RN-BSN Program
The RN-to-BSN program is a 2-year upper-division program designed for students who have graduated from an Accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program (or evaluation of diploma program for equivalency by an Accredited Associate Degree program), and hold a current California Registered Nurse (RN) license (or be eligible for license).
Important: The degree objective is "Nursing BS Registered Nurse" (NOT "Nursing BS"). The School of Nursing can only evaluate applicants under the major they applied for and cannot edit incorrect applications.
Fall Admission
- Cal State Apply: October 1st - November 30th
- CSULB Enrollment Services Supplemental Application: February (for transfer applicants only)
- School of Nursing RN-BSN (on campus) Application: October 1st - February 1st
Spring Admission
- Cal State Apply: August 1st - August 31st
- CSULB Enrollment Services Supplemental Application: September (for transfer applicants only)
- School of Nursing RN-BSN (on campus program) Application: August 1st to September 21st
There are two categories of applicants for the RN-to-BSN Program: Transfer Undergraduate Applicants (students who have not yet earned a BA or BS), and Second Bachelor's Degree Applicants (students with a BA or BS degree in other fields). Applicants must follow application instructions for their own category.
Both groups:
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
- Submit application via Cal State Apply. IMPORTANT: The degree objective is "Nursing BS Registered Nurse" (NOT "Nursing BS"). The School of Nursing can only evaluate applicants under the major they applied for and cannot edit incorrect applications.
- Admissions notices will be sent by late April (for Fall applications)/late November (for Spring applications) via email from CSULB Admissions and/or on Applicant Self Service.
- All communication is via email. Please do not call the School of Nursing regarding your submitted application and/or admissions status.
- If admitted or waitlisted, follow up with CSULB Admissions to submit documents before their deadlines. Please note that admission into the School of Nursing is contingent on being offered admission by the University, therefore, applicants must also meet the admission eligibility requirements for CSULB.
Transfer Undergraduate Applicants (students who have not yet earned a BA or BS):
- Complete CSULB Supplemental Application in January (for Fall applications)/September (for Spring applications).
- More information for Transfer applicants is available from CSULB Admissions.
Second Bachelor's Degree Applicants (students with a BA or BS degree in other fields):
- More information for Second Bachelor's Degree applicants is available from CSULB Admissions.
The RN-to-BSN program is a 2-year upper-division program designed for students who have graduated from an Accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program (or evaluation of diploma program for equivalency by an Accredited Associate Degree program), and hold a current California Registered Nurse (RN) license (or be eligible for license). During their first year in the program, students are able to attend classes on a part-time basis. In their second year, the RN-to-BSN students merge with the Basic BSN students and attend classes on a full-time basis to complete the program. Prerequisites for this program are as follows:
- Have graduated from an Accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program (or evaluation of diploma program for equivalency by an Accredited Associate Degree program), and
- Hold a current California Registered Nurse (RN) license (or be eligible for license).
- Have 56 to 70 transferable units including:
- statistics (suitable for general education math credit) and
- Chemistry Lecture and Lab (4-5 semester units/6-10 quarter units): An introductory or preparatory chemistry course is not acceptable. The School of Nursing recently changed its chemistry department requirement. A course in General, Organic, Inorganic, Biochemistry, Allied Health Chemistry, or Integrated Chemistry with a lab meets this criterion. Chemistry courses from community colleges that articulate to CSULB CHEM 111A, 111B, 112A, 112B, 140, 220A or 220B are acceptable. Please refer to www.assist.org for articulated courses.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75 in all community college courses required for the Associate Degree in Nursing
- A minimum grade of “C” must be attained in each course
- Maintain malpractice and health insurance throughout clinical coursework and submit to a criminal background check
- It is recommended that applicants discuss coursework with their most recent/current school counselors/advisors to ensure courses are CSU-transferable
- Must meet minimum requirements for admissions to the University. Please note that admission into the School of Nursing is contingent on being offered admission by the University, therefore, applicants must also meet the admission eligibility requirements for CSULB.
- CSULB Catalog - Registered Nurse BSN: All requirements contained on these pages are superseded by the official information published in the Course Catalog of the current academic year.
