for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Nursing
Policies and Procedures for B.S.N. Admission
Admission to the program is a two-step process: (1) admission to the university and (2) admission to the nursing major. For fall entry all prerequisites must be completed by June and for spring entry all prerequisites must be completed by the preceding fall semester. Applicants must meet all criteria for admission to the university and to the nursing major. Students not in the major may apply to the university as prenursing majors.
Specific health criteria must be met. Students with recurrent infections or physical limitations who cannot meet clinical course objectives may be unable to satisfactorily complete the requirements for a B.S. in Nursing. Contact the Nursing Department regarding specific requirements.
Eligibility to Apply to the Program
The following eight prerequisite courses must be completed prior to entry into the nursing program.
G.E. Area A1 (COMM 3,7, or 8) (3 units)
G.E. Area A2 (ENGL 1) (3 units)
G.E. Area A3* (3 units)
G.E. Area B4* (3 units)
Anatomy (PHYAN 64) (3 units)
Physiology (PHYAN 65) (5 units)
Chemistry (CHEM 3A) (4 units)
Microbiology (MICRO 20) (4 units)
Total (28 units)
__________
* See G.E. list for approved courses.
- Each prerequisite must be completed with a minimum C grade - CR/NC grades are not acceptable
- A GPA of 3.0 is required in the eight prerequisite courses.
Selection Criteria. The program is on impacted status (the number of
applications received is greater than the number of vacancies for the program).
Therefore, admission into the nursing major is very competitive; there is
no waiting list. Only applicants with the highest composite scores in the
eight prerequisite courses will be admitted. Applicants must reapply each
time and compete with the entire applicant pool if not selected.
Note: California residents are given preference over out-of-state
and international students as long as the program is on impacted status.
Selection for the Nursing Program:
(a.) Students will be ranked by grade point average in the eight prerequisites
courses (prerequisites GPA).
(b.) Preference will be given to U.S. military veterans who meet minimum
requirements for admission and who submit a DD214 showing a discharge date
no more than four years prior to date application is submitted. Remaining
applicants will be ranked by prerequisite GPA and admitted as enrollment
quotas allow.
Application Filing Period
Fall admission: November 1-30; applications are available October 1.
Spring admission: August 1-31; applications are available July 1.
Dates are subject to change. Additional information and applications can
be obtained online at www.csufresno.edu/nursing
or by calling the Department of Nursing at 559.278.2041.
The program application includes additional instructions and deadlines.
The program application includes additional instructions and deadlines.
The university application form can be obtained online at www.csumentor.edu.
Note: Students who have been admitted to the major, have made no
arrangements with the department, and fail to attend the first day of class
will be dropped from the major and not considered for future admission.
Policies and Procedures for Direct Transfer into the Nursing Major
- Students must have completed at least two semesters or 12 semester units of nursing courses in the major (all other students must follow the admission procedures for basic or advanced placement majors).
- Students must submit all transcripts, course descriptions of nursing courses, and two letters of recommendation from their current school to be considered for transfer.
- Students must meet all California State University, Fresno criteria for admission and continuation in the major to be eligible for transfer.
- Students are admitted and placed in the major at the discretion of the department chair.
- Transfer students who have written notification of acceptance into the program enter the major on a space-available basis and must receive department permission to enroll in classes.
- Applicant Deadline:
Fall Admission - October 1
Spring Admission - July 1
Leave of Absence from Nursing Program
1. Request for leave of absence:
a. Students must request a leave of absence (LOA) in writing from the department
chair. Students who don't request a LOA may not be readmitted into the major.
b. Leaves will be granted only for students who have completed at least
one semester in the program and are in good standing.
2. Request to return from leave of absence:
a. Students must request in writing to be reinstated in the program specifying:
- Date of LOA
- Reason for LOA
- Disposition of circumstances requiring the LOA
- Activities (e.g., working in hospital) engaged in during LOA
b. Students will be notified in writing of requirements for returning
to program, denial, or reinstatement.
c. Requirements for return may include any or all of the following, based
on the discretion of the department chair:
- Letters of recommendation from individuals such as counselors or physicians
- Enrolling in up to 5 units of Independent Study to update theoretical and/or clinical skills
d. Students who receive written notice of reinstatement in the major
return on a space-available basis and must receive permission from the department
to enroll in classes.
