Undergraduate BSN FAQ and Application Instructions

General Information

  • All application materials are online. All communication is via email. Please do not call the School of Nursing regarding the Communication Exercise, your submitted application, and/or admissions status.
  • Please note: the School of Nursing does not offer transcript review, counseling, or advising for prospective students - we can only answer questions about the nursing program and/or the application process.
  • Prospective students and applicants should read the information below thoroughly.
  • If you have any questions about the program or application process that are not answered below, please email nursing@csulb.edu.

Traditional Basic BSN Program

The basic baccalaureate program is the traditional track designed for students who enter the Nursing program with no prior nursing knowledge, experience, or skills. Applicants with an Associate's Degree in Nursing, please review the information for ADN/RN-to-BSN Program "Nursing BS - Registered Nurse."

Important: The degree objective is for this program is "Nursing BS" (NOT "Nursing BS - Registered Nurse"). The School of Nursing can only evaluate applicants under the major they applied for and cannot edit incorrect applications. 

 

Fall Admission

  1. Cal State Apply: October 1st - November 30th
  2. CSULB Enrollment Services Supplemental Application (for Transfer applicants only): February
  3. School of Nursing Traditional Basic BSN Program Application: October 1st - February 1st.
  4. All Fall applicants must register for and take the General Assessment Test (ATI TEAS Examination) and submit test results electronically via ATI to CSULB (or CSULB TEAS) on or prior to the Program Application deadline of February 1st above - no exceptions will be made for deadline extensions.

Spring Admission

  1. Cal State Apply: August 1st - August 31st
  2. CSULB Enrollment Services Supplemental Application (for Transfer applicants only): September
  3. School of Nursing Traditional Basic BSN Program Application: August 1st - September 21st.
  4. All Spring applicants must register for and take the General Assessment Test (ATI TEAS Examination) and submit test results electronically via ATI to CSULB (or CSULB TEAS) on or prior to the Program Application deadline of September 21st above - no exceptions will be made for deadline extensions.

  • Prerequisites and program information can be found on the University Catalog.
  • Applications are reviewed, scored, and ranked based upon the following information.
  • Please note that admission into the School of Nursing is contingent on being offered admission by the University, therefore, applicants must also meet the admission eligibility requirements for CSULB.
 
Application Component Criteria and Minimum Requirements
Natural Science Prerequisites GPA

There are four natural science prerequisite courses to be completed prior to application.

Each course must be completed with a "C" or better grade; when all prerequisites are completed the GPA for the prerequisite courses must be "B" or better (3.0 or better).

Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

  1. Human Anatomy Lecture and Lab (4 semester units minimum) - CSULB BIO 208
  2. Human Physiology Lecture and Lab (4 semester units minimum) - CSULB BIO 207
  3. Chemistry Lecture and Lab (4-5 semester units/6-10 quarter units): An introductory or preparatory chemistry course is not acceptable. The School of Nursing requires either:
    1. a combined/integrated chemistry course (which includes general, organic and biochemistry) equivalent to CSULB CHEM 140 or
    2. a general/non-integrated chemistry course (which is either a.) inorganic, b.) organic or c.) biochemistry)
  4. Microbiology Lecture and Lab (4 semester units minimum) – CSULB BIO 201
General Education Prerequisites GPA

There are four general education prerequisite courses to be completed prior to application.

Each course must be completed with a "C" or better grade; when all prerequisites are completed the GPA for the prerequisite courses must be "B" or better (3.0 or better).

Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

  1. Statistics or AP Statistics - CSULB STAT 108, STAT 118, HDEV 190, PSY 110, SOC 170
  2. Oral Communication (any communications course that meets GE requirements)
  3. Written Communication/College Composition (any composition course that meets GE requirements, including AP English)
  4. Critical Thinking (any critical thinking course that meets GE A3 requirements)
General Assessment (ATI TEAS)

Minimum Composite Score: 70%

No minimum Reading Score

All applicants must register for and take the General Assessment Test (ATI TEAS Examination) and submit test results electronically via ATI to CSULB (or CSULB TEAS) on or prior to the Program Application deadline - no exceptions will be made for deadline extensions.

