Accelerated BSN Programs in California

Program Length & Format

• Two-year (5 semesters including summer)
• Begins each Fall semester
• Full-time, cohort-based format; no part-time or semester off options
• Lecture courses held mornings or afternoons on weekdays
• Clinical hours scheduled any day of the week, including 8 to 12-hour shifts, day or night

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution required by end of Fall semester of application year
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in transferable college-level coursework by end of Fall semester prior to application
• Minimum prerequisite course GPA of 3.25 by end of Fall semester prior to application
• Grades of B- or higher required in science prerequisite courses; C or higher in non-science prerequisites
• California residents only (due to impaction status)
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) required for background check and licensure eligibility

Prerequisites

• All prerequisites must be completed by end of Fall semester prior to application deadline; no in-progress prerequisites accepted
• Science prerequisites require minimum B- grade:
  • Human Anatomy with Lab (minimum 3 units lecture + 1 unit lab)
  • Human Physiology with Lab (minimum 3 units lecture + 1 unit lab)
  • Microbiology with Lab (minimum 3 units lecture + 1 unit lab)
  • General, Inorganic, Organic or Integrated Chemistry with Lab (minimum 3 units lecture; lab if required)
• Non-science prerequisites require minimum C grade:
  • Oral Communication (CSU GE A.1)
  • Written Composition (CSU GE A.2)
  • Critical Thinking (CSU GE A.3)
  • Statistics (CSU GE B.4)
• Two additional courses required during first semester of nursing coursework:
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology

Deadlines

• Application open from October 1 to November 30 annually
• Official transcripts due by January 31
• All prerequisites must be completed by end of Fall semester prior to application (e.g., Fall 2025 for Fall 2026 admission)

Application

• Apply through Cal State Apply undergrad application for "Nursing - Accelerated BSN" major
• Submit one set of official transcripts from every college-level institution attended to CSUF Office of Admissions by January 31
• Submit official AP/IB exam score reports if applicable
• $31.34 interview fee if invited
• Must meet health clearance requirements and provide health insurance, CA driver’s license, auto insurance, CPR certification, and pass criminal background check after admission

Selection Process

• Minimum GPA and prerequisite completion required for consideration
• Points system (up to 105 points) based on:
  • Prerequisite course GPA (up to 40 points)
  • Overall cumulative GPA (up to 30 points)
  • Second language proficiency (up to 10 points)
  • Applicable work or volunteer experience (up to 10 points)
  • Completion of additional courses (up to 5 points)
  • Residency (up to 5 points)
  • Veteran/Active Duty or spouse status (5 bonus points)
• Top applicants invited for interview; final admission contingent on interview
• No admission deferrals allowed; must enroll first semester immediately

Wait List Policies

• No waitlist; rejected applicants must reapply in the following year

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition charged at graduate rate as post-baccalaureate students

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical placements within 50 miles of CSUF Fullerton campus
• Clinical hour requirements per course:
  • NURS 402L – 90 hours
  • NURS 403L – 135 hours
  • NURS 404L – 90 hours
  • NURS 405L – 135 hours
  • NURS 406L – 90 hours
  • NURS 407L – 90 hours
  • NURS 410L – 90 hours
  • NURS 411L – 135 hours
  • NURS 412L – 180 hours
• Clinical hours may be day or overnight shifts, scheduled by faculty and hospitals
• Simulation lab details not specified

Credit Transfer

• Transferable credit must be from regionally accredited institutions
• AP/IB credits accepted only for some non-science prerequisites and some cases of chemistry
• CLEP accepted for some prerequisites except anatomy, physiology, microbiology
• Only one repeat permitted for Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology if grade requirement not met; no repeat limit on non-science prerequisites or chemistry

International Students

• Foreign degrees accepted if evaluated by foreign transcript evaluation agency for U.S. equivalency
• TOEFL minimum scores: 550 (paper-based) or 80 (Internet-based) unless waived
• English proficiency waiver possible; Accelerated BSN treated as graduate level for waiver purposes

