Admission to the Program
The program consists of two pathways to the degree, each of which has separate admission criteria and program requirements.
Basic Pre-Licensure BSN Program
In this pathway to the BSN degree, freshmen, transfer, or continuing students are first admitted as pre-nursing majors, provided that they meet the supplementary eligibility requirements, and then they must complete the prerequisites for the nursing major as part of their basic pre-licensure program.
The requirements for admission to the basic pre-licensure program for entering freshmen are a 3.0 high school GPA and an SAT score of 900 on the math and verbal portions of the exam. The requirements for admission to the pre-nursing major for continuing or transfer students are a 2.75 GPA in at least 20 units of the required prerequisite coursework and a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
Entering freshman are admitted as pre-nursing majors through the admissions process if they designate pre-nursing as their intended major and meet the eligibility requirements. Transfer students and continuing students seeking admission to the pre-nursing major must obtain approval from a pre-nursing adviser in the University Academic Advisement Center provided they have met the eligibility requirements. Pre-nursing majors may apply to be admitted as nursing majors once they successfully complete the prerequisites for the nursing major.
Applicants to the nursing major are screened competitively based on a variety of indicators. Please check the School of Nursing website for a complete, discussion of the admission process to the school. http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/nursing/index.htm
RN BSN Transfer Program
The second pathway is the R.N. BSN Transfer Program, in which students who possess a California R.N. License and transfer in with an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in Nursing or with an NLNAC Accredited diploma are admitted directly to the nursing major.
Admission to the RN-BSN Program also requires a separate application with a copy of the CA RN license attached. The minimum GPA accepted from the transfer institution is 2.00. Please check the school of nursing website for further details.
Applications are accepted September 1 to December 1 of each academic year. Applications are submitted the year prior to beginning nursing courses. Contact school of nursing for further details or look on the school of nursing website: http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/nursing/index.htm
General Information
Students in the nursing program must carry university liability insurance, personal health insurance, and workers’ compensation when required by a clinical agency. Nursing students must have a valid California driver’s license and access to an automobile covered by appropriate automobile insurance. Prior to entering the first clinical lab, students must have a current CPR card, a physical examination, proof of immunity to rubella and hepatitis B and other specified infectious diseases, a two-step Mantoux skin test and a chest X-ray, if there is proof of a positive TB skin test.
Additional immunizations may be necessary if required by clinical agencies. Annual renewal of CPR certification, an annual physical examination and a two step Mantoux skin test or chest x-ray, if indicated, will be required. Information about professional behavior, clinical attire and picture identification regulations can be found in the undergraduate student handbook. All nursing students are required to complete a background check upon admission to the program.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully assess any personal criminal background before applying to the School of Nursing. Nursing students must have a cleared background check that is acceptable to clinical agencies after acceptance to the School of Nursing. Since the California State Board of Nursing makes the final determination on eligibility for licensure, a positive background check may be a barrier to licensure, certification and employment.
Requirements for the Major (99-111 units)
The basic program requires a total of 195 units for the degree, including 111 units in required courses in nursing and related fields. The RN BSN transfer program requires a total of 180 units for the degree, including 99 units in required courses in nursing and related fields. See Undergraduate Studies: General Information for details about General Education and other requirements that constitute the units outside the major.
