Advising and Career Development Center
RN-BSN (Post-licensure) Nursing Admissions
The College of Health and Human Services Advising and Career Development Center (ACDC) works closely with the Fresno State School of Nursing regarding the evaluation of applicants for the undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The School of Nursing offers two programs culminating in the BSN degree; a traditional BSN program intended for pre-licensure freshmen and transfer students, and the associate degree registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing program (RN-BSN).
ACDC counselors conduct the evaluation of applicant transcripts for both programs and can assist with questions related to admission eligiblity, pre-requisites, and competitiveness.
Please Note: This page is for applicants who have already obtained a nursing license and/or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). For students pursuing a nursing license for the first time, please visit our Traditional BSN page instead.
Program Information:
The Associate Degree Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program (RN to BSN) builds upon the sound foundation of nursing education achieved in the Associate's degree program. It is designed for Associate Degree Nurses (ADNs) with a registered nursing license to complete upper division nursing courses that fulfill the BSN degree without repeating lower division nursing coursework.
Upper division nursing coursework expands upon leadership skills, management principles, and introduces research via evidence-based practice methodologies. In addition, population-focused community health nursing curriculum is explored. The BSN degree offers nurses a wider variety of potential jobs. A baccalaureate degree in nursing prepares RNs for entry into MSN or School Nurse Credential programs. It also broadens the opportunities for management positions.
BSN graduates are also eligible to apply for a California Public Health Nursing Certificate that permits them to work in community health settings. The current curriculum consists of six (6) RN-BSN specific courses. Nursing courses are offered online, except for one 90-hour clinical course in community health nursing. Placements for this course are only available within the Fresno State service area.
Associate Degree RN graduates with a bachelor's degree in another area may enter as second-degree students. In order to meet minimum degree requirements, co-requisite courses (or 9 units) must be taken in addition to the RN to BSN coursework.
Please visit the School of Nursing for more information on RN-BSN requirements: