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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

Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0. Prior to applying to the Nursing Program, students must pass the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of 75%. Students receiving a score of less than 75% will be allowed to retake the exam twice, but this must be done prior to their application. For TEAS information, see www.atitesting.com.

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 5B or 10) (3 units)
G.E. Area A3* (3 units)
G.E. Area B4* (3 units)
Anatomy (BIOL 64) (3 units)
Physiology (BIOL 65) (5 units)
Chemistry (CHEM 3A) (4 units)
Microbiology (BIOL 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
• Maximum of two prerequisite courses may be repeated once to improve grade
• On-line, Web-based or distance learning science and laboratory courses taken at other institutions must be approved by the nursing admissions coordinator.

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.

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: Nursing Department applications are available March 1-31; university applications are available February 1 at www.csumentor.com.

Spring admission: Nursing Department applications are available August 1-31; university applications are available July 1 at www.csumentor.com.

Dates are subject to change. Additional information and applications can be obtained online at www.fresnostate.edu/nursing or by calling the nursing admissions coordinator at 559.278.6579.

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

1. 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).
2. Students must submit all transcripts, course descriptions of nursing courses, and two letters of recommendation from their current school to be considered for transfer.
3. Students must meet all California State University, Fresno criteria for admission and continuation in the major to be eligible for transfer.
4. Students are admitted and placed in the major at the discretion of the department chair.
5. 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.
6. Applicant Deadline:
   Fall Admission - February 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 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 (57 units)
NURS 134, 135, 136, 137, 141, 141L, 145, 150, 151, 153;
31 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; PH 92 or MATH 11 (if statistics not taken for G.E. Area B4); PHIL 20 or 120; PSYCH 10; SOC 3; 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 (127-131 units)

_________

For the B.S. in Nursing, MATH 11 or HS 92 are approved to count for G.E. Area B4.

---

Advising Notes

1. 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 5B or 10 in G.E. Foundation A2; 3 units of CHEM 3A in G.E. Breadth B1; 3 units of BIOL 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; SOC 3 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, Quantitative Reasoning (Math) course for G.E. Area B4.
2. Students must complete CFS 38 and NUTR 53 no later than the first semester of the nursing major.
3. Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 10) and SOC 3 must be completed no later than the second semester of the nursing major.
4. Major courses must be taken for a letter grade; CR/NC grading is not permitted in the nursing major.
5. Students are strongly encouraged to seek academic advising every semester.
6. 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.fresnostate.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 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 CCNE/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.fresnostate.edu/nursing.

Audiology coursework
CDDS 125 (3 units)

Special Education coursework
SPED 120 (3 units)

Counseling coursework (select one)
COUN 174 (3 units)
COUN 200 (3 units)

Physical Assessment
NURS 136* (3 units)

Health Teaching
NURS 137* (3 units)

School Nursing
NURS 184* (3 units)
NURS 185* (3 units)
NURS 186* (3 units)
NURS 187* (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 Continuing and Global 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 School Nurse Services Credential prior to enrollment in NURS 186 and 187. Contact the credentials analyst, Education Building, Room 100, 559.278.0300, or the county office of education in your area 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

1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a NLN accredited program
2. Admission to the university at the postbaccalaureate level
3. Current California Registered Nurse License
4. California Public Health Nurse Certificate or 5 units of university community health coursework
5. Overall GPA of 2.5 and 3.0 in nursing
6. Three satisfactory letters of recommendation (at least one from a recent employer or nursing faculty)

Admission Procedures

1. Complete application for admission to postbaccalaureate standing, Admissions Office, Joyal Building. Forward copy of application to Department of Nursing, school nurse coordinator.
2. Complete Credential Program application, available online at www.fresnostate.edu/nursing.
3. Attach official transcripts of previous academic work.
4. Attach photocopies of required documents (R.N. License, P.H.N. Certificate).
5. Submit three letters of reference/recommendation (forms available online at www.fresnostate.edu/nursing).
6. 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.

Certificate of Advanced Study -
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Ndidi Griffin, Graduate Coordinator
559.278.6697

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program is a one-year post-master's program designed to prepare primary care nurse practitioners to provide the full range of psychiatric services to patients throughout the life cycle. This is a formally constructed program that meets the requirements for national certification by the American Nurse Credentialing Center as an Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health or Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

The program of study consists of 18 post-master's units. To enhance access and provide flexibility, the program will be largely distance delivered via synchronous and asynchronous modalities.

Coursework
NURS 243 (2 units)
NURS 244 (2 units)
NURS 245 (2 units)
NURS 246 (2 units)
NURS 247 (4 units)
NURS 248 (2 units)
NURS 249 (4 units)
Total (18 units)

All courses are taken through Continuing and Global Education via special sessions. Courses are offered once a year and students proceed through the program as a cohort. There is no part-time option available at this time.

Admissions Criteria

1. Master's of Science in Nursing.
2. Currently practicing as a primary care nurse practitioner, i.e. Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, or Geriatric Nurse Practitioner.
3. Valid California Nurse Practitioner license and furnishing number.
4. Current Drug Enforcement Administration authorization for Schedule II medications.
5. Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a recent employer.

Admissions Procedures

1. The deadline for admissions is March 1
2. Applicants first complete the online University application at www.csumentor.edu.
3. The program has additional requirements for admission. Complete instructions for application to the program are available within the www.csumentor.edu process.

All program admissions materials should be sent to
The Central California Center for Excellence in Nursing
1780 E. Bullard Ave. #116
Fresno, CA 93740

All materials must be received by March 1.

Certificate of Advanced Study Requirements: completion of the set program of study (18 units) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher within a 5-year period.

