Units required for Pre-Clinical: 29
Units required for Major: 61
Total units required for BS: 120
Program Description
The School of Nursing prepares nurses to lead diverse individuals, families, and communities in achieving optimal health through nursing science, collaborative practice, advocacy, and service.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Sacramento State baccalaureate Nursing program is a two-step process:
- admission to the University and
- admission to the Clinical Nursing program
Prospective first-time freshmen and transfer students, who will not complete certain Clinical Nursing prerequisites by the time they enroll, may apply for University admission at any time up to the regular application deadline. They will be considered "expressed interest" until they enter the Clinical Nursing program.
Up to 80 traditional pre-licensure students are admitted to the clinical portion of the baccalaureate Nursing program each semester. A competitive selection process has been established since applications exceed program space in the traditional pre-licensure program. Newly admitted students are selected from among candidates who meet the prerequisite requirements and follow the supplemental application procedures described below. Continuing Sacramento State, transfer students, and second baccalaureate degree applicants are given equal consideration in the selection process for available new seats.
The clinical portion of the nursing program is open only to those who can satisfy the California residence requirements. Students who qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, AB 540 status, or military fee waiver are eligible.
Admission Advising
Group advising meetings are scheduled throughout the academic year. Times of these meetings and program publications are available at on the School of Nursing website.
Application Procedures - Nursing Pre-Licensure BSN Program
Clinical Nursing Selection Criteria
- The GPA of the pre-clinical and corequisite courses completed at the time of application, the results of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and the optional criteria, if selected by the student, will be used to determine program admission.
- Applicants who satisfy the minimum admission point total are selected from a rank ordering or total points assigned to different GPA and TEAS result levels as well as points assigned to the optional criteria.
Prerequisites Requirements - Nursing Pre-Licensure BSN
The following prerequisites are to be met by time of enrollment unless otherwise stated.
- Completion of six of the eight specific courses listed under pre-clinical courses. One science and one non-science pre-clinical course may be in progress at the time of application. All eight pre-clinical courses must be completed in December when applying for a spring term; June for fall. When applying for a fall term, coursework completed in summer will not be considered or accepted. Pre-Clinical courses are acceptable regardless of date completed, but current knowledge is essential.
- Applicants are encouraged to complete the corequisite courses prior to admission. Introductory Psychology, Nutrition, and Life Span Human Development must be completed prior to the second semester of the nursing program. A societal-cultural patterns course must be completed prior to licensure and graduation.
- A minimum science GPA of 3.0 is required on the pre-clinical science courses completed at the time of application (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry). One science course may be in progress at the time of application.
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required on the pre-clinical and corequisite courses completed at the time of application. Applicants may omit up to two grades from their GPA calculation providing they have a minimum of eight grades total, including 2 science grades. For example, an applicant applying with nine grades may omit one grade; an applicant with 10-12 grades may omit up to two grades. All pre-clinical and corequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better. Up to 50 admission points will be assigned based on the applicant's GPA (see School of Nursing website for details).
- All GPAs will be calculated using standard weights, not varying institutional unit assignments. Science lab courses will be weighted four (4) units; all other coursework will be weighted three (3) units. Pluses and minuses are not considered.
- Only three (3) of the twelve (12) grades in the Nursing GPA calculation may be repeats; only one (1) of the three (3) repeats may be a science course. A third attempt will not be considered. Courses over seven (7) years old are acceptable, but not included in repeat count.
- Completion of the ATI, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). A minimum score of 75.0% is required. The test must be taken no later than March 1 for the following fall semester or October 1 for the following spring semester. The test may be taken three times within a five-year period preceding the Supplemental Nursing Application deadline. The highest score will be used. Points will be assigned based on the applicant's total score from the best testing.See School of Nursing website for current point details and amounts.
- A minimum admission point total is required. The total will be based on current applicant pool statistics and posted on the Nursing website.
