BSN Programs in California

BSN Programs in California

By EveryNurse Staff on July 26, 2018

BSN Programs in California

The role of a registered nurse is to provide exceptional patient care, leadership, and clinical services to those who need medical care. A nurse must provide essential medical care while navigating the ever-changing requirements of modern healthcare systems. Attending a top nursing school in California will help you obtain the degree you need to establish a long-term, successful nursing career.

Nurses are increasingly in demand due to a national shortage of qualified professionals. The nursing profession is both demanding and rewarding. Nurses trained with a bachelor’s degree are more prepared to meet those demands than nurses with an associate’s degree. A top school of nursing will provide a challenging program that prepares you to practice as a registered nurse. Baccalaureate programs provide at least four years of full-time classes and clinical experiences before their students graduate and take the National Council Licensure Examination, also known as the NCLEX.

For someone interested in health care, becoming a registered nurse is a smart career move. As a BSN-prepared nurse, you will be in a great position for your career as an RN in California. Nurses in California often receive competitive salaries, and they benefit from laws that protect them from being overworked. If you are looking to become a registered nurse in California, getting a bachelor’s degree in nursing is a solid start.

The Importance of BSN Programs

Different careers require different levels of training and education. When it comes to health care, very rigid expectations are put in place to keep patients safe. The BSN-prepared nurse receives far more training and experience than the nurse with an associate’s degree. Technically, an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) qualifies you to take the NCLEX to get an RN license and become a registered nurse, but most hospitals prefer nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

The BSN takes around four years to complete with full-time education. Courses cover the same general education requirements and healthcare classes as the ADN, plus additional courses on science, math, leadership, and more. The BSN-prepared nurse is sought-after in the job market because of their in-depth training. While some students choose to get an ADN, they will likely have to return to school to earn a BSN degree if they want to advance professionally. If you want to become a nursing leader or plan to get your master’s degree eventually, you will need to join an RN to BSN program to get a higher degree than an ADN.

Increased Demand for Highly Qualified Nurses

The healthcare field is a rapidly evolving environment, and nurses need in-depth preparation and training before handling professional responsibility as an RN. An estimated 20% of American adults will be over the age of 65 in 2020; those over 85 will be the most rapidly growing age group, and California’s population of seniors is growing faster than any other age group in the state. This increase in seniors’ average ratio will lead to more elderly patients who will likely need more intensive medical care.

But while this shift will increase demand for hospitals and healthcare facilities, there is still a lack of nurses entering the field. To illustrate this imbalance, there is currently only a 3.7% increase in BSN enrollment for collegiate nursing education, which isn’t enough to match the estimated 15% growth in job openings, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Perhaps even more importantly, about half (50.9%) of the current national RN workforce is over the age of 50. California makes the top of the list for American cities facing nursing shortages, with 55% of registered nurses over the age of 50. As an aging nursing population moves towards retirement, additional nurses will need to replace them.

According to the National Academy of Medicine, recommendations call for BSN-prepared nurses to make up 80% of the working population, compared to the 56% of BSN RNs currently in place. Studies have shown that higher ratios of BSN RNs improve mortality rates, patient satisfaction, and healthcare outcomes—all crucial elements that can’t be ignored. These significant differences can be directly tied to increased training and knowledge that stems from a more in-depth education.

Building Key Competencies to Become Leaders

One of the biggest differences between an ADN program and a BSN program comes down to the time spent training leadership qualities. Great baccalaureate nursing programs will teach students to work within complex organizational boundaries, negotiate change, lead within the healthcare field, and problem-solve from a systematic perspective. BSN programs are also better equipped to teach collaboration among registered nursing professionals by integrating leadership skills within every program level.

According to an excerpt from an article published in the Journal of Professional Nursing: “Nurse graduates of RN-BSN completion programs are poised for critical leadership […] due to their recent education and practice experience.”

In-Depth and Comprehensive Preparation

In 1980, there were different expectations for the required level of education for nurses. Only 22% held a BSN from a nursing school, and 55% of registered nurses only had a hospital diploma. But today’s nurse is expected to navigate a far more complicated world of medical demands and changing technology. One of the key messages in the “Future of Nursing” report states, “nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training, through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression.”

Nurses serve as the bridge between patients and physicians, providing care that improves health outcomes. With a longer baccalaureate degree, more classes and training opportunities are given to students, which better prepares them for careers in nursing. According to the AACN, the differences in training are significant:

“Unlike graduates of diploma or associate-degree nursing programs, the nurse with a baccalaureate degree is prepared to practice in all health care settings – critical care, outpatient care, public health, and mental health. Accordingly, the BSN nurse is well-qualified to deliver care in private homes, outpatient centers, and neighborhood clinics where demand is fast expanding as hospitals focus increasingly on acute care and as health care moves beyond the hospital to more primary and preventive services throughout the community.”