Progression in the Major. Criteria for retention, progression, and
graduation from the program include a minimum grade of C in each required
course and each nursing course offered for a grade, and credit in courses
offered for CR/NC grading only. Nursing and required courses may be repeated
only once to achieve a C or credit grade. Any student who receives less
than a C grade (or no credit) in two nursing courses will not be permitted
to continue in the major. Refer to the Student Handbook, Baccalaureate Degree
Nursing Program, for complete progression and retention policies.
Expenses. Students must be prepared to incur any additional cost
such as uniforms, malpractice insurance, health insurance, stethoscopes,
course materials, lab fees, etc., and be responsible for transportation
to clinical facilities. A current CPR certification, a physical examination,
and specific immunizations are required.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
Nursing Major
Major requirements (57-59 units)
Select one program:
Generic students (57 units)
NURS 10, 10A, 10L, 110, 110A, 110L, 111, 112, 121, 121L, 123, 123L, 124,
131, 131L, 132, 132L, 140, 140L, 141, 141L, 142, 145, 150, 150L, 151
RN students only (59 units)
NURS 134, 135, 136, 137, 141, 141L, 145, 150, 151, 153;
33 transfer units
Prerequisite requirements (28 units)
(See prerequisites listed under Eligibility to Apply
to the Program. [18 units may be applied to G.E.])
Additional course requirements (9 units)
CFS 38; HS 92 or MATH 11 (if statistics not taken for G.E. Area B4); PHIL
20 or 120; PSYCH 10; SOC 1 or SOC 2 or ANTH 2; NUTR 53. [9 units may be
applied to G.E.]
General Education requirements (51 units)
(51 units minimum less 27 units counted above in prerequisite requirements
and additional requirements to the major leaves 24 units)
Upper-Division Writing Skills (0-4 units)
Total (127-129 units)
Advising Notes
- The following prerequisite and additional requirement courses to the nursing major also may be applied to fulfill a maximum of 27 units of General Education requirements: COMM 8 preferred (or COMM 3 or 7) in G.E. Foundation A1; ENGL 1 in G.E. Foundation A2; 3 units of CHEM 3A in G.E. Breadth B1; 3 units of MICRO 20 for G.E. Breadth B2 (for nursing majors only); PHIL 20 in G.E. Breadth C2; or PHIL 120 in G.E. Area IC; ANTH 2 or SOC 1 or SOC 2 or 3 units of PSYCH 10 for G.E. Breadth D3; and CFS 38 or NUTR 53 in G.E. Breadth E1. Critical Thinking course for G.E. Area A3, Quanititative Reasoning (Math) course for G.E. Area B4.
- Students must complete CFS 38 and NUTR 53 no later than the first semester of the nursing major.
- Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 10) and SOC 1 or 2 or ANTH 2 must be completed no later than the second semester of the nursing major.
- Major courses must be taken for a letter grade; CR/NC grading is not permitted in the nursing major.
- Students are strongly encouraged to seek academic advising every semester.
- All practicum courses (with suffix "A" or "L")
require a minimum of three hours of clinical work per unit of credit as
a minimum to meet course objectives.
Please see Web site at www.csufresno.edu/nursing for specific G.E. classes designated for nursing.
School Nurse Services Credential Program
Postbaccalaureate Health Services (School Nurse) Credential
The School Nurse Services Credential Program provides basic preparation
for professional roles in school nursing. The program, approved by the California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, leads to the Professional Health Services
(School Nurse Services Credential). The Department of Nursing, in conjunction
with the School of Education and Human Development, recommends qualified
candidates for credentialing as providers of health services in California
public schools (preschool, K-12, adult).
The program of study for credential students consists of a minimum of 27
units. Courses taken in NLN accredited baccalaureate programs may be accepted
for the credential at the discretion of the Department of Nursing. The core
school nursing classes are offered online. For more information, see the
department's Web site at www.csufresno.edu/nursing.