Optional points for admission (see School of Nursing website for current point details and amounts) are awarded in the following categories:
Bilingual Skills in Spanish, Chinese, South East Asian Languages, Indian Languages (Hindi, Punjabi), Tagalog, Russian, Farsi, Arabic, or American Sign Language will be determined by:
- completion of an oral proficiency examination;
- transcript documenting instruction provided in approved language.
Health-Related Work Experience. Candidates may receive points for documentation of paid or volunteer work in acute, long term, clinical, or community settings which involves direct human-client/patient interactions. Hours may be combined from multiple locations. Points are awarded for the following increments of time:
- 50 hours – minimum possible points
- 75 hours
- 100 hours – maximum possible points
Background. Details can be found on the nursing website.
- First-Generation College Student. Neither parent graduated with an associate or higher degree.
- Environmental Background: (see School of Nursing website for details).
GPA Calculation: Candidates may receive points for having no course omits for total GPA calculation and/or not having a repeat of a pre- or co-requisite course. Details can be found on the nursing website.
Additional Information
Health Requirements
Students admitted to the Clinical Nursing program are required to have specified immunizations by the Student Health Center or a private physician prior to beginning nursing coursework. Drug and alcohol screening is required before beginning clinical nursing (see below for details). Health insurance is required. Complete information on health requirements for nursing students may be secured from the School of Nursing.
Technology Competence
To be successful in the curriculum, students must be able to demonstrate competency in computer technology, such as word processing, use of the Internet, e-mail, and database searches. Clinical nursing students are required to own a personal computer.
Professional Liability Insurance, Automobile Insurance, Transportation and CPR Certification
All students enrolled in clinical laboratory courses in the nursing major must pay the University fee for professional liability insurance, provide proof of automobile insurance, and have a means of transportation to extended campus facilities. Professional liability insurance is mandatory prior to beginning clinical experiences. CPR certification for medical professionals is required as a prerequisite to the program and recertification must be maintained according to the requirements of the American Heart Association.
Background Checks
Nursing students must satisfactorily complete all clinical, community, and laboratory requirements in order to progress in courses, progress in the program, and to receive their degree. In order to make an initial determination as to whether there are any current barriers to admitted students qualifying for and/or participating in clinical programs, all admitted students must submit to a background check and drug screen under the direction of the nursing program prior to enrollment. Requirement for drug screening is consistent with the California Board of Registered Nursing guidelines for safe nursing practice. Results of background checks and drug screens will be provided to the nursing program's affiliating clinical agencies (partner agencies) which must approve the background checks and drug screens in order for students to qualify for participation in and fulfillment of the required clinical component. Students will be advised of any identified issues impacting their eligibility for participation in required clinical and community placements prior to making their decision to enroll. The full policy concerning background checks and drug screening in the nursing program can be found on the School of Nursing website. Students should also be aware that the State of California Board of Registered Nursing makes determinations for licensure based in part on background checks. Students who have concerns regarding their background checks should review the BRN website for information related to initial licensure before determining whether to apply and/or enroll in the nursing program.
Challenge by Examination
The School of Nursing offers the opportunity of petitioning certain nursing courses for credit by examination. Students who by reason of special study, experience or training, already possess the skills, knowledge, and attitudes which are the objectives of the given course, may petition for credit by examination. A maximum of 30 units may be challenged. Licensed Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Corpsmen are examples of students who may be eligible to challenge specific nursing courses. Additional information may be obtained by referring to "Credit by Examination" in this catalog or by contacting the School of Nursing.
Note:Students graduating with a Pre-Licensure BS Program in Nursing (traditional) will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.
When possible, students are encouraged to apply their pre-clinical courses to General Education requirements.
FAQs
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.
How long is the BSN program at Sac State? ›
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.
Does Sac State have a BSN program? ›
The School of Nursing's RN to BSN program at Sacramento State offers a unique career opportunity for the working Registered Nurse. The program is designed to advance the associate degree RN to the next level in the profession, preparing the graduate BSN nurse for professional leadership roles in society.
