what degree is needed for nursing in california
2. Choose the type of nursing school you want to attend. In California, there are three types of pre-licensure nursing programs, and two alternative routes to become a registered nurse: 1  Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Takes 2-3 years.2  Offered at many community colleges. 3  Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings. In addition to a U.S. high school education or the equivalent as as described in Section 1412 of the Board's regulations to become a registered nurse (RN) you should take the following classes in high school, and you will have a head start on your nursing class prerequisites at college: