Nursing, B.S.

Program Director: Maryam Ghobadzadeh, Ph.D., MSN, MPH, BSN

Overview

As a nursing major at Fresno Pacific University, students will be equipped with the values, knowledge, and skills to improve health for all through leadership and service. As a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students will be enabled to provide holistic and compassionate health care through a strong foundation in the nursing care of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. The program's focus is on wellness and disease prevention, evidence-based nursing practice, servant leadership, and culturally relevant care in a Christian environment. Built on a strong liberal arts foundation, students will develop a sense of social responsibility as well as a transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and the ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings. In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students will be supported and challenged as you learn in the classroom, in the nursing lab, and in clinical settings throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Synthesize knowledge from arts, humanities and sciences in the planning and provision of professional nursing care
2. Demonstrate skills in using patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safe, effective nursing practice
3. Articulate an understanding of the Biblical teachings that guide critical inquiry, discernment in decision-making, and commitment to transformative actions in professional nursing practice
4. Apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision making in the provision of high-quality nursing care, healthcare team coordination, and the oversight and accountability for care delivery in a variety of settings
5. Implement holistic, evidenced-based, safe patient-centered care across the health illness continuum, across the lifespan, and in all healthcare settings
6. Incorporate effective communication skills to contribute the nursing perspective to inter-professional teams to optimize patient outcomes
7. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior that explores sociocultural, economic, legal, and political factors influencing patient care quality, workplace safety, and the scope of nursing practice

Applying for the BSN program

Admission to the BSN program at FPU is a two-step process. First, students must meet the admission requirements and be admitted to the university. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the BSN program. The BSN admission committee will be looking at performance in program course prerequisites, ATI TEAS scores, and the nursing application along with a written statement, interviews and other academic information. Students must be able to pass all criminal history checks and medical and drug tests. 

Application Requirements

• Completed BSN application package.
• Science prerequisites completed within five years of program start.
• Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) minimum 70% score within three attempts. Students falling below 70% will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 
• Possess a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0/4.0 scale.
• Complete each of the following courses or transferable option, with a letter grade no lower than a C. If accepted, all met prior to the start of the nursing clinical program. 
• CHEM 210 and 212L Chemistry for Allied Health
• BIOL 231 and 231L Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 232 and 232L Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• BIOL 340 and 340 L Microbiology
• Provide proof of Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam (Social Security Number or Individual Federal Tax ID Number)
• Successful completion of background check and drug screening by May 1
• Meet immunization requirements and compliance. 

Application Steps for the BSN program

To apply, students must complete and submit the following items:

• Nursing, BSN program application (fpu.edu/study-bsn)
• Two reference forms for the BSN program: one academic reference and one personal character reference.
• Personal Statement on why you want to pursue nursing at FPU. (Typed; 500 word minimum)
• Transcripts of any courses completed at institutions other than FPU if not previously submitted within five years of applying or approved upon review by the BSN program director.

International Students

An international student is considered to be anyone who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident and is seeking to study in the U.S. on an F-1 study visa. Other visa types may allow study but will need to be reviewed by the Office of International Admission to ensure study is allowed. The university makes no guarantees of employment for an BSN program graduate regardless of citizenship or residency status. 

Re-Admission

Students wishing to re-admit to the program without resubmitting an application must have an active Leave of Absence Form on file with the Registrar's office. Students who were academically disqualified, have been gone for more than one semester without an approved leave of absence or who have exceeded their approved leave of absence time frame will have to reapply for the BSN program. In addition, students who were academically disqualified will have to complete the SAP process.

Student-Athletes

Students wishing to compete in college athletics while pursuing their BSN degree should be aware that participation in collegiate-level athletics may not be possible during the last two years of course work due to clinical schedules. Students admitted to the BSN program will need to submit a petition for approval to continue in their sport. Petitions may not be granted due to clinical placement requirements.

NCLEX

An RN to BSN student may be awarded up to 10 elective units of credit for successfully completing the NCLEX-RN examination. Elective credit may apply toward the baccalaureate nursing degree in the amount of one unit of academic credit for every unit of required pre-licensure college-level nursing course credits not previously accepted in transfer to FPU.

• Credit will be awarded toward the RN to BSN degree after successful completion of NURS 315

• A combined maximum of 30 units may be awarded for Advanced Placement exams, College Level Examination Program, International Baccalaureate exams, military or ACE credit, NCLEX-RN, and transfer credit from unaccredited institutions.

Other

This program is not open for non-matriculating/non-degree students wishing to audit classes or clinicals. 

Deferring Enrollment

Students who are admitted to the BSN program but wish to defer their enrollment to the next cohort start should complete the Leave of Absence form with the university. Space within the clinical program for the following year is not guaranteed for students who defer enrollment. Please contact the BSN admission officer for more information. 

Degree Pathways

Nursing, B.S. Four Year Pathway