Chico State BSN Programs
CSU Chico’s BSN Programs accept only the top 40 students who score highest in their assessment system. Students admitted in Fall 2023 averaged 59.6 total points with a 3.82 cumulative GPA. You’ll need a full picture of the requirements to prepare for 2025 admission.
The nursing program at Chico State has built its reputation since 1954. It meets the growing need for skilled baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses. Students gain valuable hands-on clinical experience over five semesters. This practical training helps them prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination after graduation. The program’s strict acceptance standards pay off – Chico’s registered nurses earn $78,410 on average. Top performers make between $93,000 and $116,000 per year. The program’s quality shows in its accreditation – both bachelor’s and master’s degree nursing programs hold Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation.
This guide covers everything you just need to know about CSU Chico’s nursing admission requirements for 2025. You’ll learn about program options and what makes Chico’s nursing program unique among others.
Types of Programs Offered
CSU Chico’s School of Nursing provides multiple educational paths that match different career goals. The nursing school, 70 years old, adapts its programs to meet what healthcare providers just need.
The Traditional BSN Program is the core of CSU Chico’s nursing education. Students complete this on-campus program in 48 months with 120 credits. The program gives students five semesters of hands-on clinical experience to build their professional skills. Students can apply as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) after their first semester, which lets them start working in healthcare settings early. Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
The RN to BSN Program gives licensed Registered Nurses a flexible path to advance their education. Students can take advantage of this hybrid program that blends online coursework with on-site clinical requirements. Working professionals can complete this accelerated option in about 15-16 months from June to August of the following year. Students must complete 30 credits and keep a minimum 2.00 GPA. The program includes a required 135-hour clinical practicum at a public health or community health facility close to home. Students become eligible to apply for the California Public Health Nursing certificate after completion.
CSU Chico welcomes students with a Pre-Nursing track as they prepare to enter the nursing program.
Graduate students can pursue an Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with concentrations in Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership. These online programs need 30 credits and take 24 months to complete. Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA while they continue working during their advanced education. MSN students receive customized one-on-one faculty support without thesis requirements.
Program costs change based on where you live and which program you choose. The 2025-2026 RN-BSN program costs about $475 per unit. Total program costs range from $11,400 to $14,250 plus books, depending on whether you already have a bachelor’s degree.
Online and Hybrid Options
CSU Chico’s online educational programs shine with their exceptional flexibility. These programs are perfect for working nurses who want to advance their careers. Students can complete most coursework from home through Blackboard Learn and Zoom.
Registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing can benefit from CSU Chico’s online RN-BSN program. The program proves invaluable to nurses from rural communities who balance full-time work. Students need to attend campus just once each semester for orientation. The program enhances accessibility by arranging clinical placements near students’ homes or workplaces.
Students complete the program in 15 months through five semesters: first summer session, fall semester, winter session, spring semester, and final summer session. This well-laid-out schedule lets nurses maintain their professional duties. The program costs about $12,450 plus books, and textbooks range from $100-$200 per semester based on course requirements.
The RN-BSN program runs through Chico State’s Regional and Continuing Education as a self-support program. This differs from state-supported programs. Students pay exclusively for their education without extra fees for unused campus services like the WREC and WellCat Health Center.
CSU Chico expands its offerings with fully online MSN degree programs. Students can specialize in Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership roles. These comprehensive online options helped CSU Chico rank No. 66 out of 350 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
A strong technology infrastructure supports these programs. Students can access recorded and archived online classes at their convenience. Live streaming delivers lectures in 51-75% of classes [36,37]. The Zoom application allows participation through various devices, including tablets and smartphones.
CSU Chico started its online education journey before 2000-2001. The university continues to refine its approach, making it an excellent choice for California nurses, especially those in underserved rural areas.
Admission Requirements
Getting into CSU Chico’s BSN Program isn’t easy. Competition is fierce, and the School of Nursing uses a points system to select the top 40 highest-scoring applicants each semester.
Academic requirements are demanding. Students must complete eight prerequisite courses split between four foundation courses (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, Statistics) and four science courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology with labs). Students need to finish at least two foundation and two science prerequisites before they apply, and can have the rest in progress. The program requires four additional corequisite courses (Nutrition, Child Development, Psychology, and Sociology) that students must complete by the end of their first nursing semester.
Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA in three areas:
- All transferable college-level work
- All eight nursing prerequisites combined
- The subset of two science and two foundation courses
Science prerequisites and statistics must be completed in the last seven years. The program averages all grades if students repeat a prerequisite course, though Chemistry, Critical Thinking, and Oral Communication have specific exceptions.
Students must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Version 7 and score at least 80%. They get two chances to take TEAS within two years, and scores remain valid for two years from the application date.
Applications require two separate submissions – one through CSU Cal State Apply and a supplemental nursing application through NursingCAS. Students learn about admission decisions between May 1-15 for fall and December 1-15 for spring.
Recent statistics show how competitive the program is. Fall 2023 admitted students achieved impressive numbers with average totals of 59.6 points, 43 grade points, an 88.2 TEAS score, and a 3.82 cumulative GPA. The School of Nursing plans to update its admission criteria for Fall 2026.
What’s Different about the BSN Programs at California State University, Chico
CSU Chico’s nursing education stands out because it combines rigorous academics with practical experience. Most programs make students wait to start clinical work, but at Chico State, you’ll get hands-on training early. This approach helps you build confidence while learning the theory.
The program’s well-laid-out cohort model makes it special. You’ll spend five consecutive semesters with the same group of peers and build a supportive professional network that lasts beyond graduation. This community-based approach reflects how modern healthcare teams work together.
Northern California needs more rural healthcare professionals. The program places students in underserved communities for clinical training. You’ll learn about different patient populations and healthcare challenges that urban programs don’t typically offer. This focus on rural care has helped achieve a 95-100% job placement rate for graduates.
Students benefit from easy access to faculty members. The program’s excellent student-to-faculty ratio beats larger schools and provides tailored mentorship throughout your education. Many teachers still work in clinical settings and bring real-life healthcare insights to their classes.
California State University, Chico BSN Programs use state-of-the-art simulation technology. The Clinical Simulation Center offers realistic scenarios with high-fidelity mannequins. Students practice complex clinical situations safely before working with real patients.
The program goes beyond technical training. Chico State nursing students develop cultural awareness and community involvement skills. Service-learning projects run throughout the curriculum to help students understand population health needs and healthcare gaps.
The program’s mutually beneficial alliances with regional healthcare facilities create excellent clinical placement opportunities. These connections often lead to jobs after graduation and add to the program’s reputation for excellence.