Program Length & Format

• Full-time, 
• typically 12 to 24 months

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must meet CSU transfer applicant requirements and indicate "Second Bachelor’s Degree" in Cal State Apply
• Hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution by the end of the term prior to enrollment
• Be in good standing at the last college or university attended
• Meet minimum university GPA requirements via one of: hold an advanced degree; cumulative baccalaureate GPA at least 2.5; or GPA at least 2.5 in last 60 semester/90 quarter units
• Provisional admission allowed if cumulative GPA at least 2.7 or last 60 semester/90 quarter units GPA at least 2.5

Entrance Exams

• TEAS may be required
• National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (NLN PAX) may be required

Prerequisites

• General biology with lab, one year
• General chemistry with lab, one year
• Organic chemistry with lab, one year
• General physics with lab, one year
• Human anatomy and physiology with lab and microbiology
• Statistics and calculus (calculus: one semester or one year; statistics: one course)
• English composition and behavioral science courses

Deadlines

• Spring admission on August 1
• Fall admission on October 1
• Final official transcript deadlines for provisional admits: Spring admits by January 15; Fall admits by August 15

Application

• Submit online university admission application via Cal State Apply and pay $70 nonrefundable application fee
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to Enrollment Services
• Indicate "Second Bachelor’s Degree" in the Cal State Apply application
• Official transcripts may be mailed to: Office of Admissions, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840

Selection Process

• Eligible applicants offered admission on a space-available basis after review of eligible transfer students
• Appeals of admission denials must be submitted in writing within 15 days of denial notification to: 2nd Bachelor's Appeal Committee, California State University, Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840-0106
• Appeal response notification by email within 4 to 6 weeks

Cost & Financial Aid

• $70 nonrefundable application fee
• Payment due within 30 days of registration or by the pre-semester payment deadline unless a financial aid deferment is approved

Credit Transfer

• All official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required for transfer credit evaluation
• Admission offers contingent on verification of eligibility and space availability

Contacts

• School of Nursing office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Phone: 562.985.4463
• Fax: 562.985.2382
• Mailing address: 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90840

Program Length & Format

• 53 semester units of didactic and clinical coursework (15-month)
• One cohort admitted per year; cohort start month: June

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing required; applicants must have graduated by the end of the preceding fall quarter or semester to apply for that summer cohort
• Program offered through the College of Professional and Global Education (PaGE)
• Applicants must apply via NursingCAS; do not submit Cal State Apply in the Fall or program materials to the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing

Deadlines

• Summer 2026 application cycle opens: November 1, 2025
• Summer 2026 application cycle closes: January 6, 2026
• Virtual information sessions: October 30, 2025 and November 13, 2025, 7:00–9:00 p.m. PST

Selection Process

• One admission cycle per year for the summer cohort
• Primary method of communication with prospective applicants: email

Cost & Financial Aid

• Program tuition rate: $695 per semester unit
• Program unit total: 53 semester units
• Estimated total program cost including fees and expenses: approximately $37,000
• Additional costs: university services, textbooks, uniforms, skills backpack, background checks, health clearance requirements

Credit Transfer

• Transcript evaluation limited to single courses up to a total of six courses
• Required format for course evaluation submission: institution; course name/number and title; course description from catalog or syllabus; term/year taken; number and type of units (semester or quarter); grade

Program Length & Format

• 15 months; four consecutive semesters
• on campus; cohort format
• 58 semester units required beyond prior B.A./B.S.
• Clinical placements at hospitals and clinical facilities in the greater Los Angeles area

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 3.21 or master’s degree with minimum GPA 3.0
• All prerequisite course grades must be C or higher
• All prerequisite coursework must appear on official transcripts by application deadline; in-progress prerequisites not accepted
• Self-Disclosure of Scheduling Availability Agreement must be acknowledged in application
• Personal interview may be requested

Entrance Exams

• TEAS exam: not required
• English language proficiency tests required for applicants with degrees from outside the U.S.; minimum scores listed by test:
  • Duolingo: 105
  • TOEFL iBT: 80 (paper-based: 550); school code 4707
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 58
  • iTEP: 4.0
  • GTEC: 1200
• Exception: English test not required if applicant earned bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or from specified countries where English is principal language

