BC 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 health department. You are also eligible for management positions and can begin working as a school nurse. A basic knowledge of nursing theory and research methods as well as community health nursing set the BSN graduate apart. You will also gain a deeper understanding of pathophysiology which will be invaluable in your clinical setting.

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

• General Education/CSU Graduation Requirements (follow the GE Certification for Transfer to CSU in the BC Catalog). A Logic/Critical Thinking course must be taken before being admitted to the CSU. You also need 3 upper division GE courses (300 level or above) and must meet the Foreign Language and American Institutions requirements for graduation.
• Prerequisites for Nursing (there are 9----but BC RN graduates generally have completed the majority of these----leaving only Statistics and Logic to take).
• Nursing Courses: N357 (Research), N410 (Issues), N441/N442 (Community Health lecture/clinical), N490 (Senior Seminar), N489 (Experiential Learning), N499 (NCLEX) and N444 (Professional Nursing Practicum). Only two of these are clinical courses, and one course utilizes preceptors in your area. The other is done on Tuesday clinical days at a health department.

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 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 BC classes to CSUB?
Yes. Your lower division General Education and Nursing courses can be transferred, up to a maximum of 70 semester units (or 105 quarter units). In order to fully utilize your maximum units, it is important to have your BC transcript GE certified before sending it to CSUB. You can check for course equivalency and articulation agreements for BC and other community colleges at http://assist.org.

Can I take additional General Education and CSUB prerequisite courses at BC?
Yes. Most BC graduates have completed areas "D" and "E" of the GE Certification for Transfer to CSU. By completing a critical thinking course, area "A" is satisfied, and statistics completes the area "B" requirements. The CSU requires three courses from area "C", while only one is required for graduation from BC---thus students often are short two courses in this area.

Who can I contact for additional information?
Ms. Brynn Schock is the RN-BSN Bakersfield Advisor. You can reach her by phone or email.

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 Department)
• Application to CSUB and Department of Nursing RN-BSN Program
• A type resume

How do I get started?

• Take necessary Prerequisites (usually Statistics and Organic Chemistry) and transfer requirements (Logic/Critical Thinking course)
• Apply to CSU Bakersfield
  Call (661) 654-3036 for an application, or complete an application online at www.csumentor.org
• Send 2 sets of GE Certified transcripts to CSUB Admissions
• Apply to CSUB RN to BSN Program through our website.