Sacramento State BSN Programs
California State University, Sacramento’s BSN Programs are pioneering solutions to a critical healthcare challenge. Sacramento, the state capital, faces a severe nursing shortage that experts believe will grow worse over the next few years. This local challenge mirrors a larger statewide crisis, with California projected to experience a nursing shortage of 140,000 professionals by 2030.
Sacramento State’s School of Nursing operates within the California State University system that runs nursing programs at 20 campuses throughout the state. These schools work together to prepare California’s future nursing workforce as the need for qualified healthcare professionals continues to grow.
The Sacramento State nursing program’s detailed approach to education makes it unique. Students and working professionals learn to take on roles of all types within the nursing field. The program aims to develop nurses who can “lead diverse individuals, families, and communities in achieving optimal health through nursing science, collaborative practice, advocacy, and service”.
The program’s excellence shows in its accreditations. Both the baccalaureate and master’s degree nursing programs have earned recognition from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This prestigious accreditation shows the program meets the highest educational standards.
The quality of Sacramento State’s nursing program has earned it the 16th spot among California’s top nursing. On top of that, it ranks among the most competitive majors on campus. The program typically accepts 80 students each semester, though this number dropped to 40 during COVID-19 due to clinical placement restrictions.
Competition remains fierce. The spring semester’s 76 students achieved an average “adjusted” GPA of 3.995. These exceptional academic standards highlight the program’s rigor and the caliber of students it draws.
Sacramento State gives future nurses several paths to choose from. Options include a traditional Bachelor of Science program for pre-licensure students and various tracks to help nursing professionals advance their careers. The university’s Professional and Continuing Education department also offers online and off-campus nursing programs, creating flexible options that fit different student needs.
Types of Programs Offered
Sacramento State University’s nursing education pathways meet student needs of all types while upholding high academic standards. The School of Nursing helps both new students and working professionals prepare for healthcare roles through specialized programs.
The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) program serves as the core of their offerings. This four-year curriculum starts with two years of general education and prerequisites. Students then complete two years of clinical nursing instruction. The program accepts up to 80 students each semester through a competitive selection process. Students need 120 total units. They must complete 29 units of pre-clinical preparation and 61 units of major coursework.
The RN to BSN program gives licensed nurses a simplified path to earn their bachelor’s degree. Working nurses can keep their jobs while advancing their education. The School’s regular virtual advising sessions help prospective RN to BSN students understand program requirements and application steps.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees to take on specialized roles. Graduates work in nursing education, community health, adult clinical practice, and as credentialed school nurses. This graduate program focuses on professional nursing practice and leadership preparation.
The university also offers the Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program Collaborative with CSU Stanislaus (ASBSNc). Students complete 55 academic units over six semesters through the College of Continuing Education.
The School of Nursing plans to start a BSN-to-DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program in Fall 2026, subject to the Chancellor’s Office approval. This three-year online program will feature a three-day on-campus intensive each August.
California State University, Sacramento’s nursing programs have prestigious accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This recognition shows the programs meet rigorous standards needed to prepare qualified nursing professionals.
Professional and Continuing Education offers nursing courses online and at off-campus locations. These flexible options help students with different schedules and locations complete their education.
Online and Hybrid Options
Sacramento State’s nursing education puts flexibility first by offering several online and hybrid options that work well for professionals who already have jobs. The School of Nursing has created an online path that helps students who started their nursing education in non-baccalaureate programs get their BSN.
Students can complete the RN-BSN (Track B) program through a 15-Week Semester track. This track lets Associates Degree in Nursing students from certain schools start right away through cross enrollment. Full-time students can finish in 12-15 months, while those with work commitments can take the part-time route.
Sacramento State’s online programs shine because they run mostly on an asynchronous schedule. Students can study at their own pace and manage their professional life alongside their education.
The Master of Science in Nursing program runs on a hybrid model that delivers most content online. This setup gives registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees the same scheduling freedom while they train for specialized roles. These roles include nursing education, community health, adult clinical practice, and school nursing with credentials.
California State University, Sacramento will launch a BSN-to-DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program in Fall 2026, subject to the Chancellor’s Office approval. This three-year online program will include a short three-day campus visit each August.
These online and hybrid options show Sacramento State’s dedication to breaking down traditional barriers of time and location. This matches the California State University system’s goal to make education more accessible across its 23 campuses.
Sacramento State’s nursing programs serve both traditional students and working professionals who want to advance their careers without putting their jobs on hold.
Admission Requirements
Getting into Sacramento State’s BSN program takes two steps. You first need to get into the university. Then you compete for a spot in the clinical nursing program. The program’s excellence shows in its competitive nature. Applications always exceed the 80 seats available each semester.
You just need to be a California resident to apply. Students with DACA status, AB 540 status, or military fee waivers can also qualify. So future students should prepare well to meet all criteria.
The academic standards are tough. You just need a minimum science GPA of 3.0 in anatomy/physiology, chemistry, and microbiology courses. Your overall nursing GPA should be at least 3.3 on prerequisite and corequisite courses. Competition makes these numbers climb higher. Recent admitted students had an average “adjusted” GPA of 3.995.
The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is crucial. You just need a minimum score of 75.0%. Most successful applicants score around 91-92%. You can take the test three times within five years before the application deadline.
The selection process uses a point system. You just need 60 points to be eligible. Your GPA and TEAS scores make up most points. Recent admission cutoffs were around 71 points. You can earn up to 18 extra points through health-related work experience (1-3 points), bilingual skills (3 points), first-generation college student status (4 points), and other factors.
Timing plays a key role in the application process. You can have only one science and one non-science prerequisite in progress when you apply. Complete all eight prerequisites by spring term end for fall admission or by fall term for spring admission.
These tough requirements mean you should plan carefully to get into this prestigious program.
What’s Different about the BSN Programs at California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento State’s BSN Programs stand out with their unique approach to nursing education. The university focuses on community-centered learning that prepares nurses for Northern California’s healthcare needs.
Students get hands-on experience earlier than other programs through extensive clinical practice in the Sacramento region. They work in major hospitals, community clinics, and specialized care facilities. This early exposure helps them develop essential clinical skills faster than their peers.
The university’s dedication to helping underserved communities makes it special. Students learn about cultural competence and health equity, which prepares them to care for patients from all backgrounds.
The faculty brings both academic knowledge and years of practical experience to the classroom. Theory and real-life applications come together naturally because of the low student-to-faculty ratio. Each student receives individual attention throughout their studies.
State-of-the-art simulation labs help students practice complex procedures safely. They can master difficult scenarios before working with real patients.
The program’s success shows in its career placement numbers. Graduates often find positions in California’s top healthcare facilities. Many say they feel better prepared for NCLEX exams and their first nursing jobs than graduates from other schools.
Sacramento State also emphasizes team-based learning. Nursing students work together with future healthcare professionals from other fields, which reflects modern healthcare practices.
These features make Sacramento State a compelling choice for anyone looking at nursing programs in California’s competitive educational landscape.