BSN Programs San Jose, CA

Nurses are a vital part of the health care system. There is a great demand for competent nurses to meet rising health care needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the field of nursing will grow 12 percent through 2028, much faster than the average for all other occupations. Several factors contribute to the projected growth, including the rising rate of chronic conditions, demand for long-term care from the baby-boom population, and a renewed focus on preventative care. Healthcare employers are insisting on greater education for registered nurses. The increase in enrollment in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a direct result of the call for better-educated nurses from both employers and nursing associations. Graduates of the BSN program have better job prospects than graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing.

Unitek College

Unitek College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. The hybrid program facilitates delivery of some courses online. The instruction will include both theory and practice coursework that will prepare students with the knowledge and skills to meet the complex demands of the health care system. Program graduates will receive the BSN credential and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses and work as entry-level BSN-prepared Registered Nurses. An advanced placement option is available for Licensed Vocational Nurses.

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
  • Attend a personal interview with an Admissions Representative
  • Must be 17 years of age or older
  • Provide proof of completing 12th-grade level education (high school diploma or GED certificate)
  • Must have a valid government-issued photo 1D
  • Take and pass the entrance exam with a satisfactory score
  • Submit proof of immunization – One step PPD, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B
  • Obtain a score of at least 19 on the SLE-Q
  • 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 cost of completing the BSN program is $137,902. It includes tuition, registration, books and supplies, lab fee, program fees, and technology fees.

San Francisco State University

The School of Nursing at San Francisco State University offers a prelicensure (RN) bachelor’s degree program. The program is open to transfer students, second baccalaureates and high school graduates. Freshmen applicants are admission as Pre-Nursing students and may declare Nursing as their major after meeting the minimum University requirements. New students are admitted in the Spring and Fall semesters. Records of multi-linguistic proficiency, health-related work, and volunteer experiences may be submitted for consideration in the application process. Program graduates will be prepared to provide compassionate and coordinated care in various health care settings, function effectively as part of the nursing and interprofessional team, utilize best current evidence and clinical expertise in practice, use data to monitor outcomes, and use information technology to communicate and manage knowledge and support decision-making.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 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 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 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 courses
  • Attend an interview as part of the mandatory admission process
  • 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 cost of tuition per semester is $4,179. It includes mandatory fees. Other costs for books and supplies must be covered by the student.

  • 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: 87.64%

San Jose State University

The Valley Foundation School of Nursing offers a program for individuals seeking a Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing. Theory and practical instruction will prepare students for professional practice in acute and community care settings. Apart from learning on campus, students will participate in clinical experiences in a variety of community health care agencies. Before participating in the clinical experience, students will have the opportunity to participate in extensive simulation for an enhanced learning experience. It is expected that students will arrange their own transport to the extended campus facilities. Graduates of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education program will be eligible to take the nurse licensure exam. Up to 60 students are accepted with each cycle.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120
Duration: 3 to 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Bacteriology, First Year Writing, Elementary Statistics, Public Speaking, Introductory Chemistry, Critical Thinking, Lifespan Development in the 21st Century, Introduction to Psychology, Nutrition for Health Professions

Core courses – Leadership I, Intro to Pharmacology I, Nursing Skills and Health Assessment I, Gerontological Nursing Theory, Geriatric Nursing Practicum, Evidence-Based Practice and Writing, Adult Care Management I, Adult Care Practicum I, Nursing Skills and Health Assessment II, Mental Health Theory, Mental Health Practicum, Nursing Skills Assessment III, Leadership II, Community Health Theory, Community Health Practicum, Child Health Theory, Child Health Practicum, Simulation I, Adult Care Management II Theory, Adult Care Management II Practicum, Maternal Newborn Health, Maternal Newborn Practicum, Senior Preceptorship, Leadership III

Admission criteria:

  • Obtain admission to San Jose State University before applying to The Valley Foundation School of Nursing
  • Declare “pre-nursing undeclared” or “undeclared” as a major
  • Take and pass Writing Skills Test before applying to the nursing program
  • Complete and pass the five prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C and a GPA of 3.2
  • Complete Biol 65, Biol 66, and Micro 20 within 5 years of the application deadline
  • Take and pass the TEAS exam with a score of 78% or greater
  • Request official, sealed, unopened transcript to be sent to the University
  • Provide a copy of driver’s license and a US passport, birth certificate, and permanent residency card
  • Clear a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Complete the immunization requirements/titers
  • Complete CPR certification
  • Obtain personal health insurance

Program Cost:

Annual tuition costs $5,742 for residents. Other costs for books and supplies must be covered by the student. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Website: https://www.sjsu.edu/
  • Address: One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192
  • Phone: 408-924-1000
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.74%

Samuel Merritt University

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Samuel Merritt University is a two-year program. It is designed for students who have completed the general education and prerequisite courses at another institution. Students will thus be prepared to commence hands-on learning from the onset. The theory will be conducted on campus and online and the clinical courses will take place in hospital and community settings. The aim of the program is to support the development of technical skills that will enable students to function effectively as part of the health care team. They will also acquire leadership, communication, and teamwork skills to use in practice. Graduates will understand the value of advanced education and will be motivated to move into leadership education and advanced practice nursing.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120
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 – Pharmacology I, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Health Assessment, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Pathopharmacology II, Managing Care of the Adult I and II, Healthy Aging, Nursing Research, Care of the Childbearing Family, Care of Infants, Children, and Youth, Managing Care of Adults III, Leadership, Community Health