What is the difference between pre-nursing and BSN? ›
The pre-nursing program constitutes their freshman year in the BSN program, while the career-oriented, nursing-specific courses begin in their sophom*ore year. The pre-nursing program is also a gateway to other health-related majors, including Biology and Health Sciences.
Does Sac State have a pre med program? ›
For example, Sacramento State does not offer a "Pre-med major." Instead, the advising patterns identify the set of courses that must be completed before admission to particular types of health professional schools.
What is the average age to finish BSN? ›
BSN programs have an average age of early-mid 20s. Students in RN-to-BSN programs are typically in their late 30s.
What is the minimum GPA for sac state nursing program? ›
A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required on the pre-clinical and corequisite courses completed at the time of application. Applicants may omit up to two grades from their GPA calculation providing they have a minimum of eight grades total, including 2 science grades.
How much does a BSN make in Sacramento? ›
BSN Salary in Sacramento, CA
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|
| Top Earners | $142,272 | $11,856 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,895 | $10,491 |
| Average | $108,629 | $9,052 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,206 | $6,183 |
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Does BSN come before RN? ›
Nurses in clinical practice tend to list their licensure first followed by degrees and then certifications. For example: RN, BSN, CCRN.
Registered nurses need a bachelor's degree in nursing, to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and to obtain a state licensure to get started in the medical field. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, must have earned a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or higher.
Is it better to do RN or BSN? ›
Research with patients and patient outcomes has shown that nurses with a BSN have better patient outcomes on average. So, in a competitive healthcare market that must maximize patient outcomes, BSN has become the preferred degree for most hiring efforts.
Why get BSN instead of RN? ›
The salary difference between RN vs BSN degrees is that those who hold a BSN degree are likely to make more than RN's who only have their associates degree. A BSN degree is favored over just an associates degree for many entry-level nursing jobs, therefore a BSN has more opportunities to make more money.
Does Sac State have a direct Nursing program? ›
The School of Nursing prepares students and working professionals to take on many roles in the field of nursing. The school offers both a traditional Bachelor of Science and various tracks to nursing professionals who wish to advance their career.
What GPA does Sac State accept? ›
With a GPA of 3.42, Cal State Sacramento requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's.
What is GPA for pre-med? ›
Premed undergraduates should strive to achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher to get accepted into a top-tier med school, admissions officials say.
Is it too late to study nursing at 40? ›
Don't Worry About Being “Too Old” to Become a Nurse
The truth is that many adults enter nursing in their 40s and beyond. Many do so as a second career because they want to pursue their passion for medicine and enjoy greater financial security.
What is the oldest age to become a nurse? ›
To answer this question quickly and succinctly: No, absolutely not, get that out of your head. There is no “appropriate age for nursing school.” We have had students from age 18 to 55 years old in our NCLEX Exam Prep Course and all of them go on to become great nurses. The issue isn't age and it never will be.
Is 33 too old to become a nurse? ›
The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you're never too old to become a nurse!
How much does sac state nursing program cost? ›
– 0 – 6 units per semester = $2,478 per semester – More than 6 units per semester = $3,684 per semester. Students with a BA/BS follow the fee schedule for Post- Baccalaureates. – 0 – 6 units per semester = $2,895 per semester – More than 6 units per semester = $4,401 per semester.
While most nursing schools set their minimum GPA requirements at 3.0, there are accelerated nursing programs out there that accept students with 2.7 and 2.8 GPAs. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean you'd receive a lesser nursing education with these programs.
Is a 3.3 GPA bad for nursing school? ›
GPA requirements vary from school to school, and some early admission nursing programs require an even higher GPA of at least 3.8 or higher (weighted or unweighted). In general, you can expect that any highly competitive nursing program will have a high GPA requirement for applicants.
What is the lowest BSN salary? ›
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $156,523 and as low as $40,969, the majority of salaries within the BSN jobs category currently range between $76,160 (25th percentile) to $129,210 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $146,018 annually in Los Angeles.
