Nursing

There is great potential for nursing in the rapidly changing health care system. Nursing offers a variety of opportunities for service to society, for personal growth, and for professional development. Nurses deliver health care to people in hospitals, extended care facilities, private homes, public health, schools and other community settings. National and international data reflect an ongoing shortage of nurses, particularly for nurses prepared at baccalaureate and master's levels. Nursing graduates are highly marketable in a variety of nursing positions. CSU, Chico graduates are prepared to be the future leaders in nursing and are well regarded in the nursing community. The BSN programs are approved/accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The MSN program is accredited by CCNE.

Application to the BSN Program

Only forty basic students are admitted to the BSN program each semester. Because of high student demand, nursing has been declared an impacted area of study and special requirements for application to an impacted program apply (see Admissions). You must apply to the University during the first month of the initial filing period (November for the following fall semester and August for the following spring semester). A supplemental nursing application must be submitted by March 1 (for the fall) or by November 1 (for the spring). Special selection criteria are used to determine which students will be admitted. These criteria are available from the School of Nursing (Vesta Holt Hall 369, 530-898-5891) and on the School of Nursing website.

Advanced Placement Admissions for LVNs

The LVN-BSN program for the School of Nursing has been discontinued. Applicants who hold LVN licenses may, however, qualify for advanced placement upon admission to our on-campus BN nursing program. LVNs may also choose an LVN 30-unit option, which meets the requirements for taking the RN licensing examination in California but does not lead to a BSN degree. LVN applicants must meet the application deadlines noted above.

RN-BSN Admissions

An RN-BSN track is available for ADN and diploma nurses, designed to accommodate distance and working nurses. All theory courses for this track are available online, typically requiring only 1 meeting on campus each semester (NURS 300W requires two on-campus meetings). The public health practicum course (N474R) may be available in the RN's local community. The working RN can complete this program in 15 months. See the RN-BSN advisor and the website for details.

MS in Nursing

The 30-unit, part-time online MSN curriculum has two options. The first prepares a Nurse Educator with a focus in Adult Health. Graduates of this option are prepared to teach in schools of nursing or within health care agency staff development departments. They are also prepared to provide advanced nursing care in a variety of health care delivery settings. The second option is Nursing Leadership. This option prepares graduate level nurses with advanced training in leadership and management to assume formal leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings. The online program is geared to meet the needs of working nurses in rural areas. All the major theory courses are offered online; clinical and practice teaching courses can be arranged in the student's local community. Students are admitted once every two years (fall semester, even years).

Faculty, Clinical Agencies and Clinical Requirements

The Nursing faculty is composed of master's and doctorally prepared Registered Nurses, with extensive experience in professional practice settings, covering all nursing specialty areas. A state-of-the-art simulation center enhances student learning. Practicum courses provide students clinical experience in a variety of health care agencies, caring for clients in all age ranges, with many diverse health needs.

All applicants should be aware that many agencies have clinical requirements which must be met before students may participate in clinical activities. These include CPR certification, background checks, drug tests and immunizations, as well as proof of auto- and health-insurance. Students who do not meet all clinical agency standards may be denied clinical access and will not be able to complete clinical course requirements. Since Chico is located in a rural area, considerable travel to clinical agencies should be expected. Access to a car throughout the Nursing sequence is necessary. Additional fees for achievement testing and laboratory supplies may be required for certain courses.

Students/applicants with prior convictions should consult with the Director of Nursing regarding such convictions and possible impediments they may pose to completing the Nursing Program and eligibility for taking the state licensing (NCLEX) exam.

For information on tuition, fees, and program length, contact the School of Nursing using the information provided on this page.

Rural California Nursing Preceptorships

The Rural California Nursing Preceptorship (RCNP) program provides comprehensive opportunities in a variety of clinical settings throughout Northern California. Both senior level nursing students and registered nurses can participate. Short-term preceptorships (a minimum of 150 clinical hours over 4 weeks) allow students to evaluate the benefits and career options in rural health and gain additional clinical experience. Students develop written objectives and are assigned a supervising preceptor within the placement facility. Emphasis is placed upon exposing urban nursing students to the opportunities available in rural areas. Work schedule is arranged through the Rural California Nursing Preceptorship Program.