Nursing
Department Chair
Liz Close
Administrative Coordinator
Becky Cohen
Ana Mu–oz
Faculty
Liz Close, Gregory Crow, Sandra DeBella Bodley,
Carole Heath, Deborah (Klaas) Kindy, Jeanette Koshar,
Thomas Nolan, Wendy Smith
Programs offered (fully accredited by the NLNAC)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Prelicensure BSN
- RN-BSN
- LVN-BSN
- RN-BSN
Master of Science in Nursing
Post-Master's Certificates
- Family Nurse Practitioner
The purpose of nursing is to provide humanistic care to maintain and enhance the health of individuals and of society as a whole. To accomplish these goals, nurses assume several roles, including caregiver, communicator, client advocate, teacher, leader and consumer of research. In keeping with the SSU philosophy, the Department of Nursing has developed an overarching concept that sincere, compassionate, humane care is essential in the delivery of professional nursing.
The Department of Nursing is strongly committed to providing multiple opportunities for learning using a variety of technology mediated techniques. Courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels may be taught using televideo conferencing technology for distance learning, interactive and real-time electronic communications via computer for small group and seminar discussions, self-paced and self-directed independent study, and Internet tools that support lifelong intellectual and professional development.
The Department of Nursing enjoys a close relationship with the health care services community within its service area and beyond. Consequently, there are many clinical opportunities available. Students have a variety of community-based placements in hospitals and other health care agencies. Graduates of both the baccalaureate and master programs are well prepared for careers in a variety of health care settings in the community.
Sonoma State University's nursing programs are approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, from which information about tuition, fees and length of program may be obtained, either in writing or by telephone at National League for Nursing, 350 Hudson Street, New York, NY, 10014, 212 989-9393.
All graduates of the baccalaureate program are prepared to plan and provide patient care, to teach patients, families and staff, and to provide leadership in the delivery of health care services. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers students an opportunity to become liberally educated professionals, qualified for certification as public health nurses, and completely prepared for graduate education in nursing. The prelicensure and LVN-BSN options also prepare the graduate for the RN licensure examination.
Eligible applicants should contact the nursing department for further information.
The pre-licensure option consists of two components: the pre-nursing curriculum, in which the student takes the prerequisite courses for the nursing program; and the pre-licensure curriculum, in which the student is admitted on a competitive basis to take the courses required for RN licensure and complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The pre-nursing courses may be taken at either Sonoma State University or another university or junior college. Students who complete their prerequisites at Sonoma State University will be considered first for admission to the nursing major, but are not guaranteed entrance. For admission to the pre-licensure component of the program, a supplemental application must be submitted to the Nursing Department between November 1 and February 28. Applications are available on the department's web site at www.sonoma.edu or by contacting the Nursing Department.
Students applying directly from high school must meet the following criteria:
Community college transfer students must meet the following criteria:
Admission to the Nursing Major (for prelicensure option)
Nursing is an impacted program and therefore requires supplemental application in addition to application to Sonoma State University. Students applying to the nursing program must submit:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The undergraduate nursing program provides three options to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing:
1. A prelicensure program option that prepares students to become licensed registered nurses.
2. An RN to BSN two-year program option for licensed RNs with Associate degrees or the equivalent.
3. An LVN to BSN program option for licensed LVNs.
Prelicensure Option
Admission Criteria
Admission to Pre-Nursing Status
(for prelicensure option)
1. Standard SSU admission criteria.
2. High school chemistry/biology with a GPA of 3.00 (B) or better.
1. Standard SSU transfer criteria.
2. B average in nursing prerequisite science courses.
(final three years of degree program)
1. GPA of 3.00 or better in prerequisite science courses: BIOL 220, 218, 224 and CHEM 105A/B or equivalent.
2. Health care experience (written verification of at least 50 hours).
3. Essay (criteria available in the Department of Nursing).
4. Recommendations (forms available in the Department of Nursing).
| Requirements for the Prelicensure BSN Option | units |
| General education | *48 |
| Major requirements | 58 |
| Support courses | 14 |
| General electives | 4 |
| Total units needed for graduation | 124 |
*3 units of Area E will be satisfied upon completion of the nursing major to meet 51 unit GE requirement.
