California State University

Nursing Programs Offered

RN to BSN Program Details

The Division of Nursing's RN to BSN program at Sacramento State offers a unique career opportu­nity for the working Registered Nurse. The program is designed to advance the associate degree RN to the next level in the profession, preparing the graduate BSN nurse for professional leadership roles in society. In addition, each graduate of the RN to BSN program receives a Public Health Nurse certificate. The Division takes pride in professional activities in the health care community at the local, state and national level with a wide range of clinical expertise and research interests.

Employers are recognizing that today's dynamic health care field demands baccalaureate-prepared nurses as essential in providing optimal delivery of healthcare in community health, education, research and leadership roles. The curriculum at Sacramento State is designed with the flexibility to meet the needs of the working RN. Variation in completion time depends on the student's individual needs and educational background. Our supportive and knowledgeable faculty advisors will help you select program elements tailored to your needs. The undergraduate program objectives are to provide the learner with a knowledge base from the physical and behavioral sciences and humanities and knowledge of developing theories and practices of nursing. Opportunities will be provided for the student to prepare for a professional role in society; opportunities to utilize the nursing process with individuals and groups in a variety of settings for the purposes of evaluating current health care practices and testing new approaches; opportunities to function in a leadership role with the consumer and members of other disciplines; and a stimulus for continued personal and professional development.

BSN Program Details

The baccalaureate program consists of a four-year curriculum of lower and upper division coursework. There are two (2) years of General Education including prerequisites and two (2) years of clinical nursing. Its content prepares competent professional practitioners of nursing who will help meet the changing health care needs of society. The specific purposes of the program are to: 1) provide a program of study which includes the developing theory and practices of nursing leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing, 2) prepare a generalist in nursing practice who is able to utilize the nursing process to meet the health care needs of the community, and 3) provide the student with a base for graduate study.

In the baccalaureate program, students are provided with a variety of learning experiences both on and off campus. Examples of clinical facilities used in the Sacramento and surrounding areas include acute care hospitals, skilled nursing and extended care facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, and community health and social service agencies.

Students are encouraged to participate in the California Nursing Students' Association (CNSA) as they pursue their academic studies. In their fourth semester of clinical nursing coursework, students are eligible for membership in Zeta Eta, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society for Nursing.

The Sacramento State program in professional nursing is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The student satisfactorily completing the baccalaureate program is awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is eligible to apply for licensure by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

MSN Program Details

The Master of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare registered nurses that have baccalaureate degrees for advanced roles in nursing clinical practice and education. The curriculum emphasizes the systematic study of professional nursing practice and preparation for a leadership role. The program is designed for nurses currently employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities, health agencies and educational institutions who require graduate preparation to qualify for present positions or desire advancement to positions of greater responsibility and complexity. Scheduling of program offerings will provide maximum flexibility for the working professional and distance learner. The majority of the program offerings are delivered in an on-line/hybrid format, including opportunities for collaborative and self-directed study.

Accelerated BSN Program Details

Sacramento State has partnered with California State University, Stanislaus to offer a collaborative Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Pre-Licensure Nursing (ASBSNc) program beginning November 28, 2011. The program will combine and utilize curriculum models and instruction from both campuses.

The ASBSNc program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline other than nursing), have completed the required prerequisites, and aspire to become registered nurses. Students who successfully complete the 57-unit program are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and enter into professional nursing practice.