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NURSING

College of Health and Human Services

• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
• MASTER OF SCIENCE
• CREDENTIAL
• SPECIAL TEACHING AUTHORIZATION IN HEALTH
• CAREER POSSIBILITIES
• FACULTY
• CONTACT
• COMPLETE COURSE LISTING

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Division of Nursing offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a Master of Science degree in Nursing, and a School Nurse Services Credential. Course offerings evolve from a philosophical belief that nurses function to assist health care consumers to achieve positive adaptive responses which lead to optimal wellness levels. The Division of Nursing's program serves its students and the society at large by creating an environment in which faculty and students pursue the knowledge, wisdom, and values that contribute to an improved quality of life.

The curricula of the Division are organized around the concepts of:

• nursing;
• health care consumer;
• health;
• environment; and
• learning.

The values reflected in the Division of Nursing include:

• caring;
• professionalism;
• integrity;
• diversity; and
• innovation.

The faculty believes that each person is unique, valued being who possesses intellectual, physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual needs. The individual and the environment are in a continuous reciprocal process of change and adaptation. The nurse uses caring behaviors and the science of nursing to facilitate positive adaptive responses.

Characteristics of the professional nurse include the ability to think critically and use the problem-solving process while providing care. The nurse addresses the changing health needs of society in a manner consistent with scientific advancement, trends in health care delivery systems, and emerging legislation.

Special Features

• The baccalaureate program consists of a four-year curriculum of lower and upper division course work. There are two (2) years of General Education including prerequisites and two (2) years of clinical nursing. The time to complete the prerequisites may increase the time to complete the degree. Its content prepares competent professional practitioners of nursing who will help meet the changing health care needs of society. The specific purposes of the program are to: 1) provide a program of study which includes the developing theory and practices of nursing leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing, 2) prepare a generalist in nursing practice who is able to utilize the nursing process to meet the health care needs of the community, and 3) provide the student with a base for graduate study.
• In the baccalaureate program, students are provided with a variety of learning experiences both on and off campus. Examples of clinical facilities used in the Sacramento and surrounding areas include acute care hospitals, skilled nursing and extended care facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, and community health and social service agencies.
• Students are encouraged to participate in the California Nursing Students' Association (CNSA) as they pursue their academic studies. In their fourth semester of clinical nursing course work, students are eligible for membership in Zeta Eta, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society for Nursing.
• The Sacramento State program in professional nursing is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• The student satisfactorily completing the baccalaureate program is awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is eligible to apply for licensure by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
• Consult the Division of Nursing website at www.hhs.csus.edu/nrs for accelerated options for students with bachelors' degrees in other areas of study.

Note: Upon completion of the first seven academic semesters of the recommended course sequence in nursing (after the 4th clinical semester), the student may apply for the licensing examination administered by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Additional course work is necessary to complete the requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Following licensure and graduation, the student is eligible to apply for the Public Health Nursing Certificate issued by the Board of Registered Nursing.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

Admission to the Sacramento State baccalaureate Nursing program is a two-step process: 1) admission to the University and 2) admission to the Clinical Nursing program. Prospective first-time freshmen, and transfer students who will not complete certain Clinical Nursing prerequisites by the time they enroll, may apply for University admission at any time up to the regular application deadline. They will be considered pre-nursing majors until they enter the Clinical Nursing program.

Up to 60 generic students are admitted to the clinical portion of the baccalaureate Nursing program each semester. All qualified Registered Nurses are admitted to the RN-BSN tract each semester. A competitive selection process has been established since applications exceed program space in the generic program. Admitted students are selected from among candidates who meet the prerequisite requirements and follow the supplemental application procedures described below. Continuing Sacramento State, transfer students and second baccalaureate degree applicants are given equal consideration in the selection process.

The clinical portion of the nursing program is open only to those who can satisfy the California residence requirements. Paying resident fees based on a military fee waiver does not classify one as a California resident.

Clinical Nursing Prerequisites

The following prerequisites are to be met by time of enrollment unless otherwise stated.

• Completion of six of the eight specific courses listed under Pre-Clinical Courses. Two pre-clinical courses may be in progress at the time of application. All eight pre-clinical courses must be completed in December when applying for a spring term; June for fall. When applying for a fall term course work completed in summer will not be considered or accepted. Pre-Clinical courses are acceptable regardless of date completed, but current knowledge is essential.
• Applicants are encouraged to complete the corequisite courses prior to admission. Pharmacology must be completed prior to or concurrent with the first semester nursing courses. Introductory Psychology, Nutrition, Life Span Human Development must be completed prior to the second semester of the nursing program. A societal-cultural patterns course must be completed prior to licensure and graduation.
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required on the pre-clinical and corequisite courses completed at the time of application. All pre-clinical and corequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better; a grade of C- is not acceptable. Up to 50 admission points will be assigned based on the applicant's GPA.
• Completion of the ATI, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). A minimum score of 75.0% is required. The test must be taken no later than February for the following fall semester or September for the following spring semester. The test may be taken three times within a five-year period preceding the Supplemental Nursing Application deadline. The highest score will be used. Up to 50 points will be assigned based on the applicant's total score from the best testing.

Bilingual Skills (three points) in Spanish, Chinese, South East Asian Languages, Indian Languages (Hindi, Punjabi), Tagalog, Russian, Farsi, Arabic, or American Sign Language, will be determined by:

- completion of three years high school course work;
- completion of two years college course work; or
- completion of an oral proficiency examination.

Multicultural Health-Related Work Experience (three points). The multicultural health-related work experience is to be documented and must consist of a minimum of 64 hours of paid or volunteer work in a health-related setting comprised of two or more cultural groups. The minimum 64-hour requirement is to be met prior to application to the Clinical Nursing program.

Background (six points). A maximum of nine points is available, three points for each background subcategory of Economic, Educational and Environmental. Examples include:

• Economic Background: History of family's low income status/welfare as income.


• Educational Background: Little or no parental, family or support group, education beyond elementary and secondary school, low socioeconomic level of school population, low ranking of school in statewide test, no higher education counseling.


• Environmental Background: Migrant family, rural community, receiving welfare, large family, parents divorced, first to attend college, English as a second language, cultural inculcation, i.e., residence on reservation, migrant camp.

Clinical Nursing Application Procedures

Fall Semester:

November
• University online application due.
• Contact every college attended, requesting a transcript be mailed to the Sacramento State Admissions and Records Office.
• Ask questions regarding pre-nursing prerequisite equivalencies and transferability of courses (especially important for Registered Nurses).
December
• File a request at current college for a transcript to be sent as soon as grades from the fall term have been recorded (do not wait until the fall term has ended to file).
• Schedule any remaining nursing prerequisite course to be completed prior to summer school.
February
• Supplemental Clinical Nursing Application and instructions available on Division of Nursing website by February 1, www.hhs.csus.edu/nrs (see application for deadline date).
  
• All transcripts must be in applicant's Sacramento State Admissions file.
April
• Letter of admission or denial mailed.
• Letter of Intent to Enroll required.

Spring Semester:

June
• Contact every college attended, requesting a transcript be mailed to the Sacramento State Admissions and Records Office.
• Ask questions regarding pre-nursing prerequisite equivalencies and transferability of courses (especially important for Registered Nurses)
July
• File a request at current college for a transcript to be sent as soon as grades from the summer term have been recorded (do not wait until summer term has ended to file)
August
• University online application due.
September
• Supplemental Clinical Nursing Application and instructions available on Division of Nursing website on September 15, www.hhs.csus.edu/nrs (see application for deadline date).
• All transcripts must be in applicant's Sacramento State Admissions file.
• Last TEAS test date for a spring Clinical Nursing program admission.
November
• Letter of admission or denial mailed.
• Letter of Intent to Enroll required.

Clinical Nursing Selection Criteria

• The college GPA, the results of the ATI, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and the optional criteria, if selected by the student, will be used to determine program admission.
• The GPA and TEAS will be weighted equally in the selection process.
• Admitted students are selected from a rank ordering of total points assigned to different GPA and TEAS result levels as well as points assigned to the optional criteria.

Additional Information

Health Requirements
Students admitted to the Clinical Nursing program are required to have specified inoculations by the Student Health Center or a private physician prior to beginning nursing course work. Drug and alcohol screening is required before beginning clinical nursing. Health insurance is required. Complete information on health requirements for nursing students may be secured from the Division of Nursing.

Technology Competence
To be successful in the curriculum, students must be able to demonstrate competency in computer technology, such as word processing, use of the Internet, e-mail, and database searches. Clinical nursing students are required to own a personal computer.

Admissions Advising
Group advising meetings are scheduled throughout the academic year. Times of these meetings and program publications are available on the Division of Nursing website at www.hhs.csus.edu/nrs.

Professional Liability Insurance, Automobile Insurance, Transportation, Schedules and CPR Certification
All students enrolled in clinical laboratory courses in the nursing major must pay the University fee for professional liability insurance, provide proof of automobile insurance, and have a means of transportation to extended campus facilities. Professional liability insurance is mandatory prior to beginning clinical experiences. In certain nursing courses, students may have a rotating schedule in the clinical laboratory necessitating flexibility in planning other classes and activities. CPR certification for medical professionals is required as a prerequisite to the program and recertification must be maintained according to the requirements of the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

Challenge by Examination
The Division of Nursing offers the opportunity of petitioning certain nursing courses for credit by examination. NURS 11, NURS 144, NURS 150, and NURS 156 (Generic students), and NURS 171, NURS 174, NURS 178, (RN to BSN students) may not be challenged. Students who by reason of special study, experience or training, already possess the skills, knowledge and attitudes which are the objectives of the given course, may petition for credit by examination. A maximum of 30 units may be challenged. Licensed Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Corpsmen are examples of students who may be eligible to challenge specific nursing courses. Additional information may be obtained by referring to ''Credit by Examination'' in the Sacramento State Catalog or by contacting the Division of Nursing. Students wishing to challenge should contact the Division.

