History of the MSN/FNP Program at CSUB

The Department of Nursing at CSU Bakersfield opened the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in 1987 with a graduate degree in Nursing Administration.  The FNP option was introduced in 1996 and granted accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in 1998.

Between 1996 and 2010, the MSN program graduated 114 FNPs and 35 Clinical Nurse Leaders, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Educators, Nurse Administrators, Nursing Case Mangers, and School Nurses. CSUB is the only public university in the region that offers a Traditional BSN, RN-BSN, or MSN degree.

During a period of statewide budget cuts, the difficult decision was made to suspend admissions to the CSUB MSN program.  In 2010, the remaining FNP students completed their degrees.

Between 2010-2014, leaders within our community and on campus monitored the trends within the healthcare system, our community’s needs, and the professional goals of our current and prospective students.  A feasibility study was conducted, which indicated a tremendous need for more FNPs; a healthy MSN/FNP program is a critical resource for the Central Valley.

The MSN/FNP program reopened in Fall 2014 with full approval by the California Board of Registered Nursing.  The MSN/FNP Program at CSUB has reestablished accreditation from the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through the routine new program process.  Please see our Accreditation section for more information.