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Nursing Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Homestead Schools Inc

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Vocational Nursing Program Director

Torrance, CA · On-site

$104K - $145K/yr

Vocational Nursing Program Director for Torrance Campus Program: Vocational Nursing Education: MUST HAVE Master's degree in Nursing, Nursing Education. Licensure: Current, unencumbered RN license for ...

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Nursing Assistant Program Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $107K/yr

Nursing Assistant Program Director We are looking for an Assistant Program Director to join our team. This position will work with and functions under the supervision of the Campus Program Director ...

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Nursing Assistant Program Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $107K/yr

Nursing Assistant Program Director We are looking for an Assistant Program Director to join our team. This position will work with and functions under the supervision of the Campus Program Director ...

twenty80.io

Assistant Program Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

Working under the supervision of the Nursing Program Director, the Assistant Program Director will help ensure compliance with state nursing education standards, maintain high-quality academic and ...

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All JobsNursing Program JobsNursing Program Director JobsNursing Program Director Jobs in California

Nursing Program Director information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$92.2K

$158.4K

How much do nursing program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for nursing program director in California is $92,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $108,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nursing program director?

Nursing Program Directors are senior administrators responsible for overseeing and managing nursing education programs at colleges, universities, or healthcare institutions. They develop curriculum, ensure compliance with accreditation standards, supervise faculty, and support student success. Nursing Program Directors also handle budgeting, staffing, and often represent their programs to external stakeholders. Their leadership is crucial to maintaining high educational standards and preparing students for nursing careers.

What are some common challenges faced by a nursing program director, and how can they be effectively managed?

Nursing Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative responsibilities with the need to stay engaged in curriculum development and student support. Managing faculty workloads, ensuring accreditation standards are met, and keeping up with evolving healthcare practices can also be demanding. Effective management involves strong organizational skills, clear communication with faculty and administration, and ongoing professional development to stay current with industry trends. Building collaborative relationships within the institution and fostering a supportive team environment are key strategies to successfully navigate these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nursing program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nursing Program Director, you need advanced clinical knowledge, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in nursing or nursing education. Familiarity with accreditation standards, curriculum development software, and learning management systems is essential. Strong organizational, communication, and mentoring skills help foster faculty development and student success. These skills are vital for ensuring the quality and compliance of nursing programs and for guiding both faculty and students toward excellence.

What is the difference between Nursing Program Director vs Nursing Educator?

AspectNursing Program DirectorNursing Educator
CredentialsRN license, advanced degrees (e.g., MSN, DNP)RN license, often MSN or higher
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, overseeing nursing programsHospitals, colleges, or training settings, teaching students
Primary FocusProgram administration, curriculum oversight, accreditationTeaching, student assessment, clinical instruction
Employer & IndustryUniversities, colleges, nursing schoolsHospitals, colleges, vocational schools

The Nursing Program Director primarily manages nursing education programs, focusing on administration and accreditation, while the Nursing Educator concentrates on teaching and mentoring students. Both roles require nursing credentials and are vital in nursing education but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What does a nursing program director do?

A nursing program director oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing education programs. They manage faculty, ensure curriculum compliance with accreditation standards, and coordinate clinical placements, often requiring a nursing license and advanced degree. Their role involves leadership, administrative duties, and ensuring students meet professional competencies.

What qualifications do you need to be a nursing program director?

A nursing program director typically needs a registered nurse (RN) license, a master's degree in nursing or a related field, and extensive experience in nursing practice and education. Leadership skills, curriculum development knowledge, and often a doctoral degree or higher are also preferred for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nursing Program jobs in California?

The most popular types of Nursing Program jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Nursing Program Director jobs in California?

For Nursing Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nursing Program Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Nursing Program Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Nursing Program Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Nursing Program Director job openings:

Nursing Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nursing Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,237 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Program Director- Vocational Nursing Program

Meraki7

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Title: Program Director- Vocational Nursing Program
Location: Los Angeles, CA
 
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Program Director to lead our Vocational Nursing Program. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nursing education, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to student success. This role requires an innovative leader who can manage the program's strategic direction while ensuring compliance with state regulations and educational standards.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Oversee the daily operations of the Vocational Nursing Program, ensuring academic excellence and integrity.
  • Develop and implement curriculum that meets state requirements and prepares students for licensure.
  • Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and staff to maintain a high standard of teaching.
  • Monitor program outcomes and implement improvements for student retention and graduation rates.
  • Ensure compliance with accrediting bodies and state nursing board regulations.
  • Foster a supportive and inclusive environment for students and faculty.
  • Collaborate with other departments and external partners to enhance program resources and opportunities.
Qualifications:
  • Have a minimum of three years’ experience as a registered nurse; one year shall be in teaching or clinical supervision, or a combination thereof, in a state approved registered nursing or vocational or practical nursing, or have a minimum of three years’ experience in nursing administration or nursing education within the last five years
  • Master’s degree in Nursing or a related field
  • Doctorate in Nursing or related field
  • Strong background in curriculum development
  • Strong understanding of vocational nursing education and state regulations.
  • Proven track record of program development and accreditation processes.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Benefits:
  • Comprehensive healthcare package.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Tuition assistance for continued education.
  • Generous paid time off and holidays.