Nursing, B.S.N.

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Explore Nursing, B.S.N.

What's possible when nursing becomes your life's work? 
Health.

As a nursing major at Fresno Pacific University, students will be equipped with the values, knowledge, and skills to improve health for all through leadership and service. As a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students will be enabled to provide holistic and compassionate health care through a strong foundation in the nursing care of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. 

The program's focus is on wellness and disease prevention, evidence-based nursing practice, servant leadership, and culturally relevant care in a Christian environment. Built on a strong liberal arts foundation, students will develop a sense of social responsibility as well as a transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and the ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings. 

In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students will be supported and challenged as you learn in the classroom, in the nursing lab, and in clinical settings throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley.

Program Highlights

  • Small class sizes in a cohort model
  • Innovative curriculum taught by supportive faculty with decades of nursing experience
  • Opportunities to train at some of the best hospitals in the San Joaquin Valley
  • Personalized advising
  • Courses that integrate faith and science
  • A focus on the human and spiritual aspects of nursing, as well as the physical and technical skills needed to answer the call to serve

Approval and Accreditation

The pre-licensure registered nursing program received California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) approval for feasibility in June 2019. Full program approval is a multi-year process.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Fresno Pacific University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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Catalog

Program Director: Stacy Wise, DNP

Overview

As a nursing major at Fresno Pacific University, students will be equipped with the values, knowledge, and skills to improve health for all through leadership and service. As a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students will be enabled to provide holistic and compassionate health care through a strong foundation in the nursing care of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. The program's focus is on wellness and disease prevention, evidence-based nursing practice, servant leadership, and culturally relevant care in a Christian environment. Built on a strong liberal arts foundation, students will develop a sense of social responsibility as well as a transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and the ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings. In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students will be supported and challenged as you learn in the classroom, in the nursing lab, and in clinical settings throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Synthesize knowledge from arts, humanities and sciences in the planning and provision of professional nursing care
  2. Demonstrate skills in using patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safe, effective nursing practice
  3. Articulate an understanding of the Biblical teachings that guide critical inquiry, discernment in decision-making, and commitment to transformative actions in professional nursing practice
  4. Apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision making in the provision of high-quality nursing care, healthcare team coordination, and the oversight and accountability for care delivery in a variety of settings
  5. Implement holistic, evidenced-based, safe patient-centered care across the health illness continuum, across the lifespan, and in all healthcare settings
  6. Incorporate effective communication skills to contribute the nursing perspective to inter-professional teams to optimize patient outcomes
  7. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior that explores sociocultural, economic, legal, and political factors influencing patient care quality, workplace safety, and the scope of nursing practice

Applying for the BSN program

Admission to the BSN program at FPU is a two-step process. First, students must meet the admission requirements and be admitted to the university. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the BSN program. The BSN admission committee will be looking at performance in program course prerequisites, ATI TEAS scores, and the nursing application along with a written statement, interviews and other academic information. Students must be able to pass all criminal history checks and medical and drug tests. 

Application Requirements

  • Completed BSN application package.
  • Science prerequisites completed within five years of program start.
  • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) minimum 70% score within two attempts. Students falling below 70% will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Possess a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0/4.0 scale.
  • Complete each of the following courses or transferable option, with a letter grade no lower than a C. If accepted, all met prior to the start of the nursing clinical program. 
  • CHEM 210 and 212L Chemistry for Allied Health
  • BIOL 231 and 231L Human Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIOL 232 and 232L Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BIOL 340 and 340 L Microbiology
  • Provide proof of Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN exam (Social Security Number or Individual Federal Tax ID Number)
  • Successful completion of background check and drug screening by May 1
  • Meet immunization requirements and compliance. 

Application Steps for the BSN program

To apply, students must complete and submit the following items:

  • Nursing, BSN program application (fpu.edu/study-bsn)
  • Two reference forms for the BSN program: one academic reference and one personal character reference.
  • Personal Statement on why you want to pursue nursing at FPU. (Typed; 500 word minimum)
  • Transcripts of any courses completed at institutions other than FPU if not previously submitted within five years of applying or approved upon review by the BSN program director.

International Students

An international student is considered to be anyone who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident and is seeking to study in the U.S. on an F-1 study visa. Other visa types may allow study but will need to be reviewed by the Office of International Admission to ensure study is allowed. The university makes no guarantees of employment for an BSN program graduate regardless of citizenship or residency status. 

Re-Admission

Students wishing to re-admit to the program without resubmitting an application must have an active Leave of Absence Form on file with the Registrar's office. Students who were academically disqualified, have been gone for more than one semester without an approved leave of absence or who have exceeded their approved leave of absence time frame will have to reapply for the BSN program. In addition, students who were academically disqualified will have to complete the SAP process.

Student-Athletes

Students wishing to compete in college athletics while pursuing their BSN degree should be aware that participation in collegiate-level athletics may not be possible during the last two years of course work due to clinical schedules. Students admitted to the BSN program will need to submit a petition for approval to continue in their sport. Petitions may not be granted due to clinical placement requirements.

