BSN Programs San Francisco, CA

Registered nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) work in various sectors of the healthcare including acute care, clinics, education, palliative care, homecare, community/public health, and correctional facilities. Since BSN nurses are continuously linked to better patient outcomes, they are more likely to secure positions in acute care and community health care settings. They also have better quality jobs due to the leadership, public health, management, and communication training covered in the BSN program. The BSN provides a solid foundation for graduate study, which will prepare you for employment as a nurse manager, nurse education, administrator, director, or any one of the advanced nursing positions.

San Francisco State University

The Nursing Bachelor of Science (BSN) prelicensure program at San Francisco State University prepares students for practice as a registered nurse in hospitals, community clinics, home care, long term care, and other health care facilities. The program is open to residents who are not registered nurses. Transfer students and those seeking a second baccalaureate degree may apply to the program. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensing exam to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN).  They may also use their knowledge and experience as a foundation for graduate study in nursing. Admission to the program is competitive, so applicants should fulfill all requirements before applying to the program.

Program Outline

Units: 54 – not including prerequisites and general education courses
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: General Microbiology and Public Health and General Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Principles of Human Anatomy, Principles of Human Physiology and Principles of Human Physiology Lab, Survey of Chemistry and Survey of Chemistry Lab, Fundamentals of Oral Communication, Written Communication I, Elementary Statistics, Introduction to Critical Thinking I

General education courses – Oral Communication, Written English Communication I, Critical Thinking, Physical Science, Life Science, Lab Science, Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Lifelong Learning and Self Development, Physical and/or Life Science

Core courses – Human Development and Health Assessment Theory, Human Development and Health Assessment Lab, Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing – GWAR, Health Promotion in Nursing, Health Promotion in Nursing – Practicum, Reproductive Health Theory, Reproductive Health Practicum, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Theory, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum, Nursing Interventions Practicum I, Nursing Care of Children Theory, Nursing Care of Children Practicum, Nursing Care of Adults Theory, Nursing Care of Adults Practicum, Nursing Interventions Lab II, Advanced Medical Surgical and Critical Care Nursing, Advanced Medical Surgical and Critical Care Nursing Capstone Practicum, Chronic Care and End of Life Care Theory, Community Health and Global Perspectives Theory, Community Health and Global Perspectives Practicum

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a California resident or be eligible for in-state tuition
  • Must attend an informational session to learn more of the application process
  • Must have a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Take and pass the TEAS with a score of 78 or higher
  • Complete the prerequisite courses by the time of supplemental application submission. Must have a minimum grade C in all science courses
  • Attend an interview as part of the mandatory admission process
  • Must have current Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health Healthcare Provider certification by the American Heart Association
  • Clear a criminal background check and drug screen prior to the start of the clinical
  • Must have personal health insurance
  • Meet the health requirements including immunizations and TB testing
  • Must have use of an automobile for community health nursing experience and to travel to the clinical sites

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition and fees per semester is $3,654 for full-time students. Nursing students will incur additional expenses for uniforms, books, supplies, background check, health clearance, CPR certification, and transport to community sites.

  • Website: https://www.sfsu.edu/
  • Address: 1600 Holloway Avenue – Burk Hall 357, San Francisco, CA 94132-4161
  • Phone: (415) 338-1802
  • Fax: (415) 338-0555
  • Email: nursing@sfsu.edu
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.1%

University of San Francisco – School of Nursing & Health Professions

The BSN program at the School of Nursing and Health Professions takes a hands-on approach to nursing education. The curriculum includes training in the classroom and in the field. During the clinical rotations at community health care agencies, students will have opportunities to develop clinical skills and evaluation techniques through the use of real-world tools in the clinical skills lab and simulation center. The School of Nursing offers various class schedules and curriculum to meet individual needs. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Admission is selective and based on an overall appraisal of the applicant’s preparedness for college-level study.

Program Outline

Units: 128
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Support Courses: Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Human Anatomy, Human Anatomy Lab, Human Physiology, Human Physiology Lab, General Psychology, Elementary Statistics, Sociology, Written and Oral Communication, Public Speaking for Health Profession

Core courses – Nursing in the Jesuit Tradition I, Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice, Applied Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I, Essentials of Pharmacology, Applied Assessment and Nursing Fundamentals I, Clinical Lab I: Applied Assessment in Health & Wellness, Nutrition, Applied Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II, Applied Assessment and Nursing Fundamentals II: Alterations in Health and Illness, Clinical Lab II: Alterations in Health and Illness, Community and Mental Health Nursing, Healthcare Systems I: Nurse Leaders, Evidence-Based Inquiry and Informatics, Clinical Lab II: Community and Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I: Management Adult, Healthcare System II: Management of Complex Issues, Clinical Lab IV: Adult Medical Surgical Nursing, Clinical Lab IV: Simulation Lab, Women’s Health, Medical Surgical Nursing II: Children, Clinical Lab V: Medical Surgical Nursing Care of Women and Children, Clinical Lab V: Medical Surgical Nursing Simulation Lab, Senior Seminar, Complex Care, Clinical Lab VI: Complex Care

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a California resident or be eligible for in-state tuition
  • Apply for admission to USF and pay the non-refundable application fee of $70
  • Provide an optional letter of recommendation
  • Submit a response to the Short Answer Question
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology, Algebra
  • Attend an interview as part of the mandatory admission process
  • Must have current Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health Healthcare Provider certification by the American Heart Association
  • Clear a criminal background check and drug screen prior to the start of the clinical
  • Must have personal health insurance
  • Meet the health requirements including immunizations and TB testing

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $52,920 per year for full-time students. Nursing students pay additional for course fees, malpractice insurance, clinical lab fees, and fieldwork.