Audiology coursework
NURS 180T or CSD 188T
Audiology for School Nurses (3 units)
Special Education coursework
(select one)
SPED 120
Teaching Students with Special Needs in General Education Settings (3 units)
PSYCH 168
Exceptional Children (3 units)
Counseling coursework (select one)
COUN 174
Introduction of Counseling (3 units)
COUN 200
Seminar in Counseling Techniques (3 units)
Physical Assessment
NURS 136
Health Appraisal* (3 units)
Health Teaching
NURS 137
Teaching Strategies for the Health Client* (3 units)
School Nursing
NURS 184
Introduction to School Nursing* (3 units)
NURS 185
Seminar in School Nursing* (3 units)
NURS 186
School Nurse Practicum I (elementary)* (3 units)
NURS 187
School Nurse Practicum II (secondary)* (3 units)
Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology courses are recommended.
__________
* Courses only available through regular enrollment in the university following
acceptance into the Credential Program.
Note: A minimum of 15 units in the credential program must be taken
on this campus. The use of any comparable course is contingent upon departmental
approval. Coursework taken more than 10 years ago is not acceptable to meet
program requirements.
An introductory statistics course and nursing theory/research course are
required for admission into the School Nurse Services Credential Program.
A 3-unit introductory statistics course and a 3-unit nursing theory/research
course are required for admission into the Health Services Credential Program.
A maximum of 9 units is allowed through courses taken in Extended Education
or concurrent enrollment.
Proof of current California RN license, malpractice insurance, current CPR
certification, and current valid Student Health Center clearance are required
prior to enrollment in NURS 186 and 187.
The student must hold either a Certificate of Clearance or a Preliminary
Health Services Credential prior to enrollment in NURS 186 and 187. Contact
the credentials analyst, Education Building, Room 100, 559.278.0300, for
application information.
All admission requirements (credential program application form, admission
to the university, all documents, and prerequisites) must be completed prior
to en rollment in any of the nursing courses.
Admission Criteria
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a NLN accredited program
- Admission to the university at the postbaccalaureate level
- Current California Registered Nurse License
- California Public Health Nurse Certificate
- Overall GPA of 2.5 and 3.0 in nursing
- Three satisfactory letters of recommendation (at least one from a recent employer or nursing faculty)
Admission Procedures
- Complete application for admission to postbaccalaureate standing, Admissions Office, Joyal Building. Forward copy of application to Department of Nursing, school nurse coordinator.
- Complete Credential Program application online at www.csufresno.edu/nursing.
- Attach official transcripts of previous academic work.
- Attach photocopies of required documents (R.N. License, P.H.N. Certificate).
- Submit three letters of reference/recommendation (forms available online at www.csufresno.edu/nursing).
- Arrange appointment with School Nurse Services Credential Program coordinator for program planning and advisement.
Note: All candidates are required to sign a statement on the application form regarding conviction or plea of nolo contendere for any violation of law other than minor traffic offenses.
Candidates with a conviction may be refused a School Nurse Services Credential.
For further information, contact the CCTC Professional Practices Division
at (916) 445-0234.
Time Restrictions. All requirements for a School Nurse Services Credential
must be completed within five years of the date of issuance of the preliminary
credential.
Articulation with the Graduate Program
School Nurse Services Credential students may pursue a master's degree
in other areas of nursing. Specific questions about graduate program admission
requirements and coursework should be directed to the graduate coordinator,
Department of Nursing. Graduate students in either the Pediatric or Family
Nurse Practitioner programs may take the articulated option in School Nursing,
reducing the total number of units needed to meet the educational requirements
for a School Nurse Services Credential (see Graduate
Program).
Graduate Program
The department offers an NLN accredited program that leads to a Master of Science degree in Nursing. The purpose of the program is to prepare nurses for advanced practice in the functional roles of primary care nurse practioner and clinical nurse specialist/nursing educator. Each graduate of the master's in nursing program must demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in physical diagnosis, psychological assessment, and management of health-illness needs in complex client and community systems. The program provides a foundation for doctoral study in nursing.
