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Extended Learning

Online ADN/RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Accelerated

Overview

Looking to elevate your nursing career with a BSN degree? CSUSM's online, accelerated ADN/RN to BSN program could be just what you're searching for!
 
This program is designed for those who:

  • Have already earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or
  • Are currently enrolled in an ADN program, or
  • Have secured an RN license.

Sound like you?
 
Important: While you can apply to and start the program without an RN license, you'll need one before you can take NURS 440, NURS 447, and any other course that has NURS 440 or NURS 447 as a prerequisite. These courses are typically scheduled for your fourth semester in the ADN/RN to BSN program.

RN to BSN Top Ranking

In 2021, according to registerednursing.org, CSUSM's program ranked as follows:

  • #1 online RN to BSN program in California
  • #5 online RN to BSN program in the United States

Apply Now   Program Flyer

Upcoming Online Information Sessions

    • March 19, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - RSVP
    • April 16, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - RSVP
    • May 21, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - RSVP
    • June 18, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - RSVP
Application and Document Deadlines
  • Spring II 2024: Feb. 7, 2024
  • Fall I 2024: July 10, 2024
  • Fall II 2024: Sept. 18, 2024
  • Spring I 2025: Dec. 4, 2024
  • Spring II 2025: Feb. 5, 2025

Program Details

  • ADMISSION

    How to Apply

    Admission Requirements

    • Minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average in all transferable units attempted
      • 2.5 GPA for students who have already completed a bachelors
    • Successful completion of a minimum of 60 transferable units
    • Successful completion of the pre-nursing core with a grade of C or better
      • Oral Communication (A1)
      • Written Communication (A2)
      • Critical Thinking (A3)
      • MATH 200 - Statistics (B4)
      • BIOL 160 - Microbiology for Health Sciences units
      • BIOL 175 - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology I units
      • BIOL 176 - Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology II
      • CHEM 105 - General, Organic, and Biochemistry for Life units
      • CHEM 105L - General, Organic, and Biochemistry for Life Laboratory
    • Successfully complete the pre-nursing core with a minimum GPA of 2.75

    Please note: To be considered for admission you must reside in an approved state

    Please also note: CSUSM will accept online courses (for all requirements) from regionally accredited institutions.

    Preferred Preparation

    • Completion of additional CSUSM lower-division GE BRN-required courses, upper-division GE courses and other CSUSM graduation requirements. More details can be found in the Course Sequence section.

     View Catalog Page

    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 to meet 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 enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether 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).

  • COSTS
    Cost Breakdown
    Semester Units* Subtotal**

    Fall Semester 1 - Block 1

    6 $2,040
    Fall Semester 1 - Block 2 6 $2,040
    Spring Semester 1 - Block 1 5 $1,700
    Spring Semester 1 - Block 2 7 $2,380
    Summer Semester 1 5 $1,700
    Fall Semester 2 - Block 1 6

    $2,040

    Total 35 $11,900

    *Unit rate for this program is $340 (Effective Fall 2023) (discounts available for active duty military, view details)

    **University semester fees not included. View complete breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals based on sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.

    Funding and Financial Aid

    • This program is eligible for financial aid
    • Kaiser IONE Scholarship and other nursing specific funding opportunities may be found online
    • Visit the Extended Learning funding page to learn more about your funding options
    • Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver)
    • Cal Grant can be used for this program
    • Active duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705
  • COURSE SEQUENCE

    View course descriptions and specific program requirements on the ADN/RN to BSN Catalog Page.

    Please note: This program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort.

