RN to BSN, Bridge Program

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• About the RN to BSN Program
• Degree Requirements
• Advising
• Student Resources
• Announcements and Current Events
• Contact Information

The instructors for the RN to BSN program were well-seasoned nurses that embedded invaluable personal experience into their lectures which really enriched my learning experience. They also treated the RN to BSN students with a notable amount of respect that made me feel welcomed and almost like a young colleague. They were very understanding that most of us are working nurses and really made the program feel doable.

— Nursing Student, 2019

The RN to BSN Post-Licensure program is designed for students that have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and are interested in obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).

Current California RN’s or students that will earn a California RN license by the end of the first semester of the program may apply. If a student meets University General Education (GE) and nursing degree requirements, the program can be completed in three (3) semesters. The university provides credit for previous coursework and twenty (20) units for passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Curriculum includes limited in-person and off-campus community experiences and online theory courses that incorporate research, leadership and critical thinking skills. After completion of community health and earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, students are eligible to apply for a California Public Health Nursing Certificate.

• Overview
  • 1. Open to students that already have a California RN license and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or students that have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and will earn a California RN license by the end of the first semester in the program
    2. Can be completed in three (3) semesters/fifteen (15) months
    3. Majority online program, designed to be manageable with a work schedule
    4. Community Health Clinical requires in-person attendance
    5. Graduates are eligible for Public Health Nursing certification in California
• Applications and Admissions

  • To be eligible for the RN-BSN program, applicants must have:

    • Minimum GPA 2.75 for all college coursework
    • Meet SJSU transfer-admission requirements and be accepted by San Jose State as a student
    • Earn a ‘C’-grade minimum in all pre-req courses
    • Complete transfer-reqquired courses: Public Speaking, Critical Thinking, Statistics, and Chemistry

    -- and, meet one of the following --

    • Be a current California Registered Nurse (RN)
    • -- or --
    • Be an Associates in Nursing student who will earn a California RN license by the end of the first semester of the RN-BSN program

    See more details about the application process on the Applications and Admissions page.

• Accreditation
  • The Registered Nurse to Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing at San José State University is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This program is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses.

Degree requirements can be found in the university's catalog. Prior baccalaureate students are exempt from completing the SJSU studies areas R and V requirement for graduation (students complete areas S and Z in nursing program).

Curriculum and Road Maps

• Fall 2021 and after New Curriculum Roadmap
• Fall 2020 New Curriculum Course of Study
• Spring 2020 and Earlier Course of Study

It is highly recommended prospective students attend a future student advising session to prepare for the application process. Please refer to the links below for additional information.

• Future Students

  • RN to BSN Advising Slides

    RN to BSN Program Course of Study 2021

    RN to BSN Program Progression Guide

• Current Students

  • Nursing Student Handbook: 2021-2022

    Spring 2022 Book List

    Scholarships [pdf]

    Drug Screening - available at Student Health Services 

    Current Nursing Students Advising: contact Dr. April Wood directly for appointments

• Alumni 

  • Public Health Nurse Certification Instructions and Application

    Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to apply for Public Health Nurse certification after passing the NCLEX and are licensed as a registered nurse. 

    Visit the California BRN website for information and to download the application.

    • How to apply:

      1. Applicant completes application and pays the fee to the BRN (can be done online). Enter the following information into the appropriate fields:

      -Name of Public Health Nurse Academic Program: San Jose State University-Bachelor of Science, Nursing 

      -Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Training Provider Number/School Name: San Jose State University #13894

      -Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Training Course Name: Community Health Theory (NURS 127B)

      -Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Course Number of Hours: 9 hours

      2. Applicant completes the top section of the REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT form. Then, email or mail the form to the School of Nursing office.

      3. Applicant must request an official transcript from the registrar. See website for details.

      An electronic transcript is the most preferred method. Send electronic transcripts to the nursing mailbox (nursing@sjsu.edu). Mail physical transcripts to the nursing office. Make sure the degree is posted on the transcript before ordering a copy.

      Once received, the School of Nursing director will sign the form and the nursing office will send both the REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT form and the transcript to the CA BRN. 

      Please note, this process typically takes several weeks to complete. Please plan accordingly.

• Alumni Newsletter

  • • Would you like to stay in touch with the Valley Foundation School of Nursing? Sign up for the alumni newsletter! Job opportunities, scholarships, internships, and events will be shared.

     

• General SJSU Resources

  • Career Center

    Course Articulation

    SJSU Admissions

    SJSU Registrar

    SJSU Cares

• LVN 30-Unit Option

  • The Valley Foundation School of Nursing admits licensed vocational nurses (LVN) for the 30-unit option on a space available basis. Successful completion of the 30-unit option allows LVNs to sit for the California NCLEX licensing exam to work as a licensed RN. The 30-unit option does not culminate in a Baccalaureate degree nor does the RN license permit you to work in any other state except California.

    IMPORTANT: Due to impaction, space is currently unavailable for this option. For the foreseeable future, applications are not being accepted. We apologize for the inconvenience.

    Students are encouraged to pursue an Associate's Degree in Nursing so they can transfer into the RN to BSN program.

Still have questions? Please complete this contact form.

You can also contact the program coordinator.

Program Coordinator

April Wood
Assistant Professor
408-924-8627
april.wood@sjsu.edu
Office: Health Building