University of San Francisco BSN Programs

The University of San Francisco’s BSN Programs stand among the elite nursing education options and rank No. 3 for nursing nationwide. Students thinking about a nursing education at USF will find a program with an impressive 90% NCLEX pass rate in the last three years (2022-2024). USF’s excellence extends beyond nursing as it ranks in the top 25% among national universities.

USF has built a nursing school with a legacy of excellence since 1954. The university turns students into healthcare professionals who improve population health through equitable and compassionate service. USF’s BSN program delivers great value and has earned a “Best Value” designation among national universities. The university ranks in the top 15% for social mobility and shows its commitment to creating opportunities for all students. Students can trust their education quality as USF’s nursing programs hold full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Types of Programs Offered

USF gives you several ways to earn your BSN degree based on your background and career goals.

Students looking to provide world-class clinical care can choose from multiple educational paths at USF’s undergraduate nursing program. These options include:

• Traditional BSN (Upper Division) – This path works best for students getting their first bachelor’s degree in nursing. You’ll need five consecutive semesters including summers to complete it. Getting in is quite competitive.
• Accelerated Second Degree – Already have a bachelor’s degree in another field? You can get your BSN in just four consecutive semesters, summers included. The program packs everything you need to prepare for nursing licensure into a shorter timeframe.
• BSN at Sacramento Campus – Transfer students who’ve finished their clinical prerequisites can join the BSN program at USF’s Sacramento location.
• LVN 30 Unit Option – Licensed vocational nurses can take just the minimum courses needed for registered nursing licensure in California. Just remember – not all states accept RN licenses earned this way. This path won’t give you a BS in Nursing degree.

USF also has special programs for certain groups:

• Nurse Health Equity Scholars Program – Students get hands-on clinical experience in public health through this evidence-based program – California’s first of its kind.
• Academic Credit for Military or LVN Experience – Your U.S. Military or LVN background might count toward academic credit in USF’s pre-licensure nursing programs.

The BSN takes eight semesters. You start with clinical prerequisites and core courses as a freshman, then move into nursing modules. You’ll need about 128 units total, covering nursing theory, clinical practice, and core curriculum.

New college students can take the Freshman Nursing Pathway straight into their nursing degree. The College of Nursing sets specific goals you’ll need to meet as you progress.

Want to go further? USF offers advanced nursing degrees through BSN-MSN, MSN-DNP, BSN-DNP programs, and special tracks like Nurse Anesthesiology.

These programs are competitive and build your nursing skills step by step. Make sure you check all the admission requirements for your chosen path before applying.

Online and Hybrid Options

USF offers online program options that match the high standards of their campus-based courses for nursing professionals who want to advance their careers. The university focuses on traditional in-person formats for BSN programs but has built strong online learning opportunities at the graduate level.

USF’s online master’s degree programs in nursing have gained high recognition. They rank #16 out of 198 in Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report. This reputation comes from faculty credentials (score of 87), student engagement (score of 86), and student excellence (score of 78).

Students can access lecture materials at any time because all graduate-level classes are recorded and stored. This flexibility helps the 80% of students who are already hired when they start the program.

Program Structure and Experience

Classes stay small with just 15 students on average and no more than 25 per class. This ensures you get personal attention even in the online format. Students typically log in four times each week, and faculty members give feedback four times monthly. Most courses need you to work with other students.

Admissions and Costs

The program accepts 81% of applicants, and admitted students have an average undergraduate GPA of 3.6. You’ll need two recommendation letters from professional contacts and a nursing-related undergraduate degree.

Tuition runs $1,680 per credit, bringing the total program cost to $55,440 for all students. You must apply by May 15, and you’ll hear back about admission by July 15.

Benefits of Online Learning at USF

You’ll get the same diploma and USF resources as campus students. The university uses advanced online learning systems to create dynamic, engaging lessons. Expert faculty members provide cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed.

USF delivers top-quality education at its main San Francisco campus, through online programs, or at any of its branch campuses. These online options bring USF’s rigorous, caring, values-based education to you, no matter where you are or what your schedule looks like.

Admission Requirements

Getting into the highly selective University of San Francisco BSN Programs depends on specific academic and personal qualifications. The School of Nursing and Health Professions takes an all-encompassing approach by looking at both academic records and personal attributes. They search for students ready to tackle modern healthcare challenges.

Academic Prerequisites Students must complete several core prerequisites with grades of “C” or better before they start the nursing modules. These include:

• Human Anatomy with lab
• Human Physiology with lab
• Microbiology with lab
• General Psychology

Students must take Human Anatomy and Human Physiology together in the same semester. Anyone who gets less than a “C” in any prerequisite needs to repeat the course. The nursing program disqualifies students who earn below a “C” in any two courses.

Competitive Edge Factors First-year applicants compete intensely for spots. The admission statistics show this selectivity:

• Fall 2023: 1,841 applications with 24% admit rate and average 3.99 GPA
• Fall 2022: 1,862 applications with 23% admit rate and average 3.96 GPA
• Fall 2021: 2,434 applications with 21% admit rate and average 3.99 GPA

The program will not admit first-year applicants with less than a “C” average in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology, Algebra II, Advanced Math, or any Honors/AP science courses.

Additional requirements admitted students must complete:

• Background check
• Ten-panel drug screening (detecting amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methadone, methaqualone, opiates, PCP, propoxyphene, and THC)

Students must finish these screenings before clinical coursework begins. Healthcare facilities can deny student entry based on screening results.

Special Admission Pathways the USF School of Nursing offers academic credit for:

• S. Military education/experience (with validated certification or transcripts)
• Licensed Vocational Nurses (with accredited program transcripts and valid licensure)

A strong application needs careful attention to academic prerequisites. Students should understand how competitive the admission process can be.

What’s Different about the BSN Programs at University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco BSN Programs stand out because of their blend of academic excellence, ethical values, and fresh teaching methods. Their Jesuit tradition makes them unique as it focuses on caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. This creates nurses who provide compassionate care with cultural awareness.

Small class sizes help build strong bonds between students and faculty members that lead to better academic results. Teachers can spot students who need help early and give them personal support before issues grow.

The program goes beyond just teaching clinical skills. It weaves ethical thinking and community work throughout your studies. Students learn to tackle healthcare inequalities and speak up for people who need support the most.

State-of-the-art simulation technology gives students another edge. You’ll practice clinical scenarios in safe environments before working with real patients. This builds your skills and confidence while keeping patient safety first.

Clinical rotations make this program special too. Instead of random assignments, students work in healthcare settings of all types across the Bay Area. This exposure to different patients and healthcare models creates graduates ready for any career path.

The faculty brings something extra to the table. Professors keep practicing clinically while they teach. They bring real-life examples and current best practices straight to class. Theory meets practice to create an exciting learning space.

The program’s focus on global health education makes it remarkable. Students get chances to learn internationally and understand worldwide healthcare challenges. This prepares them for today’s connected healthcare world.

The University of San Francisco BSN Programs create outstanding healthcare professionals. They balance technical skills with ethical reasoning and cultural awareness. Graduates become more than just clinicians – they emerge as healthcare leaders who make a difference.