Long Beach, California is in Los Angeles County, which is home to a noteworthy 69,610 registered nurses (RNs), 20,010 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and 31,030 nursing assistants (CNAs). While opportunities for nursing professionals are plentiful in Long Beach, the area’s top employers are very selective. This means you’ll need the right amount of education, training, and experience, plus a license and/or certification.

A master of science in nursing (MSN) is the best degree option for professional nurses looking to advance their careers. While a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can lead to advancement opportunities as well, an MSN or higher is highly desired by hospitals, universities, and other medical facilities seeking skilled administrators, educators, and managers. Most MSN programs require 18-24 months to complete.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing is ranked among the top ten occupations in terms of job growth; when it comes to the most trusted professions, nursing is in the top five. Even more, it offers a wide variety of specialties, including work in schools, hospitals, medical clinics, home care, and more. With popularity, however, comes competition. To stay ahead, education is vital, since the type of education you pursue is a determining factor for getting an industry job.

The East Bay region, which includes Fremont, Hayward, and Oakland, is home to 20,070 registered nurses (RNs), 7,280 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and 4,260 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). These professionals earn some of the highest salaries in the healthcare field. Hayward-based RNs average $127,930 per year, LVNs average $61,700 per year, and CNAs average $34,180 per year.

What does it take to become a nursing professional in Fresno, California? Registered nurses (RNs) must perform a variety of challenging tasks, from conducting diagnostic tests and analyzing results to establishing effective care plans for the sick or injured. RNs must therefore earn an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or master of science in nursing (MSN), and they must successfully pass the national licensure exam. Most hospitals and healthcare providers prefer a BSN or MSN degree.