  • Website: https://www.usfca.edu/
  • Address: 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117-1080
  • Phone: (415) 422-5555
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.0%

Samuel Merritt University

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is open only to students who have already completed the general education and prerequisite courses at another accredited institution. Through this model, the school facilitates the early commencement of hands-on learning experiences. These hands-on sessions will be conducted on campus in the simulation lab and will be followed by supervised patient care experiences at community hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The curriculum will cover medical knowledge and technical skills as well leadership, communication, and management skills essential for success as a registered nurse. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for the registered nurse credential. They will also have foundational preparation for graduate study to earn a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice.

Program Outline

Units: 67 not including prerequisite and support courses
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: English Composition, Critical Thinking, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Sociology, General Psychology, Lifespan Developmental Psychology, Fine Arts Theory, Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics or Bioethics, US History, Diversity/Ethnic Studies, Humanities Elective, Nutrition, Statistics, 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, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Health Assessment I, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Pathopharmacology for Nursing Practice II, Managing Care of the Adult I and II, Healthy 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:

  • Must have a minimum of 60 semester/99 quarter units of transferable coursework, including prerequisite courses with a grade c or better
  • Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in all prerequisite coursework
  • Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the four science prerequisite courses
  • Must have at least one term with a minimum of nine semesters or 14 quarter units of academic courses completed within the last year
  • Obtain an acceptable score on the HESI A2
  • Submit two letters of reference – one from a faculty member and the other from a healthcare professional
  • Submit a writing sample
  • Request official transcripts of all college courses to be submitted to the University
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
  • Must have medical insurance coverage
  • Must have CPR certification from the American Heart Association (Basic Life Support module)
  • Submit short answer responses with the application
  • Must complete the Student Health Forms including the health requirements
  • Provide documentation of immunization – Flu Vaccine, MMR, Varicella, TB, PPD
  • Provide a head-shot photo for the ID badge

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $52,718 annually for full-time students. Other costs include fees, books, uniforms, health insurance, graduation fee, and equipment. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

California State University – East Bay

The BSN pre-licensure program at California State University is for students who are new to nursing who do not have an RN license. Licensed vocational nurses may apply to the program. The 120-unit program includes 14 units of core courses and electives and 57 units in the concentration. Students will also need to complete the general education and graduation requirements. The prerequisite courses must be completed before admission to the pre-licensure concentration. The nursing courses will be completed in five semesters. All nursing courses include a component for concurrent on-campus lab and clinical practicum conducted at areas hospitals and community health facilities.

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

Admission criteria:

  • Secure general admission to Cal State East Bay by first submitting an application online
  • Submit a completed application to the nursing program
  • Submit official transcripts from all schools attended – including transcripts of prerequisite courses
  • Obtain a minimum 70% overall TEAS score and minimum 65% on English/Reading sections of the TEAS
  • Submit a Personal Statement with the application
  • Complete the program prerequisites by the application deadline
  • Must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in all the prerequisites and the four science prerequisites
  • Submit official transcripts to NursingCAS by the stipulated deadline
  • Meet all the requirements for admission to the University
  • 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 $3,497.50 per semester for full-time students. Nursing students must also budget for books, nursing supplies, background check, health screen, CPR certification, and NCLEX test prep.

Dominican University of California

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Dominican University of California provides adults with the knowledge and technical skills to take up entry-level as a registered nurse. The intensive program covers health assessment, fundamentals of nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing research, and nursing leadership. Students will complete pre-nursing coursework during the first year. The nursing courses will commence in the second year. Clinical rotations will be scheduled at community health care agencies. The clinical and lab hours cover more than 1,000 hours giving students extensive opportunities for developing technical nursing and patient care skills. Graduates of the program 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
Duration: 4 years
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:

  • Apply for admission to Dominican University
  • Write a personal essay according to the published guidelines
  • Submit high school and any college transcripts
  • Submit test scores TEAS, ACT, or SAT scores
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, employer or community leader
  • Apply for admission to the nursing program by the published deadlines
  • Submit the results of a physical exam and health history
  • Complete a negative 2-step TB test
  • Complete the required immunizations/vaccinations
  • 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 $49,426 per year. Additional costs for books, supplies, and background check, and health clearance.

  • Website: https://www.dominican.edu/
  • Address: 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
  • Phone: (415) 457-4440
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.75%

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.