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Frequently Asked Questions
BSN Programs
How do I make an appointment to speak with an advisor?I am not a student in the program but would like to take a specific course. What is the process?
What is the application deadline for your BSN programs? / When are the applications available?
What is the minimum GPA required to apply?
How many applications do you receive for the BSN program?
May I apply to more than one nursing program during the application period?
I have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. Can I apply to your BSN program?
I am already a Registered Nurse and wish to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing. What are the program options for me?
I am a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and wish to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Does SF State offer a special program for me?
I am a CNA/EMT/Paramedic – how can I receive my BSN?
I am a first year SF State student and I want to get my BSN in four years – can you help me plan my schedule?
I am a SF State student with more the 96 earned units, can I still apply to the nursing major?
How long does the program take to complete?
When does the program start?
What days and times are the nursing classes?
Are nursing students subject to background checks and drug tests?
Which hospital is the SF State School of Nursing affiliated with?
What is the NCLEX-RN exam?
When will I be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam?
BSN APPLICATION PROCESS QUESTIONS
What is the application process?Is there an application fee?
How many students do you admit into the program?
Is admission to the program based on a lottery system?
Do I need to be a current SF State in order to apply?
Does the School of Nursing have a wait list?
If I am denied admission can I reapply?
Do you have spring admissions?
Where should I send my transcripts?
How many transcripts should I send?
Do I need to mail my application or can I hand deliver it?
I’m not a resident of California, can I still apply?
BSN PREREQUISITE QUESTIONS
What are the prerequisite courses for the nursing program?Does the SF State School of Nursing accept AP coursework in lieu of specific prerequisites?
Do I need to have prerequisites finished before I apply?
I will have one prerequisite course in progress during spring semester, does that make me less competitive?
I was told by someone on the phone in your office that I could take 2 prerequisite courses in the spring semester. What can I do?
Anatomy and Physiology are upper division courses at SF State – can I still take these courses at a community college where they are considered lower division?
I took an Anatomy and Physiology combined course – will that satisfy the prerequisite?
I took organic chemistry – does that meet the chemistry requirement?
I will be applying to the nursing program and need to take Anatomy and Physiology; can the School of Nursing help me get into these classes?
Which Critical Thinking course should I take?
I have taken calculus, will this replace statistics?
I took Life Span Development for the Psychology requirement. Will this be ok?
I understand the BSN program is competitive, what GPA will guarantee my admissions?
I have taken my prerequisite coursework but received a few grades of C. How will this affect my chances of admission?
BSN ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
What are the requirements to be admitted to San Francisco State University?What is the most important factor in determining admission?
What are the supplemental criteria? Are they required?
What does Multicultural experience mean?
How many hours of multicultural/health care experience do I need to have?
What does Health Care Experience mean?
I volunteered at a hospital during high school three years ago – will you accept this?
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
What are the prerequisite courses for the nursing program?
BSN TEAS QUESTIONS
What is the TEAS?Is the TEAS test required for admission to the nursing program?
Where can I take the TEAS V?
When should I take the TEAS V?
How many times can I take the TEAS V?
How long will it take to get my TEAS results?
When are TEAS results due to the School of Nursing?
MSN Programs General Questions
How do I make an appointment to speak with an advisor?What is the deadline for the program?
May I apply to more than one nursing program during the application period?
Are there any admission tests?
I’ve heard there is a new GRE test, what score will your school expect of applicants?
How many people do you admit into the program?
I am not a resident of California, can I still apply?
If I am denied admission, can I reapply?
Who should my letters of recommendation be from?
Where should my references send their letters?
What is the GPA requirement?
I already have a bachelor’s degree, is there an accelerated BSN program at SF State?
What are the admissions requirements?
I am a Native American male – will this help me in the admission process?
I plan on taking (or have already taken) a few prerequisite classes at another college. How will I know if they are comparable to the required SF State course?
Do I need to have prerequisites finished before I apply?
Do prerequisites need to have been taken within the past seven years?
