Program Requirements

Accelerated BSN Requirements

Tentative Accelerated BSN Program Schedule

Accelerated BSN Overview

The Accelerated BSN is a full-time program and will require a major commitment of time to complete.  Each student will be required to complete 78 semester units of study within the six academic-term program.  Approximately 26 units of the program consists of clinical study, which begins as early as 7:00 a.m. or extends as late as 11:00 p.m.  Prospective students should take into consideration the demanding nature of this program prior to submitting an application for admission.  Clinical rotations may vary by day and time each month; therefore, students should not plan on working while enrolled in this program.  Please note, classes and clinicals may be scheduled on Saturday and Sunday.

Program Cohort

The program will admit one cohort of approximately 108 students per academic year. 54 students will be in our on campus cohort and 54 students will be in our Temecula Cohort. Each new cohort will begin in Spring semester.  The program will consist of six academic-terms of study, including two summer terms.  Students admitted to the Accelerated BSN cohort will enter with a pre-designated course of study and are guaranteed a space in every class. 

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree (from a regionally accredited institution, or U.S. equivalent for degree coursework completed outside of the U.S.)
  • Minimum 2.5 G.P.A. in the last 60 units completed.
  • Completion of the Pre-Nursing Core.
  • Minimum of 2.75 G.P.A. in Pre-Nursing Core ("C" grades or higher, "C-" grades are not acceptable).
  • Completion of additional CSUSM lower-division GE BRN-required courses, and other CSUSM graduation requirements.
  • Passage of the T.E.A.S. exam with a minimum 71.0% composite score.

Pre-Nursing Core

Students are required to fulfill the Pre-Nursing Core prior to the program start date.  The Pre-Nursing Core can be fulfilled through coursework taken at other universities or community colleges.  For a list of articulated courses at other institutions, we recommend visiting the Assist Website

Additional BRN, Lower-Division CSU GE, and Additional Graduation Requirements

Students are required to fulfill most or all of the following additional BRN and CSU lower-division GE requirements prior to entering the program.  For a list of articulated courses at other institutions, we recommend visiting the Assist Website  For courses taken out-of-state, please consult the Extended Learning academic advisor.

CSU Upper-Division GE Requirements

Students admitted to the program are required to complete the CSU Upper-Division GE courses in residence at CSUSM.  These courses are considered part of the ABSN program and will be scheduled through Extended Learning for the cohort.  Each cohort will begin the ABSN program during spring semester by taking the required upper-division courses listed below.  For additional information, please consult with the Extended Learning academic advisor.

Accelerated BSN Course Requirements (78units)

Students admitted to the Accelerated BSN program will complete the following courses as part of a 2 year cohort.  Students may not take the courses independently or fulfill program course requirements by taking courses at other institutions.