Nursing Programs

Program & Pathway Offerings

Traditional BSN: A full-time 4-year program which leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Upon program completion, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). Students enter this program as a freshman or transfer in as a sophomore from a community college or as an LVN.

Accelerated BSN: A full-time, 5-consecutive semesters program which leads to Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Upon program completion, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). This is a second-baccalaureate program for those who have a degree in a discipline other than nursing. This program is offered through CSUSM Extended Learning.

LVN to BSN: The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathway is designed for students who have a valid California LVN license and are seeking a first bachelor’s degree as a Transfer student.

LVN to RN: A 30-Unit pathway designed for those holding an LVN license, who wish to qualify to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). This is not a degree-earning program. Admission is strictly limited to a space-available basis.

ADN/RN to BSN: A fully on-line, part-time program of 3-consecutive semesters (six 8-week course sessions). Designed for California licensed RN’s and recent community college nursing program graduates who have not yet passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). Leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. A RN license is required prior to the enrollment in the last session. Offered through CSUSM Extended Learning. Palomar Community College nursing students are eligible for concurrent enrollment.

VBSN: The Veteran BSN Pathway Program is an intensive five-semester, cohort-based bachelor’s degree program that will prepare you to earn your RN license and quickly start your nursing career.

BSN to DNP: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a professional practice degree designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for complex practice and leadership roles in the clinical setting as well as teaching roles at the community college and university levels. There are two tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This hybrid program consists of 79-semester units in 8 sequential semesters.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Launch your healthcare career with the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program at CSUSM. Expected to start Spring 2025

Requirements for All Nursing Programs

All Nursing students must:

Pass Background Check & Drug Test
Meet Pre-Nursing Core Requirements
Not sure if you meet the Pre-Nursing Core Requirements? Use ASSIST to check if your previously-taken courses are approved.
Understand the program's expectations of Nursing students
Nursing Student Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements

Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions

Nursing Licensure and Credentialing Requirements

Admissions into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing 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 or credentialing 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 or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from:

CEHHS Student Services
333. S. Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
760-750-4277

Program Questions?

Select the program you are interested in (above) for more information.