I took Life Span Development for the Psychology requirement. Will this be ok?
I took a combined Anatomy and Physiology course – will that satisfy the prerequisite?
I took organic chemistry; will that fulfill the chemistry prerequisite requirement?
I took a number of courses in ethnic studies, geography, humanities, and African American studies courses during my undergraduate program. Can I use this coursework to satisfy my Sociology or Cultural Anthropology requirement?
I work full-time, can I complete the GMSN program part time?
What is the NCLEX-RN exam?
When will I be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam?
Will I receive a BSN after completing pre-licensure component of the GMSN program?
Can I become a Nurse Practitioner through the GMSN program?
I work full-time, can I complete the RN-MSN program part time?
I am interested in the RN-MSN program, when are classes offered?
What are the nursing specialty areas available for RN-MSN students?
Frequently Asked Questions
BSN Programs
How do I make an appointment to speak with an advisor?
While the School of Nursing does not have advisors for prospective students, information and guidance can be obtained by:- visiting the prospective students section on the School of Nursing web site
- calling the School of Nursing at: (415) 338-1802
- sending an email to the School of Nursing at: nursing@sfsu.edu
- attending one of the Information Sessions offered each fall
I am not a student in the program but would like to take a specific course. What is the process?
As a general rule, SF State School of Nursing courses are open to enrolled nursing students only. However, at the discretion of the specific course instructor and pending space availability, it may be possible to register for a specific course.What is the application deadline for your BSN programs? / When are the applications available?
The application period for our BSN programs, including the Advanced Placement Option (APO), is October 1st – November 30th each year. The current application is available only during this period of time.
What is the minimum GPA required to apply?
A minimum overall GPA of a 3.0 is required at the time of application.How many applications do you receive for the BSN program?
The SF State School of Nursing usually receives over 800 applications for the BSN program each year. Typically 80 are admitted to the program each year; this number is subject to change based on enrollment targets.May I apply to more than one nursing program during the application period?
No, you may apply to only one nursing program in a given admissions year. For example, you can not apply to the BSN and GMSN program in the same admissions year.I have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. Can I apply to your BSN program?
Yes. Prospective students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can apply to our BSN program on campus, our Generic MSN program, and our grant funded satellite BSN program with Sequoia Hospital at Cañada College. Admission criteria and program requirements are available on the Prospective Students section of the School of Nursing web site.I am already a Registered Nurse and wish to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing. What are the program options for me?
The School of Nursing offers an Advanced Placement Option (APO) for ADN or diploma nurses. Detailed program information and admissions criteria can be obtained in the Prospective Student section of the nursing web site.I am a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and wish to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Does SF State offer a special program for me?
Yes, a 30 unit Non-Degree option is offered on a space available basis. Upon completion of the 30 units, the LVN will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Please visit the Prospective Students section of our web site for a complete listing of courses. Contact the School of Nursing to determine whether or not you can be accommodated.I am a CNA/EMT/Paramedic – how can I receive my BSN?
Anyone who is a CNA, EMT, or Paramedic interested in becoming a Registered Nurse may apply to our BSN program via the regular admissions process.I am a first year SF State student and I want to get my BSN in four years – can you help me plan my schedule?
SF state students can obtain academic advisement at the Undergraduate Advising Center; students enrolled in the College of Health and Human Services can also visit the Student Resource Center for advisement. Please be aware that it will take a minimum of 4.5 years to complete a major in nursing. A roadmap indicating the classes nursing students should take is available on the Registrar’s Office website, http://www.sfsu.edu/~admisrec/reg/academicplanning.html . Once on the site, simply click on “Roadmaps”.I am a SF State student with more the 96 earned units, can I still apply to the nursing major?
As per University policy, continuing students who have earned 96 units or more may not apply to an impacted major. Additional information concerning this policy is available on the Academic Planning section of the Registrar’s Office web site: http://www.sfsu.edu/~admisrec/reg/academicplanning.html . If you have 96 or more earned units, please consult with the SF State Undergraduate Advising Center to discuss options for an alternate major.How long does the program take to complete?
