Best Online Nursing Programs in Ridgecrest, CA (2026)
Ridgecrest, California has a population of about 28,138. The city’s median household income is $88,107 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 31.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Ridgecrest. In California, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Midwife at a median $196,700 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Ridgecrest
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Ridgecrest city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerro Coso Community College | Ridgecrest, CA | 3.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Antelope Valley | Lancaster, CA | 70.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| High Desert Medical College | Lancaster, CA | 71.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Career Care Institute | Lancaster, CA | 71.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Antelope Valley Community College District | Lancaster, CA | 72.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all California schools on the California nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest is part of the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metro area (BLS area code 12540). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to California statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $127,510 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $126,373 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $74,580 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $73,915 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | CA statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | $196,700 | CA statewide | $194,945 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $165,460 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $163,984 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,570 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $43,181 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Ridgecrest at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,138 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $88,107 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 31.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 100.9 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Kern County | 14,558 workers, 212 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Ridgecrest-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Barstow, CA – 63.3 mi away (30,503 pop)
- Lancaster, CA – 71.0 mi away (348,760 pop)
- Arvin, CA – 72.4 mi away (21,380 pop)
- Adelanto, CA – 73.2 mi away (33,391 pop)
- Palmdale, CA – 75.9 mi away (157,356 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Ridgecrest, CA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Ridgecrest. The closest is Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, CA (3.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Antelope Valley Community College District (72.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Ridgecrest?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Ridgecrest are: Nurse Midwife ($196,700), Nurse Practitioner ($165,460), Registered Nurse ($127,510). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with California statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Barstow instead of Ridgecrest?
Barstow, CA is 63.3 miles from Ridgecrest and has its own set of local nursing programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Ridgecrest an affordable place to study nursing?
Ridgecrest’s median household income of $88,107 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ridgecrest while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and California public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.