Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Use the quick link menu below to jump to specific information about the BSN degree program.

• About the BSN Program
• How to Apply
• Degree Requirements
• Advising
• Student Resources, Forms, and Policies
• Alumni Resources
• CNA Application Instructions
• Public Health Nurse Certification
• Announcements and Current Events

I liked how [the] program emphasized different aspects of nursing, such as evidence-based research, cultural competence, and [the] importance of self-care as a nurse.

— BSN Student, 2019

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pre-licensure program is an in person, full-time program for candidates new to nursing. If you are looking for the RN-to-BSN bridge, please visit the RN-BSN page for more details. 

The program prepares individuals for professional nursing practice in a variety of institutional and community settings, as well as for graduate study and roles as nurse leaders.

Extended campus facilities include a wide variety of community healthcare agencies for clinical experience. The School of Nursing has integrated extensive simulation labs which provide an enhanced learning experience.

• BSN Overview
  • 1. Open to California residents who are not already registered nurses 
    2. Is full-time, occurring over five (5) semesters (academic year, Fall and Spring)
    3. Clinical hours are earned through a variety of settings, including: hospitals, public health, long term care, and community health agencies
    4. The tuition and campus fees for a full-time undergraduate student are $3,926 (fall 2022)
       1. Other additional program related costs include textbooks, uniforms, equipment, and learning materials.
    5. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared and eligible to take the national licensing exam to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN)
    6. Graduates are eligible for Public Health Nursing certification in California upon licensure as a Registered Nurse
• Accreditation

  • The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at San José State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

    The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing at San José State University is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses. Please see the Professional Licensure and Disclosure information.

• Mission and Goals

  • The mission of the BSN program is to provide educational excellence in the science and art of professional nursing to empower our graduates to be responsible and knowledgeable clinicians, leaders, and scholars who strive to meet changing global healthcare needs.

    Program goals are to: provide a liberal and professional education as a foundation for practice and advanced nursing education; promote an attitude of intellectual inquiry and competency in critical analysis; and to utilize evidence-based practice strategies; and to prepare the BSN graduate for leadership in traditional and emerging roles in response to changing community needs.

    The program also seeks to prepare the BSN graduate to; develop a sound theory base for using the nursing process in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of health problems; and establish collaborative relationships with other healthcare professionals.

    The program proudly works in alignment with the mission and goals of our parent collage, the College of Health and Human Sciences, and those of San José State University.

• Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

  • Upon completion of the program, BSN students are prepared and eligible to take the national licensing exam to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN)

    Graduates of the BSN program are eligible for Public Health Nursing certification in California upon licensure as a Registered Nurse. More information about Public Health Nursing certification can be found in the Alumni Resources area.

    Program Learning Outcomes:

    All program outcomes are addressed across the lifespan, include evidence-based practice, and culturally appropriate approaches.

    1. Conduct comprehensive focused assessments of biological and social determinants of health and illness in clients, using culturally appropriate approaches.
    2. Use the nursing process to provide holistic client-centered care that demonstrates the safe application of the pathophysiological, medical, and nursing management of common acute and chronic illnesses, and health promotion. 
    3. Deliver client-centered education that integrates the application of developmental stages across the lifespan, cultural background, educational level, and health literacy considerations.
    4. Act as an advocate to develop collaborative, evidence-based strategies for interprofessional, client-centered care.
    5. Demonstrates accountability for safe administration and evaluation of pharmacologic agents and complementary modalities used in health promotion as well as acute and chronic illnesses.
    6. Use relevant technology and informatics to support nursing care that contributes to safe and high quality client outcomes.
    7. Communicate effectively with clients and members of the interprofessional healthcare team to improve client outcomes
    8. Demonstrate beginning levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability for client outcomes when delegating to and supervising other members of the healthcare team.
    9. Assumes responsibility for and evaluates own professional nursing practice according to the ethical standards of the ANA Code for Nurses, standards of nursing practice, and legal mandates.
    10. Coordinate healthcare for clients and populations across the lifespan to maximize health, independence, functional ability, and quality of life.
    11. Analyze the influence of the social determinants of health, health care policy, financial drivers, and regulatory environments on nursing practice in the global community.

Read about how to apply for the nursing undergraduate degree, the Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Degree requirements (including additional details about; the program’s offerings, outcomes, recruitment and admission policies, grading policies, degree/certificate completion requirements, tuition, and fees) can be found in the university's catalog.

Prior baccalaureate students are exempt from completing the SJSU studies area V requirement for graduation (students complete areas R, S, and Z in the nursing program).

Curriculum and Roadmaps

• AY22-23 BSN Curriculum Roadmap

• Future Students

  • Future students should spend time on the How to Apply website..

    Group advising is offered for students interested in applying to the program. Sessions are offered monthly during the fall and spring semesters. Are you not able to make a live info session? You can watch a recording of the latest info session (passcode: aB*yzKR5)

    Pre-Nursing, Undeclared SJSU students can receive additional advising through the CHHS Student Success Center for assistance with GE advising and major prerequisites.

    After having attended (or viewed) a group advising session, future students can schedule a 20-minute appointment with an advisor to clarify specific questions. Students must review the BSN Info packet, Advising Slides (linked to below, under Student Resources > Future Students), and application requirements prior to scheduling an individual session. Due to the limited time available, please come prepared to the advising appointment.

