Nursing, RN to BSN Concentration, B.S.

The bachelor of science degree with a major in nursing is designed for students who want to advance their skills in leadership, evidence-based practice, community health, and health promotion. The program’s curriculum prepares students to address physical and psychosocial health needs and inequities within the communities they serve, including rural and tribal communities. The program is holistically designed so students can reflect on and improve the well-being of others and themselves. With a focus on community health, students will gain the necessary skills to evaluate healthcare issues at the individual, community, and systems levels. Throughout the program, students learn about social justice, inequities, policies, and advocacy. For more information about the Nursing Program, course modalities, and the North Coast Concurrent Enrollment (NCCE) program, please visit the Nursing Program website.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). This program is also approved for the Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certification by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

Program Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must:

be a graduate of a regionally accredited associate degree in nursing program OR be enrolled in an associate degree in nursing program participating in the North Coast Concurrent Enrollment (NCCE) program
have an active, unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license with no disciplinary action pending or imposed before enrolling in NRSG 470 / NRSG 471
have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 from all transfer institutions
have completed the following eight CSU systemwide nursing program prerequisites (CSU GE Breadth Areas A and B) with a grade of C or better. Note: Courses in parentheses are examples of Cal Poly Humboldt courses that meet this prerequisite.
Oral communication (COMM 100 )
Written communication (ENGL 104 )
Critical thinking
Chemistry: general, inorganic, organic or integrated* (CHEM 107 , CHEM 109 , CHEM 128 )
Human anatomy with required lab (ZOOL 270 )
Human physiology with required lab (ZOOL 113 )
Microbiology with required lab
Statistics (STAT 108 )

* with associated lab, if required at the institution where the course was taken.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify the program director immediately, in writing, of any changes in licensure status. Negligence to do so may result in the student’s change in progression or dismissal from the program.

Please note: Continued enrollment in NRSG 470 and NRSG 471 is contingent on: background check findings, no pending charge or conviction of a felony, a misdemeanor involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude, or any crime relevant to healthcare services.

Major Academic Plan, Nursing, RN to BSN Concentration, B.S.

Program MAPs represent recommended or possible pathways toward degree completion in four years (or two years for transfer students). Please see an advisor and use the DARS planner to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.

Nursing, RN to BSN Concentration, B.S. MAP

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

The Upper Division Area B General Education requirement is met by the coursework within the nursing major. The department suggests that students select Upper Division GE area C and area D courses that also meet Diversity and Common Ground (DCG) requirements.

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the General Education & All-University Requirements .

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing an additional bachelor’s degree in nursing should review the requirements for a Second Bachelor’s Degree in the catalog.

Requirements for the Major (44 Units)

Students may be awarded up to 10 lower division units and 7 upper division units using the standardized external National Council Licensure Examination NCLEX-RN to demonstrate prior learning of the pre-licensure art and science of nursing required by the Board of Registered Nursing.

A minimum grade of C must be earned in all major courses.

Required Courses (27 Units)

HED 451 - Nutrition for Healthy Communities Units: 3
NRSG 348 - Transition to Professional Practice Units: 3
NRSG 350 - Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan Units: 3
NRSG 372 - Health Assessment Across the Lifespan Units: 3
NRSG 390 - Informatics and Health Literacy Units: 3
NRSG 460W - Leadership and Management Dynamics Units: 3
NRSG 470 - Community/Public Health Nursing Units: 3
NRSG 471 - Community/Public Health Nursing Practicum Units: 3
NRSG 490 - Evidence-Based Practice and Research Units: 3

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. Nurses completing this program will:

Identify ways to improve healthcare in the US and acquire leadership skills necessary to advocate for such improvements in rural populations
Apply knowledge of social and cultural factors to the care of diverse populations
Integrate patient care technologies as appropriate to address the diverse needs of a rural patient population
Develop a nursing philosophy that formulates how they will apply their personal strengths to the care of others while nurturing their own personal health and wellness
Analyze data and apply relevant research to identify evidence-based solutions in their area of specialization

Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing

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 the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

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