Pathways Program Prerequisites

Pathways applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

1. Admission to Sonoma State University*
2. R.N., licensed in California
3. BA or BS degree
4. Overall Grade Point Average of 3.0 in the last two years (60 units) of college-level coursework

There are two parts to the application process. You must complete both:

1. CSU Graduate applications are accepted from October 1 -March 31. Apply online at csu mentor.org

2. Supplemental Nursing applications are accepted between November 1 and March 31. A complete application consists of:

1. Application form, including Essay
2. 2 Recommendations (submit with application in sealed envelopes)
3. Copy of RN license
4. $25.00 non-refundable application fee, made payable to SSU

Only complete applications will be accepted. An incomplete application will not be considered.

Preparation for Application to Sonoma State University's Master's in Nursing Program

Sonoma State University's Master's in Nursing programs require applicants to hold a Bachelor's in Nursing. Exception can be made to this rule if an applicant is an RN with a Bachelor's in another discipline and has completed SSU's Pathways Program.

Prior to application to the MSN program, the applicant must demonstrate the appropriate foundation for the MS option selected (Family Nurse Practitioner or Leadership & Management). The foundation includes content and experiences that provide the knowledge and skill base on which the graduate specialty can be built. The applicant's educational and practice background will be individually assessed to determine which foundation skills and knowledge have been met, and which still need to be met. The tools used to assess skills and knowledge include:

• College/university courses within the past seven years
• Recent continuing education courses
• University challenge exams
• Standard nursing tests (ACT-PEP, NLN, mobility)
• Prior learning assessment using SSU's Faculty-Evaluated Prior Learning (FEPL)

Coursework to enhance an individual's knowledge and skills in preparation for application to the Master's program may include:

• Physiology within 7 years or successful completion of NLN challenge exam.
• Physical Assessment
• Communication: Clinical & Therapeutic, Individual & Group
• Community Health: Family, Epidemiology, Resources, Programs, Referrals
• College level statistics
• College level research, will consider individual experience.

Your individualized curriculum plan will be determined as part of the application process, through review of your goals, transcripts and resume and through your interview.

Sonoma State University's Department of Nursing is pleased to be able to provide this option to you and looks forward to working with you to further your career.