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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Schools in California

23 Colleges in the United States
10,161 Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Degrees Awarded
$51,938 Avg Early-Career Salary

Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their practical nursing & nursing assistants programs.

College Factual analyzed 120 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools.

What’s on this page:

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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.8
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Patient Care Technician (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Medical Assisting (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leadership" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Nursing Education" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MS in Nursing - Nursing Education" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Healthcare Quality & Safety" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Nursing - Population Healthcare" with relevance 0.7
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing BSN Programs (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing CNA to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing EMT to RN Programs (I Am a Paramedic or EMT)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing LPN / LVN to RN (I Am an LPN / LVN)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Medical Assistant to RN Programs (I Am a CNA or Medical Assistant)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing Direct Entry MSN (Non-Nursing Bachelors Required) (I Am Not a Nurse)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.6
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Forensic Nurse (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Forensic Nursing (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Nursing Informatics (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Nursing Informatics (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Nursing RN to BSN to MSN (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Patient Safety & Quality (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: ✗ Offer "DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a MSN)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: Checking offer "DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: Checking offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have a BSN)" with relevance 0.5
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DEBUG: ✗ Offer "MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (I Have an ADN, ASN, or RN Diploma)" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
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Best Schools for Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants in California

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall practical nursing & nursing assistants education in California.

Top Schools in Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants

1

Our analysis ranked Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health the best school in the country for a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants. Located in the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a small public university. About 20 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health generally make around $89,536. Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health graduates carry a median of $19,224 in student loans. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Los Angeles County College Of Nursing And Allied Health

2

A rank of #2 makes Santa Rosa Junior College one of the top schools for practical nursing & nursing assistants. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Rosa. About 83 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Santa Rosa Junior College earn around $80,047 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,692 to complete this degree. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Santa Rosa Junior College

3
Butte College crest
Butte College
Oroville, CA

Butte College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants, ranking #3. This large public university is located in the rural area of Oroville. Butte College awarded about 131 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Butte College earn a median of $65,467 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $13,382 to complete this degree. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Butte College

4
Pacific College crest
Pacific College
Costa Mesa, CA

Pacific College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants, landing the #4 spot this year. Pacific College is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Costa Mesa. There were roughly 74 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Pacific College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Pacific College generally make around $59,213. Students borrow a median of $16,125 to complete this degree. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Pacific College

5
Hartnell College crest
Hartnell College
Salinas, CA

Hartnell College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants, landing the #5 spot this year. Hartnell College is a large public school located in the city of Salinas. Hartnell College awarded about 69 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Hartnell College generally make around $63,321. Typical student debt for the program is $6,000. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from Hartnell College

6

Carrington College California Sacramento came in at #6 for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Carrington College California Sacramento is a mid-sized private for-profit school located in the suburb of Sacramento. There were roughly 122 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Carrington College California Sacramento in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Carrington College California Sacramento earn a median of $62,907 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,104 to complete this degree. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Carrington College California Sacramento

7

Carrington College California San Jose ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Located in the city of San Jose, Carrington College California San Jose is a small private for-profit university. There were roughly 40 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Carrington College California San Jose in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Carrington College California San Jose generally make around $62,907. Typical student debt for the program is $25,104. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Carrington College California San Jose

8
Allan Hancock College crest
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CA

Allan Hancock College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Allan Hancock College is a large public school located in the city of Santa Maria. There were roughly 148 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Allan Hancock College in the most recent data year. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Allan Hancock College

9

San Joaquin Valley College Santa Maria placed #9 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Set in the city of Santa Maria, San Joaquin Valley College Santa Maria is a small private for-profit institution. About 45 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at San Joaquin Valley College Santa Maria in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from San Joaquin Valley College Santa Maria generally make around $51,744. Typical student debt for the program is $15,684. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at San Joaquin Valley College Santa Maria

10

San Joaquin Valley College Bakersfield landed the #10 spot for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Set in the city of Bakersfield, San Joaquin Valley College Bakersfield is a small private for-profit institution. San Joaquin Valley College Bakersfield awarded about 67 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the practical nursing & nursing assistants program make about $51,744 in their early career. San Joaquin Valley College Bakersfield graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for San Joaquin Valley College Bakersfield

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Riverside City College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Located in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a very large public university. Riverside City College awarded about 287 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Riverside City College earn around $37,102 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $11,424 to complete this degree. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for Riverside City College

12

Imperial Valley College placed #12 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Imperial Valley College is a large public school located in the rural area of Imperial. About 20 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Imperial Valley College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Imperial Valley College generally make around $42,617. Typical student debt for the program is $6,176. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Imperial Valley College