NCLEX

An RN to BSN student may be awarded up to 10 elective units of credit for successfully completing the NCLEX-RN examination. Elective credit may apply toward the baccalaureate nursing degree in the amount of one unit of academic credit for every unit of required pre-licensure college-level nursing course credits not previously accepted in transfer to FPU.

  • Credit will be awarded toward the RN to BSN degree after successful completion of NURS 315

  • A combined maximum of 30 units may be awarded for Advanced Placement exams, College Level Examination Program, International Baccalaureate exams, military or ACE credit, NCLEX-RN, and transfer credit from unaccredited institutions.

Other

This program is not open for non-matriculating/non-degree students wishing to audit classes or clinicals. 

Deferring Enrollment

Students who are admitted to the BSN program but wish to defer their enrollment to the next cohort start should complete the Leave of Absence form with the university. Space within the clinical program for the following year is not guaranteed for students who defer enrollment. Please contact the BSN admission officer for more information. 

Degree Pathways

Nursing, B.S. Four Year Pathway  

Lower Division Major Prerequisites

  • BIOL 100 - Principles of Biology Credits 3
  • BIOL 100L - Principles of Biology Lab Credits 1
  • BIOL 231 - Anatomy and Physiology I Credits 3
  • BIOL 231L - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab Credits 1
  • BIOL 232 - Anatomy and Physiology II Credits 3
  • BIOL 232L - Anatomy and Physiology II Lab Credits 1
  • BIOL 235 - Microbiology for Health Sciences Credits 3
  • BIOL 235L - Microbiology for Health Sciences Lab Credits 1
  • CHEM 210 - Chemistry for Allied Health Credits 3
  • CHEM 212L - Chemistry for Allied Health: Laboratory Credits 1
  • MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
  • MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1

Required Courses

  • KIN 270 - Nutrition Credits 3
  • NURS 300 - Foundations of Nursing Credits 3
  • NURS 300L - Foundations of Nursing Clinical Skills Lab Credits 2
  • NURS 300P - Foundations of Nursing Clinical Practicum Credits 1
  • NURS 311 - Nursing Care of the Adult and Elder I Credits 2
  • NURS 311P - Nursing Care of the Adult and Elder Clinical Practicum I Credits 2
  • NURS 315 - Professional Role Development, Nursing Theory and Health Promotion Credits 3
  • NURS 321 - Nursing Care of the Adult and Elder II Credits 2
  • NURS 321P - Nursing Care of the Adult and Elder Clinical Practicum II Credits 2
  • NURS 330 - Health Assessment Credits 2
  • NURS 330L - Health Assessment Clinical Laboratory Credits 1
  • NURS 335A - Principles of Patho-Physiology and Pharmacology I Credits 2
  • NURS 335B - Principles of Patho-Physiology and Pharmacology II Credits 2
  • NURS 341 - Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Credits 2
  • NURS 341P - Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Clinical Practicum Credits 2
  • NURS 350 - Nursing Care of Children Credits 2
  • NURS 350P - Nursing Care of Children Clinical Practicum Credits 2
  • NURS 411 - Mental Health Nursing Credits 2
  • NURS 411P - Mental Health Nursing Clinical Practicum Credits 2
  • NURS 420 - Nursing Research Credits 3
  • NURS 431 - Nursing Complex Care Credits 2
  • NURS 431P - Nursing Complex Care Clinical Practicum Credits 2
  • NURS 435 - Public Health Nursing and Global Health Issues Credits 3
  • NURS 445 - Public Health Nursing and Community Health Assessment Practicum Credits 2
  • NURS 450 - Information Technology and Health Care Economics Credits 3
  • NURS 465 - Leadership and Clinical Management Credits 2
  • NURS 465P - Leadership and Clinical Management Practicum Credits 1
  • NURS 470 - Global Community and Health Credits 2
  • NURS 470P - Global Community and Health Clinical Practicum Credits 1
  • NURS 475 - NCLEX Review Credits 1
  • NURS 480 - Senior Project Credits 2
  • PSY 360 - Life-Span Development Credits 3

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.

First Steps to Admission

  • Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
    * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
  • Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
  • Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Recommended High School Courses for Admission
  • 4 years of college preparatory English
  • 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
  • 2 years of social studies
  • 1 year of laboratory science
  • 1 year of performing art
  • 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
Things to Keep in Mind

Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.

All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu

Program Requirements

Admission to the BSN program at FPU is a 2 step process. First, students must meet the admissions requirements and be admitted to the University. Admitted freshmen students will then enroll in 2 years of general education requirements and nursing prerequisite classes.

During the second year, students must apply and submit the requirements for the BSN program. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the BSN program. The BSN nursing admission committee will be looking at performance in program course prerequisites, ATI TEAS scores, and the nursing application along with a written statement, in-person interviews, and other academic information. You must be able to pass all criminal history checks and medical and drug tests.

