Dec 13, 2024  
General Catalog 2024-2025 
    
General Catalog 2024-2025

Nursing - R.N.-B.S.N.


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School of Nursing  

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program, RN-BSN (Post-licensure) Degree Requirements

NCLEX Credit (20 units)


Prerequisite requirements (28 units)

(See prerequisites listed under Admission to the RN-BSN Program. (19 units may be applied to G.E.)

Other Degree Requirements


In addition to the major program requirements, every student must also complete the University’s baccalaureate degree requirements such as:

  • American Government and Institutions (PLSI 2 )
  • General Education Requirements (48 units) - see Admission to the RN-BSN Program below
  • Multicultural and International (MI)
  • Upper-division Writing
  • Sufficient Elective Units to Meet Required Total Units (varies); it is recommended that units in this area be utilized to complete a second major or minor.

A full description of the University’s graduation requirements can be found in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements 

Total: 120 Units**


*If SOC 3  is not taken, then SOC 1  or ANTH 2  can be completed.

**General Education, MI, and Upper-division Writing courses can be double counted with major requirements. These courses include SOC 3  (Area A3), MATH 11  or PH 91  (Area B4), PHIL 20  (Area C2) or PHIL 120  (Area IC), and PSYCH 10  (Area D3). See advisor for details.

  • Per Executive Order 1084 “one unit of academic credit for every unit of the required pre-licensure community college nursing course credits” (not transferred to California State University, Fresno) may be applied “toward the baccalaureate nursing degree” (maximum of 30 semester units) “through the NCLEX provision.”
     
  • All California State University, Fresno graduation requirements must be met (e.g., Upper-Division Writing Exam or course, lower- and upper-division GE coursework).

Admission to the RN-BSN Program


Program applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

  1. Graduate from a BRN approved, regionally accredited ADN program. Must be in good standing at last university attended.
  2. Possess a current, active, and clear California RN license by the end of the first semester of the program.
  3. Admission is contingent upon completion of eight prerequisite courses (see below) with a minimum prerequisite GPA of2.0 or higher and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  4. Complete eight prerequisite courses (see below) with a minimum grade of C. CR/NC grades are not acceptable (excluding Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate).
  5. Admission to California State University, Fresno either before or during the term RN-BSN application is accepted.
  6. Submission of a completed RN-BSN application with official transcripts.

Policies and Procedures for Direct Transfer into the Nursing Major:

  1. Students must have completed at least two semesters or 12 semester units of nursing courses in the major (all other students must follow the admission procedures for basic or advanced placement majors).
  2. Students must submit all transcripts, course descriptions of nursing courses, and two letters of recommendation from their current school to be considered for transfer.
  3. Students must meet all California State University, Fresno criteria for admission and continuation in the major to be eligible for transfer.
  4. Students are admitted and placed in the major at the discretion of the chair of nursing.
  5. Transfer students who have written notification of acceptance into the program enter the major on a space-available basis and must receive school permission to enroll in classes.
  6. Applicant Deadline: Fall Admission - February 1-28 and Spring Admission - July 1-31

Prerequisite Courses:


Total: 28 Units

* See G.E. list for approved courses.

Leave of Absence from Nursing Program


  1. Request for university leave of absence:
    1. Students must also request a leave of absence (LOA) in writing from the chair of nursing. Students who do not request LOA will not be readmitted into the major.
    2. Leaves will be granted only for students who have completed at least one semester in the program and are in good standing.
  2. Request to return from leave of absence:
    1. Students must request in writing to be reinstated in the program specifying:
      • Date of LOA
      • Reason for LOA
      • Disposition of circumstances requiring the LOA
    2. Students will be notified in writing of requirements for returning to program, denial, or reinstatement.
    3. Requirement for return will include the following, based on the discretion of the chair of nursing:
      • Letters of recommendation from individuals such as counselors or physicians
    4. Students who receive written notice of reinstatement in the major return on a space-available basis and must receive permission from the school to enroll in classes.

Progression in the Major. Criteria for retention, progression, and graduation from the program include a minimum grade of C in each required course and each nursing course offered for a grade, and credit in courses offered for CR/NC grading only. Nursing and required courses may be repeated only once to achieve a C or credit grade. Any student who receives less than a C grade (or no credit) in two nursing courses will not be permitted to continue in the major. Refer to the Student Handbook, Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program, for complete progression and retention policies.

Expenses. Students must be prepared to incur any additional cost such as uniforms, malpractice insurance, health insurance, stethoscopes, course materials, lab fees, background check, drug screening, etc., and be responsible for transportation to clinical facilities. A current CPR certification, a physical examination, and specific immunizations are required.

In compliance with Federal Requirements for Posting Licensure and Certification Eligibility, please see the CSU Chancellor’s Office calstate.edu website.

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