AVC graduates Advising

Why get a BSN?
A BSN offers you a wider variety of job possibilities. You will earn a Public Health Nursing Certificate that permits you to work in a public health department. You are also eligible for management positions, or you can begin working as a school nurse. A deeper understanding of pathophysiology, a basic knowledge of nursing theory, nursing research methods, leadership and management principles, and community health nursing, set the BSN graduate apart. A baccalaureate degree in nursing prepares you for entry into MSN programs.

What is required for a BSN?
In order to complete a B.S.N., 3 sets of criteria must be met:

• General Education/CSU Graduation Requirements (follow the GE Certification for Transfer to CSU in the AVC Catalog). A Logic/Critical Thinking course should be taken before being admitted to the CSU or within the first term. You will also need to take 2 upper division Theme courses (300 level or above), a Gender/Race/Ethnicity course, and you must meet the Foreign Language and American Institutions requirements for graduation. You will also need to pass a writing exam before graduation (GWAR). It is offered every quarter, or you can take a 1 unit course in its place.
• Prerequisites for Nursing (there are 9---but AVC RN graduates generally have completed the majority of these----leaving only Statistics. For some students, organic chemistry is also required. These courses can be taken at AVC.
• CSUB Nursing Courses: N345 (Pathophysiology-can be taken concurrently with nursing courses), N357 (Research), N410 (Issues), N441/N442 (Community Health lecture/clinical), N489 (Portfolio), N499 (NCLEX), N490 (Senior Seminar), and N444 (Professional Nursing Practicum). These courses can be completed in about one year. Only two of these are clinical courses, and they both utilize preceptors that are available in facilities in your area.

How are quarters different from semesters? Why are there more units?
During the academic year (at CSUB, from September to June), there are three 10-week quarters (instead of two 15-week semesters). Students generally take three 5-unit classes to make up a 15-unit load (rather than five 3-unit semester classes). The amount of time is exactly the same---the units are weighted differently. Instead of two semesters of 15 units, you take three quarters of 15 units each during the academic year----thus the increased number of units required for a degree (even though the time spent is exactly the same).

Can I transfer my AVC classes to CSUB?
Yes. Your lower division General Education and Nursing courses can be transferred, up to a maximum of 70 semester units. In order to fully utilize your maximum units, it is important to have your AVC transcript GE certified before sending it to CSUB. If you took courses at other colleges, you will need to request a "pass along" from AVC so that those courses can also be GE certified. You can check for course equivalency and articulation agreements for AVC and other community colleges at http://assist.org.

Can I take additional General Education and CSUB Prerequisite courses at AVC?
Yes. Most AVC graduates may have completed areas "A"and "E" of the GE Certification for Transfer to CSU. Philosophy 110 or 201 (a critical thinking course) completes area "A". Statistics completes the area "B" requirements. CSU requires three courses from area "C." You may not have taken any courses in this area (Philosophy 106 counts in either A or C, but for maximum benefit, you should ask that it be counted in A). Area "C" courses usually consist of courses in Art, Music, Film & Theater, as well as Humanities (e.g., Literature, Foreign Languages, Philosophy). Area "D" covers Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, History, and Psychology (courses that are either nursing prerequisites or required for CSUB graduation).

How much does it cost?
As of F/08, tuition for full time CSU students (6 units +) is $1,359 per quarter. For part time students (<6 units) it is $933 per quarter. Books can range from $50 to $180 per quarter. No uniforms are required for RN-BSN students. Malpractice insurance is $20 per year and may purchased through the CSUB Cashier's Office (must have this insurance to take clinical courses).

Are there scholarships, grants, or loans available to me?
Yes. You can contact CSUB Financial Aid/Scholarship Office at (661) 664-3016 for further information or try these websites: www.csub.edu/finaid/

Do I have to drive to Bakersfield?
No. All courses are on-line. You will need a computer with internet access.

Who can I contact for further information?
You can also check out the nursing web page at www.csub.edu/nursing for further information on RN-BSN Antelope Valley advisor. Mrs. Judy Pedro is the RN-BSN AV Coordinator (phone 661/654-2050, fax 661/654-5903 or email---jpedro@csub.edu).

What are the criteria for admission to CSUB RN to BSN Program?

• GPA of 2.5 in last 60 semester units
• Completion of all Prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better
• Three satisfactory letters of reference
• Copy of current RN license and CPR healthcare provider card
• 3 copies of all college transcripts (2 to CSUB Admissions, 1 to Nursing)
• Application to CSUB and Department of Nursing RN-BSN Program
• A typed resume.

How do I get started?

• Take necessary prerequisites (usually Statistics) and transfer requirements (Logic/Critical Thinking course---Philosophy 110 or 201, if not already taken)
• Apply to CSUB RN to BSN Program
• Submit copies of clear, active RN license and current CPR certification
• Send 1 set of GE Certified transcripts to Nursing c/o RN-BSN Coordinator
• Apply to CSU Bakersfield
  Complete an application online at www.csumentor.org
• Send 2 sets of GE Certified transcripts to CSUB Admissions

***Review the CSUB catalog and Schedule of Courses (available on-line at http://www.csub.edu/catalogs.shtml). These documents give you valuable information about graduation requirements and scheduling of courses. Course schedules are also available on our website: www.csub.edu

CSUB AV CAMPUS SERVICES
The CSUB AV campus, located at the edge of the AVC campus, provides comprehensive student services to our part-time and full-time students.
The advising services available do not, however, include the specific advising that is provided to nursing students. As a nursing student, all of the services of the CSU are available to you.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR AVC GRADUATES

GRADUATE WITH A BSN!!!

**A Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) must be satisfied prior to graduation from the CSU---this is generally done by taking a university-wide competency exam (offered every quarter), or a 5 unit course.