Prerequisites

• Total prerequisite units: 28 units (19 science units + 9 general education units)
• Science prerequisites (must be completed within 7 years of application deadline; lecture and lab taken concurrently):
  • Human Anatomy with Lab (2/1)
  • Human Physiology with Lab (3/1)
  • Introductory Microbiology with Lab (2/2)
  • Introductory Chemistry I with Lab (3/1)
  • Introductory Statistics (4) — statistics may be older than 7 years
• All prerequisite grades must be C or higher; upper-division or combined courses considered case-by-case

Deadlines

• Fall 2026 application open: January 13, 2026
• Fall 2026 final application deadline: March 3, 2026 (applications may close sooner if capacity reached)
• Info session: October 16, 2025, 11:30 a.m. PDT (online via Zoom)
• Admission decision timing:
  • Fall applications: decisions usually rendered in May
  • Spring applications: decisions usually rendered October to early December

Application

• Online application with $70 non-refundable application fee
• Required uploads within online application:
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume
  • Documentation for unpaid volunteer clinical experience (if claimed)
  • Documentation for clinical certifications/licenses (if claimed)
  • ABSN science prerequisite information (grade, units, date completed, course number, institution)
  • Acknowledgement of Self-Disclosure of Scheduling Availability Agreement
• Official transcripts required from all post-secondary institutions attended; electronic transcripts preferred; paper transcripts must be sealed if mailed
• International applicants must also submit credential evaluation, original-language transcripts, English translations, and official English test scores

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed after submission; personal interview may be requested for any applicant
• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
• Communications with university employees (email/phone) are recorded and considered in admissions process

Cost & Financial Aid

• Application fee: $70

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical placements arranged at hospitals and clinical facilities in the greater Los Angeles area; placement locations vary by student
• Preclinical requirements to be completed at least 4 weeks before first clinical course:
  • Health exams and immunizations
  • TB test or titers
  • Background check
  • Drug screening
  • Nursing liability insurance
  • CPR certification
  • Fire safety card
  • HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogen training
• Clinical rotations may occur any day of week, including weekends, evenings, and nights
• Reliable transportation required for off-campus clinicals

Credit Transfer

• Nursing courses from other programs generally considered nonequivalent and not transferable, except NURS 307/L may be accepted
• Course equivalencies for California community colleges and CSU campuses can be checked via articulation resources; courses not listed considered case-by-case

International Students

• Degrees from outside the U.S. must be equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree
• Required documentation for international degrees:
  • Official transcripts and degree certification in original language and official English translation (ATA-certified or equivalent if translated in U.S.)
  • International credential evaluation with course-by-course analysis and GPA from an approved evaluator
  • Official English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/etc.) unless degree earned at qualifying institutions/countries
• F-1 visa holders: not authorized to participate in the A-BSN program; I-20s are not available for this program

Program Length & Format

• 67 semester units (5 semesters)
• Full-time, daytime, in-person delivery; lectures 1–2 days per week; clinical rotations scheduled throughout terms and may include weekends
• Cohort model with 60 students per cohort; cohorts start Fall and Spring in San Marcos and Summer in Temecula; ~180 students admitted per year

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or U.S. equivalent
• Minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester units
• Minimum 2.75 GPA in the pre-nursing core
• All pre-nursing core courses completed prior to application; minimum grade C (no C- accepted)
• Proof of healthcare insurance required by the School of Nursing orientation deadline; background check and drug screen required upon conditional admission

Entrance Exams

• ATI TEAS Version 7 required
• Minimum composite score 71%
• Virtually proctored TEAS accepted; upload PDF of TEAS score to application program materials; highest TEAS score used; photos of scores not accepted

Prerequisites

• Anatomy & Physiology I with lab; Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (or separate Anatomy with lab and Physiology with lab sequence)
• Microbiology with lab
• General, Organic & Biochemistry for Life with lab (CHEM 105 and CHEM 105L)
• Any CSU B4 statistics course (3 units)
• Oral Communication (GEO 102), Written Communication (GEW 101), and one Critical Thinking course (LTWR 115, MATH 110, PHIL 110, or PSYC 110)
• All science courses must include labs; online courses accepted if from regionally accredited institutions

Deadlines

• Summer 2026 application and document deadline: November 5, 2025
• Fall 2026 application and document deadline: February 4, 2026
• Cohort start months: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (term start varies)