    Sample Schedule - Fall Start

    Example Semester - Fall Start
    Semester Course (units)

    Fall Semester 1 - Block 1

    NURS 350 (2) - Role Transition for the RN

    NURS 351 (1) - Role Transition Seminar for the RN

    PHIL 345 (3) - Bioethics and Medical Ethics

    Fall Semester 1 - Block 2

    NURS 310 (2) - Nursing Assessment for the RN

    NURS 311 (1) - Nursing Assessment for the RN Laboratory

    ANTH 301 (3) - Culture and Medicine: Healers and Healing Practices

    Spring Semester 1 - Block 1

    NURS 352 (3) - Nursing Research

    NURS 370 (2) - Health Promotion and Patient Education Strategies

    Spring Semester 1 - Block 2

    NURS 312 (4) - Pathophysiology and Pharmacology

    BIOL 316 (3) - The Biology of Cancer

    Summer Semester  (10 weeks)

    NURS 450 (2) - Nursing Leadership and Professional Issues

    NURS 451 (1) - Nursing Leadership and Management Laboratory

    NURS 480 (2) - Family Nursing: Theory and Practice

    Fall Semester 2 - Block 1

    NURS 440 (4) - Community Health Nursing

    NURS 447 (2) - Public Health Nursing and Nursing Case Management

    Sample Schedule - Spring Start

    Example Semester - Spring Start
    Semester Course (units)
    Spring Semester 1 - Block 1

    NURS 350 (2) - Role Transition for the RN

    NURS 351 (1) - Role Transition Seminar for the RN

    PHIL 345 (3) - Bioethics and Medical Ethics

    Spring Semester 1 - Block 2

    NURS 310 (2) - Nursing Assessment for the RN

    NURS 311 (1) - Nursing Assessment for the RN Laboratory

    ANTH 301 (3) - Culture and Medicine: Healers and Healing Practices

    Summer Semester (10 weeks)

    NURS 352 (3) - Nursing Research

    NURS 370 (2) - Health Promotion and Patient Education Strategies

    Fall Semester 1 - Block 1

    NURS 312 (4) - Pathophysiology and Pharmacology

    BIOL 316 (3) - The Biology of Cancer

    Fall Semester 1 - Block 2

    NURS 450 (2) - Nursing Leadership and Professional Issues

    NURS 451 (1) - Nursing Leadership and Management Laboratory

    NURS 480 (2) - Family Nursing: Theory and Practice

    Spring Semester 2 - Block 1

    NURS 440 (4) - Community Health Nursing

    NURS 447 (2) - Public Health Nursing and Nursing Case Management

    Schedules are subject to change.

  • FAQ

    What is the program schedule?

    The ADN/RN to BSN program requires 14 months of study and is divided into eight-week classes during the fall and spring semesters and 10-week classes during the summer semester. Unlike other programs, CSUSM builds in breaks between semesters and holidays to allow you to pursue your education without compromising your life and family priorities.

    Program Starts 
    Semester Dates

    Spring 2 - 2024 start

    March 15, 2024
    Fall 1 - 2024 start Aug. 26, 2024
    Fall 2 - 2024 start Oct. 19, 2024
    Spring 1 - 2025 start Jan. 21, 2025
    Spring 2 - 2025 start March 15, 2025

    How big are the class sizes? Is it hard to contact your professor?

    The ADN/RN to BSN program is limited to 44 students per cohort. CSUSM intentionally designed this program to have small class sizes with unprecedented access to your professors in an online format.

    Will I need to visit the campus at any point?

    No, this program is designed to be completed online (except for clinical hours).

    When can I start?

    CSUSM offers multiple starts per year.

    Are there prerequisites for this program?

    Yes, before joining the ADN/RN to BSN program, you should:

    1. Have completed at least 60 transferable units.
    2. Finished the pre-nursing core  and earn a letter grade of C or higher in each course.

    If you haven't met these lower-division nursing/pre-licensure coursework requirements, you won't be eligible for admission to the program. Additionally, you must reside in an approved state in order to enroll in this online program.

    Can I apply to the program if prerequisites are in progress?

    Prerequisite courses can be in progress upon application; however, all prerequisites must be completed prior to your requested start date.

    Can I apply before I take the NCLEX?

    Yes, you may apply prior to taking the NCLEX exam, however CSUSM does not prepare you to take the NCLEX exam. You must have your RN License prior to enrolling in NURS 440 and NURS 447 (typically taken in the fourth semester of the program). Please note, failure to successfully pass the NCLEX exam in time to take NURS 440 and NURS 447 may delay progress towards earning your degree.

