How is your website different?

We have compiled a comprehensive list of program and admission-related information on post-licensure BSN and MSN programs in California.  Our information has been verified by program deans, directors, and chairpersons and is presented in a user-friendly platform.  Future plans include expanding the list of available nursing programs, and our webpage is consumer driven and non-partisan.

What are other names for post-licensure nursing program?

In recent years, these types of nursing programs have been called completion programs and/or RN to BSN/MSN programs.  To prevent confusion, it is better to designate nursing programs by when the degree was completed in relation to when an RN license was obtained (e.g., pre- or post-licensure).

Why can’t I find information on out-of-state online programs?

In the first phase of web development, only schools having a campus (or satellite campus) in California and offering a BSN and/or MSN program are listed.  We expect that in the near future a partial list of out-of-state programs that California nurses may access will be added.

Are web pages updated?

Yes!  Since program-related information changes frequently, we plan to update all of our data on a yearly basis.  This process will include contacting deans, directors, and chairs of post-licensure BSN and MSN programs to update any changes in their program(s).

How can I determine which curriculum delivery model is best for me?

This is an individualized choice that depends on your learning style.  You can expect that all delivery models have the same amount of content and workload.  In all cases, an agency practicum is required and some schools may have contracts with agencies located in their local area(s).  If you are taking an online program know that prospective students are admitted from many geographical areas, and it is possible that course(s) may be completed ahead of schedule if a school uses an independent learning model.  In these cases, collaboration opportunities (e.g., group projects) with peers maybe limited and/or enhanced.

Why are there pricing differences among CSU nursing programs?

This is because funding lines that support a program may come from outside the university (e.g., university extension or an endowment); thus, some programs may have a higher operating costs.

Can you explain a structured fee?

Think about a structured fee as a ”flat fee.”  All CSU schools operate using a structured fee which determines the costs for tuition every semester and/or quarter based on the number of units and residency status.  In general, a prospective student can optimize his/her value by taking a full course load since the costs will stay the same after 6.1 units.  Often, tuition costs are higher for part-time students as it takes longer to complete a program and the fees are the same if below 6.0 units.

Why is National Nursing Education Accreditation important?

Because nursing is a specialized field, it is important to have national nursing education accreditation to ensure effective education practices, availability of resources, and faculty with expertise in their concentration area(s).  Although national nursing accreditation is not mandatory and considered a voluntarily and self-regulating process, there may employers who prefer to hire graduates that have attended nursing programs with national nursing accreditation.

How do I know if I attended a school that has National Nursing Education Accreditation?

It is very likely that if you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you may have attended a nursing program with NLN-AC accreditation.  To verify if your program has NLN-AC membership, just follow the weblink in the resource page.

Is there a clinical component in post-licensure nursing programs?

All post-licensure BSN and MSN programs require the completion of a community health practicum in order to fulfill any required hours necessary for a Public Health Nurse Certificate in California.  In many cases, practicum assignments are typically completed using the established curriculum delivery method and may be taken near your home.  However some programs may have contracts with agencies that are located in their geographical area(s), and prospective students will need to complete a practicum where the program is located.

Do all nursing programs have similar pre-requisite requirements prior to entering a program?

Unfortunately no!  At this time there is no standardization, but as a general rule most schools require coursework in introduction to statistics, developmental psychology, and critical thinking.  It is best to check with individual programs to determine additional requirements, and to plan a course of study while enrolled in an ADN program in order to facilitate seamless academic transition.

Where can I inquire about resources to help pay for tuition?

The financial aid office is an excellent place to start.  This office can advise you on what kind of resources are available depending on your situation.  Another place to chcek is your human resources office if you are presently working as a registered nurse.  It is not uncommon for employers to offer educational benefits such as tuition reimbursment to nurses wishing to return to school.  Check with your employer to determine if you qualify and amount of finaincial assistance.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. What options are available to me?

With an ADN and a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, you may apply to either a Post-Licensure BSN Program or an ADN-MSN “Pathways” Program that provides critical BSN content and leverages your existing Baccalaureate degree in combination with MSN content. In the latter, you may not complete requirements for the BSN specifically and so you would only complete the MSN. In general this type of program would be significantly longer than a Post-Licensure BSN program.