Explore Nursing

Post-baccalaureate degree: BSN, MSN, DNP, or PhD

nurse comforting patient in wheelchair

Nurses promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They have a unique scope of practice and can practice independently, although they also collaborate with all members of the healthcare team to provide the care needed by each patient. They also serve as advocates for patients, families, and communities.

Nurses develop and manage nursing care plans; instruct patients and their families in proper care; and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health.

See also: Academic and Career Information for Nursing (PDF)

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Paths to Become a Nurse

In order to practice as a nurse in you must complete and pass National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)-RN. Every state and the District of Columbia has a board of nursing with a mission of protecting the public from harm.

There is more than one educational pathway leading to eligibility to take the standardized National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)-RN.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS/BSN) is a four-year degree offered at colleges and universities.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (A-BSN) programs, which are geared for those without previous nursing preparation, but who hold a baccalaureate/bachelor's degree in a major field other than nursing. An Accelerated second degree BSN program is a full time commitment, which generally takes 12-18 months to complete (depending on the program).

Graduate

Entry-level Nursing Master's programs, also accelerated in nature, are geared to non-nursing graduates, generally take three years to finish.

Master's Degree (MSN) programs offer a number of tracks designed to prepare Advanced Practice Nurses, nurse administrators, and nurse educators.

Nurses who graduate with an MSN are called advanced practice nurses (APNs). These nurses deliver health care services that were previously delivered by physicians, and they typically focus on an advanced practice area.

Alternate Nursing Pathways

Are you interested in nursing, but didn't get into the BSN program at CSULB? The CSULB BSN program is what's called a "traditional BSN" program. However, nursing is a large, varied profession, meaning there are many alternate pathways to the profession.

There are also many other health professions that could fulfill your desire for patient care and community wellness. We will go over a few alternate nursing pathways as you decide on your next steps.

Minimum Prerequisites for Admission

The following prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in a nursing program:

  • baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details. Some schools will not accept AP credit for prerequisites.
  • general course 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
    • English (composition and literature preferred), one year
    • calculus, one semester or one year
    • statistics, one course
    • behavioral science, one year
    • human anatomy and physiology with lab
    • microbiology

Test Needed

In order to study for a nursing school entrance exam, you need to know which test you will be taking. Please see individual programs for requirements.

  • National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (NLN PAX)
  • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

Professional Associations

Application Service

California Nursing Schools (Entry Level Master's)

Additional Resources