Entry-Level and Graduate Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (EL MSN)?

A. The EL MSN program, also known as graduate entry, direct entry, or master’s entry, is designed for candidates who hold a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field and who seek to transition professionally into the field of nursing. This type of program requires the completion of specific requirements and allows student to complete an accelerated schedule of nursing course work before moving directly into graduate nursing coursework — combining preparation for RN-licensure with advanced training in a master's specialty area.

Q.  Does the EL MSN program prepare me to become a licensed nurse?

A. Yes. The program provides Board of Registered Nurses approved coursework and clinical experience needed to prepare students for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to practice registered nursing in California only and to apply for a State of California Public Health Certificate. Students begin with 62 units of BRN-approved courses which lead to nursing licensure.

Q. What are the program’s entry dates and application deadline?

A. Those who want to complete prerequisite nursing courses may apply for fall, spring or summer. The EL MSN program offers one start date a year, in May. Applications for the EL MSN program scheduled to start in May 2010 are no longer being accepted.  Applications are being accepted for the May 2011 start. Applications are due by December, 15, 2010 and all admission requirements must be completed by January 14, 2011.

Those who are already California-licensed RNs may apply for the  Master of Science in Nursing, anticipated to begin in Fall 2010. 

Q. Do I have to complete a bachelor degree in nursing before I can enter the EL MSN program?

A. No. Applicants may enter the program with a bachelor degree in arts or science from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are, however, required to complete certain prerequisites before entering the EL MSN program (See question number 6).

Q. If I already have a BSN, can I complete the post-licensure (MSN) courses only?

A. Yes, you can take the post-licensure courses of the program. However, be aware that classes are taught in rotation and these courses may not be available until the pre-licensure portion of the program has been completed.  It is estimated the post-licensure courses will start in Fall 2010.

Q. What are the program’s prerequisites?

A. Prerequisites for the EL MSN program are Intermediate Composition, Interpersonal Communication, General Sociology or Cultural Anthropology, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics, Life Span or Developmental Psychology, two semesters of Anatomy/Physiology, Bio-Chemistry/Organic Chemistry with lab, and Microbiology with lab. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate computer literacy or complete a course in Info Systems Essentials.

Q. Should I take the EL MSN prerequisites at CBU?

A. With all other things being equal, admission preference will be given to those who either completed their bachelor degree or completed their prerequisite courses at CBU.

Q. What is the GPA/GRE/TEAS requirement?

A. Candidates must have a minimum cumulative or last 60/90 units GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also take the GRE (Graduate Record General Exam), and pass the TEAS (Testing of Essential Academic Skills in Nursing) at or above the posted program mean at the time of testing. Please note, enrolled CBU students may take a TEAS test preparation course through the Academic Resource Center.

Q - What score do I need on the TEAS test to be eligible to apply to the School of Nursing?

A - In order to be eligible to apply to the School of Nursing, you must be at or above the program mean posted during your test.

Q - What is the current program mean?

A - The current program mean is 77.4%

Q - How many times can I take the TEAS test?

A - CBU allows a maximum of three attempts. We recommend that you do not retake the TEAS test for a higher score if you pass it your first attempt.

If an applicant does not pass the TEAS test on the third attempt, the applicant is no longer eligible to re-take the TEAS test or apply to CBU School of Nursing.

Q- When do I take the TEAS test?

A- We recommend taking the TEAS test during your final semester of prerequisites.

Q - When will the next TEAS test be offered at CBU and how to register?

A - The TEAS test is offered on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 10am, Friday, August 13, 2010 at 1pm, and Friday, August 27, 2010 at 10am. Doors will be opened a half hour before the test and closed for testing right at the start time. You must register and pay for the TEAS test at the School of Nursing Office at least one day prior to the test date. Spaces are limited.

Please note: If you take the TEAS test at another institution, please go http://www.atitesting.com  to to have your official test results sent to CBU.

Q - Is there a cost for the TEAS test?

A - Yes, the TEAS test  costs $35.  Pre-payment  is required.

Q - Is there a study guide available for the TEAS test?

A - Yes, you can purchase a study guide in the CBU Bookstore, or you can purchase one online at http://www.atitesting.com 

Q. Will I be required to complete a practicum (clinical rotation hours) as part of my coursework?

A. Yes. Practicum courses span the length of the entire semester (16 weeks), and are conducted in a clinical setting. During the pre-licensure portion of the program, schedules are typically arranged so that students are in classes 2-3 days a week with clinicals scheduled for the other 2-3 days. For each unit of clinical course credit, students spend three hours per week for 16 weeks in the skills lab or clinical setting.

Q. How long does the EL MSN program take?

A. The first four semesters of the full-time (daytime) EL MSN program will prepare you to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to practice registered nursing in California only. The next six-eight semesters are part time and prepare you to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). It takes approximately three years to complete the entire program.

Q. Can I complete the pre-licensure portion of the program only?

A. No. The EL MSN is a graduate program designed for those who desire to transition professionally into the field of nursing, and desire to earn a Master of Science in Nursing.

Q. Can I work while I am in the EL MSN program?

A. Applicants are advised that the pre-licensure portion of the program requires a very intensive, full-time commitment from students. It is recommended they not work or entertain other commitments outside of the program while preparing for licensure.  Once the pre-licensure portion is completed the MSN post-licensure portion is designed for the working professional.

Q. Is this program accredited?

A. The CA Board of Registered Nursing has approved the program. CBU is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Baccalaureate program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The MSN program is currently in the accreditation process.

Q. What is the program's NCLEX pass rate?

A. Our current pass rate can be found at the Board of Registered Nursing website 

Q. How much does the program cost?

A. 2009/2010 tuition cost is $560 per unit.The program tuition cost is approximately $48,950 and includes lab costs for the pre-licensure courses with additional labs and program fees.  Students can complete the pre-licensure (RN) courses only with a cost of approximately $36,850 with lab costs included.  Post-licensure courses can also be completed with tuition costs of approximately $15,400.

Q. Do my prerequisites have to be completed within the last five years?

A. No, there is no timeline, however you may want to take a refresher course if you believe you need to strengthen you knowledge in a particular subject.

Q. What is a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

A. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are licensed registered nurses who have graduated preparation (Master's or Doctorate) in nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and practice in a wide variety of health care settings.  They are expert clinicians in a specialized are of nursing practice.  The specialty may be identified in terms of a:

• Population (e.g. pediatrics, geriatrics, women's health)
• Setting (e.g. critical care, emergency room)
• Disease or Medical Subspecialty (e.g. diabetes, oncology)
• Type of Care (e.g. psychiatric, rehabilitation)
• Type of Problem (e.g. pain, wounds, stress)

In addition to providing direct patient care, Clinical Nurse Specialists influence care outcomes by providing expert consultation for nursing staffs and by implementing improvements in health care delivery systems.

Clinical Nurse Specialist practice integrates nursing practice, which focuses on assisting patients in the prevention or resolution of illness, with medical diagnosis and treatment of disease, injury and disability.  This program is designed for adult health clinical nurse specialist.