How much do new grad nurses make in Sacramento CA? ›
Salaries by years of experience in Sacramento, CA
| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|
| Less than 1 year | $50.87 |
| 1 to 2 years | $54.69 |
| 3 to 5 years | $57.40 |
| 6 to 9 years | $59.47 |
1 more row$60,388 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $80,859 is the 75th percentile.
Can a BSN make 6 figures? ›
Can Nurses Make Six Figures? Yes, you can 100% make six figures as a nurse. The disclaimer is that working in some states may make this easier than working in other states. Geographic location is a huge indicator of starting salary and can be a reason why some of you are not as close to others when looking at raw data.
What type of nurse makes the most money? ›
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled Registered Nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.
What is the highest-paid nurse per hour? ›
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists earn a median salary of $195,610 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it the top paying nursing specialty. CRNAs typically work 40 hours per week, making the hourly wage average out to approximately $94.04 per hour.
How do I put my BSN RN after my name? ›
Note that the highest non- nursing degree is listed first followed by the highest nursing degree. A nurse who has a master's in a non- nursing field might choose Anne Peterson, MEd, BSN, RN. If you have a doctorate and a master's degree, omit your baccalaureate degree.
What comes after a BSN in nursing? ›
Advantages to Earning a Nursing Degree vs. Entry-Level Programs
| Degree | Program Length |
|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | 2 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-4 years |
2 more rowsRegardless of setting, nurses should maintain the same standards as other professionals where displaying one's full name is an expectation. Omitting one's last name may be perceived as being less professional.
What is the lowest level of nurse? ›
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
Is pa better than BSN? ›
Because PAs require more education and training, they tend to have more job opportunities and salaries tend to be higher for them. On average, registered nurses enjoy a median annual salary of $75,330, compared to $115,390 for physician assistants, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What can a BSN do that an RN Cannot? ›
“As a BSN, you have more opportunities than your RN counterparts. You can step up to a leadership position, move into nursing education, work in public health and focus on health education within the community, or even go on to pursue a nurse practitioner or nurse administrator degree,” Christman said.
Is nursing the hardest undergraduate degree? ›
There's a rumor circulating on the internet that The Guinness Book of Work Records has declared a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to be the toughest of all bachelor's degrees to obtain. There's no truth to this claim.
What degree is better than nursing? ›
For those who are interested in more behind-the-scenes work, or who want to explore their options in healthcare, health science is a great alternative major to nursing. A health science degree can lead to many different careers, from a healthcare administrator to medical biller and coder.
What is a RN salary? ›
Should all nurses have a BSN? ›
While several degree options that grant entry into the nursing profession exist, the BSN is the one that opens the most doors. That's because it goes beyond basic nursing knowledge, taking a deeper dive into health policy, research and evidence-based practice and leadership development.
Is it really necessary to have a BSN? ›
The degree allows you to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) after you graduate and have completed the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. A BSN is not required to become a Registered Nurse; however, it is an accelerator of your career and skills as a nurse.
What rank is sac state nursing? ›
Sac State Nursing Rankings
The bachelor's program at Sac State was ranked #298 on College Factual's Best Schools for nursing list. It is also ranked #37 in California.
Sacramento State's nursing program is one of the school's most competitive and impacted majors on campus and is the 14th highest rated nursing program in California, but despite the programs' popularity, it only allows up to 80 students a semester to be admitted.
What is the easiest nursing program to get into CA? ›
Easiest nursing degree program to get into in California
Cal Poly Humboldt has an acceptance rate of 85%, with an SAT range of 970-1190, making it the least exclusive college with a nursing program on our list.
What major is Sac State known for? ›
The most popular majors at Sac State are business administration, criminal justice and corrections, and communication and media studies. The college's criminal justice program is one of the largest in the nation, and often receives more applications than it can accept, making it a competitive major.
Can I get into Sac State with a 2.5 GPA? ›
California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater "a-g" GPA.