Application

• Submit online application and upload official transcripts (full academic record, including AP scores); all transcripts must arrive by the deadline
• Upload TEAS Version 7 PDF score in program materials section of application
• Degree in progress allowed if proof of degree is provided prior to program start
• After conditional admission, order background check and drug screen within approximately two weeks per email instructions
• No pre-admission course advising; incomplete applications are not reviewed

Selection Process

• Points-based selection with total possible 52 points
• Factors considered: last 60-unit GPA, pre-nursing core GPA, TEAS composite score only
• In case of tie, lottery used to determine admission
• Approximately 60 students admitted per cohort
• Applicants with flagged background checks are not admitted to the cohort and may join a later cohort pending space when background issues are resolved

Cost & Financial Aid

• Unit rate $670 (effective Fall 2023)
• Sample semester tuition subtotals: Fall 1 $10,720 (16 units), Spring 1 $8,710 (13 units), Summer 1 $8,710 (13 units), Fall 2 $10,050 (15 units), Spring 2 $6,700 (10 units); total $44,890 for 67 units (university semester fees not included)
• Federal VA educational benefits accepted (Cal Vet fee waiver not eligible)
• FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA recommended between January 1 and March 2 for priority consideration; CSUSM Title IV code 030113
• Financial aid contact: 760-750-4850; military contact: 760-750-8705

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Approximately 22 units of clinical study within the 67-unit program
• Clinical rotations in San Diego County and Riverside County
• Clinical schedules vary by month and may include weekends; students may attend clinicals at both San Marcos and Temecula campuses

Credit Transfer

• Pre-nursing core may be completed at other universities or community colleges; articulation lists available for California community colleges
• Online courses accepted if from regionally accredited institutions
• Program support courses (PHIL 345, ANTH 301) must be taken in residence at CSUSM
• Program course requirements may not be fulfilled by taking courses at other institutions while enrolled

International Students

• Oral Communication, Written Communication, and Critical Thinking Area A courses must be taken in the United States
• Foreign coursework must be evaluated by a CSUSM-approved foreign transcript evaluation agency
• Area A courses (A1, A2, A3) from institutions outside the U.S. are not accepted
• Send official foreign transcript evaluation to: Cal State University San Marcos, Office of Admissions and Recruitment, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096, Attn: ABSN

Program Length & Format

• 15-month, full-time
• options:
  • on-campus in Irvine, California or
  • hybrid in Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Hybrid option includes online courses with in-person simulation labs
• Three annual start dates: January, May, and August
• 765 clinical hours required, completed at clinical sites in Orange County and Los Angeles County

Admission Requirements

• BS/BA degree in any discipline or minimum of 65 non-nursing college credits from a regionally accredited institution required
• Maximum of 75 transfer units allowed from previous degree, including prerequisite courses
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, combining bachelor’s degree and post-degree coursework
• Prerequisite courses must have minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) with minimum grade of C in each;
• Science prerequisites require minimum grade of B- and must be completed within five years
• No more than two of the four science prerequisites can be repeated once
• Completion of minimum 100 patient care hours, with at least 75 hours completed prior to application submission
• Patient care experience examples: CNA, EMT, Medical Assistant, Home Health Aide, Physical Therapy Aide

Prerequisites

• Chemistry with lab (4 units)
• Human Anatomy with lab (4 units)
• Human Physiology with lab (4 units)
• Microbiology with lab (4 units)
• Human Nutrition (3 units)
• Statistics - Mathematics (3 units)
• General Psychology (3 units)
• Lifespan Developmental Psychology (birth to death) (3 units)
• Oral Communication (3 units)
• Written Communication (3 units)
• Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (3 units)
• NTHL 101: Foundations of Christian Theology (3 units, must be completed at Concordia after acceptance)
• NTHL 202: New Testament (3 units, must be completed at Concordia after acceptance)
• Online science courses without hands-on labs are not accepted; home-kit lab courses are acceptable
• Maximum of three prerequisite classes may be in-progress at time of application with proof of enrollment

Deadlines

• Three admission cycles per year: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Application review begins February for Fall, June for Spring
• Fall 2025 deadlines:
  • Irvine campus: June 2, 2025
  • Rancho Cucamonga campus (hybrid): July 1, 2025
• Spring 2026 deadlines:
  • Irvine campus: October 1, 2025
  • Rancho Cucamonga campus (hybrid): October 31, 2025
• Rolling admissions model; applications reviewed as completed