Required Courses for the Prelicensure Option Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Pre-Nursing
BIOL 115 Introduction to Biology (can be challenged through AP or CLEP exam) (3)
BIOL 218 General Microbiology (4)
BIOL 220 Human Anatomy (4)
BIOL 224 Human Physiology (4)
CHEM 105A General and Inorganic Chemistry (can be challenged through AP or CLEP exam) (4)
CHEM 105B Organic and Biochemistry (4)
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| NURS 200 (3) | NURS 204 (3) |
| NURS 205 (3) | NURS 206 (3) |
| NURS 207 (2) | NURS 210B (4) |
| NURS 210A (4) | plus GE and other |
| degree requirements |
Year 2 Nursing
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| NURS 340 (3) | NURS 380 (3) |
| NURS 342 (3) | NURS 385 (3) |
| NURS 345 (4) | NURS 400 (3) |
| PSY 302 (3) | plus GE and other degree requirements |
| plus GE and other degree requirements |
Year 3 Nursing
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| NURS 360 (3) | NURS 425 (4) |
| NURS 405 (3) | NURS 440 (3) |
| NURS 415 (1) | Elective (3) |
| NURS 450 (3) | plus GE and other degree requirements |
| plus GE and other degree requirements |
RN Option (RN-BSN)
Sonoma State University's baccalaureate program also offers a two-year upper-division option designed to articulate with two-year community college nursing programs. The SSU program provides upper-division education for registered nurses and enables nurses to expand their practice and function with greater independence in a variety of settings.
RNs who have attended a hospital (diploma) program should contact a community college with an RN program to obtain equivalent credit for their diploma program (30 ungraded lower-division nursing units) and to complete the community college's general education requirements for an A.A. degree.
Admission Criteria
1. Current California licensure as a Registered Nurse (Recent A.D.N. graduates who have not received California RN licensure but who otherwise meet program prerequisites will be accepted on a conditional basis pending state board results. Failure to pass state boards would disqualify the student from the nursing major - but not from the University - until such time as a passing score is obtained.)
2. Sixty semester units of college-transferable credit: 30 units should meet California State University general education requirements (including Areas A1 and B4); 30 units must be credit for lower-division nursing coursework.
3. Minimum of 3 semester units of college-transferable credit in general chemistry with a grade C or better.
4. Human anatomy/physiology within the past 10 years or direct clinical nursing experience within the past two years.
| Requirements for the RN-BSN Option | units |
| General education (40 units may be transferred from a community college or university) | *48 |
Major Requirements
| Lower division at community college or university | 30 |
| Upper division at SSU (includes 32 units undergraduate nursing) | 40 |
| General electives | 6 |
| Total units needed for graduation | 124 |
*3 units of Area E will be satisfied upon completion of the nursing major to meet the 51 unit GE requirement.
Required Nursing Major Courses and Sample Two-Year Program for RN-BSN Option Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The sequence below is for full-time students. A part-time sequence that can be completed in six semesters is also available through the Nursing department.
Year 1
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| NURS 305 (3) | NURS 360 (3) |
| NURS 312 (3) | NURS 400 (3) |
| NURS 315 (3) | NURS 405 (3) |
| PSY 302 (3) plus GE and other degree requirements | plus GE and other degree requirements |
Year 2
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| NURS 450 (3) | NURS 425 (4) |
| NURS 415 (1) | NURS 440 (3) |
| plus GE and other degree requirements | plus GE and other degree requirements |
LVN Option (LVN-BSN)
A program for licensed vocational nurses who wish to become registered nurses is provided on a space-available basis. There are two options:
1. The recommended option provides the graduate with preparation needed for taking the State Board of Registered Nursing exam, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and eligibility for public health certification. To enter the first option, an individual must complete the same prerequisites as those students who enter the prelicensure BSN program.
2. The second option includes only those nursing courses required for RN licensure and qualifies LVNs to take the Registered Nurse licensing examination, but does not earn a BSN. To enter the second option, an LVN must have completed 4 units of physiology and 4 units of microbiology with a grade of B or better. Contact the department for further details. Courses required for this option are indicated by * in the following sample program.
| Requirements for the LVN-BSN Option | units |
| General education (40 units may be transferred from a community college or university) | *48 |
| Major requirements (lower division at community college or university, including SSU)) | 22 |
| Upper division at SSU (includes 36 units undergrad nursing) | 42 |
| General electives (may include additional community college or university units up to maximum allowed) | 12 |
| Total units needed for graduation | 124 |
*3 units of Area E will be satisfied upon completion of the nursing major.