Clinical Options
Students select a functional role of either primary care nurse practioner
or clinical nurse specialist/nursing educator. Any nursing class in the
role specialization options area may be cancelled because of insufficient
enrollment.
Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nursing Education
The Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nursing Education Option prepares the
graduate to assume a leadership role with advanced skills, knowledge, and
competence in a specific area of clinical nursing. Students in this option
will demonstrate competence in the areas of expert clinical practice, educator,
research, consultation, and clinical leadership.
Graduates meet the requirements for clinical nurse specialist certification
by the California Board of Registered Nursing and are eligible for national
certification examination.
Nurse Practioner
The Primary Care/Nurse Practioner Option prepares the graduate to provide
primary health care to children, the elderly adult, and families. Classroom
and clinical experiences focus on health assessment, health maintinance,
and promotion , as well as counseling, client education, and management
of selected health problems. Practice in rural settings and with clients
from diversified cultural backgrounds is emphasized.
Graduates meet the requirements for recognition as Pediatric, Geriatric,
or Family Nurse Practioners in California and may apply for national certification.
The purpose of the Primary Care/Nurse Practioner Option is to prepare nurses
as specialists in primary care and to improve the availability, accessability,
and quality of primary care services in the Central San Joaquin Valley.
Policies and Procedures for M.S.N. Admission
Admission Procedures
- Applications are available at the Department website: www.csufresno.edu/nursing
or you can request an application packet by writing to the following address
and enclosing a self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelope:
California State University, Fresno
Admissions: Graduate Nursing Program
Department of Nursing
2345 East San Ramon Avenue M/S MH25
Fresno, CA 93740-8031
- Arrange to take Graduate Record Examination. If in Fresno, contact Fresno State's Division of Graduate Studies.
- Request application from Nursing Department and submit completed form to Admissions Office, California State University, Fresno.
- Request official transcripts of previous academic work to be forwarded to Admissions Office.
- Submit Nursing Department application and required credentials.
- Complete and submit Nursing Department graduate program written essay.
Admission to the program is limited to the fall semester; students with
deficiencies are encouraged to meet the requirements in the previous spring
semester.
Deadline for application for admission to the program is March 1.
Admission Criteria
There are two pathways into the M.S.N. program for individuals with different
educational backgrounds: the B.S.N. graduate and the R.N. with a non-nursing
baccalaureate degree.
Admission Criteria for B.S.N. Graduates
- Admission to California State University, Fresno, Division of Graduate Studies
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN accredited program
- Registered nurse license in California (may be waived for nurses licensed in another country)
- Overall GPA of 2.5 with 3.0 in nursing
- GRE must be completed within last five years. Scores will be used in the admission selection process.
- Malpractice insurance
- An introductory course in statistics
- An introductory course in research
- A physical assessment course that includes theory and practice; or validation of knowledge and skills for graduates of programs with integrated content
- Current CPR certification
Policies and procedures for M.S.N. Admission
Admission Procedures
- Applications are available at the Department website: www.csufresno.edu/nursing
or you can request an application packet by writing to the following address
and enclosing a self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelope:
California State University, Fresno
Admissions: Graduate Nursing Program
Department of Nursing
2345 East San Ramon Avenue M/S MH25
Fresno, CA 93740-8031
Admission Criteria for Registered Nurses with a Baccalaureate Degree
in a Field Other Than Nursing
This program is open only to students eligible for admission to graduate
standing at California State University, Fresno, who have completed a nursing
program in an accredited school, are registered, or eligible for registration
as nurses in the state of California and who hold a bachelor's degree in
a related field from an accredited university.
For admission to this program, students are required to meet the following
criteria in addition to the regular criteria set for admission to the M.S.N.
program:
- Submission of resume of all past educational and employment experience. Resume should emphasize experience in leadership, community health, research, and writing for publication.
- Review of resume by the graduate coordinator of the Nursing Department who establishes nursing courses the student must complete to obtain a background comparable to students graduating with a B.S.N. at California State University, Fresno.
- Satisfactory completion of the individualized program established by the coordinator before enrolling in the regular M.S.N. program.
