School of Nursing
School Nurse Credential Program
We are pleased to announce that the School Nurse Services Credential Program is nationally
accredited through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation and
is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education. The School Nurse Services
Credential Program is also accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The California State University, Fresno (postbaccalaureate) School Nurse Services
Credential (SNSC) program provides preparation for the comprehensive roles in school
nursing and leads to the professional (clear) credential approved by the California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
This is mainly an online program; candidates must be computer literate, have internet
and computer access. Successful candidates are highly organized and able to meet course
deadlines.
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites include 3-unit courses in Nursing Research and Community Health or a Public Health Nurse certificate. An associate degree registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree in another field of study may apply if the prerequisites are completed.
Curriculum
The SNSC program of study consists of 24 units. The School Nurse Services Credential Program courses are offered through Fresno State’s Division of Continuing and Global Education (http://www.fresnostate.edu/cge/). The 4-semester program begins with the Spring session (in January) and continues through the following Spring semester. Prior to the start of the program, candidates will attend a mandatory Orientation in June. All courses, apart from Health Appraisal, are online. Health Appraisal is offered during summer session over two 3-day weekends for the convenience of students who live outside the area.
View Course Descriptions
Admission Requirements
- Employed as a School Nurse in California
- Currenlty hold a preliminary School Nurse Credential
- California RN License
- Transcripts should reflect a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from a CCNE or NLN accredited school with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in the last 60 units and a 3.0 in nursing. (*See exception below for associate RN degree.)
Application Process
Applications for admission are accepted July 1 through September 1 of each year. There is no application fee and individuals do not apply to the University. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that all required documents, except official transcripts and Recommendation forms, are uploaded with the application or the application will not be accepted. Official transcripts and Recommendation forms must be sent directly to the program coordinators. See the bottom of this page to find your program coordinator.
Completion of an application and prerequisites are required before being considered for admission. The applicant is responsible for submitting sealed official transcripts from all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate universities.
In addition to official transcripts, please review the following requirements and upload to application.
1. Two Recommendation Forms from an administrator and/or supervisor. The Recommendation Forms will be e-mailed directly to administrators/supervisors by the Program Coordinator. Provide names, titles and e-mail addresses in the application.
2. A one-page double-spaced essay using APA guidelines stating rationale for pursuing a School Nurse Services Credential. Sign and date the essay.
3. Copy of current California Registered Nurse License.
4. California Public Health Nurse Certificate OR official transcripts of an approved 3-unit community health nursing course. For a PHN certificate application visit: http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/phn-app.pdf.
5. School Audiometrist Certificate. For information visit: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/hcp/Documents/dhcs101.pdf
6. A California Preliminary School Nurse Services Credential.
7. Transcripts. Must be official and can be sent electronically or by mail directly from the university to your program coordinator. See e-mail addresses and the postal address below. Do not send transcripts to Fresno State’s Admissions Office. Foreign degree candidates: foreign degree baccalaureate degrees must be evaluated by a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved agency prior to applying. For a list of agencies visit: http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl635.pdf
*An associate degree registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree in another field of study may apply as long as the prerequisites are completed.
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing only accepts coursework completed at regionally accredited institutions. For a list of acceptable regional accrediting bodies visit http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/accreditation-bodies.html
If candidates have questions regarding possible equivalent coursework at another university, please email the Program Coordinators. The candidate may be asked to send official transcripts, catalog descriptions, or syllabi to verify equivalency.
Program Acceptance
In the Fall, prior to the start of the SNSC program, the coordinators will notify
applicants of acceptance and send additional information including starting dates
and registration information. For the School Nurse Practicum courses, candidates
are responsible for finding a qualified preceptor (currently practicing as a school
nurse with a Professional Clear School Nurse Services Credential) in their geographical
area.
In the Fall, prior to the start of the SNSC program, the coordinators will notify applicants of acceptance and send additional information including starting dates and registration information. For the School Nurse Practicum courses, candidates are responsible for finding a qualified preceptor (currently practicing as a school nurse with a Professional Clear School Nurse Services Credential) in their geographical area.
Application link will be available during the Application Period
Application Period: July 1st - September 1st
Contact our Coordinators - Email Preferred
Last names M - Z:
Marilyn Glinskas, M.Ed., BSN, RN, PHN
559.278.2835
marilynglinskas@mail.fresnostate.edu