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Admission Criteria

BSN Admission Requirements

Definitions:

First-Time College Student: CNUCHS defines a First-Time College Student (FTCS) applicant as one who is either currently enrolled in, or has graduated from, a high school and has not registered in a regular session at any collegiate level institution since high school graduation. An applicant who has completed college courses while in high school or in a summer session immediately following high school graduation is still considered a First-Time College Student applicant.

Transfer Students: CNUCHS defines a Transfer Student (TS) applicant as a student who has been a registered student in a regular term at a college, university or in college-level extension classes since graduating from high school. A summer session attended immediately following high school graduation is excluded in this definition. TS applicants may not disregard any of their college records or apply for admission as a FTCS applicant. Students with 25 or more college credits are considered TS applicants.

All CNUCHS BSN applicants will need to:

  • Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident
  • Take the Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), with a recommended minimum composite score of 65% within the last 3 years
  • Submit a minimum of 2 (max 3) recommendation requests through NursingCAS
  • (Optional) Submit a curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé through NursingCAS
  • Complete the NursingCAS general application, including the CNU BSN Program Material
  • Pay all NursingCAS fees

First-Time College Students (FTCS) will need to:

  • Have the recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 from high school
  • Complete the following classes with a recommended grade of B- or better:
    • 4 years of English
    • 3 years of mathematics at the level of Algebra I or higher
    • 2 years of natural science with lab (minimum)
    • 2 years of social sciences

Transfer Students will need to:

  • Earn a cumulative recommended minimum GPA of 2.7 from college.
  • Have completed, or will complete, a minimum of 25 college semester units (or 37.5 college quarter units) by the time of transfer. Additionally, a minimum grade of B is recommended in all natural and behavioral science courses completed within the past five years to be eligible for transfer.
  • Military healthcare experience and coursework may qualify for credit after evaluation if certain criteria are met. For more information, please reach out to our Admissions Office (Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu or 916-686-7813).
  • BSN applicants who have LPN/LVN healthcare experience and coursework may be eligible for transfer credit. Eligibility will be determined following an evaluation process which may include challenge examinations. For more information, please reach out to our Admissions Office (Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu or 916-686-7813).
  • CNUCHS provides BSN applicants with a qualified LPN/LVN license an opportunity for the LPN/LVN 30-unit Non-Degree Option. Intention for the 30-unit, non-degree option must be submitted at the time of application. For more information, please reach out to our Admissions Office. Acceptance is limited to seat availability.

Admitted BSN Students will need to:

  • Submit final official transcripts to Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu. Final official high school transcripts must include the date of graduation. Electronic transcripts are preferred. If electronic submission is unavailable, please send the final official transcripts to:
    California Northstate University
    Undergraduate College of Health Science
    2910 Prospect Park Dr. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
  • Meet all Technical Standards, Immunization Requirements, and Health Insurance Requirements for the BSN as described in the school catalog.
  • Pass a criminal background check. CNUCHS Student Affairs will contact you with information on how to initiate the process. A clear background check is also required for continued enrollment.