The article continues:

“At increasing numbers of hospitals nationwide, baccalaureate-prepared nurses are being utilized in ways that recognize their different educational preparation and competency from other entry-level RNs. In these differentiated practice models, BSN nurses provide not only more complex aspects of daily care and patient education but also design and coordinate a comprehensive plan of nursing care for the entire length of a patient’s stay – from pre-admission to post-discharge – including supervising nurses aides and other unlicensed assistive personnel, designing discharge and teaching plans for patients, and collaborating with patients, physicians, family members, and other hospital departments and resource personnel. Associate-degree nurses function primarily at the bedside in less complex patient care situations, and provide additional aspects of care such as teaching patients how to cope with their conditions and to maintain their care upon discharge.”

BSN-Prepared Nurses are Directly Linked with Better Patient Outcomes

Many studies have shown clear connections between nurses with higher degrees and better patient outcomes. An excerpt from a 2019 article published in Nursing Management states:

“Evidence has repeatedly demonstrated that organizations with a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses achieve better patient outcomes, including lower mortality, a decrease in failure-to-rescue rates, and fewer hospital-acquired infections. The literature also shows that an increase in education directly correlates with decreased length of stay and better surgical patient outcomes. Also, a meta-analysis exploration of BSN degrees and patient outcomes determined that higher BSN degree rates led to decreased failure-to-rescue and mortality and improved patient outcomes.”

Hospitals Prefer BSN-Prepared Nurses

Hospitals may not be ready to hire BSN-prepared nurses exclusively, but their preferences are clear. The national recommendation to increase BSN RNs to 80% has impacted the hiring tendencies of hospitals. Some states, like New York, have gone as far as requiring a BSN degree within 10 years of becoming a registered nurse.

Hospitals may hire ADN nurses, but BSN-prepared nurses are typically given more responsibilities. Because of recommendations, many hospitals prefer to hire a greater ratio of BSN RNs who will lead to better patient outcomes and improved numbers. A BSN degree from a recognized school of nursing will improve the job opportunities for a registered nurse.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses in California

Because of an increasing population of nurses nearing retirement, the California Policy Center estimates more than 165,000 positions will need to be filled by 2030. Projected vacancies alone do not account for the high growth rate of 15% that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects for RN positions or the increased demand caused by a larger senior population. It will be difficult for nursing schools to keep up with this high demand level, which means job opportunities will be plentiful and qualified nurses will be highly sought-after.

Nursing careers have a very bright outlook because of the growing shortage and the high salaries being offered to fill the gaps. Organizations like the California Nurses Association are interested in making nursing jobs appealing to professionals holding an RN license. High turnover rates have been linked to lower staffing ratios of BSN nurses to ADN nurses, as well as high patient-to-nurse rates. Both numbers lead to a more taxing environment for the average nurse, and many hospitals are trying to avoid that situation.

Salaries for Nurses in California

Nurses in California are in a great position when it comes to salary and employment opportunities. The BLS reports RNs in California to make the most of all states with an average salary of over $113,000, nearly $40,000 higher than the national average salary for an RN. Specifically, nurses with specializations, like nurse anesthetists, can enjoy even higher salaries and more advantages in their careers.

In larger metro areas, annual salaries run even higher. For example, the San Francisco area pays over 38,000 registered nurses’ salaries, averaging nearly $140,000. The highest average nursing salary in California can be found in the San Jose area where over 16,000 nurses make an average salary of over $140,000.

The national average wage for a BSN-prepared nurse is much higher than for an ADN RN. With a higher education level, the nurse holding a BSN degree is typically paid more and given more responsibility on the floor.

Degree Guides

What Should You Look for in a California BSN Program?

If you are seeking a degree in nursing, finding the right school is important. Many things will set apart a top university from other similar schools. Some nursing schools will have objective benefits, while others may have subjective benefits that fit your needs.

Here are some aspects you should consider when comparing nursing schools.

  • Program Offering

    The first thing to ask of every school you look at is whether the program aligns with your goals to become a nurse. Undergraduate and graduate students can add a concentration to their degree program. Before choosing a school, look into what concentrations are offered and make sure the school can adequately train you for the specialization you want to pursue. Does the program offer you the ability to pick an area of concentration or specialization? Does the school provide an accelerated BSN option for students who have already completed a baccalaureate degree?

  • Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

    Since nursing is a science-based field of study, almost all universities require students to complete a few prerequisites before starting their program; this is especially true for non-traditional BSN programs. Keep in mind, a program that does not have these requirements may not provide demanding coursework that will properly prepare you for a professional career.

    Some nursing schools are extremely difficult to get into, while others are much easier. Students may be tempted to pursue an ADN because the associate’s degree nursing programs are often easier to get into than baccalaureate programs. Most programs have high school-level requirements for math, English, and science classes to start the program. ADN to BSN programs will often have certain requirements for transferring credits that allow an ADN registered nurse to start a bridge program to earn their BSN.

  • Accreditation

    Registered nursing schools should be accredited on national and state levels to prove the value of their programs. Accreditation is one way to ensure a university or collegiate program is likely to prepare students for the healthcare field. However, accreditation can be done by any third party, so only certain accreditation lists should be considered authoritative.

    Two of the most well-known national accredited bodies are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The CCNE only accredits programs offering bachelor’s or master’s level nursing degrees.

  • Location

    If you are looking into traditional schools, then the location will be a consideration. However, if you choose a top online nursing program, you will have the option to study conveniently from home. Most online programs have connections with local hospitals or organizations to do your clinical hours and gain healthcare experience. In-state tuition is often cheaper than going to a school that is not in California. Out-of-state schools will likely cost more with room and board and typically offer fewer financial aid opportunities.

    Online RN programs aren’t like traditional in-state schools that are based on location. If you prefer to work on your BSN from home, you can check out the best online nursing programs to see which one might be right for you.

  • Program Costs and Financial Aid

    You can get financial assistance for most schools, especially for a bachelor’s degree in a registered nursing program. If you are looking into nursing schools, value and cost should be large parts of your decision. When looking at schools, research their tuition rates and financial aid packages. Students can start looking for nursing scholarships before they graduate high school and can continue to apply for financial aid throughout college.

    Many schools offer scholarships for sports or academics, but outside scholarships are also given for a wide range of reasons. Applying for scholarships will increase the chance that part or all of a student’s tuition will be covered. Many scholarships can be “stacked” or used together to cover tuition fees, campus stay, book expenses, and more.

  • Faculty Credentials

    It’s also essential to take a close look at the professors in your RN program because they will choose the materials you will be taught, and they will be the ones to determine your grades. Great programs have highly qualified nurses with their master’s or doctorate degrees. While only a BSN is needed to teach in the college setting, most schools expect higher degrees to ensure that their nursing professors are prepared to instruct in various courses and topics.

    The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) recommends that faculty have a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing when teaching at an academic level. All teachers must hold a higher mastery of the class than their students. Even with online RN classes, the professor must be able to masterfully teach the material and help students achieve a deep level of understanding. If professors are not well prepared or highly educated, they will train nurses that fall short of the high expectations of collegiate nursing education.

  • NCLEX Pass Rates

    After finishing an associate’s or baccalaureate program from a college or university, a nursing student must then take the NCLEX; this is the only way to become a registered nurse. High pass rates will tell you some important things about a prospective program. For example, a high NCLEX pass rate is likely due to hands-on training, high-quality curriculum, top-caliber faculty, ample preparation for testing, and supportive faculty. 

    A top nursing college or university will typically promote its own NCLEX pass rate. However, if you are looking into a nursing school that does not clearly show their NCLEX pass rate, you can find it on the website for the state’s board of nursing. These websites list the pass rates by school. Check the scores of schools you are interested in and look into how they did over the last five years. The national average was 84.5% in 2015. It would be best if you aimed to choose a school that consistently ranks higher than the national average.
  • Quality of Clinical Partnerships

    Look into where the university does its nursing training for clinical hours and other on-site opportunities. Make sure your chosen school has a connection with reputable hospitals and organizations where you can get these professional experiences. You do not want to put a lot of effort into classes, only to have substandard clinical experience.

    You can usually find out where a school does its clinical hours. The relationships with community healthcare facilities will tell you a lot about the caliber of the school. Look into the facilities where they send students and determine if it looks like a good fit and a valuable experience.

  • Class Size (Student to Faculty Ratio)

    The student-to-faculty rate should be on the lower end so that students can get through the material with the proper help and support from their professors. Some students enjoy large class sizes with lecture hall-style learning, but many prefer smaller class sizes where teachers are more hands-on with students. Online classes with too many students cause professors to be stretched too thin and unable to challenge their students fully. It can be ideal for getting a blended learning experience where you have some large lecture classes, some smaller learning group settings, and some online classes. You will have to decide if a large public nursing school is best for you or if you would prefer a small private university.

Additional California Program Rankings

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