California State University

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated BSN Programs
BSN Programs
DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
MSN Programs
Nursing Administration - Master's degree
Public Health/Community Nursing - Master's degree
RN Programs
RN to BSN Programs

BSN Program Details

The baccalaureate program offers courses that prepare the student to become a professional nurse. Three distinct categories of students are eligible for admission: The "basic/trimester student" who enters the University without having completed a first level nursing program, the "registered nurse student," who having completed a course of study at the first level, desires further study to expand her or his nursing capabilities to the BSN professional level and the Entry Level MSN student, who having completed a baccalaureate degree in another field, chooses to obtain both a BSN and MSN degree in a period of 36 months.

Though each category of student enters at different levels, the terminal objectives of the nursing program are the same for all groups. The "basic student" and the Entry Level BSN/MSN student upon completion of specific courses are eligible to take the examination for licensure to practice as a registered nurse. All graduates are recommended for certification as a public health nurse in the State of California. The program is accredited by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

MSN Program Details

The master of science degree is available to qualified students who desire advanced preparation in a variety of clinical specialty areas. The program is approved by the Board of Registered Nursing, and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (1 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC, 20036-1120, phone: 202-887-6791).

The philosophy of graduate nurse education is that the practice of nursing is constantly changing as health needs and health delivery systems are altered. Integral to nursing is an ability to work effectively and cooperatively with other disciplines and community services to promote health.

The focal point in this curriculum is the nursing process with strong components of clinical medical knowledge complemented by behavioral science concepts. Courses are interdependent and have been structured to provide clinical depth in the area of student’s choice.

The graduate will have the knowledge and skill to function as an advanced practice nurse in one of several specialty areas. Nursing research skills and the application of nursing theory to practice are major emphases of the curriculum.

In an effort to accomodate the busy schedules of nurses, we offer all of our core courses on Tuesday and Thursday to eliminate the need for students to come to campus every day. While it may be possible to schedule all classes on one day, the majority of students will need to come to campus both days as a full-time student.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The DNP is a practice-oriented doctorate, such as the Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Optometry, or Doctor of Physical Therapy, in contrast to the research-oriented PhD. The purposes of the DNP are to develop advanced competencies for increasingly complex practice, faculty, and leadership roles in nursing and to provide an advanced educational credential for those in advanced practice.