Application

• Online application submission required
• Application fee: $50
• Required documents: two letters of recommendation, healthcare hours verification form, statement of intent/personal essay, background check waiver form, prerequisite plan form, official college transcripts
• High school transcripts required for First Degree program applicants
• Applicants must complete any outstanding prerequisites and submit updated transcripts prior to program start
• Admission interviews required by invitation only
• Applications reviewed after submission of all materials

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition rate: $990 per unit
• Total program cost estimated between $60,000 and $62,000 including tuition, books, uniforms, clinical fees, insurance
• Pay-by-the-course tuition model based on enrolled units per semester

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• 765 clinical hours required during program
• Clinical placements at partner sites in Orange County and Los Angeles County
• Simulation labs held on-campus (Irvine) or hybrid site (Rancho Cucamonga) depending on program option

Contacts

• Admissions phone numbers: (949) 214-3845, (949) 214-3842
• Admissions email: [email protected]
• Campus addresses:
  • Irvine Spectrum Campus, 16355 Laguna Canyon Rd, Irvine, CA 92618
  • Rancho Cucamonga ABSN Program Site, 10750 Fourth St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Program Length & Format

• 12-month program completed in 3 consecutive semesters
• On-campus
• Classroom sessions scheduled approximately 2 days per week (about 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• Clinical rotations scheduled approximately 3 days per week (about 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), held at Los Angeles area hospitals
• Program housed at Doheny campus; classes may also be offered at Chalon campus

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required
• Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 required for admission consideration
• Completion of all prerequisite courses with grade of C or better prior to enrollment
• Interview required for qualified applicants after application deadline
• Applicants may not apply to more than one MSMU nursing program within the same start term

Entrance Exams

• No entrance exam required

Prerequisites

• Required courses (semester units / quarter units): Chemistry or Physics 3 / 4; Human Anatomy w/lab 4 / 6; Human Physiology w/lab 4 / 6; Microbiology w/lab 4 / 6; Introduction to Psychology 3 / 4; Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology 3 / 4; Human Nutrition 3 / 4; English 1A or ENG 1B 3 / 4; Introduction to Communication (Public Speaking) 2-3 / 3-4; Lifespan/Human Development 3 / 4; LACE Central Core – Community 3 / 4; LACE Central Core – Global Awareness and Understanding 3 / 4; LACE Central Core – Women and Gender 3 / 4
• Science prerequisites (chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology) must be completed within five years prior to program start
• Up to two prerequisites may be in progress at time of application; only one in-progress course may be a science
• Prerequisites graded C/NC or P/NP are not accepted unless a letter grade of C or better can be provided
• Prerequisite retake policy: course may be retaken only if grade was C- or below and may be repeated only once; failing any two prerequisite courses (grade C- or below) results in non-admission

Deadlines

• Summer term application: opens August 1; deadline November 1 (all items due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time)
• Fall term application: opens December 1; deadline March 1 (all items due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time)
• Mailed materials must be postmarked by the deadline; electronically submitted items must be time stamped by the deadline

Application

• Application steps: Start New Application → Create Application → select Application Category "Nursing Transfer" → select "ABSN" as Nursing Transfer Anticipated Major
• Required documents: official transcripts from all previously attended institutions (sent directly to MSMU); proof of enrollment for current/upcoming prerequisite courses; two references on official letterhead; AP score reports if claiming credit
• Personal essay: submit 2-3 typewritten, double-spaced pages addressing specified program and personal readiness questions; returning applicants submit one double-spaced page describing changes since last application
• AP credit: official College Board score report required; score of 4 or higher required for most credits; psychology credit accepted with score of 3 or higher

Selection Process

• Initial eligibility based on completion of prerequisites and minimum GPA
• Qualified applicants are invited to an in-person interview after the application deadline; returning applicants interview again if qualified
• Admission decisions made after application review and interview; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

Wait List Policies

• Applicants may be placed on a waitlist for the current term only
• Waitlisted applicants will be notified when the program stops taking applicants from the waitlist
• Applicants not admitted may reapply for future terms; previously waitlisted applicants are not given priority for future terms