The BSN program is designed to be completed in five semesters or two and one half years (not including summers). Please be advised that in addition to the nursing curriculum students must also complete University General Education requirements.When does the program start?
The School of Nursing’s BSN program usually admits 80 students each academic year. Of these 80 students, approximately half will begin nursing coursework in the fall semester; the others will begin the nursing major in the spring semester. These are general numbers and are subject to change based on enrollment targets and State of California funding.What days and times are the nursing classes?
Students should have the flexibility to allow for classes anytime Monday through Saturday, 7am to 11pm.Are nursing students subject to background checks and drug tests?
While neither drug testing nor background checks are required as part of the admissions process, students are required to have a background checks prior to starting clinical work; depending on the clinical site, drug testing may also be required. Each clinical agency has its own policies regarding these requirements.Which hospital is the SF State School of Nursing affiliated with?
The School of Nursing has clinical sites with a variety of healthcare facilities in the Bay Area. You will work with the Clinical Placement Coordinator in choosing which site will best satisfy your goals. Please be advised, it is strongly recommended students have a reliable car for transportation to clinical sites.What is the NCLEX-RN exam?
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses)is an exam required of all RN licensure candidates in the United States. Passing the exam demonstrates your competence so that you can launch your nursing career.When will I be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam?
You will be prepared and eligible to sit for the NCLEX after completing the fifth semester of the BSN program.BSN APPLICATION PROCESS QUESTIONS
What is the application process?
Information about the application process can be obtained by reviewing the BSN Fact Sheet on our web site: http://www.nursing.sfsu.edu/prospective_students_info.aspxIs there an application fee?
There is a CSU Mentor application fee for new transfer students who must submit an application to SF State. Please visit www.csumentor.edu for additional information. There is currently no fee for the School of Nursing supplemental application.How many students do you admit into the program?
We typically receive over 800 applications and usually admit 80 students into the BSN program each year. The number of students admitted is subject to change based on University enrollment targets and funding from the state.Is admission to the program based on a lottery system?
No, we do not use a lottery system as part of the admission process.Do I need to be a current SF State in order to apply?
No, the School of Nursing is open for admission to SF State students as well as those who wish to transfer from other schools.Does the School of Nursing have a wait list?
While we do not maintain an on-going wait list, we do, however, have a wait list for each admission year. Applicants may be accepted, denied, or placed on the wait list. We may activate the wait list if an accepted applicant declines our offer. Once our class is full the applicants on the waitlist will be informed accordingly and are welcome to re-apply another year.If I’m denied admission can I reapply?
Yes, applicants who are denied admission can re-apply for the following academic school year. There are currently no limitations on how many times you can apply to any of our programs. A new application is required each application period.Do you have spring admissions?
No, the School of Nursing does not have spring admissions. There is one application period each fall from October 1 through November 30.Where should I send my transcripts?
Transcripts must be sent to the SF State Office of Undergraduate Admissions after completing the CSU Mentor application. DO NOT send your transcripts directly to the School of Nursing as this may delay review of your CSU Mentor application to San Francisco State University.How many transcripts should I send?
Applicants must submit one official transcript from each college attended to the SF State Office of Undergraduate Admissions after completing the CSU Mentor application.- If you take classes during the fall semester that you apply, then another set of official transcripts containing fall grades must be sent to the SF State Office of Undergraduate Admissions; we recommend no later than February 1st.
- If prerequisite coursework is to be completed in the spring semester following the application period, then an official transcript containing spring grades must be submitted to the SF State Office of Undergraduate Admission to verify successful completion of that coursework.
Do I need to mail my application or can I hand deliver it?
You may mail or deliver your School of Nursing supplemental application by hand. Applicants who choose to the hand delivery method must do so by the November 30th deadline. If November 30th falls on a weekend then hand delivered applications must be received by the preceding Friday. Applications that are mailed to the School of Nursing must be postmarked by the November 30th deadline.The CSU Mentor application should be submitted as per its instructions. http://www.csumentor.edu/.
