Azusa Pacific University BSN Programs
Azusa Pacific University’s BSN Programs stand among California’s top nursing education choices. Their RN to BSN program is ranked No. 1 in the state for 2025. On top of that, APU’s online RN to BSN program at No. 2 in California for 2024. These rankings showcase APU’s steadfast dedication to nursing excellence. APU is in the top five percent of nursing programs nationwide.
Students at the time of learning about APU’s nursing program will find many advantages that make it unique. The program maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables tailored attention throughout the academic journey. APU graduates enjoy strong career prospects, and California registered nurses earn $132,660 on average. The program’s prerequisites and admission criteria help identify students who excel in healthcare settings. Hospitals and healthcare organizations increasingly need BSN degrees to enhance patient outcomes. APU’s nursing acceptance rate and program offerings can shape your nursing career path effectively.
Types of Programs Offered
Azusa Pacific University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree comes with several pathways that fit different educational backgrounds and career stages. The School of Nursing has created these well-laid-out programs to meet various student needs while upholding high educational standards.
The Traditional BSN program uses a cohort model where each semester’s coursework prepares students for the next term. Students can start in fall or spring and progress through two consecutive semesters each academic year. This four-to-four-and-a-half-year program suits first-time undergraduate students who have no nursing experience.
Students with college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can benefit from the BS in Nursing Transfer Program. The program needs at least 49 transferable prerequisite course units and runs at three regional campuses: Victorville, San Bernardino, and Monrovia. Most students finish this program in two years.
The Bridge to BSN program is a chance for students enrolled in Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at community colleges to advance their education. This pathway lets you start BSN prerequisites at APU during summer while finishing your ADN. You can then naturally move forward to complete your BSN degree in about 15 months.
Licensed professionals have their own dedicated paths. The RN to BSN program helps registered nurses advance their careers through an accelerated format that works both on-campus and online. The BS in Nursing LVN to BSN pathway serves licensed vocational nurses who have at least 48 units of transferable credit and want to earn their BSN.
International students with F-1 or J-1 visas cannot join the 2+2 program but can apply to the Traditional BSN program. These students must complete Writing 1: The Art and Craft of Writing and one required science course at an accredited U.S. university with a minimum grade of C (2.0).
APU’s ranking in the top five percent of nursing programs nationwide in 2024 shows its excellence, making any of these pathways an excellent choice for your nursing education.
Online and Hybrid Options
Working nurses can advance their careers through Azusa Pacific University’s nursing program. The program offers flexible online and hybrid learning options that work around professional schedules. APU’s RN to BSN online program is ranked as the #2 online program in California. This ranking shows APU’s commitment to quality nursing education that’s available to everyone.
Students can complete the 40-unit curriculum of the accelerated RN to BSN online program in four semesters. The program runs in an asynchronous online format. You can do your coursework when it fits your schedule without visiting campus. Weekly online discussions and assignment deadlines are part of the program requirements. The good news is there’s no fixed time requirement for online participation.
The program’s biggest advantage is its quick completion time – you can finish your degree in just 15 months. Your completion time depends on your experience, abilities and support system.
The School of Nursing gives you three ways to complete your BSN:
- Traditional RN-BSN/post ADN completion (four semesters)
- Summer Bridge RN-BSN for current ADN students (four semesters)
- Integrative Enrollment Pathway (IEP) – a concurrent ADN/BSN program in partnership with Pasadena Community College and expanding to other community college partners (six semesters)
The online programs come with great benefits. Community college graduates might get discounts. Students progress through classes in consistent cohorts and graduate together. Military-friendly resources are also available. The curriculum uses an evidence-based adult learning model. This model works well for practicing RNs and community college students who want a simplified path to BSN completion.
APU’s School of Nursing has programs at regional campuses throughout Southern California. This gives you location flexibility along with online options. You can choose fully online learning or a hybrid approach. APU’s BSN programs fit different learning priorities while delivering quality education.
Admission Requirements
Azusa Pacific University’s BSN Programs have different admission criteria depending on your chosen path. The university first checks if you meet their general requirements. The School of Nursing Admissions Committee then conducts a separate review.
