Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

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 $3,996 (fall 2023)
       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[BROKEN LINK], 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.

Degree Requirements

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 Roadmap

• AY22-23 BSN Curriculum Roadmap

BSN Admission Requirements

Review the requirements to apply to the BSN program.

BSN Advising

Learn about advising options for the BSN program.

BSN FAQs

Read frequently asked questions for the BSN program.

Forms and Resources

Access forms and resources for the BSN program.

Showcase of Nursing Research

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)