CSUSB BSN Programs

CSUSB’s BSN Programs rank as one of the most selective nursing education choices today. Students need a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA to qualify, but meeting basic requirements doesn’t guarantee admission because of the program’s competitive nature.

CSUSB’s pre-licensure BSN programs get you ready for the national RN licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) and launch your nursing career. The nursing school programs in San Bernardino have full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approval from California’s Board of Registered Nursing. The university welcomes new students twice a year at both San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses during Fall and Spring terms, despite the tough competition.

Getting into CSUSB’s nursing program requires completing two distinct steps. Pre-Nursing has an “impacted major” status, which means you’ll need to meet extra criteria beyond the standard admission requirements. This piece will guide you through the essential details about CSUSB’s nursing programs to help you succeed in 2025.

Types of Programs Offered

CSUSB’s Department of Nursing helps students reach their nursing education goals through multiple paths. The Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) program has two different tracks that fit various student backgrounds and career stages.

Pre-licensure BSN Track

This traditional path prepares students to take the national RN licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) and start their nursing careers. Students learn through theory and hands-on clinical experience to care for clients of all ages from different psychosocial and cultural backgrounds. California’s Board of Registered Nursing fully approves the pre-licensure BSN. The program meets all requirements to get public health nursing certification in the state.

RN-BSN Track

California RN license holders can advance their education and career through the RN-BSN track. Students enjoy maximum flexibility with a hybrid format that combines online coursework and limited in-person sessions. This program also meets California’s requirements for public health nursing certification.

Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP)

The RN-BSN track features an innovative Concurrent Enrollment Program. This unique path lets students work with community colleges to earn their associate degree and BSN at the same time. Students can get their bachelor’s degree through simplified processes while finishing their original nursing education.

CSUSB nursing also offers these advanced options:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with three concentrations: Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing, Population Health for Clinical Nurse Leaders, and Nurse Educator
• Two post-graduate nursing certificate programs for Registered Nurses who hold master’s or doctoral degrees: Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing and Nurse Educator

CSUSB’s nursing program helps students achieve their professional goals. Students can start their nursing career, move up from an associate degree, or advance their existing nursing career through structured paths.

The BSN and MSN programs show CSUSB’s dedication to quality education. These programs maintain accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This ensures degrees meet nationally recognized standards of excellence in nursing education.

Students can choose between two campus locations for their nursing education. CSUSB admits new cohorts to both San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses twice a year during Fall and Spring terms. Students can pick the timing and location that works best for their schedule.

Online and Hybrid Options

CSUSB’s nursing education design puts flexibility first. Several programs have hybrid and online learning options that work around your work and life commitments. The RN to BSN program uses a hybrid format that combines digital learning with face-to-face instruction during four out of 15 semester weeks. Students get the perfect mix of convenience and personal connection with faculty.

The online parts of the program need you to log into the learning management system and take part in course discussions regularly. This virtual setup keeps you connected with your classmates and teachers throughout your educational trip.

CSUSB offers these online learning formats:

• ONL courses: Most instruction happens online with few or no campus meetings. You might need to show up for orientations, presentations, or academic activities. Students and teachers communicate through email, chat, and discussion boards – both in real-time and at their own pace.
• Web/Classroom courses: Regular classroom teaching with online materials as backup. The digital part ranges from 5% to 90% based on the instructor and has syllabi, assignments, lecture notes, and tests.
• Video courses: Two-way audio and video broadcasts connect either the San Bernardino or Palm Desert campus to other locations.

Students in the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) take courses through online or hybrid formats. Face-to-face classes happen at partner campuses like Chaffey College and San Bernardino Valley College when needed. This setup makes education more available while keeping quality high.

MSN students also get a hybrid format. Most classes are online with some face-to-face sessions. These in-person classes can be at either the San Bernardino or Palm Desert campus, which helps students from both the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley.

You’ll need to meet specific technical requirements to take fully online courses. The nursing field keeps changing, and CSUSB’s curriculum changes with it. This prepares you to handle future challenges in patient care and public health.

California State University, San Bernardino BSN Programs blend traditional and digital learning. This shows their steadfast dedication to providing quality nursing education that’s available to students with different needs.

Admission Requirements

Getting into CSUSB’s nursing program isn’t easy. The Pre-Licensure BSN program has more qualified candidates than available spots. Students need to follow a two-step process: they must first get accepted to CSUSB as a Pre-Nursing major in Fall, then complete their Pre-Licensure BSN online application at specific times.

These academic standards are required:

• Overall cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Prerequisite course GPA of 3.0 or better
• Grade of C (2.0) or higher in each prerequisite course

Students must complete these eight prerequisite courses:

• Four science courses: Microbiology (BIOL 2200), Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 2230), Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIOL 2240), and Fundamentals of Chemistry (CHEM 2070)
• Four non-science courses: Written Communication (GE Category A2), Critical Thinking (GE Category A3), Oral Communication (GE Category A1), and Statistics (Math 1201)

You also need to score at least 70% on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) examination. This test must be taken during valid testing dates within your application period. You get two chances to take the test per application cycle.

Here are other key requirements:

• California residency per CSU Impacted Programs guidelines
• Attendance at a CSUSB Nursing Information Session
• Submission of all post-secondary transcripts to the CSUSB Office of the Registrar

You can apply after completing just half the prerequisites (at least two science and two non-science courses), but you must finish any remaining courses before your intended start term [39, 40].

Starting with the Spring 2025 application cycle, you get three chances to apply to the Pre-Licensure BSN program. After that, you can’t apply again.

The program gives priority to CSUSB’s local area residents and bilingual applicants.

What’s Different about the BSN Programs at California State University, San Bernardino

The California State University, San Bernardino BSN Programs stand out from other nursing education options through their blend of academic excellence, community connections, and specialized learning spaces.

CSUSB nursing programs maintain small student-to-faculty ratios that larger institutions can’t match. Students receive individual attention that creates natural opportunities for mentorship and professional growth throughout their academic trip.

The Cal State San Bernardino nursing experience places strong emphasis on cultural awareness and community health. Students learn to work with various populations in the Inland Empire region, an area that presents unique healthcare challenges and possibilities. Graduates gain hands-on experience as they tackle real-life health disparities.

CSUSB’s dual-campus setup between San Bernardino and Palm Desert gives students rare geographical flexibility. This arrangement benefits students living in the Coachella Valley who would otherwise face long commutes.

The pre-licensure BSN programs at CSUSB use cutting-edge simulation technologies and teaching methods. Students practice crucial nursing skills in realistic scenarios at state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs before working with actual patients. High-fidelity mannequins that mimic physiological responses help build students’ clinical confidence.

The California State University San Bernardino nursing program’s strategic collaborations with premier healthcare facilities in the region set it apart. These connections create excellent clinical placement opportunities that often lead to jobs after graduation.

The nursing school San Bernardino weaves leadership development throughout its curriculum. Faculty members encourage students to take part in research, community service, and professional organizations. Students don’t just enter the nursing profession – they become prepared to advance and reshape it throughout their careers.

Academic excellence, community involvement, easy access to campuses, and leadership growth make CSUSB’s nursing experience truly special in nursing education.