Required Nursing Major Courses and Sample Two-Year Program for LVN-BSN Option
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The following sequence is for full-time students. A part-time sequence that can be completed in six semesters is also available.Year 1
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| NURS 305 (3) | NURS 380 (3) |
| NURS 312 (3)* | NURS 385 (3)* |
| NURS 315 (3) | NURS 400 (3) |
| PSY 302 (3) | NURS 206 Theory (3)* |
| plus GE and other degree requirements | NURS 495 Practicum (2)* |
| plus GE and other degree requirements |
Year 2
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| NURS 360 (3) | NURS 425 (4)* |
| NURS 405 (3) | NURS 440 (3)* |
| NURS 415 (1)* | plus GE and other degree requirements |
| NURS 450 (3) | |
| plus GE and other degree requirements |
* Courses required in the LVN to RN curriculum.
Undergraduate Nursing Progression and Retention Should a student not attain a minimum grade of "C" (a "C-" is not acceptable) in a nursing major course, the student will not be permitted to continue in the nursing major. The student may petition the faculty to repeat the course. If approval is granted, the student must receive a grade of "C" or better in the course when repeated. If a minimum grade of "C" is not attained, the student will not be eligible to continue in, or graduate from, the BSN program.
The goal of the graduate curriculum is to provide an advanced professional education to nurses with a BSN. The graduate degree is designed to respond to society's needs for professional nurses who influence the structure of emerging patterns of health care practice and delivery. Specialization in an area of nursing practice or function enables graduates to contribute effectively to current and future societal health needs. Graduates assist in the development and refinement of nursing science by assuming advanced clinical roles and leadership roles within the profession and by participating in research and other scholarly activities.
The curriculum includes a core of instruction with an emphasis on theoretical and conceptual foundations of nursing practice, research, professional issues and leadership. One option offers specialization as a family nurse practitioner (FNP), with emphasis on advanced clinical primary care practice. A second option, nursing leadership and management, prepares nurses for executive leadership functions and responsibilities in current and emerging health care systems and includes speciality focus in nursing administration, case management, or education.
Application packets are available from the Nursing Department. Applicants who have received their BSN from SSU also need to submit a standard CSU application and supplemental nursing application to apply for graduate standing.
Culminating Experience Pathways Option
(for nurses with a Bachelor's Degree in a discipline other than Nursing) Application to the Department of Nursing's Master of Science program requires the foundation and skills equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. For those registered nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing, the department offers a Pathways Option that provides the student an individualized plan of study in preparation for application to the master's program, taking into account the student's background and chosen master's option (family nurse practitioner or leadership and management).
Pathways Program Admissions Procedure: In addition to the standard California State University application, Pathways application materials include 1) application form with goals essay, 2) transcripts, 3) recommendations, 4) resume listing work and educational experiences, and 5) an interview with the department. For forms and directions, contact the Nursing Department.
Admission Status: Initial status will be "conditionally classified" while the student is fulfilling requirements for BSN equivalency and other graduate admissions criteria. Completion of the Pathways option permits the student to be considered in the applicant pool. It does not guarantee admission to the graduate nursing program.
The purpose of the family nurse practitioner specialty option is to prepare registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing for advanced clinical practice with an emphasis on promoting individual and family wellness. The FNP concentration focuses upon the theoretical and scientific bases for the diagnosis and management of common illness, as well as health teaching, counseling and preventive services. Emphasis is placed upon advanced clinical skills that include history-taking, physical examination, health screening, management of common illness, and techniques of prevention and risk reduction.
In addition, an understanding of the economic and ethical factors affecting health care delivery provides nurses with unique capabilities to respond to society's complex needs. The ability to critically evaluate and apply research to the clinical setting is included as an important dimension of advanced professional practice.
Admissions Requirements 1. BSN degree (RNs with a bachelor's in an area other than nursing, please see section on Pathways program).
2. GPA of 3.00 in the last two years (60 units) of undergraduate or post-graduate study.
3. Current California licensure as a registered nurse.
4. The Graduate Record Examination.
5. Completion of courses in statistics and physiology/pathophysiology within the last seven years; completion of a physical assessment course within the last three years (students may challenge the physiology requirement by taking the NLN test).
6. Completion of course(s) in community health nursing.
7. Two years full-time experience as an RN preferred.
Curriculum Features Students have a three-semester clinical preceptorship with a primary care provider. Students and faculty share responsibility for finding an acceptable preceptor. Content includes health needs and risks of all family members, family theories, and legal and professional issues pertinent to nurse practitioners. Content taken concurrently with the clinical sequences includes health risk assessment of individuals and families, pathophysiological concepts in diagnosis and treatment of common illness, pharmacology, and practice issues pertinent to nurse practitioners.
Students take courses in health economics and ethics of health care. Students complete a culminating experience that serves as evidence of successful integration of the diverse content areas in the curriculum.
