CSU Bakersfield BSN Programs
CSU Bakersfield’s BSN Programs stand out among California’s best nursing school choices. Getting a spot isn’t easy because the Traditional BSN program sees more applications than available seats each year. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree has become a vital qualification that prepares you for today’s complex healthcare environment. The Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing Report strongly encourages nurses to get their BSN.
Students who want to join CSU Bakersfield’s nursing program should know it runs for three years with six semesters and summers off. On top of that, this respected school’s graduates can apply for a Public Health Nurse certificate. This opens career paths in public health, school nursing, and community organizations of all types. Future applicants need to meet specific admission requirements. These include a minimum 3.0 GPA for prerequisites and a TEAS score of at least 72%.
Types of Programs Offered
CSU Bakersfield’s Department of Nursing provides four academic programs that cater to different educational needs. Students pursuing a BSN can choose between two main paths based on their background.
The Traditional BSN Program serves as the premier option for students who haven’t nursed before. This pre-licensure program runs for three years with summers off (six semesters). Students complete about a year of prerequisites, then spend three years focused on nursing education. The detailed curriculum covers pediatrics, obstetrics, and critical care nursing. Students get hands-on training through clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses. The program prepares students for graduate studies and makes them eligible for California Public Health Nurse Certification.
The RN to BSN Program helps registered nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) advance their careers. Students can finish their baccalaureate degree in just 15 months (four semesters). The program starts each August and finishes in December the following year. Students mostly use the online Canvas system, which makes education available even without classroom attendance. In spite of that, students must attend one full on-campus orientation day and complete 90 on-site clinical hours in Community Health. This fast-paced format builds professional skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion. Students who complete the program can apply for a Public Health Nurse (PHN) certificate, which opens doors to careers in public health, school nursing, and community-based organizations.
These nursing programs are “impacted,” which means they get more applicants than they have seats. Students can only enter the programs in fall, and admissions happen once a year. The program doesn’t keep waitlists for either path, so students must take all courses as scheduled.
The nursing department at CSU Bakersfield has designed these programs to prepare graduates for today’s complex medical environments where BSN degrees matter more than ever. Both paths require 120 semester units to earn a BSN degree, though course sequences differ between programs.
Online and Hybrid Options
CSU Bakersfield’s BSN Programs put flexibility first with digital learning options that work for students with different needs. The nursing department understands many future nurses need to balance work and studies, so they’ve made their programs available through technology-boosted teaching.
The RN to BSN Program runs mostly online through the Canvas learning system. Students who can’t make it to regular classes can now get their degree from home. While it’s mainly online, some parts still happen on campus. Students must show up for a full orientation day (each group gets their date). The program also needs 90 hours of on-site clinical work in Community Health nursing. Upper-Division General Education classes might need some campus time too.
After you enroll, you’ll get to your nursing courses through Canvas by signing up on MyCSUB first. Some teachers might send you the course outline before classes start. When your course opens, you’ll see everything you need – outlines, lectures, and homework. Remember, you must log into Canvas and finish your first week’s work on time. Missing these deadlines could get you dropped from the course.
CSU Bakersfield nursing has other programs with online parts too. The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) mixes online and in-person classes in its 15-month, four-semester program.
Students who want total flexibility can check out Cal State Bakersfield nursing programs through Extended Education. These programs let you finish your bachelor’s degree completely online. They work great for adult students who already have 60+ college credits. You can keep your job or follow other interests while studying. These programs come with WSCUC accreditation, financial aid options, and classes taught by CSUB faculty.
The Bakersfield nursing school’s smart mix of online and hybrid classes means location and scheduling won’t stop you from getting ahead. Technology connects dedicated students with quality nursing education, whatever their situation.
Admission Requirements
The BSN Programs at California State University, Bakersfield have extremely strict admission criteria. CSUB’s Traditional BSN program holds “impacted” status because student applications vastly exceed available spots. Last Fall 2024, only 85 students secured admission from 342 applications.
The Bakersfield nursing program requires applicants to meet these essential requirements:
- Overall prerequisites GPA: Minimum 3.0 GPA across all eight prerequisite courses
- Science & Statistics GPA: Minimum 3.0 GPA specifically in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Statistics
- TEAS Exam Score: Minimum 72% with only two attempts permitted
- Interview: Applicants who clear initial screening must complete an interview component
Students must complete their science and statistics prerequisites within 10 years. The Nursing Department lets applicants retake up to two prerequisite courses just once.
Your application to CSU Bakersfield nursing can become stronger through several factors. Military veterans get special priority, with two seats saved each year for honorably discharged service members. Students from Bakersfield’s service area and current CSUB students or alumni receive local preference.
Healthcare experience boosts your chances of admission substantially. You can qualify through current healthcare licenses like CNA, EMT, or LVN, or by completing the COPE Health Scholars Program. Six months of consecutive paid healthcare work earns extra consideration.
Cal State Bakersfield nursing asks second bachelor’s degree seekers to finish all prerequisites before applying. These students need a minimum overall GPA of 2.50.
The Bakersfield nursing school’s high standards show in its Fall 2024 class profile. Admitted students achieved impressive averages: 3.67 prerequisite GPA, 3.59 science/statistics GPA, and 82.7% TEAS score.
What’s Different about the BSN Programs at CSUB
California State University, Bakersfield’s BSN Programs stand out from other similar programs because of their well-planned structure and outstanding student results. The Bakersfield nursing program sits at a prime location in California’s central valley. Students get both rigorous academics and hands-on training that prepares them for immediate work after graduation.
Recent admission numbers show how competitive the Traditional BSN program has become. Fall 2024 saw 342 applicants competing for just 85 spots. This makes acceptance a true achievement for dedicated students. The program’s quality shines through its graduates’ high NCLEX-RN pass rates.
CSU Bakersfield’s nursing department keeps class sizes small, unlike many larger schools with packed lecture halls. This approach creates stronger bonds between faculty and students. Students also receive personal attention throughout their educational experience.
The Bakersfield nursing school shows its support for military veterans by saving two seats each year for honorably discharged service members. This reflects the school’s steadfast dedication to those who served. The department also prioritizes local students to help meet Bakersfield area’s healthcare needs.
RN to BSN students can complete their degree in just 15 months, making it one of California’s quickest paths to graduation. Other similar programs often take two full years. Working nurses can advance their careers faster without long breaks from their practice.
The nursing programs in Bakersfield adapt well to what students need. Strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities ensure relevant clinical placements. This connection between schools and healthcare providers creates practical training that prepares students for real work situations.
The programs excel at balancing accessibility with high standards. They maintain academic excellence while creating opportunities for different types of students to succeed in today’s changing healthcare world.