CDCR · Chowchilla, CA
Central California Women's Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla is the largest women's prison in the United States by population. Opened in 1990, it houses approximately 3,400 women at all security levels and is co-located with Valley State Prison. CCWF is notable for its comprehensive healthcare programs addressing OB/GYN, mental health, substance abuse, and chronic disease in a historically underserved population.
Quick Answer
Travel nurses at Central California Women's Facility earn $2,700–$3,300 per week. RN, LVN, CNA, Physical Therapist, Radiology positions available. Located in Chowchilla, CA — from .
Location
Chowchilla, CA
Madera County
Security Level
Level I – Level IV (All Security Levels)
System
CDCR
Capacity
3,400 beds
Opened
1990
Nearest Major City
Nursing at CCWF covers a uniquely diverse scope: women's health (OB/GYN, reproductive health), chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, HIV), psychiatric nursing, physical therapy, radiology/imaging, CNA duties, and primary care. The all-security-level designation means nurses may encounter both low-risk and high-acuity patients within the same facility.
12-hour shifts. Day and night shifts available. CCWF's size means multiple nursing teams run simultaneously with strong clinical supervision.
Chowchilla is a small agricultural city in Madera County, 30 miles north of Fresno. Housing is affordable ($900–$1,300/month furnished). Fresno (30 min) offers full urban amenities. Merced (30 min west) is another option.
CCWF is the largest women's prison in the US. Nursing here covers women's health (OB/GYN, reproductive care), mental health, and comprehensive primary care — a broader scope than most correctional facilities. It's ideal for nurses with women's health or med-surg backgrounds.
Live data confirms active openings for CNA, Physical Therapist, and Radiology/Imaging roles. RN and LVN positions with women's health, psych, or primary care backgrounds fill regularly.
CCWF is in Chowchilla, Madera County — about 30 miles north of Fresno in the Central Valley. Valley State Prison (VSP) is co-located on the same campus.
Travel nurses at CCWF typically earn $2,700–$3,300 per week with full stipend packages. The Fresno metro location keeps costs moderate and take-home competitive.
Range: $2,700–$3,300/week depending on role and shift
Roles Available
RN, LVN, CNA, Physical Therapist, Radiology
Contract Length
13 weeks
Explore more correctional nursing opportunities: