RN to BSN Program

The RN to BSN Program builds upon the sound ADN foundation of nursing education. The BSN offers RNs a wider variety of job possibilities. Knowledge of nursing theory, research methods and evidence-based practice, as well as community health nursing principles and practice and expanded leadership/management skills, set the BSN graduate apart. A baccalaureate degree in nursing prepares RNs for entry into MSN and School Nurse Credential programs, and broadens opportunities for management positions. BSN graduates are also eligible to apply for a CA Public Health Nursing Certificate that permits them to work in community health settings with more mainstream schedules.

The current curriculum consists of 10 BSN courses. Nursing courses are offered both online (5) and in classroom or clinical settings (5). The only clinical course required is community health nursing, and placements for this are only available within the CSUF service area. The health assessment course provides an opportunity for expanded physical assessment skills and is a prerequisite for the MSN program.

This program is open to graduates of BRN-approved, regionally accredited associate degree nursing programs. Applicants must possess a current, active and clear California RN license. Preference is given to transfer students within the CSUF service area.

 Admission Requirements

  • ADN graduate from CA BRN-approved, regionally-accredited program. Must be in good standing at last university attended.
  • Current, active, and clear California RN license.
  • Current enrollment at CSUF or admitted CSUF applicant (click here to view university catalog online for transfer admission requirements). Apply online at: www.csumentor.edu
  •  **Note: Applications usually open Nov. 1st for the following Fall admission and April 1st for the following Spring admission (generally close within the month). Check CSUF Admissions for current deadlines and admission information. You must plan early for admission to CSUF.
  • Completion of eight prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C (see below for list of prerequisite courses).
  • Complete the RN to BSN Application (click here for application). The application includes additional instructions and deadlines. Admission is a two-step process: 1) University admission (check deadlines), and 2) Nursing major (RN-BSN) admission. 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 the nursing major.
  • 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 the BSN. Contact the Nursing Department regarding specific requirements.

Note: The current deadline for Fall 2013 RN-BSN applications is June 3rd, 2013. However, you can only apply if you have already been accepted into CSUF for Fall 2013. CSUF admissions closed November 30th, 2012.

 

Requirements for BSN:

There are currently 121 units required for the BSN degree

        51 units of General Education

               Lower Division (CC)---12 Foundational, 27 Breadth

               Upper Division (CSUF)---9 Integration, 3 Multicultural

        Upper Division Writing requirement (exam or course)

        26 units Nursing coursework

        19 units transferred from community college (total 70 with GE)

        25 units credit-by-exam after taking NURS153 (to convert lower-

               division units in nursing to upper division units needed

               for BSN degree)

  • RN-BSN Prerequisites (required by the CSU)

               English Composition

               Public Speaking

               Critical Thinking

               Statistics

               (these 4 meet CSUF GE Foundation requirements)

               Anatomy with lab

               Physiology with lab
               Chemistry with lab

               Microbiology with lab

               (these 4 satisfy some of CSUF GE Breadth, A-E)

  • General Education/CSUF Graduation Requirements

               -Complete CSU GE Transfer Pattern (Areas A-E)

Available at: http://www.fresnostate.edu/studentaffairs/advising/general-ed.html              

                  Areas A & B are completed with RN-BSN Prerequisites

               -Take co-requisites Ethics (C2), Sociology, Anthropology, or                Psychology (D3), Nutrition (E), Lifespan Development (E)

               -Complete any remaining requirements for Areas C and D

               -Lower Division prerequisite GE coursework required for the                 Upper Division GE courses must be taken at the
                community  college or CSUF before enrolling in CSUF Upper
               Division  coursework.

               NOTE:

               -It is best to complete lower division RN-BSN Prerequisites and
                Lower Division GE courses at the community
                college and then have your transcript GE Certified in order
                to maximize the 70 units you can transfer in to CSUF.

               -Go to www.assist.org to check equivalent GE courses at                       your community college.

  • RN-BSN Coursework

        -NURS 135 Professional Transition (3 units)

        -NURS 134 Geriatric Nursing: Concepts in Healthy Aging (2 units)

        -NURS 136 Health Appraisal (3 units)

        -NURS 137 Teaching Strategies for Health Care Client (3 units)

        -NURS 145 Nursing Theories & Research (3 units)*

        -NURS 141 Concepts of Community Health Nursing (3 units)**

        -NURS 141L Practicum: Concepts of CHN (2 units)***

        -NURS 150 Leadership & Health Care Economics (3 units)****

        -NURS 151 Senior Project (1 unit)*****

        -NURS 153 Bridging Constructs for Professional Nursing (3 units)

                       * Statistics and Upper Division Writing prerequisites      

                              **NURS 145 prerequisite

                              ***NURS 141 corequisite

                              ****NURS 145, 141, 141L prerequisites

                              *****NURS 145, 141, 141L prerequisites and

                                           NURS 150 corequisite

 

Please consult the CSU Fresno catalog for further information.

 Nursing Admissions Advisor

          TBA , McLane Hall, Room 194 

        (559) 278-6579     Fax (559) 278-6360

 

GE Advisor, College of Health & Human Services

        Frank Castro, McLane Hall, Room 194     

        (559) 278-1787

 

RN-BSN Coordinator

        Cherie Rector, PhD, RN, PHN

        crector@csufresno.edu

 Other Numbers of Interest:

Admissions               (559) 278-2261

Bulldog Card Office  (559) 278-5608

Cashier                   (559) 278-2641

Financial Aid            (559) 278-2182

Sample Roadmap (Fresno City College -California State University, Fresno)


Prerequisites/Additional Requirements to Major
Application Process
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