Step 1: Pick your path
There’s more than one way to become an RN in California. Every path below ends with the same NCLEX-RN exam and the same California RN license. The difference is how long it takes, what it costs, and what you need before you start.
What to do
Look at where you are now and pick the path that fits.
- ADN (associate degree in nursing). Offered by community colleges and some private schools. On average it’s the shortest generic path (see the table below). You can earn a bachelor’s degree later if you want one.
- BSN (bachelor of science in nursing). A four-year degree at a CSU, UC or private university. Fits you if you’re starting college or transferring with your general education done.
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN). For people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. You finish a BSN in less time.
- Entry-level master’s (ELM). Also for people with a bachelor’s in another field. You earn a master’s degree and become eligible for the RN exam.
How long it takes
Time for full-time students to finish the nursing program, as reported by California program directors for 2024–25:
| Path | Semesters |
|---|---|
| Generic ADN | 4.2 (average) |
| Accelerated ADN | 2.9 (average) |
| Generic BSN | 6.5 (average) |
| Accelerated BSN | 5.0 (average) |
| Generic ELM | 4.7–5.8 (pre-licensure part; minimum to maximum, as reported by program directors) |
ADN and BSN figures are averages across programs. The BRN asked ELM directors for a minimum and a maximum instead, so the ELM figure is a range. Prerequisites usually come before this and aren’t counted.
Typical costs
Costs vary a lot by school and sector. Some published examples for accelerated BSN programs (each school’s own page, checked Oct 12, 2026):
- CSU San Marcos: $47,570 for 67 units (not all university fees included)
- Cal State LA: about $46,515, including estimated non-tuition costs
- Samuel Merritt University: $109,200 all-inclusive (2026–27)
For ADN, BSN and ELM programs: Varies; check with the school. Each SEAPHE program page shows the cost the school publishes, when it publishes one.
Your SEAPHE tool
- Program finder: filter programs by degree type and region.
- ADN vs. BSN in California
- Entry-level master’s (ELM) programs
Next step: Step 2, Find approved programs.
Spaces vs qualified applications, all California RN programs
Each year, California nursing programs report to the BRN’s annual school survey how many spaces they had for new students, how many qualified applications they received and accepted, and how many new students enrolled (BRN Annual School Report, prepared by UCSF).
| Year | Spaces available | Qualified applications | New students enrolled | Compared |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 11,928 | 28,041 | 13,152 | |
| 2016–17 | 13,697 | 36,004 | 13,597 | |
| 2017–18 | 14,132 | 38,359 | 14,154 | |
| 2018–19 | 14,897 | 47,634 | 15,191 | |
| 2019–20 | 15,204 | 54,823 | 15,002 | |
| 2020–21 | 14,368 | 55,551 | 14,004 | |
| 2021–22 | 20,388 | 64,299 | 16,612 | |
| 2022–23 | 17,912 | 57,987 | 17,651 | |
| 2023–24 | 18,366 | 60,441 | 18,418 | |
| 2024–25 | 19,724 | 64,075 | 19,365 |
Source: BRN Annual School Report, Data Summary (prepared by UCSF), 2015–16 to 2024–25; each year links to its report. Checked Oct 13, 2026. In the chart column, the short bar is spaces and the long bar is qualified applications.
- A survey year such as 2024–25 runs Aug. 1 to July 31; census figures are requested for Oct. 15.
- These are applications, not people: one person often applies to several programs, so a change in applications may not mean the same change in applicants.
- ADN programs as a group enrolled more students than the applications they accepted in 2024–25 (102.4%), which the BRN report attributes to students such as waitlisted applicants and LVNs placed in the second year.
Sources
- BRN, 2024–2025 Annual School Report, Table 26 (time to completion: averages for ADN and BSN, minimum and maximum for ELM), p. 20, https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/education/prelicensure24-25.pdf (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- CSU San Marcos Extended Learning, ABSN program page (checked Oct 12, 2026; https://www.csusm.edu/el/programs/health-medical/bsnursingaccelerated/index.html)
- Cal State LA College of Professional and Global Education, ABSN cost sheet (checked Oct 12, 2026; https://www.calstatela.edu/page/accelerated-bachelor-science-nursing)
- Samuel Merritt University, 2026–27 tuition guide (checked Oct 12, 2026; https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/college-nursing/accelerated-bachelor-science-nursing)