to engage in meaningful patient care within the San Marcos area.

RN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed RN in California, you’ll need to meet both state-specific and national certification requirements:

  • Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: This national exam is a must for all aspiring RNs.
  • California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN): You’ll need to apply for licensure through the BRN. More information can be found on their official website.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in San Marcos varies:

  • CSUSM: Approximately $30,000 for in-state students for the BSN program
  • Palomar College: Around $5,000 for the ADN program
  • USAHS: Varies by program; contact the school for details

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

Licensure Reciprocity

California participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs licensed in other NLC states to practice in California without obtaining a new license. However, if you’re moving from a non-NLC state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the California BRN.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a journey to become an RN in San Marcos, California, is a rewarding decision. With a variety of local programs, ample employment opportunities, and supportive community resources, you’re well on your way to a fulfilling career. Contact a school today to take the first step towards your future in nursing!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer San Marcos 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 Marcos?

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 Marcos, California

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Palomar College

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

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

Kaplan College

Grossmont College

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

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

San Diego State University

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

San Diego City College

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

Point Loma Nazarene University

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

Southwestern College

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

Mt San Jacinto College

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

Saddleback College

University of California – Irvine

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

California Baptist University

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

Riverside Community College

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

Santa Ana College

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

College of the Desert

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

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

Golden West College

San Bernardino Valley College

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

Cypress College

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

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

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

Biola University

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

California State University

  • 5500 University Parkway San Bernardino, CA 92407
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (909) 537-5000

Chaffey College

  • 5885 Haven Avenue Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, Radiography, RN
    (909) 652-6399

Long Beach City College

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

American University of Health Sciences

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

Mt. San Antonio College

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

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

Rio Hondo College

Compton Community College

  • 1111 East Artesia Boulevard Compton, CA 90221
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, RN
    (310) 900-1600

Azusa Pacific University

  • 901 E. Alosta Ave Azusa, CA 91702
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, LPN to BSN, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (626) 969-3434

East Los Angeles College

  • 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez Monterey Park, CA 91754
    Programs: ADN, Health Information Management-Associate, RN
    (323) 265-8650

El Camino College

  • 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard Torrance, CA 90506
    Programs: ADN, Radiography, RN
    (310) 532-3670

Los Angeles Southwest College

  • 1600 West Imperial Highway Los Angeles, CA 90047
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (323) 241-5321

California State University

  • 5151 State University Drive Los Angeles, CA 90032
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (323) 343-3000

Los Angeles County College of Nursing & Allied Health

  • 1237 North Mission Road Los Angeles, CA 90033
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (323) 226-4911

Pasadena City College

  • 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, Medical Assistant, Radiography, RN
    (626) 585-7123

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

  • 400 West Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90015
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, RN
    (213) 763-7000

Copper Mountain College

  • 6162 Rotary Way Joshua Tree, CA 92252
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, RN
    (760) 366-3791

Los Angeles City College

  • 855 N. Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90029
    Programs: ADN, CNA, Radiography, RN
    (323) 953-4000

Victor Valley College

  • 18422 Bear Valley Road Victorville, CA 92395
    Programs: ADN, CNA, RN
    (760) 245-4271

Glendale Community College

  • 1500 North Verdugo Road Glendale, CA 91208
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (818) 240-1000

Santa Monica College

  • 1900 Pico Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (310) 434-4000

University of California, Los Angeles

  • 405 Hilgard Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90095
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, LPN to BSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    (310) 825-4321

Imperial Valley College

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

Mount St Mary’s College

  • 12001 Chalon Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90049
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, ADN, BSN, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (310) 954-4000