Nursing

The School of Nursing (SON) prepares nurses to lead diverse individuals, families, and communities in achieving optimal health through nursing science, collaborative practice, advocacy, and service.

The School of Nursing transforms health care through innovative nursing education, community partnerships, and policy engagement. We believe that the SON serves its students and the society at large by creating an environment in which faculty and students pursue the knowledge of nursing practice guided by the following core values:

• caring;
• integrity;
• advocacy;
• collaboration;
• inclusion;
• equity; and
• leadership.

Degree Programs

MS in Nursing (includes ADN with degree - MSN option)

Programs Descriptions

The baccalaureate program consists of a four-year curriculum of lower and upper division coursework. There are two (2) years of General Education including prerequisites and two (2) years of clinical nursing. The time to complete the prerequisites may increase the time to complete the degree. The Nursing program content prepares competent professional practitioners of nursing who will help meet the changing health care needs of society.

The School of Nursing offers two pathways for students who start their nursing education in a non-baccalaureate program to earn a bachelor’s degree (BSN). These pathways are: an RN-BSN Traditional 15-Week Semester track and an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) to BSN Collaborative track. Both tracks are designed to be completed in 12-15 months if attending full-time; the RN-BSN track has a part-time attendance option. Scheduling of program offerings and hybrid (mainly online) classes provides maximum flexibility and the opportunity for self-directed study.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is designed to prepare registered nurses with baccalaureate degrees for roles in nursing education, community, adult clinical roles, and credentialed school nurses. Nurses with an ADN and a non-nursing bachelors degree may enter the program after completing two (2) bridge courses offered in a 6-week summer session. The MSN curriculum emphasizes the systematic study of professional nursing practice and preparation for leadership roles. The program is designed for nurses who want, or are require, to earn graduate preparations to qualify for positions of greater responsibility and complexity. Scheduling of program offerings and hybrid (mostly online) classes provides maximum flexibility and the opportunity for self-directed study.

Accreditation

California State University, Sacramento is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The baccalaureate degree in nursing program and master's degree in nursing program at California State University, Sacramento are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Notice to Students RE: Professional Licensure and Certification

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the California State University and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a California State University program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

Special Features

• The specific purposes of the baccalaureate program are to: 1) provide a program of study which includes the developing theory and practices of nursing leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing, 2) prepare a generalist in nursing practice who is able to utilize the nursing process to meet the health care needs of the community, and 3) provide the student with a base for graduate study.
• In the baccalaureate program, students are provided with a variety of learning experiences both on and off campus. Examples of clinical facilities used in the Sacramento and surrounding areas include acute care hospitals, skilled nursing and extended care facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, and community health and social service agencies.
• Admission to ADN to BSN Collaborative track is restricted to students currently in good standing and actively enrolled in one of four community college nursing programs; American River, Sacramento City, Sierra College, and Yuba College. Pre-requisite courses must be met prior to admission.
• ADN students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree interested in the MSN program apply to the MSN program through the Office of Graduate Studies and complete two (2) bridge courses (NURS 180 & NURS 181) through the College of Continuing Education before starting the program. NURS 180 & NURS 181 are offered in the first 6-week summer session.
• Students are encouraged to participate in the California Nursing Students' Association (CNSA) as they pursue their academic studies. In their fourth semester of clinical nursing coursework, students are eligible for membership in Zeta Eta, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society for Nursing.
• The Sacramento State program in professional nursing is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing. The baccalaureate degree in nursing program and the master's degree in nursing program at California State University, Sacramento are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
• The student satisfactorily completing the baccalaureate program is awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) and is eligible to apply for licensure by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates are also eligible to apply for a Public Health Certificate. For the RN-BSN and the ADN to BSN Collaborative students, there is a clinical elective course which, along with community health theory, allows the student to apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing for a Public Health Nursing certificate.
• Graduation from programs leading to licensure, credentialing, or certification eligibility does not guarantee that students will obtain a license, credential, or certification. Licensure, credentialing, or certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by, or affiliated with, the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure, credentialing, or certification requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure, credentialing, or certification requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure, credentialing, or certification requirements. Information concerning licensure, credentialing, or certification requirements are available from Teri Lyn Fretz, Office Manager, at 916/278-6714 or fretz@csus.edu. Mailing address: 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6096. Physical address: 7667 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95826.

Career Possibilities

Registered Nurse (RN, BSN or RN, MSN): Hospital, e.g., Medical, Surgical, Emergency Room, Operating Room, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Mental Health, Critical Care, Oncology, Rehabilitation · Community Health · Home Health · Extended Care · Physician's Office · Clinics and Industry · Advanced Practice (MS) roles: Educator · Nurse Administrator · School Nurse · Advanced Clinical Role

Contact Information

Tanya K. Altmann, PhD, RN, School of Nursing Chair
Teri Lyn Fretz, Administrative Analyst - Specialist
Folsom Hall
(916) 278-6714
School of Nursing Website