California State University, Northridge Nursing School Review

California State University, Northridge (CSUN, or Cal State Northridge) opened its doors to 3,600 students in 1958. It was known as San Fernando Valley State College at the time. In 1972 it later changed name to reflect its current name. From early on the school cemented its reputation by emphasizing the importance of hands-on education. However, disaster struck in 1994 when a magnitude 6.7 earthquake caused major structural damages throughout the campus.

Within 64 days the main section of the library was reopened and the school gained momentum once again. It also adopted the slogan “not just back, but better” to reflect its determination to take higher education even further despite the losses it had suffered. CSUN is part of the California State University (CSU) system.

Various courses are part of its curriculum and among them are programs for students interested in nursing such as:

RN to BSN Program

This program is only opened to licensed registered nurses that have an associate degree in nursing or equivalent. It builds on the foundation established in a community college setting to prepare students for more advanced studies and roles in health care. During this RN to BSN program, students are taught the essence of working independently and interdependently with various professionals. They are also given many opportunities to practice their skills. The course can be attended full-time or part time.

It is possible to contest credit by doing the necessary exams to have them recognized. Students must submit proof of clinical competency and meet additional requirements to enter the program. All those accepted must maintain an active license while enrolled in the program.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Students that hold a minimum of a BA or BS degree in a non-nursing field are welcome to apply to this program. It is an intense course that builds on specific nursing education during four semesters. Emphasis is placed on theoretical knowledge and also clinical practice in patient care settings. After successful completion, they can take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). The students that passes the exam and is not hindered by any restrictions will be recognized a registered nurse (RN). Applications to the Accelerated BSN program are accepted only once per year.

The LVN 30-Unit, Non-degree Option

During the program licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are exposed to a selected number and type of courses that prepare them to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

Public Health Nurse Certificate

Only applicants that have a current active California RN license can apply to this program. They must submit proof of baccalaureate education from an accredited institution. This institution must be accredited by the National League of Nursing (NLN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If they have a foreign degree, then it must also be from an accredited institution. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible for the California Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certificate which is granted by the Board of Nursing (BRN).

Health Services Credential Program: School Nurse Services Program

Only registered nurses that hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution are eligible to apply for the certificate program. Applications are evaluated on an individual basis to identify the best path for students based on their skills and experience. Students must be fully aware that all courses must be completed within seven years counting from the day they were first enrolled into the program. Applicants must have at least two years of working experience as a school nurses and must have a Preliminary School Nurse Credential. Students that wish to acquire the Professional (Ryan) School Nurse Credential must do a fifth year of study.

COC – CSUN ADN-BSN Concurrent Enrollment Nursing Program

This course is offered through the agreement established between California State University Northridge and College of the Canyons. The content on the program focuses on both courses from the bachelors degree in nursing program and the  associate degree in nursing (ADN) program. As a result, students will be enrolled in both programs giving them the flexibility to take bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree courses while they are doing their associate degree. They will be able to finish their BSN in one year after they have taken all the courses in the ADN program.

Contact:
California State University-Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330

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