  • Please see the Application Deadlines information above.
  • Testing locations may be found on the ATI TEAS website.
  • Applicants should plan early in order to take the test at a preferred location.
  • It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure test results have been sent electronically via ATI to CSULB (or CSULB TEAS).
  • Applications without electronic test results via ATI will be considered incomplete and will be withdrawn.
  • The test can be retaken without a limit, however, there must be 30 days between each retake.
  • The School of Nursing will accept the scores from the one test date with the highest composite score (composite and reading scores cannot be split from two dates).
Communication Exercise

After applications are submitted, applicants with the highest-ranking cumulative scores will be contacted (via email) and must participate in a mandatory School of Nursing Communication Exercise.

  • This is a timed evaluation of both written and oral communication skills.
  • The School of Nursing receives applications from hundreds of highly competitive, qualified applicants.
  • Approximately 120 applicants will participate in the Communication Exercise.
  • Thus, not all qualified applicants will be contacted for the Communication Exercise.
  • The Communication Exercise will be held approximately 30-45 days after the nursing application deadline (Fall term: late March/early April, Spring term: late October/early November). At the time of your application, these dates are not yet scheduled. Please do not inquire as to when they will be held.
  • The School of Nursing may conditionally admit or waitlist any qualified applicants pending successful completion of the Communication Exercise at a later date.
  • After the Communication Exercise is completed, applicants will receive notifications regarding their admissions status via email in late April (for Fall applications)/late November (for Spring applications).

All application materials are online. All communication is via email. Please do not call the School of Nursing regarding the Communication Exercise, your submitted application and/or admissions status.

Please note: the School of Nursing does not offer transcript review, counseling, or advising for prospective students - we can only answer questions about the nursing program and/or the application process.

There are three categories of applicants for the Traditional Basic BSN Program: current CSULB undergraduate students (Pre-Nursing majors), Transfer Undergraduate Applicants (students who have not yet earned a BA or BS), and Second Bachelor's Degree Applicants (students with a BA or BS degree in other fields). Applicants must carefully follow application instructions for their own category.

Current CSULB Undergraduate Students (Pre-Nursing majors):

  • Read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
  • Do not reapply to CSULB: Current CSULB undergraduate students must be officially declared a Pre-Nursing major prior to applying. Applications received by CSULB students that are any major other than Pre-Nursing will not be considered.
  • Current CSULB Undergraduate Pre-Nursing Majors: Degree Progress Guidelines (PDF). For more information, visit CHHS Academic Advising.
  • CSULB students with fewer than 75 Timely Graduation Units may apply - if you are a CSULB student with more than 75 Timely Graduation Units, please see your current college advisor for further guidance (CHHS Academic Advising).
  • Admissions notices will be sent via email in late April (for Fall applications)/late November (for Spring applications).
  • All communication is via email. Please do not call the School of Nursing regarding the Communication Exercise, your submitted application, and/or admissions status.

Instructions:

  1. Submit the School of Nursing Traditional Basic BSN Program Application - Please see Application Deadlines information above.
  2. All applicants must register for and take the General Assessment Test (ATI TEAS Examination) and submit test results electronically via ATI to CSULB (or CSULB TEAS) on or prior to the program application deadline - no exceptions will be made for deadline extensions. Please see the Prerequisite and Application Components information above.

Transfer Undergraduate Applicants (students who have not yet earned a BA or BS):

  • Read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
  • More information for Transfer applicants is available from CSULB Admissions.
  • Admissions notices will be sent via email by late April (for Fall applications)/late November (for Spring applications) from CSULB Admissions and/or on Applicant Self Service.
  • All communication is via email. Please do not call the School of Nursing regarding the Communication Exercise, your submitted application and/or admissions status.