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a minimum of 66 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
  • 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)
  • Must complete the Student Health Forms including the health requirements
  • Provide documentation of immunization – Flu Vaccine, MMR, Varicella, TB, PPD

Program Cost:

The total estimated cost of the program is $114,112 including tuition, Student Body Fee, HESI Testing Fee, HESI Live Review, Lab Fee Nursing, Health Insurance Fee, and Graduation Fee. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Sonoma State University

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered by Sonoma State University is designed for adults with no previous background in nursing. The four-year program requires completion of the general education requirements and pre-nursing courses in the first two years. Students can apply for admission to the nursing program upon completion of the GE and pre-nursing courses. Instruction will include classroom and clinical coursework in areas such mental health, pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, and basic nursing skills to prepare students to practice as generalist nurses. The graduate will is eligible to sit for the NCLEX (RN licensure exam) and will have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120
Duration: 2 years (from the date of admission and does not include 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 Clinica0), Clinical Nursing Preceptorship (Theory and Clinical)

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed CSU Undergraduate Application online
  • Send official transcripts before the deadline – to NursingCAS
  • Mail the non-refundable application fee of $60
  • Attend a nursing information session
  • Obtain a minimum score of 78% on the TEAS exam
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
  • Submit a completed essay – choose one question from the list provided on the application
  • Complete CNA certification before the program starts

Program Cost:

The total estimated cost of the program is $114,112 including tuition, Student Body Fee, HESI Testing Fee, HESI Live Review, Lab Fee Nursing, Health Insurance Fee, and Graduation Fee. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  • Websitehttp://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%

Pacific Union College

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Pacific Union College is part of a 2-step program. Students will first complete the AS in Nursing – a highly competitive program that requires completion of certain prerequisites. After completing the requirements for the AS degree, students will be eligible for continuation to the BSN curriculum. Candidates must meet specific requirements before registering for the clinical courses. The clinical courses will be conducted off-site at several medical facilities. Students are expected to provide their own transport to and from the clinical labs. Upon completion of the AS degree, students will be eligible to take the NCLEX to practice as a registered nurse.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Introductory Chemistry, Nutrition, General Microbiology, General Psychology, Human Development, and one of the following: Cultural Anthropology, Nursing Issues: Transcultural Care, American Social Problems, or Racial and Ethnic Relations

Core courses – Pathophysiology, Community Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing Practicum, Healthcare Education, Healthcare Management, Healthcare Mgmt/Educ Practicum, Introduction to Research, BSN Capstone I, BSN Capstone II, Health assessment, Advanced Health Assessment

Admission criteria:

  • Submit an application for admission to PUC College online. There is no fee for online applications
  • Request and send official transcripts directly to the PUC Admissions Office
  • Take and pass the required entrance exam and verify that the scores are on file at the Admissions Office
  • Complete at least reference form or submit a current reference letter
  • Complete a TB exam and physical assessment detailing family medical history
  • Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or better and a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Submit documentation showing current CPR certification for Healthcare Professionals through AHA BLS Provider
  • Submit a report of a full physical exam – within 12 months of admission
  • Submit documentation showing evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and seasonal flu
  • Must have a clean background check and drug screen

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $29,896 per year. Expenses for mandatory fees, textbooks, admission costs, entrance assessments, insurance, and transport to and from the clinical sites are not included.

California State University –  East Bay

The Department of Nursing at California State University offers an undergraduate program prepares students to become a registered nurse generalist. Graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. They will be prepared to work as professional nurses and pursue graduate studies for specialized nursing practice. Licensed vocational nurses may apply for admission to the program through the LVN-BSN Pathway. Candidates must petition to receive credit after the Department reviews their portfolio and transcript. Prior learning credit is only available for Nursing Interventions I and Health Assessment Lab.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites: Introduction to Clinical Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Basic Chemistry for the Health Sciences, Public Speaking, Accelerated College Writing, Workshop in Critical Thinking, Elements of Statistics and Probability

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:

  • 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
  • Obtain a minimum 70% overall TEAS score and minimum 65% on English/Reading sections of the TEAS
  • Submit a Personal Statement with the application
  • Submit official transcripts to NursingCAS by the stipulated deadline
  • Meet all the requirements for admission to the University
  • Health and Community Related Experience (paid or voluntary is optional)
  • Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Attend One-Day orientation
  • Attempt WST (Writing Skills Test) one time or confirm already satisfied
  • Complete the health requirements

Program Cost:

The cost of tuition is $3,497.50 per semester for completing more than 6.1 units. .Other expenses include WST fee, Nursing Association fee, textbook bundle, medical supplies, background check, drug test, health document requirements, CPR certification, uniform nametag, and NCLEX test prep. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

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.