13

Modesto Junior College earned the #13 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Modesto. Modesto Junior College awarded about 76 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Modesto Junior College earn around $36,525 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Modesto Junior College

14
Mission College crest
Mission College
Santa Clara, CA

Mission College placed #14 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Mission College is a large public school located in the city of Santa Clara. About 64 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Mission College in the most recent year. Students borrow a median of $17,223 to complete this degree. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Mission College

15

San Joaquin Valley College Rancho Mirage placed #15 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Set in the suburb of Rancho Mirage, San Joaquin Valley College Rancho Mirage is a small private for-profit institution. San Joaquin Valley College Rancho Mirage awarded about 27 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from San Joaquin Valley College Rancho Mirage earn around $51,744 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,712 to complete this degree. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for San Joaquin Valley College Rancho Mirage

16

San Joaquin Valley College Visalia came in at #16 for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. San Joaquin Valley College Visalia is a mid-sized private for-profit school located in the city of Visalia. There were roughly 47 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at San Joaquin Valley College Visalia in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of San Joaquin Valley College Visalia earn a median of $51,744 early in their careers. San Joaquin Valley College Visalia graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for San Joaquin Valley College Visalia

17
Long Beach City College crest
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA

Long Beach City College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Set in the city of Long Beach, Long Beach City College is a very large public institution. There were roughly 79 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Long Beach City College in the most recent data year. Students borrow a median of $6,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Long Beach City College

18
Gavilan College crest
Gavilan College
Gilroy, CA

Gavilan College came in at #18 for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Gavilan College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Gilroy. Gavilan College awarded about 28 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants graduates of Gavilan College earn a median of $28,496 early in their careers. Gavilan College graduates carry a median of $5,939 in student loans. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from Gavilan College

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Southwestern College Chula Vista earned the #19 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Set in the city of Chula Vista, Southwestern College Chula Vista is a very large public institution. Southwestern College Chula Vista awarded about 114 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the practical nursing & nursing assistants program make about $49,358 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $11,205 to complete this degree. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Southwestern College Chula Vista

20
Sacramento City College crest
Sacramento City College
Sacramento, CA

Sacramento City College placed #20 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Sacramento. Sacramento City College awarded about 33 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Sacramento City College generally make around $46,522. Typical student debt for the program is $13,180. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Sacramento City College

21
Citrus College crest
Citrus College
Glendora, CA

Citrus College landed the #21 spot for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Citrus College is a large public school located in the suburb of Glendora. There were roughly 65 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Citrus College in the most recent data year. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Citrus College

22
Rio Hondo College crest
Rio Hondo College
Whittier, CA

Rio Hondo College landed the #22 spot for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Set in the rural area of Whittier, Rio Hondo College is a very large public institution. Rio Hondo College awarded about 27 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Rio Hondo College earn around $95,666 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,510 to complete this degree. Get the full practical nursing & nursing assistants details for Rio Hondo College

23
American River College crest
American River College
Sacramento, CA

American River College earned the #23 position for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. American River College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Sacramento. There were roughly 16 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at American River College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from American River College generally make around $76,077. Students borrow a median of $14,105 to complete this degree. See the full practical nursing & nursing assistants program report for American River College

24
Shasta College crest
Shasta College
Redding, CA

Shasta College placed #24 among the best practical nursing & nursing assistants schools. Located in the suburb of Redding, Shasta College is a large public university. There were roughly 39 practical nursing & nursing assistants students who graduated with this degree at Shasta College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, practical nursing & nursing assistants degree recipients from Shasta College generally make around $50,330. Students borrow a median of $12,275 to complete this degree. Read more about the practical nursing & nursing assistants program at Shasta College

25

Pasadena City College landed the #25 spot for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year. Located in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public university. About 27 practical nursing & nursing assistants degrees were awarded at Pasadena City College in the most recent year. Students who receive their practical nursing & nursing assistants degree from Pasadena City College earn around $38,841 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,191. More information about a degree in practical nursing & nursing assistants from Pasadena City College

Rest of the Top 50 Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants Schools

These schools also placed among the best for practical nursing & nursing assistants this year:

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Merced College crest
Merced College
Merced, CA
29
College Of The Desert crest
College Of The Desert
Palm Desert, CA
30
Los Medanos College crest
Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA
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33
Chaffey College crest
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
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35
Bakersfield College crest
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA
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39
Unitek College crest
Unitek College
Fremont, CA
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Unitek College South San Francisco crest
Unitek College South San Francisco
South San Francisco, CA
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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 120 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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