The nursing team is comprised of nurses with various educational backgrounds who are all committed to patient care. The licensed practical nurse with a diploma, the associate degree nurse, the DNP, the master of science nurse, and the bachelor of science nurse all contribute to the care and restoration of patients. A nurse’s role on the team depends on his or her experience, education, training, and license. While the ADN and BSN are both identified as registered nurses, employers and governing bodies are likely to limit the role of the ADN-prepared nurse. The National Academy of Medicine wants nurses to expand their competencies through continuing education. For instance, current ADN nurses are encouraged to complete the BSN degree to better address the complexities of patient care in the health care system. If you’re just starting out in nursing, the BSN program will provide the skills you need to provide effective care that will incorporate evidence-based research, critical thinking, and leadership. BSN nurses have long been hailed for lower mortality rates among patients and greater patient satisfaction. More than this, the BSN will provide greater opportunities to further your career to positions in management, education, and administration and continued study to the master of science in nursing to assume advanced practice positions.
Samuel Merritt University
The College of Nursing at Samuel Merritt University prepares students with the skills to promote health and well-being across diverse populations and communities. The program is open to students who have completed their general education and prerequisite courses at another institution. By doing this, they will participate in hands-on learning experiences much sooner and complete the requirements for the BSN in just two years. Clinical sessions will be conducted in hospital and community settings to provide opportunities for students to put theory into practice. The curriculum supports the development of medical knowledge and technical skills needed to practice as a nurse as well as leadership, communication, and teamwork skills needed to thrive in the complex health care system. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses and pursue positions in leadership or further study to become an advanced practice nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 67
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Composition, English Literature/Critical Thinking, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Sociology, General Psychology, Lifespan Development Psychology, Fine Arts Theory, Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, or Bioethics, US History, Diversity Elective, Humanities Elective, Nutrition, Statistics, Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Chemistry with Lab, Microbiology with Lab
Core courses – Pathopharmacology for Nursing Practice I, Health Assessment I, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Pathopharmacology for Nursing Practice II, Managing Care of Adults I-II, Health Aging, General Education, Nursing Research, Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of Infants, Children and Youth, Managing Care of Adults III, Nursing Leadership, Management, and Health Policy, Community Health Nursing, Senior Synthesis, General Education
Admission criteria:
- Meet the requirements for admission to Samuel Merritt University
- Must have completed a minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units of transferrable coursework including the completion of all prerequisites with a grade of C or better before entry to the program
- Must have a recommended minimum 3.0 GPA in all prerequisite coursework
- Must have a recommended minimum 3.0 GPA in the four science prerequisite courses
- Must have completed a minimum of nine semester or 14 quarter units of academic courses in the past two years
- Must obtain acceptable scores on the HESI A2 or TEAS
- Submit two letters of reference: one from a faculty member (preferable math or science instructor) and the other from a health care professional
- Must submit short answer responses with the application
- Submit official transcripts of all coursework
- Must complete a criminal background check and drug screen to participate in the clinical rotations
- Must have medical health insurance coverage by the first day of orientation
- Must have CPR certification from the American Health Association – Basic Life Support BLS module
- Must complete the Student Health Forms
- Submit a head-shot photo for the ID badge
Program Cost:
The program cost of $125,427 includes tuition, student body fee, health insurance gee, graduation fee, and HESI testing. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/
- Address: 3100 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, California 94609
- Phone: 800.607.6377
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.88%
Cal State East Bay
California State University East Bay prepares students to provide competent and compassionate care to patients of various cultural diversities in a multitude of health care settings. The comprehensive program includes theory and hands-training in the classroom, clinical lab, and at local hospitals and community health care agencies. The clinical rotations commence upon entry to the nursing program – after concluding 53 credits of prerequisite and general education courses. The core nursing courses account for 68 credit hours and may be completed in five semesters. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
Units: 120
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Support courses: Foundations of Success I, Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communication, Basic Chemistry for the Health Sciences, Elements of Statistics and Probability, Introduction to Sociology, Foundations of Success II, Accelerated College Writing, Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Workshop in Critical Thinking, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Writing California Political Histories, General Psychology
