National University BSN Programs
Want to complete your National University BSN Programs in just 22 months? Your nursing education is now more available than ever with year-round enrollment options and an efficient application process that needs no essays or exams.
On top of that, these BSN programs have approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Second-Bachelor degree program holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). National University stands as the first academic institution to achieve Silver status with Planetree, which shows its excellence in student-centered care. Your graduation will make you eligible to take the NCLEX exam to earn your state license as a registered nurse (RN).
This piece covers everything about National University’s nursing programs. You’ll learn about different program types, online versus on-campus options, admission requirements, and unique features that make these BSN programs distinct from others.
Types of Programs Offered
National University provides BSN programs that match your educational background and career goals. You can find a pathway that fits whether you’re starting your nursing career or already work as a registered nurse.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Generic Entry program builds the foundation for new nursing students. This California-based program has full approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), which lets graduates take the NCLEX exam to become licensed registered nurses. The academic year follows a well-laid-out format with four 12-week quarters that contain three 4-week classes.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Second Bachelor’s) program creates a faster path to nursing licensure if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field. This program helps you transition into nursing when you already have a bachelor’s degree. The Second Bachelor’s BSN program’s accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) ensures high educational standards.
Nurses can advance their careers through the RN to BSN program, which runs completely online with flexible scheduling. This program includes:
- Four- and eight-week courses delivered 100% online
- A degree completion time as short as 11 months
- Monthly start dates year-round
- Single subject focus per month while keeping full-time status
You need 180 quarter units to earn this BSN degree. This includes 45 quarter units at National University and 76.5 quarter units at the upper-division level.
Licensed vocational nurses can pursue RN status through the LVN to RN 30 Unit Option. LVNs and military medics accepted into the nursing program might qualify to challenge nursing courses through examinations or equivalency evaluations.
The RN-MSN Pathway program lets registered nurses move from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) straight to a Master of Science in Nursing without completing a BSN first. You can specialize in Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Family Nurse Practitioner.
BSN cohort start dates vary by location:
- San Diego welcomes 40 students per cohort four times yearly (January, April, July, October)
- Fresno and Los Angeles accept about 20 students twice yearly (April, October)
Each program blends nursing theory with extensive clinical practice to prepare you for success in the nursing profession.
Online and Hybrid Options
National University’s BSN programs are available to students with different needs and schedules through flexible learning options. Students can choose from three main ways to learn: online, onsite, and hybrid formats.
The RN to BSN program stands out as a fully online option that students can access anywhere in the United States. Students can finish their degree in as little as 11 months through four- and eight-week online courses. Students can start their program any month of the year, which works great for busy professionals.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Second Bachelor and Generic Entry programs take about 22 months to complete and come with online, in-person, and hybrid options. The admissions team looks at applications all year round, so students can enroll at any time.
Students who choose online nursing education at National University will find two main formats:
- Asynchronous Learning – Students can access weekly instruction, tools, and materials whenever they want. Each week has set requirements and deadlines, but students can work with course materials at times that suit them best.
- Synchronous Learning – Students log in at specific times and dates to use web and videoconferencing tools for live instruction and coursework.
Hybrid courses blend onsite and online instruction with specific ground requirements at set locations and times. The online learning system helps enhance course lessons, work, information, and assessments.
Keep in mind that nursing degrees might be online, but students still need to complete in-person clinical hours at actual locations. These clinicals give students hands-on experience as they shadow nursing staff and work with patients under supervision. Most clinical programs wrap up with a practicum of about 180 hours where students show what they’ve learned.
National University records and saves most graduate-level online nursing classes. This lets students watch lecture materials whenever they want. Online students can study from anywhere with interactive coursework, tailored faculty attention, and helpful resources that work well for busy adults.
Admission Requirements
The National University BSN programs have specific admission criteria and a well-laid-out application process. You must meet all undergraduate admission requirements listed in the university catalog.
The core admission requirements include:
- A 75 cumulative GPA in general education and prerequisite courses
- A grade of “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses (C- grades are not accepted)
- A clear criminal background check and drug screen
- All required immunizations, including COVID-19 vaccination
- A separate nursing program application
Your first step is attending a Pre-Nursing Forum within 12 months before submitting your application. This forum helps you learn about the nursing department, understand the application process, and get program details.
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS Version VII) plays a vital role in your application. This exam tests your nursing school readiness in four key areas: reading, math, science, and English language usage. You can take the TEAS exam up to three times, and the admissions team will use your highest qualifying score.
The program uses a point-based selection system. Your science and math GPA counts for 40%, TEAS score for 40%, and interview performance for 20%. The top performers get interview invitations – 70 students at the Rancho Bernardo campus and 45 at both Los Angeles and Fresno campuses.
The admissions team reviews applications throughout the year. You might start classes as early as the next month, depending on your chosen program and location. This simplified process makes admission more available to future students.
Keep in mind that meeting basic requirements doesn’t guarantee your spot. Competition is fierce due to limited seats in each cohort.
What’s Different about the BSN Programs at National University
National University’s BSN programs offer unique advantages that set them apart from other California nursing schools. Students focus on one subject at a time through a four-week class format. This setup helps them balance work and life while moving forward with their education quickly.
The programs give you more choices than traditional nursing schools. You can start your nursing education any month of the year. There’s no need to wait for fall or spring semesters to begin.
National University shows its dedication to patient care through its Planetree Silver recognition status. The university leads the way as the first academic institution with this designation. Students learn compassionate, patient-focused approaches throughout their nursing education.
Money matters when choosing a program. The university keeps its tuition rates competitive and costs predictable. The BSN Second Bachelor program costs about $510 per quarter unit, with 180 quarter units needed overall. Nursing scholarships and financial aid options make the program available to more students.
Clinical placements are a key strength of these nursing programs. The university partners with many healthcare facilities. Students get hands-on experience in different nursing settings. Modern simulation labs with advanced technology help recreate ground healthcare scenarios.
The nursing program provides strong student support. Dedicated academic advisors guide students through their journey. Special tutoring services and detailed NCLEX exam prep are available. These resources help students achieve NCLEX pass rates above the national average.
National University’s BSN programs combine focused learning, flexible schedules, and strong support systems. The university tailors everything to meet different student needs while delivering quality education and professional training.