Practical Nursing Schools in California
54 California schools offer Practical Nursing. Average graduate earnings run 23% above the national average — something worth factoring in alongside tuition, location, and program fit.
Practical Nursing Training in California: What You Need to Know
Local program supply
California has 54 schools offering Practical Nursing programs, concentrated in 7 cities including {'city': 'Los Angeles', 'city_slug': 'los-angeles', 'count': 6, 'avg_earn': 56979.0}, {'city': 'Anaheim', 'city_slug': 'anaheim', 'count': 3, 'avg_earn': 54919.0}, {'city': 'Glendale', 'city_slug': 'glendale', 'count': 3, 'avg_earn': 49479.0}. Most students attend within 60 miles of home — local choice matters more than national rankings.
Earnings vs. national
Practical Nursing graduates in California earn approximately $54,177/year on average, which is +23% above the national average for this trade. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
California-specific licensing
Most skilled trades require a state-issued license or certification before you can work independently. Requirements vary substantially by state. Verify California-specific licensing through the relevant state board (Department of Labor, Contractors Board, or trade-specific licensing body). Apprenticeship hours often count toward licensure.
How California compares
Average TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Practical Nursing programs in California is 69/100. Cost of living, wage levels, and program supply all vary by state — see the school list below ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score, which combines earnings, debt, and job-market demand.
Practical Nursing Programs in California
All 54 California schools offering Practical Nursing, ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click a school to see full earnings projections and program details.
Where Practical Nursing Programs Cluster in California
Cities with the most Practical Nursing programs — useful if you want to minimize commute or relocate within state.
| City | Schools | Avg Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 6 | $56,979/yr |
| Anaheim, CA | 3 | $54,919/yr |
| Glendale, CA | 3 | $49,479/yr |
| Sacramento, CA | 2 | $62,032/yr |
| San Diego, CA | 2 | $60,060/yr |
| San Jose, CA | 2 | $59,218/yr |
| Clovis, CA | 2 | $54,443/yr |
Compare Practical Nursing in Other States
Considering a nearby state? Here's how California compares to others with strong Practical Nursing offerings.