Cost & Financial Aid

• ABSN tuition (2025-2026): flat rate $25,236 for 12–18 units per semester
• Additional fees: Nursing Program Fee (Clinical) $527; Nursing Professional Fee $561; University Services Fee $752 per semester
• Health insurance fees: $1,154 Fall 2025; $1,855 Spring & Summer 2026; $832 Summer 2026 (new incoming only); health insurance fee can be waived with proof of insurance
• ABSN tuition deposit: $400

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical rotations begin in first semester at hospitals in Los Angeles County
• Clinical schedule: three clinical days per week, approximately nine hours per clinical day
• Clinical specialty rotations include adult medical-surgical, pediatric, mental health, maternal-newborn, advanced medical-surgical, community health, leadership, gerontology, and professional nursing practice
• Clinical hours are mandatory and require schedule flexibility

Credit Transfer

• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be sent directly to MSMU
• Applicants must request a comprehensive course-by-course transcript evaluation to be sent (procedure referenced in application materials)
• AP credit awarded per College Board scores as specified in application requirements

International Students

• Tuition/housing deposit for International & Baccalaureate Nursing Transfer applicants: $350
• International applicants required to submit official transcripts and a comprehensive course-by-course transcript evaluation as part of application materials

Contacts

• Mailing address for official application materials: Office of Admission, ATTN: Office of Admission, 10 Chester Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007
• Fax number for admissions materials: 213.477.2569
• Contact for licensure questions for practice outside California: Beverley Brownell (contact details available from admissions office)

Program Length & Format

• Completion time averages 22 months
• Program uses quarter system: four 12-week quarters per year
• Each quarter has three 4-week classes, one class per month
• Available formats: online, in-person, and hybrid options
• Multiple cohort start dates per year at campuses in San Diego, Fresno, and Los Angeles

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must hold a prior bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in general education and prerequisite courses; if below 2.75, minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 semester or 90 quarter units of bachelor’s degree
• Minimum grade of "C" or higher in all prerequisite courses (no C- accepted)
• Clear criminal background check and drug screen required
• Required immunizations including full COVID-19 vaccination, no exceptions allowed
• Submission of separate application for nursing program after university acceptance

Entrance Exams

• TEAS required
• Maximum of three TEAS attempts allowed; 
• TEAS scores must be sent directly from ATI testing website to the campus chosen (San Diego, Fresno, or Los Angeles)

Prerequisites

• Completion of the following courses with grade "C" or higher before application:
  • ENG 102 Effective College English
  • COM 103 Public Speaking
  • BST 322 Introduction to Biomedical Statistics
  • ILR 260 Information Literacy
  • SOC 100 Principles of Sociology
  • PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
  • BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (BIO 201A)
  • BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (BIO 202A)
  • BIO 203 Introductory Microbiology with Lab (BIO 203A)
• All prerequisites must have final grades posted before nursing application submission; in-progress courses not accepted
• Specific asynchronous and StraighterLine BIO courses not accepted as equivalents

Deadlines

• Nursing cohorts at San Diego campus begin four times per year: January, April, July, October
• Upcoming application deadlines for San Diego cohort examples:
  • August 11, 2025 for January 2026 start
  • November 10, 2025 for April 2026 start
  • February 9, 2026 for July 2026 start
  • May 10, 2026 for October 2026 start
• Fresno and Los Angeles campuses offer cohorts twice per year with similar deadlines preceding April and October starts
• Applications open approximately three months before each deadline

Application

• Online nursing application accessed via SOAR Student Portal
• official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities
• University application and nursing program application are separate steps
• Students must submit official TEAS scores sent directly from ATI
• Attendance at Pre-Nursing Forum required within 12 months before applying

Selection Process

• Admission based on composite score of:
  • Science and Math based GPA (40%)
  • TEAS VII score (40%)
  • Interview score (20%)
• Top applicants ranked by combined GPA and TEAS scores invited for interview
• Interview focuses on motivation for nursing and academic readiness; faculty scored
• San Diego campus selects up to 40 students per cohort with 5 alternates; Fresno and Los Angeles have smaller cohort sizes
• Maximum of three nursing program applications allowed; denied applicants after third attempt barred from applying

