California nursing programs and career opportunities are plentiful in California’s Ventura County, which includes the cities of Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura. However, it still takes hard work and the right education to succeed. Some of the most in-demand positions in the area include registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and nursing assistants (CNAs). Ventura County is home to 3,730 RNs averaging $74,550 per year, 760 LVNs averaging $48,830 per year, and 1,480 CNAs averaging $27,400 per year.

RNs must be skilled at performing a variety of challenging tasks, from conducting diagnostic tests and analyzing the results to establishing effective care plans for the sick or injured. In order to prepare for these tasks, aspiring RNs must complete an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or master of science in nursing (MSN) program. Many top employers prefer a BSN or MSN. Successfully passing the national licensure examination is also required.

Licensed vocational nurses care for the sick or injured under the supervision of RNs, surgeons, and physicians, while CNAs provide hands-on care and perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and other medical staff. LVNs must complete a certificate or associate’s degree program and successfully pass the national licensure examination. CNAs must complete an accredited training program and obtain state certification.

Graduates of top registered nursing programs in California often find employment at major hospitals in heavily populated areas such as Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, or Ventura. Just a few of the top nursing employers here include Saint John's Regional Medical Center, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Ventura County Medical Center, and Community Memorial Hospital.

To help aspiring nurses launch their careers, we’ve compiled below a complete list of accredited nursing schools in California’s Oxnard / Thousand Oaks / Ventura area. These schools offer top-rated education programs in all areas of this lucrative field.

Oxnard / Thousand Oaks / Ventura area nursing schools by NCLEX score

California State University, Channel Islands
One University Drive | Camarillo, California 93012
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 96.7% NCLEX pass rate (2011-12 through 2020-21)
  • LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Moorpark College
7075 Campus Road | Moorpark, California 93021
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 95.6% NCLEX pass rate (2011-12 through 2020-21)
  • LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Ventura College
4667 Telegraph Road | Ventura, California 93003
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 93.8% NCLEX pass rate (2011-12 through 2020-21)
  • LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Professional Medical Careers Institute
920 Hampshire Road, Suite S | Westlake Village, California 91361
  • Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 79.1% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2021)
Career Care Institute - Oxnard
2051 North Solar Drive, Suite 100 | Oxnard, California 93036
  • Certificate in Vocational Nursing: 71.3% NCLEX pass rate (2012 through 2021)
School Program NCLEX score Time period
California State University, Channel Islands Bachelor of Science in Nursing 96.7% 2011-12 to 2020-21
LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Moorpark College Associate Degree in Nursing 95.6% 2011-12 to 2020-21
LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Ventura College Associate Degree in Nursing 93.8% 2011-12 to 2020-21
LVN-to-RN 30-Unit Option
Professional Medical Careers Institute Certificate in Vocational Nursing 79.1% 2012 to 2021
Career Care Institute - Oxnard Certificate in Vocational Nursing 71.3% 2012 to 2021
Category: 
California