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What's possible when nursing becomes your life's work? 
Health.

As a nursing major at ����ֱ��, 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 Highlights

• Small class sizes in a cohort model
• Innovative curriculum taught by supportive faculty with decades of nursing experience
• Opportunities to train at some of the best hospitals in the San Joaquin Valley
• Personalized advising
• Courses that integrate faith and science
• A focus on the human and spiritual aspects of nursing, as well as the physical and technical skills needed to answer the call to serve

Approval and Accreditation

Military Credit Evaluation

Process for Military Credit Evaluation for Nursing (SB 466 - California)

 

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Must be a military veteran or active-duty service member with experience in healthcare-related military occupational specialties (MOS), such as:
  • Army: 68W (Combat Medic)
  • Navy: HM (Hospital Corpsman)
  • Air Force: 4N0X1 (Aerospace Medical Service)
• Must be seeking admission to ����ֱ��’s nursing program.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript.
• DD-214 (if separated from the military).
• Military training certificates (if applicable).

Step 3: Submit Military Transcripts for Evaluation

• Request an official JST or CCAF transcript be sent to ����ֱ��’s Registrar’s Office for evaluation.
• If already admitted, submit documents through the Veteran Resources Office for assistance.

Step 4: Registrar’s Office Credit Evaluation

• The Registrar’s Office will assess military coursework and training.
• Transferable credits will be applied in accordance with SB 466 guidelines and the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations.

Step 5: Nursing Program Review

• If applying to the nursing program, request an additional evaluation by the School of Nursing Admissions Office.
• Nursing faculty will determine if military training meets prerequisites or fulfills nursing course requirements.

Step 6: Credit Articulation and Placement

• Approved military credits will be articulated into the student’s degree plan.
• Depending on previous experience, students may be eligible for advanced placement in the nursing program by challenging exams for certain courses.

Step 7: Complete Additional Program Requirements

• If gaps remain between military training and ����ֱ��’s nursing program requirements, students may need to complete additional coursework.
• Work with an academic advisor for course planning.

Step 8: Financial Aid & Support

• Utilize GI Bill® benefits or other military educational benefits.
• Connect with the Veteran Resources Office for guidance on tuition assistance and scholarships.

Step 9: Final Confirmation & Enrollment

• Once credits are officially evaluated, complete the nursing program admission process.
• Register for required courses and begin your nursing education at ����ֱ��.

Yes! Tell Me More!

Faculty

Esther Igboerika, DNP, APRN, CPNP

Chief Nursing Officer and BSN Program Director

Magdalena Ruiz, DNP, MSN, BSN, FNP-C, RN

Assistant Professor of Nursing and MSN Assistant Program Director

JoAnna Crocker, MSN, MHA, MBA, PsyM, RN, FNP-BC, NE-BC

Clinical Assistant Prof. of Nursing and BSN Assistant Program Director

Laura Grant

Assistant Professor of Nursing and MSN Program Director

Marione J. Lear

Clinical Instructor of Nursing

Catalog

Program Director: Esther Igboerika, DNP

Overview

As a nursing major at ����ֱ��, 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

The BSN admission committee will be looking at performance in program course prerequisites, 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 ten years of program start.
• 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 340L Microbiology
• MATH 205 and 206L Introductory Statistics
• 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)
• Names and contact information for two references for the BSN program: one academic reference and one professional reference.
• Personal Statement on why you want to pursue nursing at ����ֱ��. (Typed; 500 word minimum)
• Transcripts of any courses completed at institutions other than ����ֱ�� if not previously submitted within ten 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.

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  

Lower Division Major Prerequisites

• BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
• BIOL 100L - Principles of Biology Lab Credits 1
• BIOL 231 - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits 3
• BIOL 231L - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Credits 1
• BIOL 232 - Anatomy and Physiology II Credits 3
• BIOL 232L - Anatomy and Physiology II Lab Credits 1
• BIOL 235 - Microbiology for Health Sciences Credits 3
• BIOL 235L - Microbiology for Health Sciences Lab Credits 1
• CHEM 210 - Chemistry for Allied Health Credits 3
• CHEM 212L - Chemistry for Allied Health: Laboratory Credits 1
• MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
• MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1