Core courses – Foundations of Professional Nursing, Nursing Interventions I, Health Assessment, Health Assessment Lab, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing Practice, Clinical Pathophysiology, Community Engagement I, Nursing Care of Adults I, Nursing Interventions II, Aging in Health and Illness, Nursing Care of Adults I Practice, Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, Community Engagement II, Maternity Nursing, Maternal Newborn Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nursing, Pediatric Nursing Practice, Legal Issues in Nursing Practice, Transitions of Care, Community Engagement III, Nursing Care of Adults II, Nursing Care of Adults II Practice, Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research, Leadership Nursing, Community Engagement IV, Community Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing Practice, Preceptorship Synthesis, Preceptorship Practicum, Elective
Admission criteria:
- Submit an online application for admission to Cal State East Bay
- Complete nursing prerequisites and general education courses before applying for admission to the nursing program
- Apply for admission to the nursing program
- Submit official transcripts of all prerequisite courses to NursingCAS
- Take and pass the TEAS with a minimum 70% overall and 65% on English/Reading sections
- Submit a Personal Statement with the application
- Must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in all the prerequisites and the four science prerequisites
- Complete the Health and Community Related Experience Form (paid or voluntary is optional)
- Complete the Language Proficiency Form
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Complete the health requirements
Program Cost:
The cost of tuition is $6,995 annually for full-time students. Other costs include textbook, uniforms, CPR certification, TEAS exam, background check, drug screen, NursingCAS fee, and health requirements.
- Website: https://www.csueastbay.edu/index.html
- Address: 5800 Carlos Bee Boulevard | Hayward, CA 94542
- Phone: 510-885-3000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.32%
Unitek College
Unitek College offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students practice as a registered nurse in three years or less. Although some of the courses may be delivered online, student must be available for on-the-ground sessions which include a hands-on component to develop the nursing skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, clinical judgment, leadership, and research. Upon completion of the requirements, students will be prepared to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse in California. Licensed vocational nurses may apply for advanced placement in the program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120 units
Duration: 3 to 4 years
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – English, Introduction to Psychology, Microbiology with Lab, Introduction to Sociology, Public Speaking, Introduction to Chemistry with Lab, Nutrition, Lifespan Development, Intermediate Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab, Anatomy and Physiology III, Anatomy and Physiology IV with Lab, Applied Statistics, Principles of Ethics, Professional Writing, Contemporary History, Political Science, Critical Reasoning
Core courses – Health Assessment I, Fundamental Skills, Pathophysiology, Fundamentals – Patient Care, Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, Health Assessment II, Adult Health I, Adult Health II, Information and Technology in Patient Care, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal/Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Nutrition, Health & Wellness, Leadership and Management in Healthcare, Evidence-Based Practice, Complex Adult Health, Community Health Nursing, Capstone Course
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Unitek College
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Schedule and complete an interview with an Admissions Representative
- Take and pass the admissions assessment – SLEQ score of 19 or above
- Must have up-to-date immunizations including -one step PPD, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B
- Attend an interview with Program Director or designee
- Score a minimum of 62% on the TEAS exam – within 24 months prior to enrollment
- Complete the Online Readiness Survey with a score of 75% or more
- Proof of Basic Life Support as Health Healthcare Provider certification by the American Heart Association
- Submit a completed health history and physical exam signed by the student and health care provider
- Clear a criminal background check and drug screen
Program Cost:
The program cost of $138,247 includes tuition, registration, books and supplies, lab fee, program fees, and technology fees.
- Website: https://www.unitekcollege.edu/
- Address: 4670 Auto Mall Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538
- Toll-Free: 888-775-1514
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Dominican University of California
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Dominican University of California is an intensive educational program that covers course in health assessment, nursing fundamentals, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing leadership, and nursing research. New admits will begin with pre-nursing coursework. By the conclusion of the program, they will complete 1,000 hours of clinical and lab activities. The clinical sessions will give them the opportunity to care for individuals from all walks of life and form friendships with members of a diverse student population. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN state board examination and qualify for a Public Health Nursing Certificate in California.