Background Checks
The Board of Registered Nursing requires investigation of any prior convictions and disciplinary actions. Failure to disclose a conviction may interfere with clinical placement and subsequent licensure as a Registered Nurse. All students admitted to the clinical nursing program are required to complete a background screening process by an outside agency. Individuals with reported convictions should refer to the "Prior Convictions and Disciplinary Actions" in the Licensing and Examination section and "Background Checks for Student Clinical Placement" in the Nursing School section of the Board of Registered Nursing website at www.rn.ca.gov.

Note: If a prerequisite course has been taken more than once, the higher grade will be included in the GPA calculation used to rank candidates. However, if an individual prerequisite course has been taken more than twice within the seven year period preceding the first day of Supplemental Nursing Application filing period, a five-point deduction per course will be taken from the candidate's final score in the ranking for admission to the clinical nursing program.

Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree

Units required for Generic Major: 101
Minimum total units required for the BS: 131
Units required for the RN to BSN Major: 101
Note: Additional units may be required to meet the Sacramento State foreign language requirement.

Courses in Parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Required Pre-Clinical Courses (29 units)

When possible, students are encouraged to apply their pre-clinical courses to General Education requirements.

(3) An oral communication course such as:
	COMS 4	Introduction to Public Speaking
(3) An introductory college composition course such as:
	ENGL 1A	College Composition (EPT score of 148+ or above, or completion of ENGL 1)
(3) A critical thinking course such as:
	COMS 2	Argumentation OR
	ENGL 1C	Critical Thinking and Writing (Grade of C- or better in ENGL 1A)
(3) A quantitative reasoning course such as:
	STAT 1	Introduction to Statistics or any GE Area B4 course (MATH 9 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test)
(5) An organic chemistry course with a lab such as:
	CHEM 6B	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1A or CHEM 6A or a high school chemistry course and passing a qualifying exam given in the first laboratory period)
(4) An anatomy course with a lab such as:
	BIO 22	Introductory Human Anatomy (BIO 1, BIO 2, BIO 10, or BIO 20) OR
	BIO 25	Human Anatomy and Physiology I
(4) A physiology course with a lab such as:
	BIO 26	Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 25 or instructor permission)
	BIO 131	Systemic Physiology (BIO 1, BIO 2, BIO 10, BIO 20, or BIO 22 and one year of college chemistry) OR
(4) A microbiology course with a lab such as:
	BIO 139	General Microbiology (BIO 10 or BIO 20 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 6B, CHEM 20 or CHEM 24)

B. Required Clinical Nursing Courses (72 units)

At any time prior to 2nd semester (11 units)

(3) Course in Human Nutrition

(3) Course in Human Development

(3) Course in Introductory Psychology

(2) NURS 14 Pharmacology (BIO 131 or equivalent)

At any time before graduation (3 units)

(3) Course in Societal-cultural Patterns

1. First Semester (12 units)

(3)	NURS 11	Introduction to Professional Nursing (Admission to Clinical Nursing program)
(5)	NURS 12#	Nursing Care of Adults (Admission to Clinical Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 15, NURS 16)
(2)	NURS 15#	Introduction to Clinical Nursing Practice (Admission to Clinical Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 12, NURS 16)
(1)	NURS 16#	Physical Assessment of the Adult (Admission to Clinical Nursing program or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 12, NURS 15)
(1)	NURS 18#	Therapeutic Interpersonal and Group Communication in Nursing (Admission to Clinical Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 11, NURS 14, NURS 17 or instructor permission)

2. Required Second Semester Clinical Nursing Courses** (15 units)

(2)	NURS 17#	Concepts and Practices of Gerontological Nursing (Admission to Clinical Nursing program)
(6)	NURS 123	Nursing Families in Complex Illness (NURS 11, NURS 12, NURS 15, NURS 16, NURS 17; or instructor permission)
(5)	NURS 129	Mental Health Nursing (NURS 11, NURS 12, NURS 15, NURS 16, NURS 17; or instructor permission)
(2)	NURS 150*	Research in Nursing (NURS 12; Corequisite: NURS 123, NURS 129 or instructor permission)

