About the CNU BSN Program - FAQs

What is the CNU Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?
The CNUCHS BSN Direct Entry Program offers students a comprehensive pathway to embark on a rewarding career in nursing. Designed for individuals with no prior nursing education, this program integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practice to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and a successful career in various healthcare settings.

How long is the entire program?
The BSN program is 3-year program consisting of three academic terms per year. 

Am I required to attend an Information Session?
We highly recommend you RSVP to attend an information session as we discuss pertinent details of the program and clarify admission guidelines, prerequisite courses, financial aid, etc.

Is this program accredited?
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has approved the program. California Northstate University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC).

Are you on a semester or quarter system?
CNUCHS is on a semester-based calendar, with three terms: Summer, Spring, and Fall.


How much does the program cost?
In addition to the tuition costs, there is a nursing program fee per semester. Please refer to the Tuition and Fees page for specific costs. Additional expenses will be required to maintain clinical clearance. This amount does not include room, board or textbooks. 

When do classes start for the BSN program?
The BSN program admits students each Summer, Fall, and Spring academic terms. Please see our Academic Calendar under the Students drop down menu at the top of the page for specific New Student Orientation and Start Term dates.

When do you schedule classes and clinical hours?
The BSN classes are offered weekdays with possible weekend, evening, or early morning clinical hours. Students are expected to be available as schedules vary each semester. 

Do you offer the program part-time or online?
Currently the BSN program is only offered full-time and in-person. We do not offer a part-time or online option.

If I meet all of the requirements, will I be accepted to the program?
We have more qualified students than spaces available in the BSN program. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program. 

What is the program's NCLEX pass rate?
Since the CNU BSN Program began enrolling students during the Fall 2024 academic term, we currently do not have an NCLEX Pass Rate.  To learn more about NCLEX pass rates, please visit National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

Will I be required to complete clinical rotation hours as part of the program?
Yes, all BSN students are required to participate in clinical practicum hours as mandated by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The CNU BSN Program meets or exceeds all clinical hour requirements.

Can I work while I am in the BSN program?
Applicants are advised that the program requires a very intensive, full-time commitment. It is recommended that you dedicate an adequate amount of time to studying before deciding to work while preparing for licensure.


When will I become a nurse?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will prepare for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed as a registered nurse.

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with CNU and requirements can change at any time. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. CNUCHS will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. 

Which clinical affiliations do you work with?
To ensure students receive a variety of clinical experiences, rotations will take place at various hospitals, health care facilities, and the community as assigned. 

I have more questions about the Nursing program. What additional resources can I seek? 

For more information about the CNUCHS BSN program, you may review our General Catalog or contact our Admissions office (Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu or 916-686-7813).

Application FAQs

When are the application periods to the College of Nursing?
We admit students to the BSN program for the summer, fall, and spring term. Please refer to the [Application deadlines link] page for a most updated list of application deadlines and start term dates.

How do I apply to the BSN program? 
You can access a step-by-step process of how to apply to the BSN program [here;link to step].

I applied for admission to the nursing program but I did not get in. Can I reapply?
Yes, applicants may apply to the BSN program if he/she has previously applied. 

Can I reuse my application that I submitted through NursingCAS for the next application period?
Yes. You can use the same NursingCAS application. Here's how:

Step 1: Log on to your application
Step 2: Click "Add Programs"
Step 3: Search for CNU Direct Entry BSN and click the "+"
Step 4: Add and update any information (coursework/grades for prerequisites, volunteer experience, etc.)
Step 5: You will need to fill out the "Program Materials" section again. This includes attaching any documents you submitted with your previous application.

Do I have to resubmit all of the documents again?
You will need to submit updated transcripts if you had work in progress when you previously applied. Letters of recommendation are valid for 2 consecutive application cycles.

How many students do you accept per year for the BSN program?
We enroll 30 students for the Fall, 30 students for the Spring, and 30 students for the Summer; maximum of 90 students per year. 

Do I have to be accepted to the university before I apply for the nursing program?
The CNU BSN Program is a Direct Entry BSN for First Time College Students and Transfer students. There is no additional undergraduate application required for the CNU Undergraduate College of Health Sciences.