The SSU family nurse practitioner specialty option meets criteria specified in Section 1484, Title 16, of the California Administrative Code and is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing.
Accelerated FNP Option Post-Master's Certificate Option Family Nurse Practitioner Year 1Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Application Procedures
The standard CSU application form is used (available from the SSU Office of Admissions and Records). In addition, applicants must:
1. Meet the minimum admissions requirements for the chosen option.
2. Submit a separate Nursing Department application form.
3. Submit three letters of recommendation (on departmental forms).
4. Complete an interview with the department.
1. Preparing a publishable paper based on research or clinical practice;
2. Completing a directed project; or
3. Completing a comprehensive simulated exam.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Specialty OptionCurriculum for full-time Progression for Master of Science in Nursing
| Fall Semester (13 units) | Spring Semester (12 units) |
| NURS 501 (3) | NURS 540B (4) |
| NURS 540 (2) | NURS 550B (5) |
| NURS 549 (3) | NURS 505 (3) |
| NURS 550A (2) | |
| NURS 552 (3) |
Year 2
| Fall Semester (9 units) | Spring Semester (6 units) |
| NURS 500A (3) | NURS 500B (3) |
| NURS 504A (2) | NURS 510 (3) |
| NURS 550C (4) | Culminating Experience |
| Total units required | 40 |
Leadership and Management:
Administration, Case Management and Education (ACME)
The curriculum for the three specialties within Leadership and Management (Nursing Administration, Case Management, and Education) prepares registered nurses to function as advanced practice nurses in a variety of roles and settings. Graduates will be prepared to lead and evaluate health care delivery systems and to provide educational support for evolving clinical practice. The Nursing Administration specialty prepares nurses to lead and manage all segments of health care organizations and systems. The Nursing Case Management specialty prepares systems level case managers to develop, implement, maintain, and evaluate systems of case management that meet the complex health care needs of patients, families, populations and communities. The Nursing Education specialty prepares educators to play a pivotal role in developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs that support contemporary and scientifically based nursing practice.
The curriculum emphasizes the application of theories and concepts of organization, leadership, management, financial management, case management and education as well as the use and application of research. The course of study provides for the development and application of knowledge relevant to the structure and financing of the health care system and the analysis of the interrelationships and interdependence of its various elements. Students learn to apply specialized knowledge and skills in selected areas of administration and case management in health care services in a variety of settings.
Admission Requirements
Nursing Administration, Case Management, and Education Specialty Options
1. B.S. degree (RNs with a bachelor's degree in an area other than nursing, please see section on Pathways program).
2. GPA of 3.00 in the last two years (60 units) of undergraduate or post-graduate study.
3. Current California licensure as a registered nurse.
4. The Graduate Record Examination.
5. Completion of statistics within the last seven years.
6. Completion of course(s) in community health nursing.
7. Demonstrated computer literacy and the ability to use common word processing software and forecasting software such as Excel. Students must have access to a computer that is online with an Internet provider supporting both e-mail and World Wide Web functions.
Curriculum
The Administration, Case Management, and Education specialties are managed in class cohorts. Students take an average of 8 units per semester. Courses are taught via the traditional classroom, teleconference and internet.
The first year focuses on the acquisition of a theoretical base in nursing theories, the health care delivery system, advanced practice issues and ethics. Students prepare a research proposal and conduct a research study.
The second year incorporates further knowledge in administration, case management, and education theories, financial management, quality management and human resources. Analysis and evaluation of organizational and management theories in relation to the provision of health care and nursing care delivery systems are undertaken. A two-semester residency program provides for applications of theoretical knowledge with a mentor in a health care agency selected by the student, in consultation with faculty. Students tailor their plan of study and select the focus for their residency based on their professional background and career goals.
Two-Year Program for Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing Leadership, Case Management, or Education
Year 1
| Fall Semester (8 units) | Spring Semester (9 units) |
| NURS 500A (3) | NURS 500B (3) |
| NURS 504A (2) | NURS 505 (3) |
| NURS 515A (3) | NURS 515B (3) |
Year 2
| Fall Semester (6 units) | Spring Semester (8 units) |
| NURS 506 (4) | NURS 530A (4)* or |
| NURS 510 (2) | NURS 532A** (4) or 522A*** (4) |
| NURS 535A (4) |
Year 3
Fall Semester (8 units)
NURS 530B (4)* or
NURS 532B (4)** or 522B*** (4)
NURS 535B (4)
Culminating Experience
*Administration students take these courses.
** Case Management students take these courses.
*** Education students take these courses.