RN to BS Program

Program Overview

RN to BS in Nursing applicants are those who have already completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing program from another accredited college.  This program is offered at the San Diego and Imperial Valley campuses.

The following criteria are relevant to SDSU-Imperial Valley.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Applies an integrated liberal educational experience in personal and professional
2. Demonstrates the central professional value of caring by delivering compassionate, safe, appropriate and culturally sensitive care.
3. Consistently uses communication, assessment, contextual knowledge, clinical reasoning, and evidence in the delivery of nursing care.
4. Demonstrates accountability for professional values and standards of nursing practice in a variety of settings among diverse populations.
5. Accepts responsibility for professional growth and learning in consonance with the emerging roles of the nurses in a changing society.
6. Demonstrates effective collaboration skills when interacting with patient families, populations, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
7. Demonstrates leadership within local, national, and global healthcare.
8. Develops an awareness of, participates in, and/or advocates for social, economic, and political issues that affect healthcare.

SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Curriculum

SDSU-IV RN-BS Plan of Study (1st Degree Students)

Students who do not have a previous degree in another field must complete the following to obtain the BS in Nursing.

1. WPA: Writing Placement Assessment.  During the first semester of admittance, students must take the WPA.  A passing score means no further writing courses.  The general catalog outlines the required courses needed based on the WPA score.  There are free online and on-campus workshops to help you prepare.  You can take the exam twice.

2. Upper Division GE: Explorations Courses (9 units).  You must complete 1 course from each of the 3 categories (A, B, C *PHIL 330-Medical Ethics). At least 1 of the 3 courses must be considered cross-cultural.  This is outlined in the general catalog.

3. RN-BS in Nursing Courses (26 units).

4. CHHS International Experience. SDSU Aztecs Abroad outlines the pre-approved international experience to increase awareness of cross-cultural issues, global health, economic, political, cultural, social services, and health challenges experienced by local populations in international environments.  Multiple options are available.  

SDSU-IV RN-BS Plan of Study (2nd Degree Students)

Students admitted to the SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Program with a previous degree in another discipline only complete the 26 units of RN-BS Nursing Coursework.  There is NO WPA, GE or international experience required. 

SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Admissions

Admission to the SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Program is contingent upon admission to SDSU-IV, as well as the following:

Minimum Admission Requirements:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma from a regionally accredited school
• A current California RN License-Required for progression through clinical courses.  You can start with eligibility for RN licensure and pending NCLEX testing.
• Cumulative GPA: Minimum of 3.0
• Completion of the following courses, or their equivalents:
  • Human Anatomy with Lab, 4 semester units, minimum grade of B
  • Human Physiology with Lab, 4 semester units, minimum grade of B
  • Microbiology with Lab, 4 semester units, minimum grade of B
  • Chemistry (General, Organic, Integrated, or Inorganic), minimum grade of C
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Statistics, 3 units, minimum grade of C
  • Lower division GE requirements that meet the CSU pattern
• Contact SDSU-IV Nursing Program Coordinator for course equivalencies. 

Application Process:

1. You are required to submit an application to SDSU-IV via Cal State Apply https://www2.calstate.edu/Apply for the SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Program.

2. You will receive a supplemental application and information regarding submission of official transcripts from the SDSU-IV Office of Admissions.

You must complete all requirements in order to be considered for admission by both the SDSU-IV Office of Admissions and SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Program.

For application process questions please contact the Office of Student Affairs at:

[email protected]

Phone: 1-760-768-5502

SDSU-IV’s Transfer Admission website outlines the process: https://imperialvalley.sdsu.edu/admissions/transfer_student

Once Admitted to the SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Program:

You will be required to complete a background check and meet health compliance requirements, before attending clinical.

SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Enrollment Before Being Admitted (Cross Enrollment/Open University)

Cross Enrollment: Cross enrollment (CE) is offered to current community college students who are interested in attending SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing Program.  To be eligible to enroll in SDSU CE, the following requirements must be met:

• Have completed 60 units at the community college

• Are currently enrolled in at least 6 units for the semester of cross enrollment

• Be in good academic standing

• Complete the online SDSU Cross Enrollment form: https://registrar.sdsu.edu/students/registration/cross-enrollment

• Students must seek advisement from the SDSU-IV Nursing Program Coordinator prior to registering.
  2nd degree bachelor's students & international students are not eligible for cross enrollment; however, they are eligible for Open University

Open University: Open University (OU) is offered to students through SDSU’s World Campus.  It is space available and must be pre-approved by the SDSU-IV Nursing Program Coordinator.

• https://ces.sdsu.edu/about-college-extended-studies 

SDSU-IV RN-BS in Nursing FAQs

• Can I apply if I am not an RN yet?
  Yes.  However, the program is only for prospective students who already have an RN license in California or are eligible to take the national licensing exam for Registered Nurses.

• How long will the RN to BS in Nursing Program take?
  Most students will complete the program in 8 to 15 months once admitted.  It depends on courses taken through Cross Enrollment/Open University prior to admission.

• Can I work while I am in the RN to BS program?
  Attending school requires significant study time.  We encourage each student to assess their ability to work, study and balance other commitments. Please note: All students must enroll in a minimum of six units their first semester at SDSU.

• When do classes meet?
  Most classes meet weekly.  Most classes are hybrid, meaning there is a combination of on-campus and online work through Blackboard.  Three classes require clinical hours (NURS400/400L, NURS 415/415L, & NURS 458/458L) and one class requires a lab (NURS320/320L).

• What if I have my Bachelor’s Degree in another field?
  Second baccalaureate degree students are able to quickly move through our program within one year.  Second BS degree students only complete 26 units of nursing coursework to complete the program. The Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA), general education courses and international requirement are waived.

• What is my chance of admission to the RN to BSN program?
  Most students who meet the minimum program admission requirements including a minimum GPA 3.0, and also meet the university admission requirements will be admitted to the program. Please contact Dr. Helina Hoyt the SDSU-IV Nursing Program Coordinator for eligibility. [email protected]

• How much does it cost to attend SDSU?
  The cost varies depending on the plan of study selected.  It can range from $7,000 - $12,000 including General Education courses and the international experience.  Information about the cost of attending SDSU-IV Campus is available through the Cashier’s Office at 760-768-5514.

School of Nursing Leadership

SDSU-School of Nursing Director

• Philip Greiner DNSe, RN
• [email protected]
• 1-619-594-2540

SDSU-School of Nursing Associate Director

• Michael Gates PhD, RN
• [email protected]
• 1-619-594-3572

SDSU-Imperial Valley Nursing Program Coordinator

• Helina Hoyt PhD, PHN
• [email protected]
• 1-760-768-5680

SDSU-Imperial Valley Tenure Track Faculty

SDSU-IV Assistant Professor, Nursing

• Neda Shamsalizadeh PhD, MS, RN
• [email protected]
• 1-760-768-5606

SDSU-Imperial Valley Lecturers

• Lydia Greiner DrPH, APRN
• [email protected]

• Stephen Jaime RN, MS, CNS
• [email protected]

• Erika Rodriguez RN, MS, CNS
• [email protected]

• Shiloh Williams PhD, MSN, RN-BC, CNE
• [email protected]

Contact Information

SDSU-IV Nursing Program Coordinator

• Helina Hoyt PhD, RN, PHN
  
• [email protected]
• tel:1-760-768-5680

SDSU-IV Transfer Adviser

• Francisco Javier Peraza
• [email protected]
• 1-760-768-5502

SDSU-IV Student Affairs

• Admissions, Financial Aid, WPA, International Experience & Registration
• 1-760-768-5502

Cashier's Office

• Georgette Astorga
• [email protected]
• 1-760-768-5514

SDSU-IV Division of Professional Studies, Chair

• David Kanaan PhD, MPA, CNP
• [email protected]