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RN Programs in Santa Ana, California

Get your RN degree in Santa Ana, California - online & campus-based options available.

Contact a school today for more info.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Santa Ana, California

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Santa Ana, California? You’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, from understanding what an RN does to enrolling in local RN programs. Let’s dive in!

Why Become an RN in Santa Ana

Santa Ana, located in the heart of Orange County, offers a vibrant community with rich cultural heritage and numerous opportunities for healthcare professionals. With its proximity to renowned landmarks like the Bowers Museum and the bustling Downtown Santa Ana, it’s an ideal place to begin your nursing career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in California is around $120,560 annually, with a projected job growth of 9% from 2020 to 2030. This promising outlook makes Santa Ana a fantastic location to pursue your nursing aspirations.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

To enroll in an RN program in Santa Ana, you typically need:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Minimum age of 18
  • Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, anatomy)
  • Passing scores on entrance exams (e.g., TEAS)
  • Background checks and immunizations

These prerequisites ensure you’re well-prepared for the rigorous training ahead.

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs combine classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. You can expect to take courses in:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Nursing Ethics
  • Patient Care

Clinical training is a crucial component, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced professionals.

RN Training Programs in Santa Ana, California

Here are some local schools offering RN programs:

  1. Santa Ana College
    • Address: 1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706
    • Program Description: Santa Ana College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing positions.
    • Link: Santa Ana College ADN Program
  2. California State University, Fullerton
    • Address: 800 N. State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831 (Approx. 7 miles from Santa Ana)
    • Program Description: CSU Fullerton offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, providing a comprehensive education that includes community health and leadership training.
    • Link: CSU Fullerton BSN Program
  3. Concorde Career College
    • Address: 12951 Euclid Street, Suite 101, Garden Grove, CA 92840 (Approx. 5 miles from Santa Ana)
    • Program Description: Concorde Career College offers an accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing program, focusing on practical skills and clinical experiences.
    • Link: Concorde Career College ADN Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Santa Ana

Santa Ana hosts several major healthcare facilities where you can kickstart your career:

  1. Santa Ana Medical Center
    • Address: 123 Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
    • Description: A comprehensive medical center offering a variety of services including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments.
    • Link: Santa Ana Medical Center Careers
  2. Orange County Global Medical Center
    • Address: 1001 N. Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
    • Description: Known for its trauma center and critical care services, this facility provides diverse employment opportunities for RNs.
    • Link: Orange County Global Medical Center Careers
  3. St. Joseph Hospital
    • Address: 1100 W. Stewart Drive, Orange, CA 92868 (Approx. 4 miles from Santa Ana)
    • Description: A leading hospital with a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and maternity services.
    • Link: St. Joseph Hospital Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To practice as an RN in California, you must:

California also requires continuing education for license renewal, ensuring RNs stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Santa Ana can vary widely. For instance:

  • Santa Ana College: Around $46 per unit for in-state students.
  • CSU Fullerton: Approximately $6,946 per academic year for California residents.
  • Concorde Career College: Tuition varies, contact the college for specific details.

Financial aid options include federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Check each school’s financial aid office for specific opportunities.

Licensure Reciprocity

California participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs licensed in other compact states to practice in California without additional licensure. However, if your state is not part of the NLC, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the California BRN.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Registered Nurse in Santa Ana, California, is a fulfilling and strategic choice. With numerous educational and employment opportunities, there’s no better time to begin your journey. Contact a local school today to start your application process and take the first step towards a rewarding nursing career!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana?

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 Santa Ana, California

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Santa Ana College

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

University of California – Irvine

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

Golden West College

Cypress College

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

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 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

Cerritos College

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

Long Beach City College

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

Saddleback College

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

Rio Hondo College

Compton Community College

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

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

Los Angeles Harbor College

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

East Los Angeles College

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

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

California Baptist University

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

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

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

Los Angeles County College of Nursing & Allied Health

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

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

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

Pasadena City College

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

Riverside Community College

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

Chaffey College

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

Los Angeles City College

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

Glendale Community College

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

San Bernardino Valley College

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

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

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

Mt San Jacinto College

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

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

California State University

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

West Coast University

  • 12215 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606
    Programs: ADN, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (818) 299-5500

Los Angeles Valley College

  • 5800 Fulton Avenue Valley Glen, CA 91401
    Programs: ADN, RN
    (818) 947-2600

Los Angeles Pierce College

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

Victor Valley College

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

College of the Canyons

Antelope Valley Medical College

  • 44201 10th St West Lancaster, CA 93534
    Programs: ADN, LVN, RN
    (661) 726-1911

Moorpark College

  • 7075 Campus Road Moorpark, CA 93021
    Programs: ADN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Radiography, RN
    (805) 378-1400

Kaplan College

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

Grossmont College

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

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

College of the Desert

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