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.

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.