Cost & Financial Aid

• Estimated annual tuition: $23,655
• Estimated total program cost: $94,620

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical practice hours integrated with courses, including specialized rotations such as medical-surgical, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, community health, and leadership
• Clinical hours vary per course, typically around 45 to 105 contact hours
• Simulation labs used alongside clinical courses to practice nursing skills
• Clinical placements occur at approved sites in San Diego and other affiliated locations

Credit Transfer

• Transfer credits accepted for prerequisite and general education courses completed at regionally accredited institutions
• LVNs and military medics may challenge nursing courses via examination for advanced placement provided courses meet recency and content criteria (7-year limit)
• Successful course challenges result in revised study plans and satisfaction of NU residency requirements (minimum 45 quarter units completed at National University)

Contacts

• Prospective students should email [email protected] for San Diego campus
• Fresno inquiries: [email protected]
• Los Angeles inquiries: [email protected]

Program Length & Format

• 12 months (3 semesters)
• on campus
• Campus locations: Oakland; Sacramento; San Francisco Peninsula (San Mateo, CA); Fresno

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required (non-nursing baccalaureate)
• Grade of C or better required in all prerequisite courses
• Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 semester/90 quarter units of coursework
• Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA in the four science prerequisite courses
• Two letters of reference required: one from a faculty member (preferably math or science) and one from a healthcare professional
• Transfer from another nursing program requires a written statement plus a letter from the dean confirming good standing and eligibility for continued enrollment

Prerequisites

• Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better and cannot be taken concurrently with the ABSN program
• Required courses and semester units: English Composition 3.0; English Literature/Critical Thinking 3.0; Communication or Speech elective 3.0; Introduction/General Sociology or Cultural Anthropology 3.0; Social Science elective 3.0; Lifespan Developmental Psychology 3.0; Nutrition 3.0; Statistics 3.0; Human Anatomy with Lab 4.0; Human Physiology with Lab 4.0; Chemistry with Lab 4.0 (semester) or 6.0 (quarter); Microbiology with Lab 4.0; Pharmacology (approved course list); Pathophysiology (approved course list)
• Combined Anatomy & Physiology may meet requirements only if two combined A&P courses are completed (e.g., A&P I and A&P II)
• AP scores of 3, 4, or 5 and IB scores of 5, 6, or 7 may meet prerequisites only if scores are noted on an official university transcript

Deadlines

• Fall term: application deadline April 1; application opens December; prerequisite completion deadline August 15 prior to program start; program start months vary by campus (August, October, November)
• Spring term: application deadline July 1; application opens April; prerequisite completion deadline December 31 prior to program start; program start January (Sacramento and San Francisco Peninsula)
• Summer term: application deadline December 1; application opens August; prerequisite completion deadline December 31 prior to program start; program start May or June depending on campus
• Specific upcoming dates: November 15, 2025 (Spring 2026 application deadline); December 1, 2025 (Summer 2026 application deadline)

Application

• Apply via NursingCAS; application fee payable to NursingCAS: $60
• Official transcripts must be sent directly from each registrar to NursingCAS (NursingCAS, P.O. Box 9201, Watertown, MA 02471)
• Official, sealed transcripts required for courses that were in progress at time of application and not updated through NursingCAS Academic Update
• Non-refundable tuition deposit upon offer of admission: $350 to secure seat

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed against published admission criteria (degree, prerequisite grades, GPA, references, short answer responses)
• Acceptance contingent on meeting all course requirements and submission of required official transcripts

Cost & Financial Aid

• Application fee to NursingCAS: $60; non-refundable tuition deposit if admitted: $350
• ABSN students eligible for scholarships and student loans; federal and state grants not available for a second bachelor's degree
• Scholarships listed for ABSN students: Sharon Clark Diaz; Employee Campaign; Alumni Scholarship; Highsmith Scholarship; Huber Scholarship; Steele Scholarship; Osher Scholarship; Lewis Scholarship
• Financial aid application start: submit FAFSA; financial aid office phone: 510.879.9200

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical rotations required; participation requires completion of criminal background check and drug screening prior to clinical placement
• Criminal background check and drug screening initiated via CertifiedBackground.com and must be completed within 30 days per program instructions
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required (adult, infant, child with AED) prior to clinical participation
• Health insurance and required health documentation must be submitted by stated deadlines (health forms to be uploaded via the university health system; not accepted by mail/fax/email)