3. Required Upper Division Courses for Generic Students (28 units)

A. Third Semester Clinical Courses (15 units)
(1)	NURS 136	Nursing the Childbearing Family: Skills and Assessment (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 137)
(5)	NURS 137	Nursing the Childbearing Family (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 136)
(5)	NURS 138	Nursing the Childrearing Family (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 139)
(1)	NURS 139	Nursing the Childrearing Family: Assessment and Skill Acquisition (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 138)
(3)	NURS 169±**	Reasoning Development in Health Care Sciences (All prerequisites for NURS 143, NURS 144 or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 143, NURS 144 or NURS 156)

B. Fourth Semester Clinical Courses (13 units)
(6)	NURS 143	Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice (NURS 136, NURS 137, NURS 138, NURS 139 or instructor permission)
(5)	NURS 144	Community Health Nursing (NURS 136, NURS 137, NURS 138, NURS 139 or instructor permission)
(2)	NURS 156	Selected Senior Practicum in Nursing (NURS 143, NURS 144 or instructor permission)

*May be taken in 2nd or 3rd semester
**May be taken in 3rd or 4th semester

C. Additional Graduation Requirements (3 units)

(3) A course in societal-cultural patterns* prior to certification of eligibility for state licensure such as:
	ANTH 2	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
	ANTH 144	Contemporary American Culture in Anthropological Perspective
	ANTH 186	Culture and Poverty (Passing score on the WPE)
	ANTH 188	Anthropology of the Body
	HRS 161	Multicultural America
	SOC 1	Principles of Sociology

Note: The following additional courses are recommended but not required:

	NURS 10	Health Care: Issues and Delivery Systems
	NURS 160**	Human Sexuality
	NURS 167**	Women's Health
	NURS 168**	The Brain and Gender-Related Differences
	A statistics course, particularly for students planning graduate study.

* Not required for RN to BSN students who are already licensed.
**No more than nine units from courses bearing the same designation as student's major may be applied to General Education requirements (e.g., NURS). Freshman Seminar does not, in any case, count against the 9 unit overlap.

Notes:

• Applicants with a prior baccalaureate degree are exempt from General Education requirements. However, U.S. History, Constitution and State/Local Government requirements must still be met.

• In addition to the major in Nursing, students may also complete a minor in another discipline. For example, a minor in Biology has been outlined which uses many of the pre-clinical biological sciences taken at Sacramento State. There are numerous disciplines which would enrich the baccalaureate degree in Nursing (e.g., Gerontology). Information on minors can be obtained by contacting the department of interest.

RN to BSN Program

Prerequisites courses must be met prior to admission. Must meet requirements specified in Sections B1, B2, and C above.
Must possess a current valid California Registered Nurse License.

Required Upper Division Courses for RN-BSN Students (49 units)

1. First Semester (15 units)
(3)	NURS 170	Basics of Nursing Research and Application (Acceptance into the RN to BSN Program or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 171 and NURS 173)
(6)	NURS 171	Transitional Concepts for Professional Nursing (RN licensure, admission to the RN to BSN program)
(6)	NURS 173	Theoretical Foundations for Leadership and Management (Corequisite: NURS 171)
Equivalency is awarded after completion of NURS 171 for the following courses (23 units)
(6)	NURS 123	Nursing Families in Complex Illness (NURS 11, NURS 12, NURS 15, NURS 16, NURS 17; or instructor permission)
(5)	NURS 129	Mental Health Nursing (NURS 11, NURS 12, NURS 15, NURS 16, NURS 17; or instructor permission)
(1)	NURS 136	Nursing the Childbearing Family: Skills and Assessment (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 137)
(5)	NURS 137	Nursing the Childbearing Family (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 136)
(5)	NURS 138	Nursing the Childrearing Family (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 139)
(1)	NURS 139	Nursing the Childrearing Family: Assessment and Skill Acquisition (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 138)
2. Second Semester (12 units)
(6)	NURS 174	Community Health Nursing for Professional Nurses and Leadership in the Community (NURS 171, NURS 173)
(3)	NURS 178	Culminating Project (NURS 170, NURS 171, NURS 173, NURS 174)
(3)	NURS 179	Professional Communication and Reasoning Development (NURS 171, instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 174, NURS 178)

# Generally met through completion of basic RN program.
± May be used for upper division GE Area E and the Writing Intensive Graduation Requirement by nursing majors.

Note: Satisfactory completion of the program requires a grade of "C" or better in every corequisite and clinical nursing course. Opportunity to repeat nursing courses will depend upon the number of students enrolled in courses and availability of clinical experiences and a successful petition to repeat from the Student Affairs Committee.

Requirements - RN License Option - for Licensed Vocational Nurses

Units Required: 30

California law allows Licensed Vocational Nurses to take the Registered Nurse licensure exam after completing 30 units of academic course work in Nursing and related science subjects. For more information on this option contact the Division of Nursing to make an appointment to speak with an advisor. Admission to the University is required.