Instructions:

  1. Submit application via Cal State Apply.
    • Important: The degree objective is "Nursing BS" (NOT "Nursing BS - Registered Nurse").
    • Important: The School of Nursing can only evaluate applicants under the major they applied for and cannot edit incorrect applications. 
    • Applicants may submit the Cal State Apply application prior to taking the ATI TEAS exam. Applicants may enter their completed exam scores, indicate the date they are registered to take the test, or skip the section.
  2. All applicants must register for and take the General Assessment Test (ATI TEAS Examination) and submit test results electronically via ATI to CSULB (or CSULB TEAS) on or prior to the program application deadline - no exceptions will be made for deadline extensions. Please see Prerequisite and Application Components information above.
  3. Complete CSULB Supplemental Application
  4. Submit the School of Nursing Traditional Basic BSN Program Application - Please see Application Deadlines information above.
  5. If admitted or waitlisted, follow up with CSULB Admissions to submit documents before their deadlines. Please note that admission into the School of Nursing is contingent on being offered admission by the University, therefore, applicants must also meet the admission eligibility requirements for CSULB.

Second Bachelor's Degree Applicants (students with a BA or BS degree in other fields):

  • Read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
  • More information for Second Bachelor's Degree applicants is available from CSULB Admissions.
  • Admissions notices will be sent via email by late April (for Fall applications)/late November (for Spring applications) from CSULB Admissions and/or on Applicant Self Service.
  • All communication is via email. Please do not call the School of Nursing regarding the Communication Exercise, your submitted application and/or admissions status.

Instructions:

  1. Submit application via Cal State Apply.
    • Important: The degree objective is "Nursing BS" (NOT "Nursing BS - Registered Nurse").
    • Important: The School of Nursing can only evaluate applicants under the major they applied for and cannot edit incorrect applications. 
    • Applicants may submit the Cal State Apply application prior to taking the ATI TEAS exam. Applicants may enter their completed exam scores, indicate the date they are registered to take the test, or skip the section.
  2. All applicants must register for and take the General Assessment Test (ATI TEAS Examination) and submit test results electronically via ATI to CSULB (or CSULB TEAS) on or prior to the application deadline - no exceptions will be made for deadline extensions. Please see Prerequisite and Application Components information above.
  3. Submit the School of Nursing Traditional Basic BSN Program Application - Please see Application Deadlines information above.
  4. If admitted or waitlisted, follow up with CSULB Admissions to submit documents before their deadlines. Please note that admission into the School of Nursing is contingent on being offered admission by the University, therefore, applicants must also meet the admission eligibility requirements for CSULB.

 

ADN/RN-to-BSN Program - "Nursing BS - Registered Nurse"

The RN-to-BSN program is a 2-year upper-division program designed for students who have graduated from an Accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program (or evaluation of diploma program for equivalency by an Accredited Associate Degree program), and hold a current California Registered Nurse (RN) license (or be eligible for license).

Important: The degree objective is "Nursing BS Registered Nurse" (NOT "Nursing BS"). The School of Nursing can only evaluate applicants under the major they applied for and cannot edit incorrect applications.

 

Fall Admission
Spring Admission

  • Have graduated from an Accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program (or evaluation of diploma program for equivalency by an Accredited Associate Degree program), and
  • Hold a current California Registered Nurse (RN) license (or be eligible for license).
  • Have 56 to 70 transferable units including:
    • statistics (suitable for general education math credit) and
    • Chemistry Lecture and Lab (4-5 semester units/6-10 quarter units)
      • a combined/integrated chemistry course (which includes general, organic and biochemistry) equivalent to CSULB CHEM 140 or
      • a general/non-integrated chemistry course (which is either a.) inorganic, b.) organic or c.) biochemistry)
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 in all community college courses required for the Associate Degree in Nursing
  • A minimum grade of “C” must be attained in each course
  • Maintain malpractice and health insurance throughout clinical coursework and submit to a criminal background check
  • It is recommended that applicants discuss coursework with their most recent/current school counselors/advisors to ensure courses are CSU-transferable
  • Must meet minimum requirements for admissions to the University. Please note that admission into the School of Nursing is contingent on being offered admission by the University, therefore, applicants must also meet the admission eligibility requirements for CSULB.
  • CSULB Catalog - Registered Nurse BSN: All requirements contained on these pages are superseded by the official information published in the Course Catalog of the current academic year.

