Welcome to the School Nurse Program at California State University, Bakersfield! School nursing is a wonderful field that is growing and expanding into new areas. School nurses are taking on new challenges as schools are educating more children with serious health problems and recognizing the need to promote the health of all school children. Our school nurse program began in fall, 2000. I was a graduate student at the time and after completing my master of science in nursing, I became the first graduate of the school nurse program at CSUB.

Our program has changed from a credential only program to a Master of Science in School Nursing with a credential. We offer a Post Master’s credential only program, too. The program has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students get a sound basis in health assessment, special education, working with vulnerable populations, health policy and legislation, theory and research, as well as counseling, audiometry, and school nursing issues and practices. They spend one quarter with an elementary school nurse preceptor and one quarter with a high school nurse preceptor to hone their clinical skills.

We work closely with local school nurse administrators and leaders to craft a solid and updated curriculum for school nursing students, and have received positive feedback from the community and our graduates.

I look forward to meeting you and discussing your future in school nursing. Please email me at: mkinder@csub.edu or call me at (661) 654-3120.

Michelle Kinder, MSN, RNC, PHN
Director, School Nurse Program

School Nursing as a Career

In California, individuals with a bachelors degree in nursing or a related field and a valid California RN license may apply for a Preliminary Health Services (SN) Credential which permits them to work as a school nurse for a period of 5 years. During that time, they must complete a Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved School Nurse Credential Program and complete 2 years successful service as a school nurse in order to apply for the Professional Health Services (SN) Credential.

School nurses promote a healthy school environment, provide health services and health education, and serve as a liaison between the home, the school, and the health community.

Please see the Application for Admission to the MSN Program on the Graduate Program Nursing website.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 15TH.

For further information, please contact the director at:

California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099

Michelle Kinder, MSN, RNC, PHN
Director, School Nurse Program
phone (661) 654-3120
fax (661) 654-6903
email: mkinder@csub.edu

Additional Documents:

• Student Responsibilities
• Faculty Responsibilities
• Preceptor Responsibilities
• Exit Evaluation
• SOE Mission and Disposition
• Nursing 604 Syllabus
• Nursing 614 Syllabus