Online ADN/ASN Programs in California: Finding the Right School
The right ADN program can help you become a California registered nurse in as little as 10 months (typically 24 months). The right online ADN program (online coursework + clinicals) can help you save time and earn a degree in a flexible setting. See the top California ADN programs online and learn how they work, how much they cost, and what to expect after graduation.
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How They Work: Inside ADN Programs in California
If you live in California and want to become a registered nurse, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a great first step. An ADN usually takes two years to complete, and can set you up to earn a bachelor’s or master’s down the road.
Given the hands-on nature of nursing, all programs require some level of clinical training. However, many offer prerequisite and basic nursing courses entirely online. In California hybrid ADN programs, the following elements often take place online:
- Readings & lectures
- Written assignments
- Communication with instructors
- Communication with students
- Quizzes & tests
Let’s take a closer look at some of California’s top ADN programs with online components.
Associate Degree in Nursing – Cabrillo College
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Cabrillo College requires 70-75 units and accepts students in the Fall and Spring semesters. This degree prepares students to become RNs, and the expected time commitment, including study time, is 60-65 hours per week.
Prerequisites are accepted from other schools, and there is advanced placement for LVNs, military personnel, and transfer students. Prerequisites must be completed before applying to the program. The pharmacology course and lectures for the psych/mental health course are also offered online.
Duration: 4 semesters
Mode: Blended
Cost: $1,559 per year plus fees
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed prerequisites
- TEAS test score
- Transcripts from previous schools
Curriculum:
- Maternal health and nursing
- Pediatric and medical-surgical nursing
- Pharmacology
- Geriatric and medical-surgical nursing
- Psychiatric and nursing care management
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Associate Degree in Nursing – Smith Chason College
Offering multiple starts a year, the Associate Degree in Nursing at Smith Chason College does not require prerequisites and includes ATI NCLEX preparation that boasts a 100% pass rate.
The program is hybrid and includes online lectures and in-person labs and clinicals. The hands-on learning component results in 768 hours of clinical experience completed at community partners nationally, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and assisted living.
This program is eligible for financial aid and scholarships and focuses on preparing nurses for a variety of settings as well as for advancement by bridging additional education pathways.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $5,995 per quarter
Admissions Requirements:
- College general admission requirements
- TEAS exam
- Age 18+
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valued government identification
- Letter of intent
- Interview with program director
- Physical examination
- BLS completion card
- Criminal background check
- Fingerprinting and drug screening
- Nursing liability insurance
Curriculum:
- Beginning medical nursing
- Mental health and psychiatric nursing
- Gerontology
- Arts and science of nursing pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Leadership and ethics in nursing
- Evidence-based interventions
- Prioritizing skills
- Communication
- Patient safety advocacy
Online Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing – Unitek College
The Online Associate Degree in Vocational Nursing at Unitek College is for LVNs with diplomas from an approved nursing school who want to earn an associate degree.
With an online curriculum, LVNs can complete their degrees quickly without disrupting their work schedules. This program also provides the necessary general education courses for advanced placement in Unitek’s BSN program.
The length of the program depends largely on the number of transfer credits, but full-time students can earn a degree in as little as 10 months. By the end of the program, students have completed 35 credit hours of required courses. The program is eligible for financial aid.
Duration: 10 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $33,000 to $37,000
Admissions Requirements:
- Proof of graduation from an LVN program
- Copy of government-issued photo ID
- Completed financial arrangements
Curriculum:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Lifespan development
- Nutrition
FAQs: Online ADN Programs in California
Most students in your shoes have similar questions about why they should pursue an ADN program in California and the skills they’ll learn. They also want to know how long programs take, what they cost, and if financial aid is available. You’ll find answers to these questions along with additional resources below.
Why go with an ADN program in California?
An ADN program takes less time and is more affordable than four-year nursing schools. It’s a great way to get started in the nursing profession relatively quickly.
An ADN also gives you access to higher pay than other entry-level nursing roles and offers job security since there is a strong demand for registered nurses in California with its 12.9% projected growth through 2032.
An ADN also sets you up for pursuing a BSN or higher degree later through online RN to BSN programs or even an RN to MSN online program.