There are two categories of applicants for the RN-to-BSN Program: Transfer Undergraduate Applicants (students who have not yet earned a BA or BS), and Second Bachelor's Degree Applicants (students with a BA or BS degree in other fields). Applicants must follow application instructions for their own category.

Transfer Undergraduate Applicants (students who have not yet earned a BA or BS):

  • Read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
  • Submit application via Cal State Apply. IMPORTANT: The degree objective is "Nursing BS Registered Nurse" (NOT "Nursing BS"). The School of Nursing can only evaluate applicants under the major they applied for and cannot edit incorrect applications.
  • Complete CSULB Supplemental Application in January (for Fall applications)/September (for Spring applications).
  • More information for Transfer applicants is available from CSULB Admissions.
  • Admissions notices will be sent by late April (for Fall applications)/late November (for Spring applications) via email from CSULB Admissions and/or on Applicant Self Service.
  • All communication is via email. Please do not call the School of Nursing regarding your submitted application and/or admissions status.
  • If admitted or waitlisted, follow up with CSULB Admissions to submit documents before their deadlines. Please note that admission into the School of Nursing is contingent on being offered admission by the University, therefore, applicants must also meet the admission eligibility requirements for CSULB.

Second Bachelor's Degree Applicants (students with a BA or BS degree in other fields):

  • Read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
  • Submit application via Cal State Apply. Important: The degree objective is "Nursing BS Registered Nurse" (NOT "Nursing BS"). The School of Nursing can only evaluate applicants under the major they applied for and cannot edit incorrect applications.
  • More information for Second Bachelor's Degree applicants is available from CSULB Admissions.
  • Admissions notices will be sent by late April (for Fall applications)/late November (for Spring applications) via email from CSULB Admissions and/or on Applicant Self Service.
  • All communication is via email. Please do not call the School of Nursing regarding your submitted application and/or admissions status.
  • If admitted or waitlisted, follow up with CSULB Admissions to submit documents before their deadlines. Please note that admission into the School of Nursing is contingent on being offered admission by the University, therefore, applicants must also meet the admission eligibility requirements for CSULB. 

Application - Frequently Asked Questions

 

If you will be applying as a first-time freshman, please select “Nursing” as your intended major on Cal State Apply. Students who apply as first time freshman and are offered admission will be declared as “Pre-Nursing” majors.

This is not a direct entry program, students declared as “Pre-Nursing” will need to complete the required prerequisite coursework and apply to the School of Nursing when they have met all of the requirements.

There is no priority given to CSULB Pre-Nursing majors when applying to the School of Nursing - all applications are scored and ranked amongst the entire applicant pool (made up of current undergraduate pre-nursing students, undergraduate transfers from other schools, and second-degree BSN applicants).

Freshmen admits will be advised at Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR).

Once enrolled, Pre-Nursing majors will work with their academic advisor in order to complete the required prerequisite coursework and apply to the School of Nursing.

Freshman admits will be advised at Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR).

Once enrolled, CSULB University Center for Undergraduate Advising can assist with information related to changing majors. 

No. All pre-requisite courses must be completed before you apply to the School of Nursing.

Only the first Science or GE course with a C or better grade which fulfills a prerequisite will be used for calculation of the GPAs.

Prerequisite courses in the natural sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry) must have been taken within the last 5 years.

Prerequisites in the social sciences (anthropology, communication studies, economics, education, geography, history, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, sociology) must have been taken within the past 10 years.

The School of Nursing will consider the application deadline as the time courses expire.

Example: Example: Spring 2023 application is due September 21, 2022 so the earliest natural science coursework acceptable is from Summer 2018 (final grades as of September 21, 2022).

Students may take the prerequisites at any college or university if the courses taken are equivalent in units and content (based on the course description/summary and course syllabus) to the CSULB prerequisite courses listed above. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine course equivalency. Do not assume that the courses you took will be equivalent to CSULB’s courses. Also, do not assume a course is equivalent even if it is accepted by another nursing program. In addition to using Assist as a resource, applicants are advised to review coursework with a counselor or advisor from their home community college/University/transfer institution to determine course equivalency. The School of Nursing will not review requests to determine course equivalency. Please use the resources below to determine course equivalency.

