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.

The DNP is a practice-focused doctoral degree, such as the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), in contrast to the research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The purpose of the DNP is to develop advanced competencies for increasingly complex practice, teaching, and leadership roles in nursing, and provide an advanced educational credential for those in practice. The changing demands of this nation's complex healthcare environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient outcomes.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends that the DNP should be the terminal degree for nursing practice. In addition to meeting requirements of the Essentials of Doctoral Nursing Practice outlined by AACN, students complete coursework in teaching strategies, curriculum development, and may elect to complete a nursing education practicum to prepare for faculty roles.

Our vision is to be an exceptional advanced nursing degree program that prepares nurses at a doctoral level to lead healthcare change, serve as nursing faculty, and advance healthcare throughout California's communities.

This program prepares students for entry level positions in professional nursing practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, community clinics, long term care, home care, and community health agencies. It also provides the basis for leadership and graduate education in nursing. Graduates work as staff nurses in the following areas: maternity, pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, gerontology, psychiatric/mental health, and public/community health nursing. Students register and pay for classes via the College of Professional & Global Education (CPaGE) and the cost is $700/unit.

Graduates of the program are eligible for public health nursing certification in California upon licensure as a Registered Nurse. The program also provides the basis for leadership and graduate education in nursing.

The SF State nursing major has been impacted since fall 1992 (more qualified students apply than can be accommodated in the program). We have 32 spaces per year and typically receive over 200 applications. Additional information about the program, including the curriculum plan and student learning outcomes, can be obtained in the nursing section of the SF State bulletin.

San Francisco State University, renowned for its esteemed reputation, offers a rigorous Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification program, dedicated to equipping students with essential healthcare skills. This distinctive program seamlessly integrates comprehensive theoretical education with hands-on nursing practice, emphasizing patient empathy, nursing techniques, and ethical considerations. Modern medical technology plays a central role, ensuring students are well-prepared for contemporary healthcare settings. State-of-the-art lab facilities enhance practical skills, and partnerships with local healthcare institutions provide valuable clinical exposure, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare environments. Experienced instructors with extensive field expertise guide students through the intricacies of patient care, leading to impressive pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and high job placement rates. San Francisco State University's commitment to continuous quality improvement and student success shines through its LVN and LPN program, exemplifying the institution's dedication to excellence in nursing education and service to the healthcare field.

The acclaimed Electrocardiogram program is available at San Francisco State University, which specialises in healthcare education. Students obtain in-depth knowledge of electrocardiography concepts, patient care, and medical ethics using cutting-edge equipment and a rigorous curriculum. Hands-on learning and expert professors promote industry preparedness and strong job placement rates. The variety and complexity of the program prepare graduates to flourish in the complicated healthcare sector, making it an obvious choice for ambitious healthcare professionals.

San Francisco State University's Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN/LPN) program distinguishes itself within the realm of healthcare education. This program offers a unique blend of in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical training to aspiring LVNs/LPNs. Students benefit from meticulously crafted coursework and expert instruction provided by seasoned industry professionals, ensuring a comprehensive and high-quality learning environment. Graduates emerge equipped with essential skills and the confidence to excel in real-world healthcare scenarios. Moreover, the program's adaptability allows for dynamic adjustments to align with evolving healthcare trends, keeping graduates' skills relevant in today's rapidly changing healthcare landscape. The program also places a strong emphasis on holistic care, integrating ethical, legal, and sociocultural aspects into nursing practice, fostering compassionate patient care. San Francisco State University's LVN/LPN program stands as a premier institution for vocational nursing education, offering modern facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a culture of inclusivity, preparing well-rounded professionals to meet the ongoing demand for competent and dedicated nursing professionals in the healthcare industry.

San Francisco State University is renowned for its innovative approach to healthcare education, particularly through its specialized Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN/LPN) program. This program stands out with its unique curriculum, offering comprehensive medical knowledge and practical skills in patient care, medication administration, and maintenance documentation. Students engage in enriching coursework covering subjects like human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and pharmacology, guided by accredited nursing educators dedicated to nurturing ethical and compassionate vocational nurses. Accreditation by relevant national regulatory bodies ensures strict compliance with academic and procedural standards, enhancing the program's credibility and alignment with healthcare industry requirements. State-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, replicate real-world healthcare scenarios, fostering effective learning and enabling students to translate theory into precise practice. SFSU's forward-thinking approach also integrates internships with healthcare partners, providing valuable opportunities for hands-on experience in actual healthcare settings. Furthermore, the university's holistic student-centric approach extends to personalized support for licensing exam preparation and career counseling services, empowering students to align their vocational aspirations with determined pathways. In sum, San Francisco State University's LVN program sets a high standard in vocational healthcare education, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary for successful careers in this dynamic sector, underpinned by an optimally designed curriculum, practical exposure, and integrated support systems that contribute to its acclaim.

San Francisco State University offers a comprehensive Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN/LPN) program tailored for individuals aspiring to excel in the nursing profession. This vocational program seamlessly integrates theoretical knowledge, practical training, and immersive clinical experiences, thoroughly preparing students for the multifaceted challenges of real-world healthcare settings. The institution provides an ideal learning environment, featuring cutting-edge facilities and a dedicated faculty with extensive expertise. The meticulously designed curriculum equips students with essential competencies, including patient care, documentation, infection control, and medication administration, laying a strong foundation for their LVN/LPN roles. Notably, the program places a strong emphasis on communication skills development, vital for effective patient interaction and collaboration within healthcare teams. Additionally, it offers comprehensive NCLEX-PN licensing exam preparation, yielding a remarkable pass rate. In sum, San Francisco State University's LVN/LPN program cultivates well-rounded and ethically driven vocational nurses, poised to make significant contributions to the healthcare industry and society at large.