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 a CCNE 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/Nurse Educator
The Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator Option prepares the graduate to assume a leadership role with advanced skills, knowledge, and competence in adult/geriatric or pediatric areas of clinical nursing. Students in this option will demonstrate competence in the areas of expert clinical practice, education, research, consultation, and clinical leadership.

CNS graduates meet the requirements for clinical nurse specialist certification through the California Board of Registered Nursing and national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

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 or family nurse practitioners 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. You must complete two applications for the graduate nursing program.

1. You must apply to the university by March 1 as a graduate student through csumentor.edu.
2. You must also complete a Nursing Department application. You may download and complete the application online from the Nursing Department website at www.fresnostate.edu/chhs/nursing/, or you can pick up an application from the nursing office. Once they are completed, print and mail the application and accompanying documents to the nursing office at
   California State University, Fresno
   Admissions: Graduate Nursing Program
   Department of Nursing
   2345 East San Ramon Avenue M/S MH25
   Fresno, CA 93740-8031
3. Complete the Graduate Record Examination and have scores sent to the university and the Department of Nursing.
4. Complete and submit Nursing Department graduate program written essay.
5. Have official copies of all transcripts sent to both the Nursing Department and to
   Graduate Admissions Office
   Joyal Administration Building
   5150 N. Maple M/S JA57
   Fresno, CA 93740-8026

 

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

1. Admission to California State University, Fresno, Division of Graduate Studies
2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN/CCNE accredited program
3. Registered nurse license in California (may be waived for nurses licensed in another country)
4. Overall GPA of 2.5 with 3.0 in nursing
5. Malpractice insurance
6. An introductory course in statistics
7. An introductory course in research
8. A physical assessment course that includes theory and practice; or validation of knowledge and skills for graduates of programs with integrated content
9. Current CPR certification

 

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:

1. Submission of resume of all past educational and employment experience. Resume should emphasize experience in leadership, community health, research, and writing for publication.
2. 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.
3. Satisfactory completion of the individualized program established by the coordinator before enrolling in the regular M.S.N. program.
4. Admission to the Nurse Practitioner Program is not guaranteed, and all students must make application to the Nurse Practitioner Program.

Post-Master's Certificates (State-Issued)

At California State University, Fresno, the post-master's nurse practitioner certificate is 31 units and the post-master's clinical nurse specialist/nurse educator certificate is 32 units. These certificates are issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Applicants may receive credit toward the certificates 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 department graduate curriculum committee. Students seeking post-master's 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 (21-24 units)
(See below.)

Thesis (NURS 299) or Project (NURS 298) (3 units)
or
Comprehensive Exam* (0 units)

Minimum Total (38-40 units)

Minimum total for Primary Care is 40 units
Minimum total for CNS/Nurse Educator is 40 units
__________

* Additional approved 3-unit elective required for students taking the Comprehensive Exam.

Role Specialization (Options)
Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator
NURS 210, 235, 236, 240, 241, 242, 288T (6 units)

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Family
NURS 210, 215, 264, 265, 266, 267, 277, 278
Pediatric
NURS 210, 215, 262, 263, 268, 269, 279, 280
Geriatric
NURS 210, 215, 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.

Preceptor selection for clinical placement in both the CNS and nurse practitioner programs is the responsibility of the Department of Nursing. The department will gather pertinent information to assist in preceptor identification during the first semester of the program. All preceptors must meet standards for educational and clinical experience as established by the California Board of Registered Nursing and appropriate accrediting bodies. Preceptors must be either a physician or a master's prepared nurse practitioner.

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.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice. The DNP program prepares graduates for leadership and clinical roles and to engage in evidence-based inquiry. Graduates may also serve as clinical faculty in postsecondary nursing education programs. The curriculum is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006) and meets all requirements for national accreditation. The program is designed for working professionals with the majority of coursework provided via distance modalities. The DNP program is cohort-based and designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. It consists of 37 doctoral units with a culminating doctoral project.

Admission Requirements. Application requirements consist of the following:

1. The applicant must meet the general admission requirements for California State University, Fresno.
2. The applicant must have earned an acceptable master's degree from an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association and the national professional accrediting association, as applicable.
3. The applicant must have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in an acceptable master's degree program.
4. The applicant must maintain active licensure to practice as a registered nurse in the state in which practicum experiences will be completed.
5. The applicant must meet all requirements for credentialing or certification eligibility as appropriate to the nursing specialty area.
6. The applicant must demonstrate sufficient preparation and experience pertinent to advanced nursing practice.

Evidence considered in the admission process shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1. Three letters of recommendation from professional persons knowledgeable about the applicant's advanced nursing practice experience, as well as the potential for scholarship and leadership.
2. A written statement of purpose reflecting what the applicant expects to accomplish in the DNP program and how the DNP program will advance the applicant's nursing career and practice.

Program Requirements. Students in the DNP program move through the coursework as a cohort. A minimum of 37 units are required for completion of the degree. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate professional behavior to progress in the program. In order to achieve the DNP competencies, students must complete a minimum 1,000 hours of practice post-baccalaureate as part of a supervised academic program. Students shall be required to pass a qualifying assessment within two attempts in order to continue in the program and prior to advancing to candidacy. The qualifying examination will be administered at the end of the first year, when the student's mastery of essential elements of the core advanced nursing concepts can be fairly evaluated and when the student is considered ready to begin the doctoral project.

The Doctoral Project. The Doctoral Project consists of three interrelated scholarly manuscripts which are developed in conjunction with the student's Project Committee. The project will relate to advanced practice and focus on a potential or existing health problem or issue affecting a group or community, rather than an individual. The project is developed, implemented, and evaluated in the second year of the program with guidance from a Project Committee selected by the student. The project will be presented to the Project Committee in a public forum, and the final paper submitted for publication to an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.

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