California LPN
CA LPN Schools, LPN Programs and LPN Salary Data

California has a growing number of opportunities in the nursing field.  Within the state, Licensed Practical Nurses make up 21% of the total nurses and the LPN comfort score is 74.  This takes into account the average LPN salary, average state salary and cost of living. The California RN comfort score is considerably higher at 143. The large difference between the two illustrates that it is advisable to continue your education and obtain an RN degree. California nursing schools and universities can provide more information that can help you pursue either degree. In California there are many cities that will have a high number of potential educational institutions and job opportunities for an LPN. These areas include, Modesto, Bakersfield, Stockton, Fresno, Sacramento, Oxnard, San Francisco, Riverside, San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

Recommended California-Approved LPN Programs

STATE APPROVED LPN PROGRAMS	Locations
California College San Diego	San Diego
Career Colleges of America	Los Angeles
Carrington College California	Antioch, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro
Charter College	Canyon Country
Everest College	Anaheim
Institute of Technology	Multiple Locations
Intercoast Colleges	Fairfeild
Kaplan College	Multiple Locations
Santa Barbara Business College	Bakersfield, Santa Maria
Summit Career College	Colton
West Coast University	Anaheim, North Hollywood, Ontario

Checklist to become a California LPN:

1. Earn your LPN Degree, 1 year of courses and hands-on practice.
2. Apply for licensure with the California Board of Nursing ($85 fee) – Have your school send your transcript to them as well
3. Obtain a CPR card and pass the NCLEX-PN exam

LPN Salaries in California
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) in California earn an average of $24.01/hr and a yearly income of $49,940. Nurses working in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher salaries than in non-metropolitan parts of the state, although there is likely to be a relatively higher cost of living associated in those areas. The Bay Area pays entry-level salaries that far exceed the average in California. California is also known for having generous compensation packages, including matching retirement, liability and life insurance, extra paid holidays, and daycare or preschool benefits.

An LPN can work in a variety of areas within the nursing field including nursing care facilities, hospitals or a physicians’ office. In California, LPNs working in general medical and surgical hospitals earn more than those working in the offices of physicians. When choosing a career path within the industry, salary is only one piece to consider. Many LPNs find a more rewarding career in a family office rather than a hospital, despite a lower salary. It is advisable for LPNs to look towards home health care agencies and long-term care facilities are the fastest growing potential employers. The LPN with several years of experience and those with certifications in geriatric health are going to be in higher demand. It is crucial to begin trying to figure out which area is the best fit for you as early as possible. Take advantage of all the offered nursing classes and programs as well as continue to educate yourself and research all the available options before deciding.

LPN Degree and Education in California
In the state of California, the practical nursing program is the quickest route to becoming a nurse. To earn a degree requires one year of courses as well as hands-on practice. You are required to obtain a CPR card, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam upon completion of the course. The comfort score of an RN is much higher than an LPN and it is important to consider that some universities are now offering alternative programs such as a fast paced two-year Bachelor in the Science of Nursing (BSN) program for individuals who already have a bachelors degree and are looking for a career change. With any questions about nursing programs and specific requirements, contact the admissions office of your chosen college or school.

License renewal for nurses in California starts the second year after receiving an initial license, on the month of your birth. From that point forward, nursing licenses must be renewed every two years. Each period requires nurses to engage in 30 continuing education credits.

California LPN Job Outlook
The nursing shortage in The United States is steadily increasing. There is a rising demand for new and more effective health procedures and life expectancy averages are continuing to climb. These issues will be reflected in the California health industry and help to create an extremely strong job outlook for LPNs.

There are many job openings in California in all fields of nursing. California hospitals, home health companies and doctor offices are now offering flexible schedules, educational benefits, higher pay and other incentives to retain their staff and to recruit new nurses. Some hospitals are even offering sign on bonuses or student loan reimbursement up to certain maximums.

California is a great place for nurses. The pay is among the highest in the nation but is offset due to the high cost of living. In overall comfort, the scores indicate that an RN degree would be worth the continuing education. A career as an LPN in this state can provide opportunities and security.

The California State Board of Nursing Website is www.rn.ca.gov/

University of Phoenix

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• Licensed Practical Nurse/ Licensed Vocational Nurse to BSN
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• BS in Nursing (RN Required)
• And more...

Locations: Salida

Kaplan College - KHE

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician
• And more...

Locations: San Diego

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Los Angeles

Carrington College California

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Medical Assisting
• And more...

Locations: San Jose

Santa Barbara Business College

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assisting Diploma
• Medical Assisting Associate
• And more...

Locations: Rancho Mirage

Intercoast Colleges

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing
• Medical Assistant

Locations: Fairfield

Charter College

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing
• Diploma - Medical Assistant
• Diploma - Medical Office Administrative Assistant

Locations: Canyon Country

Institute of Technology

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma
• Medical Billing/Coding Specialist
• Professional Medical Assistant

Locations: Redding

Summit College

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Locations: Colton

Keiser University

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS
• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)