    Student must provide the following required information in the description box while booking:

    • Full Name
    • Phone Number
    • Email Address

    Schedule an appointment here [Appointments will resume in Fall 2022]

    Note: If you run into any issues please email: nursing@sjsu.edu

• Current Students

  • Current nursing students can schedule advising appointments by contacting a nursing advisor directly. For nursing advisor information, please contact the nursing department. 

Future Students

*Refer to the BSN Information Packet for detailed information*

• Information & Handbooks

  • Prospective and future students should spend time on the Undergraduate page under How to Apply.

    Advising Slides 2022

    BSN FAQs 2022

    BSN Information Packet

    Military Member Applicants [pdf]

    SJSU Admissions

• Forms

  • Functional Competencies Form [docx]

• Changing Your Major

  • Undeclared SJSU students that wish to change their major to Pre-Nursing, Undeclared should consult with the advisors at the CHHS Student Success Center for more information. Refer to the BSN FAQs for further details.

Current Students

General Information

• Advising

  • Current nursing students can schedule advising appointments by contacting a nursing advisor directly. For nursing advisor information, please contact the nursing department.

• Student Handbook & Scholarships

  • Download the BSN Student Handbook:

    Nursing Student Handbook: 2022-2023 [docx]

    Scholarship Info [pdf]

• General SJSU Resources

  • SJSU COVID-19 Dashboard

    Career Center 

    Course Articulation

    SJSU Admissions

    SJSU Registrar

    SJSU Cares

Policies

• School of Nursing

  • Grievance Resolution (link coming)

    BRN Concurrency Notification [pdf]

    Military Policy [docx]

    Safety Policy [pdf]

    Progression and Disqualification Policy 2022 [pdf]

    Uniform Policy

    Applicants From Other Nursing Programs Policy [docx]

• Liability Insurance

  • Student NSO Liability Insurance Policy and Instructions [pdf]

• Background and Drug Screening

  • Background and Drug Screening Policy [pdf]

• SJSU

  • SJSU COVID-19 Dashboard

    Privacy Rights of Student in Education Records: FERPA

Forms

• Standard Forms

  • N180 Course Info and Syllabus/Contract Form

    Petition Form [pdf]

    Social Media Policy and Contract

• Health Requirement Information and Forms

  • CastleBranch Orientation Video

    CastleBranch Clinical Documentation Information 2022 [pdf]

    Health Statement (Update: 2018) [docx]

    Flu Shot Declination Form [docx]

    HIPAA Release of Medical Information Form [pdf]

    TB, Requirements [docx]

    TB: California Tuberculosis Risk Assessment College and University Students [pdf]

• SON Emergency Loan Forms

  • Emergency Loan Guidelines and Application

Certified Nurse Assistant Application

Current students who have completed semester 2 in the BSN program are eligible to apply to become a certified nurse assistant (CNA).

• CNA Application Form

  • Download CNA Application and complete sections for EQUIVALENT TRAINING.

    CNA Application [pdf]

• Submit form and unofficial transcript to Nursing office.

  • Submit the completed form with a copy of your unofficial SJSU transcript to the School of Nursing office to be signed. You can submit in person or by email (nursing@sjsu.edu).

• Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting

  • Complete the Live Scan form and print. 

    Obtain Live Scan finger print (services offered at 7th Street Parking Services by appointment or at locations off-campus, fee required).

    Send a copy of live scan finger prints with your signed CNA Application and unofficial transcript directly to address on CNA Application form. 

    CNA Live Scan Form [pdf]

    Sample of Live Scan Form

Alumni Resources

• Alumni Mailing List

  • Would you like to stay in touch with the Valley Foundation School of Nursing? Sign up for the alumni newsletter! Job opportunities, scholarships, internships, and events will be shared.

Public Health Nurse Certification

Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to apply for Public Health Nurse certification after passing the NCLEX and are licensed as a registered nurse.

Visit the California BRN website for information and to download the application. Please note, this process typically takes several weeks to complete. Please plan accordingly.

• How to apply: Application Instructions

  • 1. Applicant completes application and pays the fee to the BRN (can be done online).

    Enter the following information into the appropriate fields:

    -Name of Public Health Nurse Academic Program: San Jose State University-Bachelor of Science, Nursing 

    -Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Training Provider Number/School Name: San Jose State University #13894

    -Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Training Course Name: Community Health Theory (see transcript for course name, i.e. NURS 172, NURS 127B).

    -Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention Course Number of Hours: 9 hours

• Send REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT form to School of Nursing

  • 2. Applicant completes the top section of the REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT form. Then, email or mail the form to the School of Nursing office.

• Transcripts

  • After the degree is posted on your transcript, you are eligible to apply.

    The Nursing department will send your transcript directly to the BRN once we receive the REQUEST FOR TRANSCRIPT form.

Spring 2023 Class Schedule now available. Download the class schedule.

This investment in yourself is well worth the short-term sacrifice... I [appreciate] the terrific support and guidance I received from faculty and fellow alumni of this program.

— Sharon Likely Sprague, DNP, MBA, RN, OCN (2019 Graduate)