How to Become a Registered Nurse in California
Registered nurses have an important job as they provide care, treatment and comfort to ailing and injured individuals. There are number of job opportunities available in the state of California for any person interested in helping people when they are ill. You can become an RN in the Golden State by learning the steps and process of how to become a registered nurse in California.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Graduate from a registered nurse program. Most RN programs in California take approximately two years to complete. This education not only provides you with the information you need to successfully serve as a nurse, but also includes lab and clinical experience to help you apply what you learn in the classroom to actual care in a hospital or medical facility environment.
-
2
Complete the application for an RN license in California. The state of California requires that all prospective registered nurses make application for licensing. This is done by completing a simple application and enclosing with it a $75 application and licensing fee.
-
-
3
Request official transcripts from nursing program. To ensure that you have met the education requirements to obtain your registered nurse license in California, the state board of registered nursing requires that you submit official transcripts showing proof of graduation from an accredited and approved program. These transcripts must be received directly from the school and not applicants. You c an determine if your school is accredited and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing by visiting their website.
-
4
Include a photograph with license application. Registered nurses in CA are required to submit with their application a photo similar to a passport photo. It should be in color, recent and have dimensions of 2 inches by 2 inches.
-
5
Complete fingerprinting process. There are two different ways in the state of California to provide your fingerprints for a background check. The first is to submit a fingerprint card which can be completed at local law enforcement centers. You will be required to submit the cards along with the fingerprinting fee yourself. If you choose the other method (which is recommended by the California Board of Registered Nursing), you visit a livescan fingerprinting facility. Choosing the latter shortens the time it takes to process your fingerprints since they go directly into the computer. You can find a live scanning facility in California by visiting the website of the California Department of Justice.
-
6
Apply for interim RN permit if needed. A temporary permit in California allows you to serve as an RN when waiting to take the licensing exam. You can get a temporary permit by completing an application for the permit and paying a $30 application fee. In addition you are required to submit proof of meeting the education requirements.
-
7
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN. The final step in getting your RN license in California is to take and pass the NCLEX-RN. Your application for licensure must be received and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, which is why they highly recommend applying for licensing four months prior to the date you want to take the test.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The temporary RN license is only issued once and is valid for six months.
The temporary RN license expires as soon as an applicant fails the NCLEX-RN exam.
