California State University, Long Beach Nursing School Review

Originally known as Los Angeles-Orange County State College, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB, Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach State, or LBSU) has evolved into one of the nation’s leading universities since it was founded in 1949.

It has appeared in numerous publications due to its distinctive accomplishments. Recently, it appeared on the Princeton Review as one of the “best in the west” colleges. In the same year it was chosen as the 4th Best Public Regional University in the West in the U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges Guide,”.

Among its many schools and colleges is its School of Nursing. Here students can take various courses that range from the undergraduate to more advanced studies. Below is list and description of the courses currently being offered at the university.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is open to students from various education levels. It is accredited by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Each student will be assessed according to the most relevant level and will enter the program according to the respective route for that level. The program is open to basic/trimester students, registered nurses and entry level BSN/MSN students. Upon successful completion the basic /trimester and the entry level BSN/MSN student will be able to sit the National Council Licensing Examination—NCLEX for registered nurses. For these groups, only students that are undergraduates or second degree seekers can apply.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing is an advanced program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Board of Registered Nursing. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in any of the following areas:

1) Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty: Open to students that have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or any other related field. Applicants must have a current unencumbered California RN license to be accepted into the program.

2) Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty: same as above

3) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty: Same as above

4) Clinical Nurse Specialist Specialty: same as above

5) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty: This is a 6-semester course open to students with a bachelor’s degree in nursing or any other related field. Applicants must also have a RN license issued in the state of California.

6) Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty: same as above

7) Master of Science in Nursing / Health Care Administration: Students must have a PHN Certificate and bachelor’s degree in nursing or any other related field. They must also have a current unencumbered California RN license.

8) Master of Science in Nursing / Master of Public Health: This is a double degree program in which students are exposed to courses from both subject areas. Students that enroll in the course are able to undertake advanced areas in health promotion, illness promotion and other aspects of community health. They are adequately trained to perform roles in various health care settings. Only students with a bachelor’s degree in nursing or any other related field can apply. Applicants must also have a PNH certificate and a California RN license.

9) Master of Science in Nursing / Master of Science in Health Care Administration: This is a dual degree program that allows students to get practice in the area of Advanced Practice Nurses in administration. It is an intense course in which courses from both areas are taught in a theoretical/practical environment. Students that enroll in the course will be able to specialize as advanced practice nurses. They will have the necessary skills to work in various health care settings.

10) Health Services (School Nurse) Credential Program: All registered nurses that plan to work in the California school system must have Health Services (School Nurse) credential: Only nurses with a BSN degree for post-baccalaureate certificate can apply to the program. They must also have FNP or PNP licensure for post-master’s certificate along with a current unencumbered RN license.

11) Functional Minor in Nursing Education: This course is aimed at students that want to complement their clinical specialization with additional knowledge in the functional area of teaching. Once completed, they can perform a series of functions that include, but are not limited to planning and implementing courses for other health care areas, teach in schools of nursing among others.

Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner Certificate

This course is only open to students that have a master of science in nursing (MSN). The course can be taken as a “stand alone” program. Students will have the option to complete the entire curriculum in any of the Nurse Practitioner specialty areas listed below. Once this is successfully achieved they will receive a Nurse Practitioner Certificate.

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Entry Level BSN/MSN Program

This course is only open to those that do not have a RN license. Students that enter the program will have the opportunity to gain their master of science in nursing (MSN). The course is specifically aimed at those that have a bachelor’s degree in an area that is not related to nursing.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

This is a practice-oriented program and not a research-oriented program. Students that participate in the program will develop skills to undertake challenging leadership roles and complex practice. The course is administered across various campuses with experts in related areas delivering relevant content throughout the program. Only nurses with an unrestricted RN license can apply to the program. Additionally, students must possess a master’s degree in a nursing from an accredited institution related field and the relevant certification for advanced practice nurse. In the absence of the latter, students must present a masters in nursing from an accredited institution and have certification in clinical nursing specialty.

Contact:
California State University-Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840

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