Point Loma Nazarene University BSN Programs
BSN-prepared nurses can access 37% more job opportunities and earn significantly more throughout their careers. Point Loma Nazarene University’s BSN Programs create a direct path to these career advantages, and their results speak for themselves. The proof lies in their nursing graduates’ outstanding 98.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023.
PLNU’s nursing program puts your success first. The school ranks #1 in San Diego County and provides flexible RN to BSN online programs without clinical requirements. Students can complete these programs in just 15 months. The program’s effectiveness shows in the numbers – 70% of PLNU nursing alumni now work in their field of study. BSN degrees have become the new standard in healthcare, and many hospitals now require RNs to enroll in BSN programs before hiring or promoting them to leadership roles. The future looks bright for registered nurses, as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing projects a 7% workforce growth between 2019 and 2029, creating 221,900 new positions.
Types of Programs Offered
Point Loma Nazarene University’s School of Nursing provides multiple paths to nursing education that fit your career stage and schedule. Their flexible programs work well with different educational backgrounds and career goals.
The RN to BSN program is the core of their offerings. Working nurses can choose between hybrid and fully online formats. Students attending hybrid classes meet once a week in the evening and complete other coursework online. The online format gives you complete flexibility while maintaining high educational standards. You can finish your BSN degree in approximately 15 months through either option, which works great when you need to balance work and school.
PLNU has created an innovative concurrent enrollment program for students without an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This fast-tracked option lets you complete both your ADN and BSN in just two academic years or six semesters. The classes run completely online. Right now, this program runs exclusively with MiraCosta College and San Diego City College partners.
Students in the concurrent program enjoy several benefits:
- Community outreach hours from your ADN program count toward BSN clinical requirements
- These hours help you earn public health certification – a benefit unique to this program
- Students with a bachelor’s degree in any field might skip up to 6 required units
PLNU’s nursing education goes beyond the BSN level. They offer Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Post-Graduate Certificate programs. Registered Nurses with an ADN or diploma can take 11 transition units to join the regular MSN program.
PLNU nursing programs focus equally on human/spiritual aspects and technical patient care skills. This balanced teaching style prepares nurses to excel in healthcare settings of all sizes while honoring nursing’s deeper purpose.
The nursing programs at Point Loma Nazarene University have earned prestigious accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This recognition covers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs, showing that your degree meets strict national standards.
Online and Hybrid Options
Point Loma Nazarene University’s approach to education lets you earn your nursing degree without disrupting your career. PLNU’s RN to BSN Accelerated Undergraduate Program comes in two formats – hybrid and fully online. These options are perfect for nurses who need to balance work with educational advancement.
Students in the hybrid format attend one evening class each week in person. They complete the rest of their coursework online. This setup creates a routine that keeps you motivated while fitting into your schedule. The in-person sessions help build a close community where you can connect with faculty and peers. You’ll get direct mentorship opportunities that improve your academic performance and career growth.
The fully online option gives you complete scheduling freedom. This format lets you:
- Complete coursework from any location—home, coffee shop, or library
- Choose study schedules that fit your work shifts
- Learn from instructional videos and audio lectures at your own pace
- Take extra time with challenging topics when needed
Both formats help you maintain your professional and personal life while advancing your education. The coursework fits even the busiest nursing schedules. You can spend time with family, excel at work, and enjoy your free time.
Each format comes with reliable support systems. A counselor and coordinator help you throughout your educational experience. They assist with everything from transferring credits to completing degree and clinical requirements. The move from your ADN feels natural – not like starting over, but continuing your education.
The online option removes commuting stress completely, especially in busy areas like San Diego. You’ll still benefit from PLNU’s strong community through meaningful online connections with other students as you develop your expertise.
Both formats show PLNU’s steadfast dedication to quality education with flexibility. These programs respect your time as a working professional. They also give you chances to gain hands-on experience and build a professional network that sets you apart after graduation.
Admission Requirements
Point Loma Nazarene University BSN Programs looks at your complete profile during admission, not just your academic record. The university takes a comprehensive approach to assess applicants by looking at your academic history, work experience, life background, and individual circumstances.
You must meet these basic requirements to be eligible for the RN to BSN program:
- Completion of at least 40 semester hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 from an accredited institution
- Current enrollment in or completion of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) program
- For concurrent enrollment applicants, a higher GPA of 3.0 is required
The application process has two main parts:
- Submit an online application for admission
- Provide official transcripts from each institution attended
Point Loma Nazarene University’s Office of Graduate Records must receive official transcripts directly.
The online application portal accepts all documentation except transcripts for first-time applicants. The School of Nursing Selection Committee reviews your complete application. Your application shows both your academic abilities and personal character.
You can apply for Early Acceptance (EA) during your first year of Community College Nursing. This option lets you take specific courses before finishing your ADN program. You need to complete at least two full semesters in your ADN program with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
PLNU also offers Advanced Standing if you already have a baccalaureate degree in another field. This allows you to waive six units of coursework within the RN to BSN program.
Your academic performance matters throughout the program. You must complete all program requirements with no course grade lower than ‘C’. The program also requires a minimum resident GPA of 2.0 for units completed in Point Loma Nazarene University’s major program.
What’s Different about the BSN Programs at Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University’s BSN Programs stand out from other nursing schools because of their Christian foundation. The program weaves faith-based principles into the curriculum and prepares nurses who combine technical expertise with comprehensive, compassionate care.
Academic excellence, spiritual development, and service to the community are the foundations of the program’s educational philosophy. This creates graduates who not only thrive professionally but also understand nursing as a healing ministry.
The nursing program keeps class sizes small with just 24-36 students per cohort. Students and faculty build meaningful connections that ensure individual-specific attention throughout their academic experience. These close-knit learning environments contributed to their graduates’ outstanding 98.3% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023.
Point Loma’s nursing program boasts impressive placement statistics – 70% of nursing alumni work in their field of study. The program’s 20-year-old relationships with major healthcare employers in San Diego County create valuable career paths for new graduates.
The curriculum features several unique elements:
- Public health certification integrated into the BSN program
- Both evidence-based practice and spiritual care emphasis
- Leadership development to tackle healthcare disparities
Students benefit from the university’s mutually beneficial alliances with healthcare organizations throughout San Diego. These connections offer diverse clinical experiences that often turn into job opportunities after graduation.
Point Loma Nazarene University’s nursing program blends educational excellence with professional purpose. It shapes nurses who excel in their technical skills while viewing their work as a calling rather than just a career. This unique combination of faith, academic excellence, and community participation creates graduates who make their mark in healthcare settings.