Required Courses

• KIN 270 - Nutrition Credits 3
• NURS 300 - Foundations of Nursing Credits 3
• NURS 300L - Foundations of Nursing Clinical Skills Lab Credits 2
• NURS 300P - Foundations of Nursing Clinical Practicum Credits 1
• NURS 311 - Nursing Care of the Adult and Elder I Credits 2
• NURS 311P - Nursing Care of the Adult and Elder Clinical Practicum I Credits 2
• NURS 315 - Professional Role Development, Nursing Theory and Health Promotion Credits 3
• NURS 321 - Nursing Care of the Adult and Elder II Credits 2
• NURS 321P - Nursing Care of the Adult and Elder Clinical Practicum II Credits 2
• NURS 330 - Health Assessment Credits 2
• NURS 330L - Health Assessment Clinical Laboratory Credits 1
• NURS 332A - Pharmacology I Credits 2
• NURS 332B - Pharmacology II Credits 1
• NURS 334A - Pathophysiology I Credits 2
• NURS 334B - Pathophysiology II Credits 1
• NURS 341 - Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Credits 2
• NURS 341P - Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Clinical Practicum Credits 2
• NURS 350 - Nursing Care of Children Credits 2
• NURS 350P - Nursing Care of Children Clinical Practicum Credits 2
• NURS 411 - Mental Health Nursing Credits 2
• NURS 411P - Mental Health Nursing Clinical Practicum Credits 2
• NURS 420 - Nursing Research Credits 3
• NURS 431 - Nursing Complex Care Credits 2
• NURS 431P - Nursing Complex Care Clinical Practicum Credits 2
• NURS 435 - Public Health Nursing and Global Health Issues Credits 3
• NURS 445 - Public Health Nursing and Community Health Assessment Practicum Credits 2
• NURS 450 - Information Technology and Health Care Economics Credits 3
• NURS 465 - Leadership and Clinical Management Credits 2
• NURS 465P - Leadership and Clinical Management Practicum Credits 1
• NURS 472 - Transcultural Nursing Credits 2
• NURS 475 - NCLEX Review Credits 2
• PSY 360 - Life-Span Development Credits 3

Program Requirements

Admission to the BSN program at ����ֱ�� is a 2 step process. First, students must meet the admissions requirements and be admitted to the University. Admitted freshmen students will then enroll in 2 years of general education requirements and nursing prerequisite classes.

During the second year, students must apply and submit the requirements for the BSN program. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the BSN program. The BSN nursing admission committee will be looking at performance in program course prerequisites, ATI TEAS scores, and the nursing application along with a written statement, in-person interviews, and other academic information. You must be able to pass all criminal history checks and medical and drug tests.

Admission to the BSN program is competitive and limited by the number of available clinical spots. Transfer students may apply for entry given completion of an Associate Degree for Transfer, CSU- GE certification, or IGETC.

BSN Program Application

The application for the Fall 2025 BSN clinical program will open on November 1, 2024 and will close on January 31, 2025. To apply, you will complete and submit the following items:

• Nursing, BSN program application
• Two reference forms for the BSN program: one academic reference and one professional character reference.
• Personal Statement on why you want to pursue nursing at ����ֱ��. (Typed; 500 word-minimum.)
• Transcripts of any courses completed at institutions other than ����ֱ�� if not previously submitted during the ����ֱ�� application process. Science prerequisite courses must have been completed within ten years of applying or approved upon review by the BSN program director.
• Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score.
  • ����ֱ�� strongly encourages students to independently seek out additional resources, study guides, and practice tests to prepare for the TEAS exam.

For additional program information or admission questions contact:

Rosalee Mouanoutoua
559-453-2215
Rosalee.Mouanoutoua@fresno.edu

Non-traditional Admission

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. ����ֱ�� guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.

Incoming requirements

This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.

• Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
• This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
• The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to ����ֱ��'s degree completion programs.
• Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
• The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.

Student responsibilities

To qualify for the guarantee students must:

• Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
• Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
• Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
• Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
• Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
• Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
• Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
• Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
• Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
• Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

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Financial Aid

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Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) and enter into professional nursing practice. You will meet California BRN requirements to apply for the Public Health Nurse certification. After successfully completing the BSN degree, you'll have the educational foundation for entry into the master's program that prepares advanced practice nurses for roles as nurse practitioners in primary care.

Career Possibilities

• Registered nurse, serving in:
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Public Health Agencies
  • Mission organizations
• Registered nurse, providing:
  • Direct patient care
  • Education
  • Administration

Career Development Happens Here