Students applying for the Traditional BSN program must submit their applications by November 15. They need a minimum 3.5 high school GPA. Students must complete anatomy with lab (4 units) and organic chemistry with lab (4 units) before starting nursing courses. A grade-point average of at least B- (2.7) is required. Science prerequisites need extra attention because students can only repeat one failed science course.
The BSN Transfer program sets high standards. Students need at least 48 transferable prerequisite units and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Lower GPAs might qualify for provisional admission if students can show competency through other means. Required science prerequisites include microbiology with lab, human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, and chemistry for health sciences. Students must maintain at least a 2.7 overall GPA in these courses.
Every applicant must submit:
- A $45 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Two professional recommendations
- A personal statement of professional goals
- A resume showing relevant experience
International students must meet extra requirements. They need a minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT. Students who speak English as a second language must score at least 85% on the Internet-Based TOEFL, especially in written and spoken sections.
Azusa Pacific University’s general admission doesn’t guarantee a spot in the nursing program. Accepted students must stick to their assigned program and follow a specific course sequence based on a cohort model.
What’s Different about the BSN Programs at Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University’s BSN Programs stand out because of their Christian foundation. APU weaves faith-based values into its curriculum and prepares nurses to care for both physical and spiritual needs of patients. This all-encompassing approach helps graduates excel in healthcare settings where compassionate, ethical care truly matters.
Clinical preparation at APU offers exceptional opportunities. Students get hands-on learning experience in a variety of healthcare settings through partnerships with over 180 healthcare facilities in Southern California. These clinical rotations help students work with different patient populations and develop adaptability and cultural competence needed in today’s digital world.
APU’s School of Nursing faculty makes a real difference. They bring both clinical expertise and academic credentials to the classroom. Many faculty members still practice actively, which brings ground insights directly to your education.
Research and evidence-based practice play a vital role in APU’s nursing programs. Students work on current nursing research and scholarly projects that prepare them to lead in healthcare settings. This research focus helps develop critical thinking skills needed to solve complex healthcare challenges.
Community service is the core of the APU nursing experience. The program has service-learning components that link classroom theory with community health needs. This promotes social responsibility while building clinical competence.
APU’s nursing programs also offer unique international learning opportunities. Students can join global healthcare experiences that broaden their view of healthcare delivery in different cultural contexts. These international experiences prepare graduates to serve diverse patient populations well.
APU’s BSN Programs create more than just skilled nurses. They develop compassionate healthcare leaders who know how to make ethical decisions, understand different cultures, and approach patient care with a service mindset.
APU’s BSN Programs show impressive career outcomes. Their graduates have an exceptional track record – 80% find jobs within three months after graduation, and all but one land positions within six months. Healthcare employers recognize the program’s value and the quality of student preparation.
Students start their clinical experiences early in their educational experience at APU. This gives them plenty of time to build significant skills in a variety of healthcare settings. These hands-on opportunities let students explore different specializations before they graduate. Students can see their professional path more clearly. The knowledge from classrooms connects naturally with real-life practice, which becomes a great advantage when entering the workforce.
APU nursing students’ performance on the NCLEX licensure examination speaks volumes about the program’s quality. They maintain a 90% pass rate on this vital assessment. The national average sits at 85%, which shows how well APU’s educational approach works.
The financial outlook shines bright for APU nursing graduates, especially when you have California’s registered nurses earning around $132,660 on average. Nursing becomes an attractive career choice with steady job growth in healthcare and strong returns on education costs.
APU’s nursing graduates can work way beyond the reach and influence of traditional hospital settings. A BSN degree opens doors to roles like registered nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and healthcare administrator. Jobs await in hospitals, clinics, schools, community health organizations, and many more places where skilled nursing care makes a difference.
APU’s nursing programs ended up preparing students for more than just a job. They create a meaningful career where technical expertise meets compassionate care. The program focuses on evidence-based practice that will give graduates the tools to improve patient outcomes in their chosen healthcare setting.