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Bachelor of Science in Nursing Admission Requirements
CalSouthern offers two pathways for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program: a traditional RN-to-BSN pathway and the “Early Start” pathway. The traditional path requires that the applicant has a high school diploma or a GED and completed their Registered Nurse (RN) licensure requirements in the state where the applicant practices. The “Early Start” pathway requirements include all of the above and allows the learner entrance into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program after graduation from a CCNE accredited nursing program, but prior to taking and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. A Registered Nursing License is usually required to award the BSN degree and new graduates are ordinarily unable to continue their education until the NCLEX-RN is completed. At CalSouthern, learners can enroll in the BSN program with the condition that they provide formal proof they have taken and passed the NCLEX-RN exam while enrolled in the program, but prior to enrolling in any clinical class and prior to the beginning of their BSN Capstone Project. Learners must meet all other requirements for the BSN degree including maintaining a GPA of 3.0 in all required courses. The “Early Start” option saves time, expenses, and starts the learner on their nursing career path.
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Admission to the BSN Program:
Learners must meet the general admissions requirements of the University in addition to the requirements for the School of Nursing. Learners must have an ADN or an RN from a CCNE accredited institution for admission (see exception for the “Early Start” pathway.
Applicants with a Registered Nursing (RN) License:
Traditional applicants, please provide documentation of a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in at least one U.S. state or provide evidence of a nursing license comparable to a U.S. registered nursing license from the nation, province, or region where you are employed as a nurse.
Applicants with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN):
Prospective students can apply as an “Early Start” learner: • If you are a graduate with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a graduate of a diploma program from a CCNE or equivalent accrediting nursing school or program that qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN exam, but have not yet taken or passed the NCLEX-RN exam, you may apply for admission through the conditional* enrollment procedures set forth below for “Early Start” designation. • You have a maximum of 90 transferable/eligible semester credit hours, a focus in nursing, and eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam. • Applicants must provide an official transcript indicating a completed associate degree or certificate in nursing and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) from an accredited institution. You must provide the University with an official copy of the transcript from your prior school no later than 6 months from your start date to receive transfer credit. • A letter of explanation submitted by the applicant noting the reason they have not yet sat for and passed the NCLEX-RN exam to date, not received licensure as a Registered Nurse in their state of residency and that they will do so no later than the last required class and but prior enrolling in any clinical class and prior to the beginning of the BSN Capstone Project but within 3 years of graduation from an accredited nursing program whichever is earliest. • The learner understands they will not be awarded the BSN unless they comply with the above conditions.