    Is an RN license required to apply?

    No a RN license is not required to be considered for admission to the program. However, before taking courses NURS 440 and NURS 447 — typically in the fourth semester of the ADN/RN to BSN program — you'll need to have obtained and provide proof of your RN license. Without it, you can't complete the program. We recommend getting your RN license early to prevent any graduation delays.

    Can I apply if my license is probationary?

    You need to have an active/current license to ensure you have access to complete the clinical hours in the program. You are responsible for securing clinical placements and RN License.

    Can I apply to an earlier start date so I may be evaluated and get started on any remaining requirements?

    Yes, many students do this so they can have a road map of what they need to complete.

    What about transcripts?

    You need to request transcripts from ALL postsecondary institutions attended and have them sent to CSUSM. An application is not considered complete until we have all transcripts. We will not be able to review your application for any start dates until we have all required documents.

    Once I apply and all of my transcripts are received, how long will it take to find out if I am admitted?

    It typically takes around four to six weeks to receive your evaluation worksheet outlining the requirements you have met and any that are still needed. Admission decisions are typically sent after the evaluation process is complete.

    Does this program prepare students to sit for the NCLEX exam (the exam required to obtain a RN license)?

    No, CSUSM’s ADN/RN-to-BSN program does not prepare students to sit for the NCLEX exam.  Our program is designed for students who have already earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), currently enrolled in an ADN program or have already obtained a RN license.  

    Does this program offer any of the lower-division/pre-licensure nursing coursework required to obtain a RN license?

    No, CSUSM’s ADN/RN-to-BSN program does not offer any of the lower-division/pre-licensure required to obtain a RN license.  Our program is designed for students who have already earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), currently enrolled in an ADN program, or have already obtained a RN license. 

    Can clinicals be completed at your place of employment?

    The leadership clinicals can usually be completed at your place of work; the community health clinical hours must be completed at a community/public health facility.

    How do I meet the statistics requirement?

    Courses typically approved to meet our requirement carry a CSU GE designation of B4 or (if taken outside of California or at a non-CSU) have similar course descriptions/content to our MATH 200. Typical course content includes regression analysis, ANOVA, correlation, T-tests, comparative analysis, etc.

    What are the changes to the Language Other Than English Requirement (LOTER) and how do they affect me?

    All transfer students who have NOT completed coursework to meet the CSU GE Area C3 must complete a college level language course to meet this requirement. Students who have already met C3 will not be required to take any language courses.

    What is the name of the organization that accredits the ADN/RN-BSN program?

    The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master’s degree program in nursing at CSUSM is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

    What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

    Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help you with VA benefits, campus resources, financial aid and more.


Prepare for your future

Gain skills for general nursing practice, prepare for leadership roles in healthcare, clinics and community organizations and be ready for entry into graduate-level nursing programs

Emphasis on cultural sensitivity

This program places a strong emphasis on delivering skillful, culturally sensitive nursing care to prepare you to work with diverse individuals and communities

Clinical rotations

Gain real nursing experience through a variety of acute care and community settings

Scheduled Breaks

This 14-month program has broken down into eight week phases and, unlike other programs, has built-in breaks between semesters and holidays

 

Earning a BSN vs. an ADN provides more career options, often with higher pay; opens up career paths such as nurse educator or public health nurse; and serves as the next step to advanced nursing roles, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader and more. With one to four years of experience, the median salary for an RN with an ADN is $60,744, while an individual with a BSN and the same level of experience has a median salary of $70,835.

– NurseJournal.org and Payscale.com

2018

– NurseJournal.org and Payscale.com
 
 

Take the next step in your career - Apply Now

New cohorts begin every Fall and Spring semester.

Please note: We are temporarily accepting unofficial transcripts for applications for the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 terms.

Extended Learning

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(760) 750-4020
el.inquiry@csusm.edu

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