nurse-groups-head-shots-02

RN Programs in Whittier, California

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

Contact a school today for more info.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Whittier, California

So, you’re considering a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Whittier, California? That’s an excellent choice! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an RN in this vibrant city. From understanding what an RN does to exploring local RN programs and job opportunities, we’ve got you covered.

Why Become an RN in Whittier?

Whittier, located in Los Angeles County, is known for its rich history and scenic beauty. With landmarks like the Whittier College and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, the city offers a blend of educational and recreational opportunities. The average salary for RNs in Whittier is competitive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual wage of $80,010 for Registered Nurses in California. The job outlook for RNs is also promising, with a projected growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029. For more detailed information, you can visit the BLS job outlook page for RNs.

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

Prerequisites for RN programs

Before enrolling in an RN program, you’ll need to meet some basic prerequisites. These typically include:

  • A high school diploma or GED.
  • Being at least 18 years old.
  • Passing entrance exams such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
  • Completing a background check and drug screening.
  • Some programs may also require prerequisite coursework in subjects like biology, chemistry, and anatomy.

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs usually offer a mix of classroom instruction and clinical training. Here’s a brief overview of what you might expect:

  • Core Nursing Courses: These include subjects like Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Psychiatric Nursing.
  • Clinical Training: Hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
  • General Education Courses: Subjects like English, Math, and Social Sciences.
  • Specialty Courses: Some programs offer electives in areas like Geriatric Nursing or Community Health Nursing.

RN Training Programs in Whittier, California

There are several schools in and around Whittier that offer RN programs. Here are three options to consider:

  1. Rio Hondo College
    • Address: 3600 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601
    • Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
    • Description: Rio Hondo College offers a comprehensive ADN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Website: Rio Hondo College Nursing Program
  2. Cypress College
    • Address: 9200 Valley View St, Cypress, CA 90630
    • Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
    • Description: Located about 15 miles from Whittier, Cypress College provides a robust ADN program with excellent clinical training opportunities.
    • Website: Cypress College Nursing Program
  3. Mount Saint Mary’s University
    • Address: 10 Chester Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90007
    • Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
    • Description: About 20 miles from Whittier, this university offers a BSN program known for its strong emphasis on leadership and community health.
    • Website: Mount Saint Mary’s University Nursing Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Whittier

Whittier is home to several major healthcare facilities that offer employment opportunities for RNs:

  1. PIH Health Whittier Hospital
    • Address: 12401 Washington Blvd, Whittier, CA 90602
    • Description: PIH Health is a regional healthcare network with a full-service hospital offering a wide range of nursing opportunities.
    • Website: PIH Health Whittier Hospital Careers
  2. Whittier Hospital Medical Center
    • Address: 9080 Colima Rd, Whittier, CA 90605
    • Description: A community-based hospital providing a variety of healthcare services, making it a great place for RNs to start their careers.
    • Website: Whittier Hospital Medical Center Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To work as an RN in California, you’ll need to meet both state and national certification requirements:

  • National Certification: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • State Certification: Apply for licensure through the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). You can find more information on their official California BRN website.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Whittier can vary widely. On average, you might expect to pay:

  • ADN Programs: $6,000 – $12,000
  • BSN Programs: $40,000 – $100,000

Financial aid options are available, including federal grants, scholarships, and loan programs. 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 additional licensure. 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

Becoming an RN in Whittier, California, is a rewarding career choice with excellent prospects. Take the first step today by reaching out to one of the schools mentioned above. Your future in healthcare awaits!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Whittier 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 Whittier?

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 Whittier, California

photo_of_happy_nurses_in_scrubs

Rio Hondo College

  • 3600 Workman Mill Road Whittier, CA 90601
    Programs: ADN, CNA, LVN, Phlebotomy, RN
    (562) 692-0921

Biola University

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

East Los Angeles College

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

Cerritos College

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

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

Mt. San Antonio College

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

Cypress College

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

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

Long Beach City College

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

Compton Community College

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

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

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

American University of Health Sciences

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

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

Glendale Community College

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

Los Angeles City College

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

Los Angeles Southwest College

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

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

El Camino College

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

Golden West College

Santa Ana College

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

Los Angeles Harbor College

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

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

West Coast University

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

Santa Monica College

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

Los Angeles Valley College

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

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

University of California – Irvine

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

Chaffey College

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

Los Angeles Pierce College

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

Saddleback College

College of the Canyons

San Bernardino Valley College

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

California State University

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

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

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

Victor Valley College

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

Mt San Jacinto College

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

Ventura College

  • 4667 Telegraph Road Ventura, CA 93003
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, RN
    (805) 654-6400

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

College of the Desert

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

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

Santa Barbara City College

  • 721 Cliff Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93109
    Programs: ADN, Health Information Management-Associate, LVN, Radiography, RN
    (805) 965-0581

Point Loma Nazarene University

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