Is C passing in Sac State? ›
Passing grades are: “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and all associated with "+" or "-" as well as a grade of “CR” (Credit). If you receive a passing grade, then enroll in the class a third time, those units will not be eligible for financial aid.
Is a 3.0 GPA good pre med? ›
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is generally considered to be the minimum requirement for most medical schools. Some schools may have a lower minimum requirement, such as a 2.5 or 2.75, but these are less common. The lowest acceptable GPA for medical school varies depending on the school's individual requirements.
Will a 3.4 GPA get me into medical school? ›
While you can still get into medical school with a low GPA, it's a lot more difficult, and all other areas of your application need to really stand out. If your GPA falls between 3.4-3.6, you can still get accepted, but in these cases, a good MCAT score can improve your chances of acceptance.
Can I get into pre med with a 3.0 GPA? ›
What is considered a low GPA for medical school? Many medical schools have a cut-off for GPAs below 3.0. The average GPA at most MD medical schools ranges from about 3.7 to 3.9. The average GPA at most DO medical schools ranges from about 3.4 to 3.6.
How long are most BSN programs? ›
Timeline: Four years
Of course, the timeline of a BSN degree will vary by school. However, most entry-level BSN programs take four years to complete.
How much is the sac state BSN program? ›
– 0 – 6 units per semester = $2,478 per semester – More than 6 units per semester = $3,684 per semester. Students with a BA/BS follow the fee schedule for Post- Baccalaureates. – 0 – 6 units per semester = $2,895 per semester – More than 6 units per semester = $4,401 per semester.
The following roadmap is a sample advising map to complete the degree program in four years. Please consult your MyPlanner and major advisor as you develop your individualized academic plan. Students must have completed 60+ units in order to enroll in SJSU Studies courses.
Does Sac State have a good nursing program? ›
Sac State ranked one of top nursing programs in California – The State Hornet.
What is the hardest class in BSN? ›
Lynch notes that pharmacology is one of the most difficult classes for nursing students, but is essential to patient care.
Who has the easiest BSN program? ›
15 Easiest BSN Programs to Get Into – 2023
- RN-to-BSN Capella University. ...
- B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN) Western Governors University. ...
- BBA - Human Resource Management Strayer University. ...
- B.S. - Health Information Management Grand Canyon University.
The quickest and most valuable nursing degree will be the accelerated BSN path. While you have the option to pursue an associate degree in Nursing, the ABSN will enable you to earn a higher-level degree in about the same amount of time.
Is BSN RN worth it? ›
Most registered nurses who choose this route to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing say an RN-to-BSN program is worth it. You have the benefit of making more money and opportunities for career advancement, which are just a few perks.
What is the tuition fee of BSN? ›
BSN Program Cost
Four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs are common, meaning more program options for students. On average, the NCES reported that 2020-21 tuition, room, and board for four-year programs cost students $29,030. Without room and board, students paid around $16,620 for the year.
What are the benefits of getting your BSN? ›
With a BSN degree, you can:
- Earn a high starting salary with a good benefits package.
- Enjoy a high level of job security and professional advancement.
- Pursue a wide variety of career paths, from critical care to administration.
- Practice in diverse health care settings, from hospitals to corporate clinics.
$80,917 is the 25th percentile.
How long is BSN in California? ›
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Takes 4 years. Also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.
This is a traditional, four-year program beginning in the freshman year. A limited number of transfer students are accepted annually.
What are the top 3 majors at Sac State? ›
Sac State offers 55 undergraduate majors within eight academic colleges. The most popular majors at Sac State are business administration, criminal justice and corrections, and communication and media studies.
Which CSU nursing program is the easiest to get into? ›
Easiest nursing degree program to get into in California
Cal Poly Humboldt has an acceptance rate of 85%, with an SAT range of 970-1190, making it the least exclusive college with a nursing program on our list.
What CSU is known for nursing? ›
California's top nursing program:
California State University, Stanislaus. California State University, San Marcos. California State University, Sacramento. California State University, Chico.