CSULB resources for determining course equivalency:

The School of Nursing cannot enroll students into Nursing courses if they are not yet admitted into the Nursing major. Applicants are advised to complete CSULB GE requirements. Some applicants may opt to take the Nursing BSN Support courses (gerontology, sociology, psychology), if they can enroll in the courses. Please read course descriptions and syllabi to ensure courses will be equivalent. The School of Nursing does not advise applicants regarding the support courses, please consult The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Advising Office to plan coursework.

CSULB resources for determining course equivalency:

AP courses are not scored or calculated for the GPA, only credit is given that the prerequisite is met.

AP English may be acceptable for the Written Communication prerequisite.

AP chemistry is not acceptable for the chemistry prerequisite (coursework must be equivalent to CSULB CHEM 140).

Only a statistics course or AP statistics may be acceptable for the statistics prerequisite (equivalent to CSULB STAT 108, STAT 118, HDEV 190, PSY 110, SOC 170). Other math courses will not be acceptable.

AP psychology may be acceptable for CSULB PSY 100 (see Nursing BSN catalog).

Only sociology courses may be equivalent to CSULB SOC 100 (see Nursing BSN catalog).

 
CSULB resources for determining course equivalency:

Yes, please visit the CSULB Admissions page for more information. International students are also encouraged to visit the Center for Professional and International Education.

The School of Nursing will confirm active duty or veteran status with Enrollment Services, please indicate this on your Cal State Apply application.

We do not require any additional documentation. If you have any other questions, or you have paperwork that you need the School of Nursing to complete, please email us nursing@csulb.edu

The School of Nursing receives hundreds of applications from highly competitive, qualified applicants. While we wish that we had the capacity to admit all qualified candidates, there are a limited number of spaces. The number of admits varies each application term (depending on program offerings) and usually ranges between 70-80 Nursing BSN admits, and 20-30 RN-to-BSN admits, with an alternates/waitlist of about 20 applicants for the Nursing BSN program.

Applicants may apply a total of two times. Alternates/waitlisted applicants are not guaranteed admission. If not admitted into the current application term, these applicants are not on an alternates/waitlist for the next application term. Alternates/waitlisted applicants must submit a new application to a future application term.

Applicant Pool Statistics (for Basic BSN)

 

 

 Fall 2020 Spring 2021 Fall 2021 Spring 2022

Total applicants

 533 390 971 388

Statistics for admitted applicants

 75 admits 76 admits 65 admits 77 admits

Average Science GPA

 3.93 3.96 3.88 3.95

Average GE GPA

 3.97 3.85 3.94 3.94

Average TEAS Composite score

 89.97 90.08 91.15 90.76

Average TEAS Reading score

 88.33 89.52 91.41 89.90

 

Program - Frequently Asked Questions

 

No. The NCLEX can only be taken after the BSN has been awarded by the University.

For the Nursing BSN program, each semester is scheduled for 15 or 16 units. Some students take general courses during the summer or winter break to decrease the number of units during the regular semester. If students must be out a semester, the leave of absence procedure must be followed (see Student Handbook and Policies).

Nursing courses are usually offered during the day or early evening. Lecture and lab classes are offered one or two days a week. Clinical classes are offered Monday through Sunday during day or evening shifts.

Only students in the Trimester Nursing BSN Program will take nursing courses in the summer.

Once admitted, BSN students are required to have current health insurance, current CA driver's license, auto insurance, CPR certification, and must also meet the health requirements of the university and assigned clinical agencies.

Health clearance requirements include the following: physical exam, two (2) step Tuberculosis screening, and positive titers for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis-B, and flu vaccine.

The majority of healthcare agencies require that nursing students have a clear criminal background check and a 12-panel urine and drug screen in order to participate in clinical placement(s) at their respective facilities; background checks will be required of all students upon enrollment. Additionally, some healthcare agencies may require updated drug testing prior to beginning clinical placement(s).