I have some questions about the application. What should I do?
Please reach out to our Admissions Office (Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu or 916-686-7813) any time.

Transfer Students - FAQs

How do I know if I qualify as a transfer student applicant?

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 First Time College Student applicant. Students with 25 or more college credits are considered TS applicants.

How do I know which classes will transfer from another college or university?
We recommend you seek guidance from our Academic Advising office. To schedule an appointment with our advisors, please see their appointment link:  https://cnsu.mywconline.com/

What if I already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree?
CNUCHS BS Nursing program accepts applications from prospective applicants who have already earn a non-nursing bachelor's degree. For more information, please reach out to Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu.

Does the CNU BSN Program consider any military coursework or experience for credit?
The "Military to BSN" option at CNUCHS provides an opportunity for individuals with relevant military education and experience to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. This option recognizes and evaluates military training and experience, allowing credit to be applied towards prelicensure nursing education, including the utilization of challenge examinations, if certain conditions and criteria are met. Please contact our Admissions Office (Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu or 916-686-7813) for more information.

Does the CNU BSN Program consider any coursework or experience gained as a LPN/LVN for transfer credit?

BSN applicants who have LPN/LVN healthcare experience and coursework may be eligible for transfer credit. If certain criteria are met, 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).

After Applying to the BSN Program - FAQs

How will I know if you received all of my BSN admission documents?
You will be able to track your documents via NursingCAS and you will be sent frequent e-mails from us through them.

How do you determine who is selected for the program?
Our Faculty Admissions Committee holistically reviews academic records, experience in health care, professional and community experience, accomplishments, professional goals, and personal characteristics.  

Do you interview everyone who applies to the program?
Not all qualified applicants will be scheduled for an interview.

When are interviews scheduled if I am selected?
You will be contacted via email to either schedule an interview if you are being considered for the program or an email denying your application. 

How will I find out if I am accepted to the program?
Our Faculty Admissions Committee takes great care in selecting each accepted student cohort.  Accepted students will be selected and contacted through email.

TEAS Exam

What is the TEAS exam?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a four-option, multiple choice, computer based exam. There are 170 questions and test-takers are given 209 minutes to complete the exam. Please see the ATI website for more information: https://www.atitesting.com/teas/teas-exam

What content is included in the exam?

Testing areas include: Reading, Math, Science, English, and Language

When and where can I take the TEAS exam?

Please see the ATI website for more information about testing locations: https://www.atitesting.com/teas/teas-exam. You will need to create an ATI account and register for a date and time.

I cannot find CNU BSN Direct Entry Program as one of the listed schools.

CNU is listed on the ATI registration portal as "California Northstate University." For additional instructions and assistance with creating your ATI account, please see the specific instructions given on the application requirements page.

When would you recommend taking the exam?

We would recommend taking 4-6 weeks to study for the exam using the ATI resources, but you can take the TEAS exam at any point between now and the application deadline.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the ATI TEAS proctored exam varies by where you take your exam. On average, the cost of the ATI TEAS exam is about $120

How is the TEAS scored?

The total score is an adjusted percent correct score which ranges from 0.0% to 100%. 

What is the minimum score that CNU requires?

A minimum composite score of 65% must be achieved on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) within the last 3 years.

How many times can I take the TEAS in one application cycle?

All applicants must complete the TEAS within the last 3 years. You can take the TEAS up to 3 times in one application cycle. We will take the highest score and apply it to your nursing application. Note: there is a 30 day waiting period in between each attempt per ATI's best practices.

What is the latest exam date that will be accepted?

The TEAS exam needs to be completed by the application deadline for the cycle in which you are applying.

How long is my exam score good for (does it expire)?

We can use your TEAS exam score for three years. After that, you will need to re-take the exam.

Contact Us

Office of Admissions
Undergraduate College of Health Sciences
California Northstate University
2910 Prospect Park Dr
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 686-7813
admissions.chs@cnsu.edu

CNU Financial Aid
Ms. Elena Stupina
Financial Aid Administrator
California Northstate University
2910 Prospect Park Dr
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 686-8097
https://www.cnsu.edu/financial-aid/chs/