I’m not a resident of California, can I still apply?
Students who are not California residents may apply to the SF State BSN program. Please note, however, that because of our impaction status California residents are given priority over non-residents. In practice, this means that we do not admit non residents to the BSN program given the number of applications received each year. The California State University residency criteria can be viewed online at http://www.sfsu.edu/prospect/transfer.htm#residency.BSN PREREQUISITE QUESTIONS
What are the prerequisite courses for the nursing program?
Detailed admissions criteria, including a prerequisite course listing, can be obtained from the BSN Fact Sheet on the Prospective Student section of the School of Nursing web site: http://www.nursing.sfsu.edu/prospective_students_info.aspx.Does the SF State School of Nursing accept AP coursework in lieu of specific prerequisites?
Yes, the nursing program will accept AP coursework if the University admissions office has granted credit for the course (generally a score of three or higher is required).Do I need to have prerequisites finished before I apply?
No. Currently prerequisites must be completed no later than the end of the spring semester or winter quarter immediately after the School of Nursing supplemental application has been submitted. Keep in mind – only one prerequisite can be in progress during spring semester/winter quarter. No prerequisite coursework can be completed during summer session. Students with one prerequisite course in progress during spring semester/winter quarter may be admitted conditionally contingent on completing the course with a grade of C or higher.I will have one prerequisite course in progress during spring semester, does that make me less competitive?
Although students who have completed all prerequisites may look more attractive as a candidate than those with a course in progress – this is not a determining factor in the admission process. Remember, there are many variables that determine admission into the BSN program including GPA, TEAS V results, and supplemental criteria.I was told by someone on the phone in your office that I could take 2 prerequisite courses in the spring semester. What can I do?
While we make every effort to ensure accurate information is being provided over the phone and through advisement, it is the prospective students’ responsibility to check the School of Nursing website at www.nursing.sfsu.edu, the primary resource for information regarding admission procedures, criteria, and prerequisite coursework.Anatomy and Physiology are upper division courses at SF State – can I still take these courses at a community college where they are considered lower division?
Yes, any of the prerequisite courses can be taken at a community college.I took an Anatomy and Physiology combined course – will that satisfy the prerequisite?
In general, two semesters or three quarters of a combined Anatomy and Physiology w/ lab course will fulfill the one semester of anatomy w/ lab and one semester of physiology w/ lab prerequisite requirements. Please consult www.assist.org for equivalent coursework taken at any of the California community colleges or CSUs. If the course in question was taken at a UC, or an out of state university, please contact the School of Nursing.I took organic chemistry – does that meet the chemistry requirement?
No, we expect prospective students to have taken a course (or courses) in which they are introduced to topics in general, organic, and biochemistry (such as the Survey of Chemistry course offered by the SF State Chemistry Department).I will be applying to the nursing program and need to take Anatomy and Physiology; can the School of Nursing help me get into these classes?
Regrettably, we cannot help you enroll in these classes as they are not offered by the School of Nursing. If you are unable to register for these classes try to get your name on the wait list. If there is not a wait list go to the first day of class and speak with the course instructor. Some students choose to take these classes at a local community college as an alternative to taking them at SF State.Which Critical Thinking course should I take?
Any course that satisfies the CSU General Education Critical Thinking requirement will also satisfy the School of Nursing’s Critical Thinking prerequisite.I’ve taken calculus, will this replace statistics?
No, calculus is not the same as statistics. You must take a statistics course.I took Life Span Development for the Psychology requirement. Will this course be ok?
No, the School of Nursing requires a General or Introductory Psychology course. Topical psychology courses such as Abnormal, Child, Personality, Developmental, etc. will not satisfy this requirement.I understand the BSN program is competitive, what GPA will guarantee my admissions?
There is no GPA which will guarantee an applicant’s admission. Historically, a competitive GPA can be anywhere from a 3.5 to a 3.7; however these numbers may change depending on a given applicant pool.I have taken my prerequisite coursework but received a few grades of C. How will this affect my chances of admission?