The Nursing BSN takes about five semesters to complete. Most applicants have finished their General Education Requirements prior to applying to the Nursing program. Admits will take courses in their cohorts, so completing the program ahead of schedule is unlikely.
Please see the Nursing BSN Catalog and the Nursing BSN Recommended Plan for more information.

Please see CSULB Tuition and Fees.

The School of Nursing BSN application is entirely online. There are no paper applications to mail in. All official transcripts should be mailed to CSULB Admissions/Enrollment Services. Any and all transcripts received by the School of Nursing will be forwarded to CSULB Admissions/Enrollment Services.

 

Admissions Decisions - Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • All communication will be via email.
  • All applicants will be notified via email by late April (for Fall applications)/late November (for Spring applications) from CSULB Admissions and/or the School of Nursing.
  • Applicants should check their listed email inboxes and/or Applicant Self Service to check their application status and admissions decision.
  • If you have any questions regarding your admission status, please contact CSULB Admissions.

The School of Nursing receives hundreds of applications from highly competitive, qualified applicants. While we wish that we had the capacity to admit all qualified candidates, there are a limited number of spaces. The number of admits varies each application term (depending on program offerings) and usually ranges between 70-90 Traditional Basic BSN admits, and 40-60  RN-to-BSN admits, with an alternates/waitlist of about 20 applicants.

Your individual applicant scores, rankings, and/or applicant pool "cut-off" scores or ranking information will not be shared, please do not inquire about this information. If you wish to appeal the admission decision, please contact CSULB Admissions for the appeals procedure. The School of Nursing will not review your application prior to submitting an appeal with CSULB Admissions. All phone, email, and in-person inquiries regarding admissions decisions will be directed to CSULB Admissions.

Options for Traditional Basic BSN applicants who are not admitted:

  1. For current CSULB students: pursuing another major (in the health sciences or a related discipline.) The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Advising Office can assist with information related to changing majors.
  2. Completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at a community college and returning to CSULB for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) via the RN-to-BSN (a.k.a. ADN-to-BSN) program. While enrolled in an ADN program, students are eligible to apply for CSULB Step-Up Summer Bridge program.
  3. Retaking the ATI TEAS may make your application more competitive. The test can be retaken without a limit, however, there must be 30 days between each retake. We will accept the scores from the test date with the highest composite score.
  4. Traditional Basic BSN Spring terms generally have smaller applicant pools - if you reapply, your application may fare better.

Applicant Pool Statistics (for Basic BSN)

 

 Fall 2020 Spring 2021 Fall 2021 Spring 2022

Total applicants

 533 390 971 388

Statistics for admitted applicants

 75 admits  76 admits  65 admits 77 admits

Average Science GPA

 3.93 3.96 3.88 3.95

Average GE GPA

 3.97 3.85 3.94 3.94

Average TEAS Composite score

 89.97 90.08 91.15 90.76

Average TEAS Reading score

 88.33

89.52

 
 91.41 89.90

It is impossible to predict how many admitted applicants will decline their offer of admission in any application term. It is important for alternates/waitlisted applicants to submit all required documents by the deadlines to both the School of Nursing and the University. The School of Nursing will contact alternates via email if a spot becomes available. Alternates may be contacted through the end of the first week of the application term's semester.

Applicants may apply a total of two times. Alternates/waitlisted applicants are not guaranteed admission. If not admitted into the current application term, these applicants are not on an alternates/waitlist for the next application term. Alternates/waitlisted applicants must submit a new application to a future application term.

Applicant Pool Statistics (for Basic BSN)

 

   Fall 2020

   Spring 2021 

 Fall 2021 Spring 2022

Total applicants

 533 390 971 388

Statistics for admitted applicants

 75 admits 76 admits 65 admits 77 admits

Average Science GPA

 3.93 3.96 3.88 3.95

Average GE GPA

 3.97 3.85 3.94 3.94

Average TEAS Composite score

 89.97 90.08 91.15 90.76

Average TEAS Reading score

 88.33

89.52

 91.41 89.90