Prerequisites

(4)		Microbiology with a lab
(4)		Physiology with a lab
	1st Semester
(4)	NURS 119	Mental Health Nursing for the LVN 30 Unit Option (Microbiology with a lab, Physiology with a lab, and a California Licensure as a Vocational Nurse; Corequisite NURS 123)
(6)	NURS 123	Nursing Families in Complex Illness (NURS 11, NURS 12, NURS 15, NURS 16, NURS 17; or instructor permission)
	2nd Semester
(2)	NURS 113	Leadership & Management for the LVN 30 Unit Option (NURS 119, NURS 123; Microbiology with a lab, Physiology with a lab; Corequisite: NURS 137, NURS 138)
(5)	NURS 137	Nursing the Childbearing Family (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 136)
(5)	NURS 138	Nursing the Childbearing Family (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 139)
	Optional
(1)	NURS 16	Physical Assessment of the Adult - 1st semester (Admission to Clinical Nursing program or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 12, NURS 15)

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Master of Science in Nursing is traditionally designed to prepare registered nurses with baccalaureate degrees for advanced practice roles as nursing educators, administrators, family and community, and adult clinical roles, family nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and credentialed school nurses; in addition the program prepares nursing educators. The curriculum emphasizes the systematic study of professional nursing practice and preparation for a leadership role. The program includes both classroom and field experiences in advanced clinical and role concepts and functional role preparations. The program is designed for nurses currently employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities, health agencies and educational institutions who require graduate preparation to qualify for present positions or desire advancement to positions of greater responsibility and complexity. Scheduling of program offerings will provide maximum flexibility and the opportunity for self-directed study.

Students begin the program with 6 units of the core courses and proceed into either additional core or advanced practice role courses, School Nurse, Nursing Administration, Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Educator. Within the advanced practice clinical roles, students may focus on adult, family, community, mental health, school health or gerontologic advanced nursing practice.

Students desiring the School Nurse Services Credential must be admitted to the MS program unless already possessing a master's degree. Nineteen (19) units from the MS degree meet the credential requirements.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing, applicants must:

• have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from a National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited institution or its equivalent, OR a baccalaureate degree in a discipline related to nursing. Students with a BA or BS degree in non-nursing areas must meet baccalaureate competencies in research, leadership and management, and community health before progressing in the graduate program. Competency may be verified through course work, testing or experience;
• be eligible for Public Health Certification in California;
• have a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units of undergraduate nursing course work;
• have an overall GPA of 3.0 (If one or both of the above GPA requirements are unmet, the student may apply for conditional classification and demonstrate academic ability by enrolling in, and successfully passing with a "B" or better, NURS 211 and NURS 212);
• complete the Graduate Record Examination before the application deadline;
• possess a current RN license in California;
• satisfactorily complete an Introduction to Nursing Research course or equivalent. Students may enroll in the undergraduate research course, NURS 150, through concurrent enrollment to meet the admission requirements; and
• submit a statement of purpose that outlines the goals and objectives for the pursuit of graduate study.

Statistics is required for graduation from the program. An introductory course (e.g., STAT 1 or SWRK 110) within the past seven years may be taken before admission or after admission but before NURS 210B.

Professional Liability and Automobile Insurance and Health Requirements

All students enrolled in clinical laboratory courses in the Master's program must pay the fee for the University professional liability insurance. Professional liability insurance is mandatory prior to beginning clinical experiences. Proof of automobile insurance may be required for clinical experience. The student admitted to the Master's program is required to have specified inoculations by the Student Health Service or a private physician prior to beginning nursing course work. Drug and alcohol screening is required. Health insurance is required. Complete information on health requirements may be secured from the Division of Nursing.

Technology Competence

To be successful in the curriculum, students must be able to demonstrate competency in computer technology, such as word processing, use of the Internet, e-mail, and database searches.

Admission Procedures

Prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following materials as a complete admission packet with the Office of Graduate Studies:

• an online application for admission;
• two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State;

The deadline for completing all application requirements is March 1 for fall admission. The graduate program admits students once a year.

Notice of the decision regarding admission will be mailed to the applicant after files are complete and reviewed. Students will be assigned a faculty advisor at the beginning of the school year.

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. The procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

• removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
• completed at least 12 units in the graduate program, with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and
• passed the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) or secured approval for a WPE waiver.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available online at www.csus.edu, Office of Graduate Studies. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his/her advisor. The completed form is then returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval. Students may not register for the Culminating Requirement until they have advanced to candidacy.