Although permissible, grades of C will decrease your overall competitiveness as those grades will affect the overall GPA. Some students decide to repeat coursework to improve their GPA. Please consider your school’s course repeat policy prior to repeating a course.BSN ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
What are the requirements to be admitted to San Francisco State University?
Please visit the University’s Prospective Student web site at http://www.sfsu.edu/prospect/apply/apply.html for admission requirements. If you are currently attending a community college we also suggest you make an appointment with a transfer counselor at your school.What is the most important factor in determining admission?
Overall GPA, prerequisite GPA, and TEAS V results, are all important factors in determining admission. However supplemental criteria are also considered. All prerequisites must have been completed with a grade of C or better – HOWEVER, in recent years, students admitted to the major have earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher within their prerequisite coursework.What are the supplemental criteria? Are they required?
Supplemental criteria for the School of Nursing are not required but will strengthen an application. Please review the BSN Fact Sheet on the School of Nursing web site. http://www.nursing.sfsu.edu/prospective_students_info.aspx.What does Multicultural experience mean?
Multicultural experience would be satisfied by working or volunteering with underserved populations, such as the homeless, elders, disadvantaged children, at-risk youth, hospice, etc. Work or volunteer service must be documented by a letter on the organization's stationery.How many hours of multicultural/health care experience do I need to have?
The School of Nursing does not require a specific length of time for multicultural or health care experiences. Many organizations will not provide you letters of recommendation until you have accumulated a specific number of hours of service. Contact your volunteer site to determine its requirements and plan ahead as letters to verify experiences are due when submitting the supplemental application.What does Health Care Experience mean?
Health Care experience would be satisfied by working or volunteering with patients at a medical facility such as a hospital or community clinic. Work or volunteer service must be documented by a letter on agency/organization stationery. Individuals who are certified or licensed CNAs, EMTs, or LVN must also submit current credentials.I volunteered at a hospital during high school three years ago – will you accept this?
Given the competitive nature of the admission process applicants are encouraged to have work/volunteer experience no older than two years.How many letters of recommendation do I need?
Letters of recommendation should not be submitted. The only letters School of Nursing will accept are those that are verifying multicultural and healthcare work or volunteer experiences. Please submit one letter to substantiate each of these experiences if you’ve fulfilled these supplemental criteria. Letters must be on company letter head, sealed, and signed across the seal, and received with the supplemental application. Other letters or personal statements will not be considered in the admission decision.What are the prerequisite courses for the nursing program?
Detailed admissions criteria, including a prerequisite course listing, can be obtained from the BSN Fact Sheet on the Prospective Student section of the School of Nursing web site. http://www.nursing.sfsu.edu/prospective_students_info.aspx.BSN TEAS QUESTIONS
What is the TEAS?
TEAS is an acronym for the Test of Essential Academic Skills. It measures basic essential skills in the academic content area of reading, mathematics, science, English and language usage. Additional information about the TEAS can be obtained online at www.atitesting.com.Is the TEAS required for admission to the nursing program?
Yes, the TEAS V is required for admission to our BSN program and our SF State/Sequoia Hospital BSN program. Applicants must attain the “Proficient” level or higher.Where can I take the TEAS V?
Please visit www.atitesting.com to find testing site information.When should I take the TEAS V?
Results of the TEAS V will need to be submitted by the application deadline. It is recommended you begin to study for the TEAS V the summer prior to submitting an application to the BSN nursing program; plan to take the exam one to four months prior to the application deadline.How many times can I take the TEAS V?
There is currently no limit on the number of times the TEAS V can be taken. The Nursing Admission Committee will accept the highest score achieved. If/when there is a change to this policy it will be posted on the Prospective Students section of the School of Nursing web site.Back
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How long will it take to get my TEAS results?
Students who take the TEAS by paper/pencil typically receive results in
about a week;
those who take the TEAS on computer typically receives results with 24
hours.
