San Francisco State University School of Nursing Program Review
The undergraduate and graduate programs of San Francisco State University School of Nursing aim to educate aspiring Registered Nurses to meet the healthcare needs of individuals, families and their communities. By incorporating evidence-based nursing knowledge, sound clinical judgment, and ethical decision-making, students learn to provide safe and quality patient-centered care. They are also prepared to adapt to ever-changing healthcare needs and serve society through lifelong learning and civic engagement.
Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at San Francisco State University is a two-year program that educates students for entry level positions in various healthcare settings including hospitals, community health agencies, clinics, home care, and long-term care facilities. Graduates will become eligible to obtain public health nursing certification in the state of California once a Registered Nurse license is obtained. They will become qualified to work as staff nurses in areas like gerontology, maternity, pediatrics, psychiatric, community health, and medical-surgical nursing. Since there have been numerous applications for the pre-licensure BSN program of San Francisco State University, first degree applicants who have not gained entry are encouraged to pursue a different major and reapply later on.
Admission of Freshman and Current Students
Freshmen students are not admitted with a nursing major at San Francisco State University but as students with pre-nursing coursework or an alternate primary. Getting a pre-nursing designation does not guarantee a nursing major admission later on. Students have to work closely with their counselors in the College of Health and Social Sciences Student Resource Center and Undergraduate Advising Center to secure a place in the prerequisite coursework and to remain on track for the nursing major.
Meanwhile, San Francisco State University students who have gained 96 credits or more may not apply for an impacted major. SFSU School of Nursing is adhering to this policy. Students are encouraged to graduate with a different major and apply to one of the entry level master’s programs if they are affected by the policy.
Eligibility Criteria
Students who want to apply in a pre-licensure BSN program must show a proof of residency in the state of California or at least qualify for in-state tuition. The minimum required Grade Point Average (GPA) is 3.0 or higher and the required score for TEAS or Test of Essential Academic Skills is 78 or greater.
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
The RN to BSN program is designed for Registered Nurses with Associate or Diploma degrees in Nursing interested in securing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This program acknowledges credits from previous coursework and provides flexible scheduling to cater to the needs of a working nurse. Since the RN to BSN program can be taken in full-time or part-time study, students can finish a baccalaureate degree based on their preferred timeframe. If a nursing student meets the general education and degree requirements of the university, it is possible to complete the course in one and a half years.
Admissions
Students who are admitted in the RN to BSN program may receive credit for their previous nursing education. The maximum number of transferable units is 70 from a junior college and equivalency for these nursing courses will vary. Admitted students will receive 20 units of upper division nursing credit after passing the NCLEX-RN successfully.
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals admitted in the RN to BSN program must have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing and should have a valid and unencumbered California RN license. They must also have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a GPA of 2.5 for nursing coursework. Admission to the RN to BSN program requires seven out of eight prerequisites at the time of application.
SF State/Sequoia Baccalaureate Nursing Program at Cañada College
The upper division San Francisco State University/Sequoia Baccalaureate Nursing Program at Cañada College prepares and trains students for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings like hospitals, home care, clinics, and community health agencies. The program also provides graduate education in nursing and a solid foundation in leadership.
The SF State/Sequoia BSN program started in 2004 as a four-year partnership with Sequoia Hospital, Sequoia Health Care District, Cañada College, and San Francisco State University. The collaboration was made to increase nursing enrollment and help address the shortage of nurses in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Mateo County, particularly in the southern portion. Thirty-two spaces are available each year for qualified applicants seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Admissions
The disclosure requirements of SF State/Sequoia Baccalaureate Nursing Program at Cañada College is much the same with the pre-licensure nursing program: a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all coursework, a 2.5 GPA in nursing coursework, and a 78 score on TEAS. Supplemental criteria include health-related work experience, at least half of the prerequisite classes in San Mateo Community College District, a veteran or active duty military status, and proof of living or working in Sequoia Health Care District for a minimum of two years.
Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN)
The Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing program prepares students for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This six-semester program will allow students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degrees.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is offered to the entry level and regular MSN programs. Students who complete the program will have an opportunity to obtain courses for certification at the California State Board of Registered Nursing as well as the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Clinical Nurse Specialists are advanced practice nurses who have a Master’s degree with a specialty in adult, women’s health, community or public health, or pediatric nursing.
Nursing Administration
The Nursing Administration specialization utilizes nursing perspective and business principles to become efficient and successful administrators and managers. Elective courses are available at the College of Business with approval from an academic advisor.
Public/Community Health
Students taking a specialization in public or community health nursing are prepared to assume nursing positions in various healthcare settings. Upon passing the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), students become eligible for a certification in California as a Public Health Nurse
One Year FNP Certificate Option for Entry Level MSN Graduates
Students who finish an entry level MSN program at San Francisco State University will become eligible to pursue an FNP certificate after obtaining one-year clinical experience as a Registered Nurse offered in conjunction with the School of Nursing and the College of Extended Learning. Students who want to earn an FNP certification must take five additional courses to prepare them for the state and national board certification.
Admissions
The San Francisco State University School of Nursing requires every interested applicant of the entry level MSN program to meet the eligibility requirements. They have to be a California resident or qualified for an in-state tuition. They also must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above, a GRE analytical writing Score of 4, and a completed prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher. One year of health-related work experience is also necessary to be admitted to this program.
Accelerated Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMA-A)
The accelerated entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (ELAM-A) is designed for students who have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree seeking to enter the nursing profession. The program is a two-year full-time study that including summer sessions, and a nursing applied research course or a Master’s thesis. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and graduates will have a BSN and MSN degree at the same time.
The accelerated entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (ELAM-A) is available to California and other U.S. residents. The program cost is $675 per unit and students have to complete 97 units. The available specialty areas for this program are Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nursing Administration, Public/Community Health, and One Year FNP Certificate Option for accelerated entry-level MSN Graduates.
Admission Requirements
The accelerated entry-level MSN program has a two-part application process that includes an interview by invitation. Students who wish to enter this program should be graduates from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and a GPA of 3. The GRE analytical writing score should be 4 or above, and applicants must provide evidence of health-related work experience, a personal statement, three recommendation letters, references, and have completed prerequisite coursework.
Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) program of San Francisco State University is for Registered Nurses in California who wish to finish an advanced practice nursing education. Registered Nurses without a Baccalaureate degree can obtai n a spot in the Master’s program as long as they meet the nursing prerequisites. They also have to earn nursing content the same as the SF State Bachelor’s program and an undergraduate nursing research course that focuses on evidence-based practice. All students in the program will engage in a clinical practice experience and a thesis or applied research.
The Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) program provides four specialty areas, namely Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nursing Administration, Public/Community Health, and RN-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration.
Admissions
Prospective students applying for admission should possess a valid license in California to practice as a Registered Nurse and a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They also must experience at least one year of RN clinical training and have a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units as well as a score of 4 in GRE analytical writing. Only a few applicants are selected per program due to limited class size.
Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (FNP)
The Post Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (FNP) is designed for nurses who have earned a Master’s or Doctorate nursing degree and who wish to become nurse practitioners. The program is comprised of 31 units and can be completed in one and a half to two years. Most of the classes are held in the evening, but students have to be flexible in their schedules to finish the clinical practicum hours during regular business hours.
The faculty of San Francisco State University School of Nursing will provide advising and mentoring to students to assist them in balancing their work, study, and personal lives. In addition, the small class size facilitates support for nursing students. Once the program has been completed, graduates become eligible for the state Nurse Practitioner certification and national board certification.
The Post Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program is administered in collaboration with the SF State College of Extended Learning Special Sessions Department. Tuition is approximatly $675 per unit for the 31 units.
Admissions
Students who want to pursue this program must meet the school’s eligibility criteria for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. They must possess a Master’s degree in nursing or higher, a valid RN license in California, and a one-year clinical experience.