Requirements - Master of Science Degree

Units required for the MS: 33-40

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Core Courses (15 units)

(3)	NURS 209	Advanced Role Development in Nursing (Admission to graduate program)
(3)	NURS 210	Research as the Foundation for Advanced Nursing (Undergraduate research course and admission to the graduate program for nursing)
(3)	NURS 212	Concepts and Theory Development in Nursing
(3)	NURS 214B	Educational Program Development in Nursing I (NURS 210, NURS 212)
(3)	NURS 215	Community and Health Services and Policy (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)

B. Advanced Practice Role Preparation (student completes at least one area)

Advanced Clinical Role (15 units)

(3)	NURS 213A	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: Family-Community-Mental Health Nursing (NURS 210, NURS 212) OR
	NURS 213B	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: Adult Nursing (NURS 210, NURS 212)
(3)	NURS 230	Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology
(3)	NURS 231	Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
(3)	NURS 232A	Advanced Physical Assessment: Infant, Child, Adolescent (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission) OR
	NURS 232B	Advanced Physical Assessment: Adult (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)
(3)	NURS 293A	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: Family-Community-Mental Health Nursing (NURS 210, NURS 212, NURS 213A and instructor permission) OR
	NURS 293B	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: Adult Nursing (NURS 210, NURS 212, NURS 213B and instructor permission)
Nursing Administration Role (15 units)
(2)	MBA 201	Accounting
(2)	MBA 204	Management and Organization Concepts
(2)	MBA 207	Finance (ECON 204, MBA 201, MBA 206)
(3)	MBA 231	Personnel Management
(3)	NURS 214A	Leadership and Case Management (NURS 210, NURS 212)
(3)	NURS 294A	Practicum in Leadership and Case Management (NURS 214A)
	Students may pursue a nursing administration or healthcare administration role through the Special Major degree option. See graduate degree requirements in the catalog for Master of Science in Special Major. Minimum of 36 units required for MS.
School Nursing Role (19 units)
(4)	NURS 213C	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing I (Admission to School Nurse Credential Program)
(4)	NURS 213D	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing II (NURS 213C)
(1)	NURS 216	Vision and Scoliosis Screening
(3)	NURS 232A	Advanced Physical Assessment: Infant, Child, Adolescent (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)
(4)	NURS 293D	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing (NURS 213C; Corequisite: NURS 213D)
(3)	An Audiology course that fulfills the requirement to become certified as a California school audiometrist.
Education Role (15 units)
(3)	EDTE 282	Strategies for Application and Presentation
(3)	EDTE 284	Problem Solving and Project Development
(3)	NURS 213A	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: Family-Community-Mental Health Nursing (NURS 210, NURS 212) OR
	NURS 213B	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: Adult Nursing (NURS 210, NURS 212)
(3)	NURS 214C	Educational Development in Nursing II (NURS 214B; Corequisite: NURS 294C)
(3)	NURS 294C	Practicum in Educational Program Development in Nursing (NURS 214B; Corequisite: NURS 214C)
Family Nurse Practitioner (See Requirements--Family Nurse Practitioner Option; contact UC Davis for program of study.)

C. Optional Role Preparations

(Not required for MS in Nursing)

Faculty Preparation or Special Teaching Authorization for Health (STAH) (6 units)
(3)	NURS 214C	Educational Program Development in Nursing II (NURS 214B; Corequisite: NURS 294C)
(3)	NURS 294C	Practicum in Educational Program Development in Nursing (NURS 214B; Corequisite: NURS 214C)
School Based Mental Health Services (9 units)
(3)	NURS 213E	Child-Adolescent Mental Health Nursing (NURS 213A, NURS 293A)
(3)	NURS 293E	Practicum in Child-Adolescent Mental Health Nursing (NURS 210, NURS 212, and NURS 213A or NURS 213C and instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 213E)
(3)	A counseling or mental health course
D. Culminating Requirement (3 units)

(3)

NURS 500

Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy for the Master's degree and must be in the final semester of the program; Corequisite: NURS 210)

Requirements - Master of Science Option - Family Practitioner

Students applying to the University of California, Davis, Family Nurse Practitioner Program (FNP) who meet the admission requirements for the MS in Nursing at Sacramento State may apply concurrently to complete the MS degree requirements. FNP students complete 16 semester units of core courses including: NURS 211, NURS 212, NURS 210A, NURS 210B, NURS 214B, NURS 268 at Sacramento State, and the 3-unit culminating thesis/project requirement. Students must be admitted to both programs, and meet the fee obligations for both campuses separately (see fees for part-time enrollment at Sacramento State). Sacramento State graduate courses are scheduled to coincide with progression through the UCD program. Residency requirements for Sacramento State are met through completion of 19 units at Sacramento State and selected UCD courses. See admission requirements for the MS in Nursing for additional information.

Requirements - Credential - Post-Master's School Nurse Services

Units Required for Post-Master's Credential: 24

Courses in Parentheses are prerequisites.

Nurses holding a master's degree in nursing or a related area may be admitted to the University to enroll in courses toward the Professional School Nurse Services Credential (formerly Health Services Credential). The nurse has five years from the date of issuance of the Preliminary Credential to fulfill course work and experience requirements for the Professional Credential. The Preliminary Credential may be renewed.

