Insight

California State University, Chico School of Nursing offers two programs, a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) and a master’s degree in nursing (MSN). The BSN has a pre-licensure option and an RN to BSN option. The MSN program offers nurse educator and nurse leadership options.

Chico State graduates are prepared to be the future leaders in nursing and are well regarded in the nursing community. Students learn hands-on nursing care of patients across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including a fully-equipped skills lab, a state-of-the-art simulation center, and clinical days at health care facilities including hospitals, clinics, and schools.

The nursing faculty is composed of master's and doctorally prepared registered nurses, with extensive experience in professional practice settings, covering all nursing specialty areas. A state-of-the-art simulation center enhances student learning. Practicum courses provide students clinical experience in a variety of health care agencies, caring for clients in all age ranges, with many diverse health needs.

The BSN programs are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master's degree program in nursing at California State University, Chico are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Experience

Northern California Rural SimCenter. The University has partnered with local hospitals to provide a state-of-the-art simulation center designed to facilitate interdisciplinary contacts and relationships throughout the community. Human patient simulation technology, and the joint partnership, weaves together education and practice with the goal of building students’ clinical competencies without risk or harm to patients. 

Rural California Nursing Preceptorship Program (RCNP). Students may consider applying for an extracurricular preceptorship experience. The RCNP program is designed to give student nurses and graduate nurses (RNs) an opportunity to gain clinical experience in a rural, semirural, or urban setting.

Student Clubs. There are three students clubs in the School of Nursing.

• Chico State chapter of California Nursing Students' Association (CNSA): CNSA is a statewide community advancing the transition of the student to professional nurse through leadership development, education, mentorship, advocacy, activism, and stewardship.
• Chico State Nursing club whose mission is “Building a social and professional network between nursing and pre-nursing students.”
• United in Nursing wants to "bring unity to all nursing students in which any individual, gender, ethnicity, or group always feels welcome, respected, valued, and can participate among us as we navigate nursing academics and the career of nursing".

Outlook

Chico State School of Nursing prepares graduates to be evidence-based practitioners, leaders, and change agents. Our graduates work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, public health departments, hospice, schools, home health, military, mental health, teaching, research, and more. They partner with other health care professionals to explore gaps, barriers, and disparities in health care. They advocate for healthy communities, promote policies that are just and equitable, and build bridges that advance health care delivery and improve health care systems.

As lifelong learners, many of our graduates earn advanced degrees such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse educators, certified nurse midwives; some have earned a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhDs.

Clinical Requirements

All applicants should be aware that many agencies have clinical requirements which must be met before students may participate in clinical activities. These include BLS certification, background checks, drug tests, and immunizations, as well as proof of health insurance. Students who do not meet all clinical agency standards may be denied clinical access and will not be able to complete clinical course requirements. Since Chico is located in a rural area, considerable travel to clinical agencies should be expected. Access to a car throughout the nursing sequence is necessary. Additional fees for achievement testing and laboratory supplies may be required for certain courses.

Students/applicants with prior convictions should consult with the Director of the School of Nursing regarding such convictions and possible impediments they may pose to completing the Nursing Program and eligibility for taking the state licensing (NCLEX) exam.

For information on tuition, fees, and program length, contact the School of Nursing using the information provided on this page.

Programs

Undergraduate

Bachelor's

Certificates

Graduate

Master's

See Course Description Symbols and Terms for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units.

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School of Nursing

The Faculty

Emeritus Faculty