RN - BSN Online Program
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online RN to BSN program at CSULB provides a competitive degree for busy nurses who have already completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with 56 to70 lower-division units completed. This undergraduate degree can be completed either part-time in approximately 18 months or full-time within one year. This program is offered jointly with the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) as a self-support program.
There is no formal roadmap for the RN-BSN Online program, but students must take NRSG 309: Dimensions of Professional Nursing as their first course. There are 7 required nursing courses (26 units) but additional courses may be required to meet CSULB for receiving a baccalaureate degree. PHIL 403—Medical Ethics is recommended to meet the Gen Ed Category C and Writing Intensive requirement for graduation. A sample roadmap is shown here.
Spring 2025 Application Period
Opens: August 1, 2024
Closes: October 15, 2024
Fall 2025 Application Period
Opens: October 1, 2024
Closes: March 15, 2025
How to Apply
Admission to the RN to BSN degree program requires approval by CSULB and the program's Undergraduate Applicant Review Committee. Please follow all directions closely.
To be admitted to the program, you must apply for admission using the California State University admissions portal called Cal State Apply. By applying online, you can start, stop, and save your application information throughout the process. You will need the name of previous college(s), dates attended, units completed, major, and GPA. You will also need to complete the School of Nursing RN-BSN PROGRAM APPLICATION.
Admission Criteria, Documentation, and Information
Note the following steps to begin the application process:
- Select a term to apply for (Fall or Spring).
- Sign in or Create a Cal State Apply account.
- Scroll down to the section entitled “Long Beach Extension.” Please do not use the search bar.
- Select the program "Nursing RN to BSN - Self Support" (it will show a green check mark to indicate that you have chosen the correct program).
- Use the dashboard to continue with your application for admission to the program.
You will be asked to provide the following:
- Personal Information
- Academic History
- Supporting Information
- Program Materials
When you are ready to apply, please follow the following steps:
- Apply online to Cal State Apply
- Submit official transcripts
- Submit your RN-BSN PROGRAM APPLICATION
- Wait for CSULB admissions decision
- Receive admission or denial letter from CSULB
- If admitted, receive welcome letter from the School of Nursing
- Register and begin classes
Note: CSULB uses email as the official means of communication, so applicants are required to maintain a current email address on file with the university and check their email regularly. You may update your email address or check the status of your admission application by visiting the Applicant Self-Service webpage.
General Information
- All application materials are online. All communication is via email. Due to the volume of inquiries, we will make our best attempt to answer any questions you have in a timely manner.
- Prospective applicants should read through this information thoroughly.
- Admissions notices to the RN-BSN Online program will be sent via email.
- If you have any questions about the RN-BSN Online program, please email RN-BSN@csulb.edu.
Prerequisites to meeting admission criteria for the RN-BSN Online Program are:
- Be a California resident who holds an active, unencumbered, unrestricted current RN license, or be eligible for licensure in the state of California by the time classes begin.
- Graduate of an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program* (an Associate Degree in a non-nursing major will not meet this requirement).
- Have 56 to 70 transferable units including Critical Thinking, Oral Communication, Written Communication, Statistics and Chemistry.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all community college courses required for the ADN, with a minimum of a “C” in each course.
- Meet these major-specific degree requirements:
- BIOL 207: Human Physiology Lecture & Lab
- BIOL 208: Human Anatomy Lecture & Lab
- BIOL 201: Microbiology Lecture & Lab (General Microbiology for Health Professionals)
- 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.
- Complete one of the following:
- STAT 108: Statistics for Everyday Life
- HDEV 190: Elementary Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences
- PSY 110: Introductory Statistics
- SOC 170: Elementary Statistics
- STAT 118: Introductory Business Statistics
- Ability to maintain malpractice and health insurance throughout clinical coursework. Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen.
- Fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) within the first semester in the program.
The RN-BSN Online Program is offered by the School of Nursing in conjunction with the College of Professional and Continuing Education at CSULB. This is a self-supported program with differing tuition and fees than courses offered solely through CSULB. It is the applicant’s responsibility to assure financial aid applies; financial aid should not be assumed.
What is the program cost?
The program cost is $600 per unit and $1,800 per 3-unit course for a total of $17,400 (29 units). If additional credits are needed to meet the university’s requirement of 120 credits, then additional costs may be applicable.
How do I apply?
Every step in the process for applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Online RN-BSN program is detailed on our How To Apply page.
Who is the RN to BSN program designed for?
This program is designed for applicants 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).
If I already have a Bachelor’s degree in another field of study with an ADN, can I still apply?
Prospective students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing degree and an associate degree in nursing are eligible.
What are some of the specific jobs available for BSN graduates?
Nurses with a BSN can pursue opportunities in nursing administration, school nurses, legal nurse consultants, and informatics nurse specialists. In addition to these alternative nursing careers, many BSN nurses pursue work in hospitals, physician's offices, and clinics. The BSN degree allows students to seek graduate education to become nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialist and/or nurse anesthetists.