- Admission to the Nurse Practitioner Program is not guaranteed, and all students must make application to the Nurse Practitioner Program.
Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate (State-Issued)
The post-master's certificate at California State University, Fresno consists of 31 units. This certificate is issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Applicants may receive credit toward the NP certificate for graduate courses taken previously. Typically, the main courses that are requested for credit are the advanced theories and advanced issues courses. In order to request a course substitution, the applicant must submit a copy of the course description, objectives, and assignments for review by the graduate coordinator. At that time, the course of study will be determined with input from the student and graduate curriculum committee. Students seeking Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner certificates are exempt from some coursework and have a shorter program.
Master of Science Degree Requirements
Courses. Under the direction of the graduate coordinator, each
student prepares and submits an individually designed program based on the
following:
Core courses in nursing (13 units)
NURS 211, 212, 221, 223, 225
Role specialization courses (21-22 units)
(See below.)
Thesis (NURS 299) or Project (NURS 298) (3 units)
or
Comprehensive Exam* (0 units)
Minimum Total (37 units)
Minimum total for Primary Care is 37 units
Minimum total for CNS/Nursing Education is 38 units
__________
* Additional approved 3-unit elective required for students taking the Comprehensive
Exam.
Role Specialization (Options)
Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nursing Education
NURS 210, 229, 230, 240, 241, 242, 250, 251
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Family
NURS 210, 264, 265, 266, 267, 277, 278
Pediatric
NURS 210, 264, 265, 266, 269, 279, 280
Geriatric
NURS 210, 264, 265, 266, 271, 281, 282
Facilities. The diverse facilities of the community provide a
wide variety of learning opportunities for individualized pursuit of student
goals. Graduate and postbaccalaureate students have clinical placements,
which are consistent with their career goals.
Graduate Writing Requirement. All students must meet the university's
graduate writing proficiency requirement prior to being advanced to candidacy
for the master's degree. Students fulfill the writing requirement by passing
the writing component of NURS 221. Students can obtain additional information
regarding the graduate writing requirement in the program's Graduate Student
Handbook.
Thesis, Project, and Comprehensive Exam. The department offers students
the option of writing a thesis, completing a project, or taking a written
comprehensive exam. Information about the culminating experience is available
from an adviser in nursing.
Note: All practicum courses require a minimum of three hours of clinical
work per unit of credit to meet course objectives.
Advancement to Candidacy. Completion of 9 graduate units with a GPA
of 3.0.
Graduate students are responsible for policies and regulations of the Division
of Graduate Studies and those specified in the graduate nursing program
brochure.
Nurse Practitioner Option
combined with School Nurse Services Credential
Students concurrently enrolled in an articulated School Nurse Services Credential
Program and Nurse Practitioner Option Program (SNC/PNP or SNC/FNP) are prepared
for work as school nurse/nurse practitioners in a variety of primary health
care settings where services are provided to school-age children and their
families, including school-based clinics. Students completing this articulated
option meet the educational requirements for a Health Services (School Nurse)
Credential and Pediatric or Family Nurse Practitioner certification and
may apply for additional ANA certification as School Nurse Practitioners.
Students in the articulated SNC/PNP or SNC/FNP program must complete 11
units of School Nurse Services Credential Program coursework in addition
to their graduate program of study for nurse practitioners. Additional courses
required for the School Nurse Services Credential:
NURS 180T or CSD 188T
Audiometry (3 units)
NURS 184
Introduction to School Nursing (3 units)
NURS 185
Seminar in School Nursing (3 units)
NURS 186
School Nurse Practicum I (elementary) (3 units)
NURS 187
School Nurse Practicum II (secondary) (3 units)
Note: Students selecting the comprehensive exam with 3-unit cognate
option, rather than thesis or project options, may use 3 units from the
coursework for the School Nurse Services Credential Program toward completion
of the requirement for the master's degree.
Admission criteria and procedures for both programs must be met. Students
must apply (and be accepted) to both the School Nurse Services Credential
Program and the Graduate Program in Nursing. Consult the Graduate Coordinator
and the School Nurse coordinator for advising.
Nursing
Courses