What nursing knowledge and skills do you learn in ADN programs in California?
Knowledge and skills in these programs are founded on the core nursing concepts of critical thinking, professionalism, patient-centered care, leadership, safety, communication, and teamwork. The result is safe, competent patient treatment through evidence-based decision-making.
Curriculums for two-year nursing programs in California combine nursing-related theory coursework with hands-on labs and clinical practice covering nursing fundamentals such as anatomy, medical/surgical nursing, microbiology, and professional ethics.
Coursework in related subjects such as psychology, sociology, mathematics, and communication and other soft skills nurses need are also typically part of the program.
How much do ADN programs cost in California?
Community colleges offer most of the ADN programs and are surprisingly affordable with some starting at under $100 a credit for California residents. Rates for private programs can be substantially higher.
The two biggest factors influencing costs are whether the school is public or private and, in the case of a public school, whether the student is a California or out-of-state resident.
Remember that tuition makes up only a portion of the cost for a two-year nursing program. You also must pay for books, supplies, uniforms, parking fees, etc.
Community college ADN students in California should expect a total program price tag of $4,000 to $5,000.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my ADN program in California?
There are many financial aid options available, including scholarships, grants, employer tuition reimbursement, and student loans.
Major financial aid sources for California nursing students are available through the federal government, including federal student loans, loan repayment opportunities from the Health Resources & Services Administration, and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Also contact the financial aid office for each school you’re thinking about applying to find out what they offer. Fortunately, there are many nursing scholarships and other financial opportunities to help you graduate from nursing school debt-free.
How long do ADN programs in California take to complete, and are there part-time options?
State-approved standard ADN programs in California require two years of full-time study with a four-semester structure.
Most programs start in the fall and/or spring, and some include an additional summer session. Two-year nursing programs in California require a number of prerequisite courses, which can add a semester or more to your degree timeline.
Many ADN programs in California offer advanced placement options for current LVNs seeking their nursing associate degree, and these programs require about one year of full-time coursework.
While some schools offer accelerated or condensed programs that take a little less than two years, there really aren’t any part-time ADN programs.
California Salary with an ADN
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $101,260 | $140,270 | $213,320 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $87,760 | $128,810 | $162,020 |
| Chico, CA | $103,400 | $127,360 | $160,170 |
| El Centro, CA | $84,500 | $103,450 | $150,990 |
| Fresno, CA | $89,890 | $125,420 | $167,160 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $102,410 | $128,160 | $157,910 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $100,980 | $135,560 | $174,200 |
| Merced, CA | $95,070 | $131,620 | $165,580 |
| Modesto, CA | $102,770 | $132,590 | $197,800 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $94,360 | $131,160 | $169,780 |
| Redding, CA | $96,990 | $134,350 | $168,480 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $100,510 | $133,940 | $172,900 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $100,630 | $171,460 | $218,780 |
| Salinas, CA | $102,300 | $134,910 | $176,990 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $102,480 | $139,520 | $175,210 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $119,290 | $186,610 | $223,770 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $124,140 | $216,740 | $235,190 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $100,560 | $138,820 | $199,540 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $97,980 | $170,960 | $210,870 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $101,260 | $137,360 | $169,240 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $110,800 | $174,550 | $225,940 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $101,390 | $134,580 | $212,700 |
| Vallejo, CA | $122,140 | $203,290 | $218,590 |
| Visalia, CA | $97,560 | $125,180 | $160,680 |
| Yuba City, CA | $98,270 | $149,320 | $178,300 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025, BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
The Best Online ADN Programs in California
Schools ranked among the best online ADN programs in California have at least one online component, regional accreditation, academic counseling, and career placement services. They are ranked based on their number of online programs and the percentage of total students taking at least one distance education class. Average in-state tuition and average institutional aid have also been factored. Click on “About Our Ranking” for the full methodology.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $548 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected College of the Desert
- The ADN program at College of the Desert features a competitive, multicriteria admission process that values GPA, TEAS scores, work/life experience, and language proficiency, enhancing selection transparency and student preparedness.
- Students complete the program in a structured two-year sequence approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, ensuring eligibility for RN licensure with strong faculty support and organized clinical experiences.