Program Outline
Units: 124 including 36 upper division units
Duration: 6 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Pre-nursing courses: Human Anatomy/Lab, Chemistry for Health Sciences/Lab, Effective Communication I, Introduction to Psychology, Human Physiology/Lab, Civic Knowledge & Engagement CORE Course, Effective Communication II, Artistic & Creative Expression CORE Course
Core courses – Nursing Fundamentals/Lab, Health Access Across Life/Lab, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I, Microbiology for Health Sciences/Lab, Medical Surgical I/Clinical, Geriatric Foundations/Clinical, Statistics for Health/Behavioral Sciences, Nutrition for Disease Prevention/Lab, Medical – Surgical II/Clinical. Psychiatric-Mental Health/Clinical, Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II, Examined Life CORE course, Maternal-Newborn/Women’s Health/Clinical, Child & Family Nursing/ Clinical, NCLEX-RN Preparation I, Elective or Minor Units, Medical-Surgical III/Clinical, SL: Community Health & Nursing/Clinical, Nursing Research & Senior Thesis, Purpose & Meaning CORE course, Leadership/Nursing Care Management/Clinical, NCLEX-RN Preparation II, Elective or Minor Units
Admission criteria:
- Secure general admission to Dominican University
- Must have completed high school or GED
- Submit official high school and college transcripts
- Complete the TEAS, SAT, or ACT with approved scores
- Submit a personal essay in response to the application guidelines
- Supply a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, employer or community leader
- Submit an application for admission to the Nursing Program
- Complete a satisfactory physical exam and health history
- Must obtain a negative TB test
- Submit documentation of current immunizations
- Must have current CPR certification – Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen
- Complete a satisfactory background check – clinical agencies may refuse students based on the results of the background check
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $48,606 per year. Students must cover the costs for admission requirements, books, supplies, insurance, and health requirements.
- Website: https://www.dominican.edu/
- Address: 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
- Phone: (415) 457-4440
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.75%
Sonoma State University
The pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Sonoma State University is designed for persons completing their first degree with no experience in nursing. Students must complete pre-nursing prerequisites and general education courses in the first two years then apply for admission to the nursing major. The nursing curriculum, covered in the final two years, includes classroom and clinical instruction in basic nursing skills, medical surgical, home health, mental health, critical care, community health, research, leadership, management, and pediatrics. Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX RN licensure exam.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 2 years (not including GE requirements)
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisites/General Education courses: Introduction to Biology, Elements of General, Organic, and Biochemistry, Written Communication, Statistics, Human Anatomy, Critical Thinking, Oral Communication, Human Physiology, Social/Behavioral Science: Contemporary International Perspectives, Fine arts, Theatre, Dance, Music and Film, Humanities
Core courses – General Microbiology, Development of the Person, Nursing Care of Adult I, Maternity & Women’s Health Care, Nursing Care of Adult II (Theory and Clinical), Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (Theory and Clinical), Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (Theory), Nursing Care of Adult (Theory and Clinical), Nursing Care of Child in Family (Theory and Clinical), Nursing Power, Policy, and Politics, Community/Public Health Nursing (Theory and Clinical), Clinical Nursing Preceptorship (Theory and Clinical)
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Sonoma online
- Complete the general education and pre-nursing courses before applying to the nursing program
- Attend a nursing information session
- Apply for admission to the nursing program
- Submit official transcripts of prerequisites to NursingCAS – must have a minimum grade C on courses
- Mail the non-refundable application fee of $60
- Obtain a minimum score of 78% on the TEAS exam
- Submit a completed essay – choose one question from the list provided on the application
- Complete CNA certification before the program starts
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $4,030 per semester for full-time students. Other costs for books and supplies are the student’s responsibility. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: http://nursing.sonoma.edu/
- Address: 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928
- Phone: 707-664-2466
- Fax: 707-664-2653
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%