Admission criteria and procedures are similar to those for the MS program except the GRE is not required and the application and recommendation forms are directed to the School Nurse Program Coordinator. Students are held to the same professional liability and automobile insurance and health requirements as MS students.

Post-Master's nurses not eligible for Public Health Nurse certification will be required to complete community nursing course work prior to program completion. Mechanisms are available to allow nurses to transfer in course work taken in other school nurse credential programs or from other post-baccalaureate or master's courses of study.

(3)	NURS 211	Ethics and Issues
(4)	NURS 213C	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing I (Admission to School Nurse Credential Program)
(4)	NURS 213D	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing II (NURS 213C)
(1)	NURS 216	Vision and Scoliosis Screening
(3)	NURS 232A	Advanced Physical Assessment: Infant, Child, Adolescent* (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)
(4)	NURS 293D	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing (NURS 213C; Corequisite: NURS 213D)
(0-6) Course work required to become certified as a California school audiometrist.*
(3) One course dealing with special education law and school programs for the exceptional child.*
(3) One course dealing with educational pedagogy and teaching strategies preferably as applied to health education with school age children.*
(0-3)	Electives
*If previously completed, a course in counseling.

In addition to the above courses, the Professional Credential for both MS and Post-Master's candidates requires two years of full-time school nurse experience (or its part-time equivalent). Four hours or more per day may be considered full-time employment.

Requirements - Special Teaching Authorization In Health (STAH)

The STAH option is available to school nurses who wish to position themselves to become faculty of record for health classes within public school districts. The STAH is not required for the credential and is available to Master's and post-Master's credential students as well as nurses in the community who are already credentialed. The STAH authorizes nurses to provide health education instruction beyond that of periodic guest presentations (e.g., Family Life Education) and allows school administrators to utilize nurses in the capacity of health educators through the provision of direct and regular health instruction. Requirements for the STAH at Sacramento State are: completion of nine units of educational pedagogy including a supervised student (practice) teaching experience and passing of the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test). At Sacramento State, these courses constitute the Educational functional area within the MS program. Application for the STAH requires an exit interview (see School Nurse Advising Brochure for further information).

ENTRY LEVEL MASTERS (ELM)

An Entry Level Master's (ELM) is proposed for students who already possess a BA/BS in another field. Students will be enrolled in the identical course work completed by students in the current generic baccalaureate program and the current generic master's program. The only changes will involve acceleration of the pre-licensure portion and overlap of course work between the undergraduate and graduate programs. Students must meet the current prerequisites for the BS in Nursing, take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and complete a written essay on the expectations of the ELM and their desired career goals. Upon acceptance they will begin the existing pre-licensure courses and complete the 6 semesters of the current pre-licensure program (14 months). They will be eligible to take the national licensure examination. The BS in Nursing is not required to take the licensing examination because these students already possess a BA or BS in another field. Students will then continue full time in the MS in Nursing. An 18 month sequence is proposed as required by the funding legislation, however, students may opt to complete the MS as a part-time student over a longer period of time.

Admission Requirements for the ELM Program

• Baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the past five years (general exam plus writing proficiency)
• Satisfactory completion of clinical nursing prerequisite and corequisite course work or equivalent:
  (3) An oral communication course such as: COMS 4
  (3) An introductory college composition course such as:  ENGL 1A
  (3) A critical thinking course such as: COMS 2 or ENGL 1C
  (3) A quantitative reasoning course such as:  STAT 1
  (5) An organic chemistry course with a lab such as:  CHEM 6B
  (4) An anatomy course with a lab such as:  BIO 22 or BIO 25
  (4) A physiology course with a lab such as:  BIO 131 or BIO 26
  (4) A microbiology course with a lab such as:  BIO 139
  (3) An introductory psychology course such as: PSYC 1 or PSYC 5
  (3) A “life span” human development course such as:  CHDV 30
  (3) A nutrition course such as:  FACS 113 or FACS 10

• Satisfactory completion of an introductory statistics course (within 7 years)
• Statement of purpose: the goals/objectives for graduate study/ELM (attach to application)
• Three letters of recommendation

Admission is annually with courses beginning in June.  The deadline for completing all application requirements for Summer  priority admission is February 1st.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a space available basis through June 1st.

