Nurse professionals are members of interdisciplinary teams who work with people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and lifestyles to help them achieve the highest level of wellness possible. The Bachelor of Science degree program in Nursing Science prepares graduates to function as generalists in professional nursing practice and to collaborate with other health care providers in clinics, hospitals, and community health settings. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to provide theory and research-based clinical experiences that integrate critical thinking, compassion, and caring behaviors that build clinical expertise. Students who successfully complete the B.S. degree in Nursing Science are eligible to take the national licensing examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse.
Most of the courses required for the major require completion of prerequisites. The sample program shown is a preferred sequence that accounts for all prerequisites. Most required courses are offered in sequence and only once a year. Full-time enrollment is required.
All students interested in the Nursing Science major should be aware that they will be required to do the following: (1) meet the physical and mental requirements necessary to perform nursing practice functions as outlined in Chapter 6, Article 2, Item 2725 of the Business and Professions Code of California; (2) provide required clinical onboarding documentation such as current health records, proof of immunizations, and up-to-date certifications (e.g. CPR/BLS); (3) complete and pass screenings such as a criminal background check and drug test prior to entering the clinical portion of program as required by health care facilities in which students will have clinical experiences; (4) purchase required equipment such as stethoscopes; (5) have access to transportation for off-campus clinical experiences.