Credit Transfer

• Official transcripts required from all colleges attended for transfer credit evaluation; transcripts must be sent directly to NursingCAS
• Course equivalency tool available for local CSU, UC, and community college courses for ABSN prerequisites
• For prerequisite courses not listed in approved lists, applicants must submit course syllabus to the Office of Admission for approval
• AP and IB credit accepted only if exam scores appear on an official university transcript

Contacts

• Admission counselor: Joe Schaffernoth
• Admission counselor: Vanesa Sierra
• General phone for admissions/financial aid inquiries: 510.879.9200

Program Length & Format

• 15-month program spanning four semesters including the summer session
• 56 total nursing units
• Program offered through the College of Professional & Global Education at San Francisco State University

Admission Requirements

• Must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Must be a California resident or eligible for CSU in-state tuition
• Prerequisite GPA minimum 3.0 at time of School of Nursing supplemental application
• Minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses
• Seven of eight prerequisite courses must be completed at time of School of Nursing supplemental application
• Four science prerequisite courses must have been taken for a letter grade of C or better within the last seven years

Entrance Exams

• ATI TEAS required
• Minimum TEAS score: 78
• TEAS score must be within three attempts at time of application
• Online remote proctored ATI TEAS accepted
• Applicants for Fall 2017 or later must take the ATI TEAS newest version

Prerequisites

• Human Anatomy with Lab (4 semester units) or first half of combined A&P with lab
• Human Physiology with Lab (4 semester units) or second half of combined A&P with lab
• Survey of Chemistry with Lab (4 semester units) or comparable general/organic/biochemistry
• General Microbiology with Lab (4 semester units)
• Written Communication (Freshman or Sophomore Composition; GE Area A2)
• Oral Communication (public speaking or interpersonal communication; GE Area A1)
• Critical Thinking (logic, argumentation, or advanced composition; GE Area A3)
• Statistics (3 semester units; business or psychology statistics acceptable)
• Science courses counted in prerequisite GPA: the four science courses plus statistics

Deadlines

• Cal State Apply submission window: August 1 to September 2
• NursingCAS application window and supplemental submission: August 1 to September 2, 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time
• Applicants must submit both Cal State Apply and NursingCAS materials by these deadlines

Application

• Submit Cal State Apply as "Undergraduate" and "Seeking a Second Bachelor's Degree," select "Nursing BS"
• Submit NursingCAS supplemental application to School of Nursing
• Request ATI Testing to send TEAS score directly to "San Francisco State University"
• Official transcripts from each college or community college attended
• Personal statement required (School of Nursing supplemental)
• Optional verification letters (must be on letterhead):
  • Veteran or active duty military status
  • Health-related work or volunteer experience (volunteer experience scores only if >50 hours within past five years)
  • Service to underserved community or related volunteer experience
  • Multi-linguistic fluency within health-related or service-to-underserved experiences

Selection Process

• Enrollment capacity: 40 spaces per year
• Typical application volume: over 200 applications per cycle
• Prerequisite completion, prerequisite GPA, TEAS score, residency, and required documents used in selection
• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

Cost & Financial Aid

• Program tuition rate: $799 per unit
• Students register and pay for classes via the College of Professional & Global Education

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Practicum or lab components included in multiple courses across semesters (examples):
  • NURS 311 Human Development and Health Assessment Lab
  • NURS 315 Health Promotions in Nursing Practicum
  • NURS 327 Reproductive Health Practicum; NURS 329 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum
  • NURS 350 Nursing Interventions Practicum I; NURS 411 and NURS 421 practicums
  • NURS 531 Community Health and Global Perspectives Practicum; NURS 521 or NURS 523 Capstone Practicum
• California Board of Registered Nursing requirement: minimum 16 semester units comprising natural, behavioral, and social sciences prior to RN licensure application

Credit Transfer

• Prerequisite comparability and articulation resources available via Assist.org and SF State articulation pages
• Applicants must complete prerequisites at regionally accredited institutions or use comparable coursework approved by the School of Nursing

Contacts

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: (415) 338-1802
• Location: 1600 Holloway Avenue, Burk Hall 357, San Francisco, CA 94132
• Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.