Requirements - Entry Level Master's Program

BS or BA in major other than nursing to include courses in the following (41 units)

(3) An oral communication course such as: COMS 4
(3) An introductory college composition course such as: ENGL 1A
(3) A critical thinking course such as: COMS 2 or ENGL 1C
(3) A quantitative reasoning course such as: STAT 1
(5) An organic chemistry course with a lab such as: CHEM 6B
(4) An anatomy course with a lab such as: BIO 22 or BIO 25
(4) A physiology course with a lab such as: BIO 131 or BIO 26
(4) A microbiology course with a lab such as: BIO 139
(3) An introductory psychology course such as: PSYC 1 or PSYC 5
(3) A "life span" human development course such as: CHDV 30
(3) A nutrition course such as: FACS 113 or FACS 10
(3) A socio-cultural course such as: SOC 1 or ANTH 2

Required Nursing Courses (59 units)

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
Semester 1 (16 units)

(3)	NURS 11	Introduction to Professional Nursing (Admission to Clinical Nursing program)
(5)	NURS 12	Nursing Care of Adults (Admission to Clinical Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 15, NURS 16)
(2)	NURS 14	Pharmacology (BIO 131 or equivalent)
(2)	NURS 15	Introduction to Clinical Nursing Practice (Admission to Clinical Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 12, NURS 16)
(1)	NURS 16	Physical Assessment of the Adult (Admission to Clinical Nursing program or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 12, NURS 15)
(2)	NURS 17	Concepts and Practices of Gerontological Nursing (Admission to Clinical Nursing program)
(1)	NURS 18	Therapeutic Interpersonal and Group Communication in Nursing (Admission to Clinical Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 11, NURS 14, NURS 17 or instructor permission)

Semester 2 (13 units) Fall

(6)	NURS 123	Nursing Families in Complex Illness (NURS 11, NURS 12, NURS 15, NURS 16, NURS 17, or instructor permission)
(5)	NURS 129	Mental Health Nursing (NURS 11, NURS 12, NURS 15, NURS 16, NURS 17, or instructor permission)
(2)	NURS 150	Research in Nursing (NURS 12; Corequisite: NURS 123, NURS 129 or instructor permission)

Semester 3 (15 units) Spring

(1)	NURS 136	Nursing the Childbearing Family: Skills and Assessment (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 137)
(5)	NURS 137	Nursing the Childbearing Family (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 136)
(5)	NURS 138	Nursing the Childrearing Family (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 139)
(1)	NURS 139	Nursing the Childrearing Family: Assessment and Skill Acquisition (NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 138)
(3)	NURS 169	Reasoning Development in Health Care Sciences (All prerequisites for NURS 143, NURS 144 or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 143, NURS 144 or NURS 156)

Semester 4 (15 units) Summer

(6)	NURS 143	Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice (NURS 136, NURS 137, NURS 138, NURS 139 or instructor permission)
(5)	NURS 144	Community Health Nursing (NURS 136, NURS 137, NURS 138, NURS 139 or instructor permission)
(2)	NURS 156	Selected Senior Practicum in Nursing (NURS 143, NURS 144 or instructor permission)
(1-2)	NURS 191	Service-Learning in Nursing (NURS 136, NURS 137, NURS 138, NURS 139 or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 143, NURS 144)

Graduate Program: (36 units)

Semester 5 (9 units) Fall

(3)	NURS 211	Ethics and Issues
(3)	NURS 212	Concepts and Theory Development in Nursing
(3)	NURS 214B	Educational Program Development in Nursing I (NURS 210A , NURS 212)

Semester 6 (11 units) Spring

(2)	NURS 210A	Research Methods and Techniques in Nursing I (Undergraduate research course)
(3)	NURS 213A	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: Family-Community-Mental Health Nursing (NURS 210A, NURS 212) OR
	NURS 213B	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: Adult Nursing (NURS 210A, NURS 212)
(3)	NURS 230	Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology
(3)	NURS 268	Health Policy and Services

Semester 7 (11 units) Summer

(3)	NURS 215	Community Health Services and Policy (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)
(3)	NURS 231	Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
(3)	NURS 232A	Advanced Physical Assessment: Infant, Child, Adolescent (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission) OR
	NURS 232B	Advanced Physical Assessment: Adult (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)
(3)	NURS 293A	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: Family-Community-Mental Health Nursing (NURS 210A, NURS 212, NURS 213A and instructor permission) OR
	NURS 293B	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: Adult Nursing (NURS 210A, NURS 212, NURS 213B and instructor permission)

Semester 8 (5 units) Fall

(2)	NURS 210B	Research Methods and Techniques in Nursing II (NURS 210A, STAT 1 or equivalent and instructor permission)
(3)	NURS 500	Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy for the Master's degree and permission of the Division; completion of core, clinical and functional courses; Corequisite: NURS 210B)

Career Possibilities

Registered Nurse (BS): Hospital, e.g., Medical, Surgical, Emergency Room, Operating Room, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Mental Health, Critical Care, Oncology, Rehabilitation · Community Health · Home Health · Extended Care · Physician's Office · Clinics and Industry · Advanced Practice (MS) roles: Clinical Nurse Specialist · Educator · Nurse Administrator · School Nurse · Advanced Clinical Role

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