- The program fosters a diverse and supportive learning environment emphasizing critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and ethical nursing practice, preparing graduates for collaborative, client-centered care in various healthcare settings.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $548 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 25/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $986 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mission College
- Mission College’s ADN program is attractive due to its seamless career pathways, offering flexible progression from LVN to RN, facilitating continuous career advancement.
- The program provides comprehensive clinical experience combined with strong theoretical knowledge, preparing students effectively for real healthcare environments.
- Mission College emphasizes professional development and lifelong learning, ensuring graduates remain adaptable and skilled to meet evolving nursing demands.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $986 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $616 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Napa Valley College
- The ADN program offers opportunities for advanced placement, transfer, and challenge exam credit, allowing students to potentially accelerate their path to graduation.
- The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and provides eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam immediately upon completion, facilitating quick entry into the nursing profession.
- Students gain clinical experience as team leaders directing Licensed Vocational Nurses, nursing assistants, and other healthcare workers, enhancing leadership skills in real healthcare settings.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $616 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $935 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Butte College
- The ADN Accelerated Track program admits only the top 48 applicants, ensuring a competitive and high-quality peer environment.
- Students complete the accelerated three-semester curriculum, enabling eligibility for RN licensure within one year.
- Graduates are prepared for RN employment across diverse healthcare settings amid a predicted national nursing shortage.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $935 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,030 Avg. Aid Amount
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 26/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ohlone College
- The ADN program offers admission twice annually, providing flexible start options for prospective students.
- Students must attend a mandatory pre-nursing orientation prior to application, ensuring thorough preparation and guidance for program entry.
- The program requires completion of comprehensive science and communication prerequisites, aligning with rigorous academic standards for nursing education.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,030 Avg. Aid Amount
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 26/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,154 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected College of the Redwoods
- The ADN program at College of the Redwoods features a merit-based selection process that prioritizes qualified applicants, providing a more competitive and transparent admission system.
- It offers concurrent enrollment opportunities with Cal Poly, enabling students to expand their educational pathways and networking prospects with a respected university.
- Applicants must pass the ATI TEAS Assessment with a minimum score, ensuring a strong foundational knowledge, which contributes to high preparedness and clinical success.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,154 Avg. Aid Amount
- 34% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $885 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Hartnell College
- The Hartnell College ADN program features a cohort model admitting only 50 students per Fall, promoting focused faculty engagement and peer networking.
- Students can enroll in transfer-level courses concurrently with the ADN program, facilitating a streamlined path to a Bachelor's of Science degree in nursing.
- The program utilizes high-fidelity simulation and interprofessional clinical experiences that enhance hands-on skills and prepare students effectively for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $885 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $116 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 38/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cerritos College
- Cerritos College offers two full years of free tuition through the Cerritos Complete program, significantly reducing financial barriers for ADN students.
- The ADN program features accelerated BSN completion options via concurrent enrollment partnerships with multiple universities, allowing students to earn a BSN in less than a year after their ADN.
- The program hosts a large educational fair for senior nursing students, providing direct access to numerous bachelor programs and networking opportunities to support academic progression.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $116 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 38/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,162 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Monterey Peninsula College
- The ADN program at Monterey Peninsula College is offered in partnership with Montage Health, providing students access to real-world clinical experiences and strong employer connections.
- The program features a transparent, merit-based selection process that scores applicants on academic achievements, relevant experience, and special circumstances to minimize attrition and support student success.
- MPC’s Nursing program is accredited by the ACEN and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, ensuring graduates are well-prepared and eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam for entry-level RN positions.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,162 Avg. Aid Amount
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,619 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 30/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Irvine Valley College
- Imperial Valley College's ADN program offers four state-of-the-art simulation labs and a dedicated Nursing Learning Center staffed by RN faculty for hands-on training and tutorial support.
- The program provides a Career Laddering option allowing students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) after the first year to gain professional experience while completing the associate degree.
- Expert faculty with Master's preparation provide individualized academic counseling and support, enhancing student success and professional preparation.
Program Details
- ACCJC Accreditation
- $1,619 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 30/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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