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RN Programs in Lancaster, California

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

Contact a school today for more info.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Lancaster, California

Considering a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Lancaster, California? You’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the journey from selecting an RN program to landing your first job. But first, what exactly does an RN do? In a nutshell, RNs are vital members of the healthcare team, responsible for patient care, administering medication, and collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Why Become an RN in Lancaster?

Lancaster is a vibrant city located in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert. With a blend of suburban and rural areas, it offers a unique setting for starting your nursing career. Lancaster is known for landmarks like the Lancaster Performing Arts Center and the Aerospace Walk of Honor.

The average salary for an RN in Lancaster is competitive, generally aligning with the statewide average. You can expect a salary range of around $70,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on your experience and the healthcare facility. The job outlook for RNs is also promising, with a projected growth rate of 6% from 2021 to 2031. For more detailed information, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ RN job outlook page.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

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

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Minimum age requirement (usually 18 years)
  • Completion of certain prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry)
  • Passing an entrance exam (such as the TEAS)
  • Background check and drug screening

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs generally include both classroom instruction and clinical training. Courses you can expect to take include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Clinical rotations in various healthcare settings

RN Training Programs in Lancaster, California

Here are three local schools in Lancaster that offer RN programs:

  1. Antelope Valley College
    • Address: 3041 W Ave K, Lancaster, CA 93536
    • RN Program Page
    • Description: Antelope Valley College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. The program is known for its comprehensive curriculum and strong clinical partnerships with local healthcare facilities. Tuition costs approximately $46 per unit for California residents.
  2. University of Antelope Valley
    • Address: 44055 Sierra Hwy, Lancaster, CA 93534
    • RN Program Page
    • Description: The University of Antelope Valley offers both an ADN and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The programs emphasize hands-on clinical experience and personalized instruction. Tuition varies, and financial aid is available.
  3. Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health
    • Address: 1237 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (approximately 70 miles from Lancaster)
    • RN Program Page
    • Description: This college offers an ADN program with a focus on preparing students for immediate employment in healthcare settings. Tuition is competitive, and the college offers various financial aid options.

RN Employment Opportunities in Lancaster

Lancaster hosts several major healthcare facilities where RNs can find employment:

  1. Antelope Valley Hospital
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Description: Located in the heart of Lancaster, this 420-bed hospital is one of the largest employers in the area. It offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and maternity services.
  2. Kaiser Permanente Lancaster Medical Offices
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Description: Kaiser Permanente is a well-known healthcare provider with various medical offices in Lancaster. They offer numerous opportunities for RNs in various specialties.
  3. High Desert Regional Health Center
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Description: This facility provides comprehensive outpatient services and is part of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. It is located in nearby Lancaster and offers several RN positions.

RN Certification Requirements

To become an RN in California, you must:

  • Graduate from an accredited nursing program
  • Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Apply for licensure through the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)

For more details, visit the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Lancaster can vary. On average, tuition for an ADN program can range from $3,000 to $10,000, while BSN programs may cost between $20,000 and $40,000. Financial aid options are available, including federal grants, scholarships, and student loans. Be sure to check with the financial aid office at your chosen school 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 additional licensure. However, RNs from non-compact states will need to meet California’s licensure requirements. For more information, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Ready to take the first step toward becoming an RN in Lancaster, California? Contact one of the local schools listed above to learn more about their programs and how to apply. Your journey to a rewarding career in nursing starts now!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster, California

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Antelope Valley Medical College

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

College of the Canyons

Glendale Community College

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

West Coast University

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

Pasadena City College

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

Los Angeles Valley College

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

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

Los Angeles City College

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

Los Angeles Pierce College

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

East Los Angeles College

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

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

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

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

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

Rio Hondo College

Moorpark College

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

Mt. San Antonio College

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

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

Chaffey College

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

Santa Monica College

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

Victor Valley College

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

Los Angeles Southwest College

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

Biola University

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

Cerritos College

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

Compton Community College

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

El Camino College

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

California State University

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

Long Beach City College

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

Cypress College

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

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

Los Angeles Harbor College

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

San Bernardino Valley College

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

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

California Baptist University

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

Golden West College

Bakersfield College

  • 1801 Panorama Drive Bakersfield, CA 93305
    Programs: ADN, CNA, EMT Paramedic, LVN, Radiography, RN
    (661) 395-4011

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

Ventura College

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

California State University at Bakersfield

  • 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, RN, RN to BSN
    (661) 654-2782

University of California – Irvine

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

Saddleback College

Santa Barbara City College

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

Mt San Jacinto College

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