Why should I apply to California State University, Long Beach?
CSULB’s School of Nursing is currently ranked the #1 Best Bachelor Degree in Nursing Program in California as well as the #5 Best Bachelor Degree in Nursing Program in the U.S. (RNCareers.org). Classes are offered in consecutive terms that enable part-time students to complete their degree within approximately 18 months or full-time students to finish in one year. The RN to BSN program will enable students to obtain a public health nursing certificate, advance in their career ladder, and pursue graduate education in Nursing.
Can I pursue an RN to BSN if I work full-time?
The program has been designed with the working individual in mind, allowing maximum flexibility. Most of the courses are online and asynchronous, except for the clinical courses. Additionally, the program has the option to be completed on either a full-time or part-time schedule.
What is the typical workload per course?
Students taking six credits per 8-week block should expect a minimum workload of 20 hours per week.
How is the program structured?
This one-year course (five 8-week terms) has the didactic content offered online, with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous content. All clinical hour requirements will be done in person at designated clinical sites at times conducive to the site's needs.
What types of technical requirements are expected?
Students must have access to a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, along with reliable internet connection.
What are the program requirements for graduating with the BSN?
In addition to the required nursing courses within your program of study, a BSN-prepared nurse must also have a breadth of knowledge that includes areas of study including the arts, humanities, social sciences, writing, mathematics, diversity, and others. Students must meet the 120 minimum credit-hour requirements within specified general education categories. After admission to CSULB, the student’s academic advisor will assist in determining which courses are required to ensure degree completion.
What are the required courses?
- NRSG 305 - Pathophysiology for Nurses (3 units)
- NRSG 309 - Dimensions of Professional Nursing (2 units)
- NRSG 312 - Health Assessment (3 units)
- NRSG 402 - Community Health Nursing (6 units)
- NRSG 450 - Nursing Research (3 units).
- NRSG 454 - Professional Nursing Practice Preceptorship (6 units)
- NRSG 456 - Health Care Delivery Systems and Nursing Leadership (3 units)
How do I apply to the program?
Applications are processed using the online Cal State Apply system. Cal State Apply is California State University's online resource to help you quickly and easily apply for admission. Please make sure that you meet application deadlines and have your previous academic information ready.
When are the application materials due?
The application deadlines are listed on our website. In addition to the application, supplemental materials are due 3 weeks after those deadlines.
If I miss the deadline, can I still start the program?
You would need to apply to the next RN to BSN cohort for the following semester.
Are international students eligible for this program?
The program requires applicants to be California residents and hold a California RN license. Therefore, it is not available for F-1 international students.
What kind of grade point average (GPA) do I need for admission?
You will need to have a 2.75 in your previous college coursework from an accredited institution. Additionally, you need to have a minimum of a “C” in all of your ADN courses.
If I do not meet the GPA requirements, can I still be admitted?
No. Unfortunately, the GPA requirement must be met. If you do not meet the GPA requirement, but still want to try for admission, you can first take additional undergraduate courses to increase your GPA and reapply at a later date.
How long does it take to complete the program?
If all admission criteria and prerequisites are completed, part-time students can complete the program in approximately18 months, while full-time students can finish in approximately one year. The courses take place in two continuous 8-week terms during each of the Fall and Spring semesters as well as one 8-week term during the Summer semesters. Additional time may be needed to complete the required 120 credits of general education courses.
Do I need to take courses continuously?
Yes. However, students can request a leave of absence for one semester if needed and can rejoin the following semester.
Are there prerequisites?
Yes, this is an upper-division program designed for working nurses 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).
- Hold a current California Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Is there a required sequence of courses?
There is no formal roadmap for the RN-BSN Online program, but students must take NRSG 309: Dimensions of Professional Nursing as their first course. There are 7 required nursing courses (26 units) but additional courses may be required to meet CSULB for receiving a baccalaureate degree.
What do I have to do to graduate?
First, you must make sure that you have satisfied all the RN to BSN program requirements as stated above for the program and CSULB (see the University Catalog for details). Secondly, the student should submit a graduation request through MyCSULB Student Center.
When can I apply to the program?
The online RN to BSN program accepts applications twice a year for Spring and Fall. Students who are interested in starting the program in Early Fall (summer term) must apply for the Fall application period.
What is the Early Fall term?
The Early Fall term allows students to start the program during the summer, before the start of the regular Fall semester.
How do I apply to start the program in the Early Fall term?
Students who want to start the program in Early Fall (summer term) must submit their applications by the regular Fall application deadline.
How can I find the program on Cal State Apply?
Prospective students are advised not to use the search feature on Cal State Apply. Instead, manually scroll down the programs until “Long Beach Extension” is reached. From there, click on the add indicator “+” to select "Nursing RN to BSN – Self Support Online" as the program of choice.
What types of financial aid are available for this program?
- Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.
- GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