Admission to the BSN program is competitive and limited by the number of available clinical spots. Transfer students may apply for entry given completion of an Associate Degree for Transfer, CSU- GE certification, or IGETC.

BSN Program Application

The application for the Fall 2025 BSN clinical program will open on November 1, 2024 and will close on January 31, 2025. To apply, you will complete and submit the following items:

  • Nursing, BSN program application
  • Two reference forms for the BSN program: one academic reference and one personal character reference.
  • Personal Statement on why you want to pursue nursing at FPU. (Typed; 500 word-minimum.)
  • Transcripts of any courses completed at institutions other than FPU if not previously submitted during the FPU application process. Science prerequisite courses must have been completed within five years of applying or approved upon review by the BSN program director.
  • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score.
    • FPU strongly encourages students to independently seek out additional resources, study guides, and practice tests to prepare for the TEAS exam.

For additional program information or admission questions contact:

Sarah Vang 
559-453-2363 
Sarah.Vang@fresno.edu

Non-traditional Admission

Steps for Re-application

For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:

  1. Fill out the re-application form
  2. Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
Steps for Re-admission

Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:

  1. Fill out the re-admission form
  2. Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
Steps for Non-matriculated Admission

Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
  2. Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
  3. Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
  4. Personal essays are not required
Auditing a class

Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
  2. Personal essays are not required

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Four-year graduation guarantee graphic

Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.

Incoming requirements

This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.

  • Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
  • This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
  • The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
  • Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
  • The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
  • Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
  • Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
  • Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
  • Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
  • Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
  • Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
  • Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
  • Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

2023-2024
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960
Student body fee $598
Total Tuition and Fees $35,548
Room $5,018
Board $5,130
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,248
Summer Session $500
Private Music Instruction $400
2022-2023
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614
Student body fee $574
Total Tuition and Fees $34,188
Room and Board $8,884
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,218
Summer Session $400
Private Music Instruction $400
2021-2022
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954
Student body fee $498
Total Tuition and Fees $33,452
Room and Board $8,710
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,177
Summer Session $300
Private Music Instruction $400

Room & Board Rates

Freshman / Sophomore Housing

Module*FallSpring
Modules$4,313$4,313
Jost Modules$4,619$4,619 

* Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)

Junior / Senior Housing

Suites & HousesFallSpring
Room only$2,068$2,068
Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)$2,719$2,719
Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)$3,276$3,276
Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)$4,400$4,400
Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person)FallSpring
Apartment - Room only$2,694$2,694
Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)$3,345$3,345
Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)$3,902$3,902
Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)$5,026$5,026
Willow Gardens & Jost Hall  Apartments: 3 PersonFallSpring
Apartments - Room only$3,306$3,306
Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)$3,958$3,958
Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)$4,514$4,514
Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)$5,639$5,639
Stand-Alone Meal PlansFallSpring
70 Block$651$651
140 Block$1,208$1,208
Full Access Meal Plan$2,332$2,332

* Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.

Notes about housing

  • For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
  • Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
  • Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.

If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.

Financial Aid

Freshman Scholarships

Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.

NameGPAAmount
Paragon Full Tuition
President's4.00 GPA and above$18,000
Dean's3.75-3.99 GPA$15,000
Heritage3.50-3.75 GPA$14,000
Faculty3.25-3.49 GPA$12,000
Founder'sBelow a 3.0 GPA$8,000

Transfer Scholarships 

To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.

NameGPAAmount
Transfer Scholar3.50 GPA and above$14,000
Transfer Achievement3.0-3.49 GPA$10,000
Transfer Academic2.40-2.99 GPA$7,500
Transfer PartnershipBelow a 2.4 GPA$6,000

Performance-based Scholarships

NameAmount
Athletic$500 to Full Tuition
Music$400 to $10,000
Theatre Arts$500 to $4,000
Art/Design$500 to $4,000

Other FPU Grants and Scholarships

NameAmount
FPU Possibilities ScholarshipFull Tuition
Church Match$500 to $1,500
International Scholarshipup to $6,000
Mennonite Brethren Award$4,000
Out of State Student Scholarship$4,000
Other Awards$100 to $10,000

Federal and State Grants

NameAmount
Cal Grant A$9,358
Cal Grant B$1,648
Pell Grants$750 to $7,395
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant$1,000

Federal Loans and Work-Study

NameAmount
Federal Direct$3,500 to $7,500
PLUS LoanUp to remaining cost
Work-studyContingent on employment

Private Scholarships

Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.

View Private Scholarships

Photo of Alexandra Green

Alexandra Green

Mathematics

The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.

Net Price Calculator

Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.

Calculate for First-Time FreshmanCalculate for Transfer

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) and enter into professional nursing practice. You will meet California BRN requirements to apply for the Public Health Nurse certification. After successfully completing the BSN degree, you'll have the educational foundation for entry into the master's program that prepares advanced practice nurses for roles as nurse practitioners in primary care.

Career Possibilities

  • Registered nurse, serving in:
    • Hospitals
    • Clinics
    • Public Health Agencies
    • Mission organizations
  • Registered nurse, providing:
    • Direct patient care
    • Education
    • Administration

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center