Check with your selected testing site to determine which method is
being administered
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When are TEAS results due to the School of Nursing?
A printed copy ofthe TEAS Individual Performance Profile is due with the School School of Nursing application by November 30th. In addition, applicants should request an official TEAS transcript to be sent from from ATI Testing to the approprioate SF State nursing program no later than the November 30th application deadline.MSN Programs General Questions
How do I make an appointment to speak with an advisor?
While the School of Nursing does not have advisors for prospective students, information and guidance can be obtained by:- visiting the prospective students section on the School of Nursing web site: http://www.nursing.sfsu.edu/prospective_students_info.aspx.
- calling the School of Nursing at: (415) 338-1802
- sending an email to the School of Nursing at: nursing@sfsu.edu
- attending one of the Information Sessions offered each fall
What is the deadline for the program?
The application period may vary depending on your program of interest. Please visit the Prospective Student section of the School of Nursing web site for current deadlines. http://www.nursing.sfsu.edu/prospective_students_info.aspx.May I apply to more than one nursing program during the application period?
No, you may apply to only one nursing program in a given admissions year. For example, you can not apply to the BSN and GMSN program in the same admissions year.Are there any admission tests?
Yes, all graduate applicants must submit results of the Analytical Writing section of the GRE with the School of Nursing Supplemental Application for Graduate Admission. A score of four or higher is required.I’ve heard there is a new GRE test, what score will your school expect of applicants?
The School of Nursing requires a minimum score of 4 on the Analytical Writing portion of the GRE. The scoring for the Analytical Writing portion of the GRE has not changed with the Revised GRE. You may visit the Educational Testing Service web site for additional information.How many people do you admit into the program?
We admit 40-50 students into our GMSN program and 20 students each into our RN-MSN, Cohort, and Post Master’s Certificate program each academic year, depending on enrollment targets. These numbers are subject to change.I am not a resident of California, can I still apply?
Non-residents can apply to our RN-MSN and Post Master’s program (a California RN license is required). Prospective students who are not California residents may also apply to our GMSN program. Please note, however, that because of the impaction status of our pre-licensure program California residents are given priority over non-residents for. The California State University residency criteria can be viewed online at http://www.sfsu.edu/prospect/transfer.htm#residency.If I am denied admission, can I reapply?
Yes, there is currently no limit to the number of times you can apply to the School of Nursing.Who should my letters of recommendation be from?
Letters of reference may be from a former supervisor or professor who can attest to your professional and/or academic potential. They may also note any qualities about you that would be beneficial to nursing. Please be advised that, in addition to the letter, your references must also complete the evaluation form located in the application packet.Where should my references send their letters?
Letters of reference with reference forms should be sent to you. You will subsequently include these letters in your application packet to be submitted to the School of Nursing by the application deadline.What is the GPA requirement?
Applicants must have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. This can be in the most recent 60 semester units or 90 quarter units.I already have a bachelor’s degree, is there an accelerated BSN program at SF State?
The School of Nursing does not offer an accelerated BSN program on SF State’s main campus. Students who already have a BA/BS degree can apply to our entry level master’s (GMSN) program, SF State/Sequoia Hospital BSN program or regular BSN program. Admission requirements for each program are available on the Prospective Students section of the School of Nursing web site.What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants must be eligible for graduate studies at SF State. Please visit the SF State bulletin for the complete CSU graduate admission requirements.- A GRE score of 4 or higher on the Analytical Writing section;
- Completion of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of C (GMSN applicants only);
- Three letters of recommendation and references;
- Healthcare volunteer or work experience;
- Goal statement.
I am a Native American male – will this help me in the admission process?
No, gender and ethnicity do not have an influence in the admission process.I plan on taking (or have already taken) a few prerequisite classes at another college. How will I know if they are comparable to the required SF State course?
You have 2 options:- Visit www.assist.org for courses taken at California State schools.
- Send a copy of the course description and syllabus to the appropriate SF State academic department.
