About Nursing (Pre-Licensure) at CSUSB
Skilled, compassionate nurses are always in demand, and CSUSB is here to help you join this vital profession through our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Your journey begins as a pre-nursing student, where you’ll complete prerequisite courses and meet program requirements before applying to the Pre-Licensure BSN (PL-BSN) program. (“Pre-licensure” simply means you don’t yet hold a nursing license.)
Once you complete the BSN program, you’ll be prepared to take the national RN licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) and begin your career as a registered nurse. Many graduates also choose to continue their education by pursuing advanced nursing degrees.
Learn more about pre-nursing at CSUSB, the application process, and the roadmaps available to help you plan your path to becoming a nurse.
Careers in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
Nursing is a career that’s always in demand, with job growth projected to be faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a registered nurse, you can choose to specialize in areas such as emergency care, labor and delivery, oncology, neonatal intensive care, critical care, cardiac care, pediatrics, public health, or psychiatry.
Many nurses also decide to continue their education to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, researchers, administrators, or educators. Whether you stay at the bedside or move into advanced practice or leadership roles, a BSN from CSUSB gives you the foundation to grow and thrive in the profession.
Sample Courses
Foundational Concepts in Professional Nursing
Introduction to the profession of nursing, including its history, educational preparation, credentials for professional practice, Code of Ethics, safety concerns in patient care, clinical reasoning, understanding the health care environment, legal responsibilities, political process, leadership and management roles.
Health Assessment
Theory and practice of health assessment for nursing practice. Holistic, culturally and developmentally sensitive approaches to assessment across lifespan are emphasized, including professional communication, establishing therapeutic relationships, health promotion, recognition of normal and abnormal findings, and accurately document findings.
Nursing Care of Children & Families
Introduction and application of child and family theory in family-centered culturally sensitive care of children and adolescents. Includes pediatric clinical skill development and application of clinical judgment using the nursing process.
Meet Student Jo Jo Taloza
Opportunities for Students
CSUSB offers a wide range of resources to support you on your path to becoming a nurse, including academic advising, counseling, and career development services. The Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student Handbook is also a valuable guide, with details on your courses, faculty, academic policies, and the Department of Nursing. Be sure to explore Chapter 5 for student resources and Chapter 8 for student activities, including nursing organizations you can join to build connections and get involved.
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