Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (EL MSN) Program

The Entry Level MSN program is designed for candidates who hold a non-nursing baccalaureate degree who are interested in transitioning into the field of nursing as graduate level RNs.  After completion of pre-licensure coursework, students apply for RN licensure through the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requiring successful passing of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The pre-licensure section of the program requires a full-time commitment and students are expected to work as a registered nurses upon licensing.  Post-licensure MSN coursework builds on Baccalaureate or entry-level nursing practice, meets the AACN Master’s Essentials (2011) and culminates in graduate level direct care at an advanced level.   Students who successfully complete the EL-MSN program will earn a MSN degree and are eligible to complete a post-Master’s certification in a chosen area of concentration or doctoral studies.  Students must meet the following pre-nursing curriculum requirements before entering the pre-licensure coursework.

Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Nursing Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Additional application requirements for the graduate programs in Nursing are:

1. Grade Point Average
   • A minimum 3.25 GPA for unconditional admission and a minimum 3.0 GPA for conditional admission
2. Prerequisites*. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher prior to pre-licensure admission
   • Intermediate Composition
   • Interpersonal Communication
   • General Sociology or Cultural Anthropology or Holistic Health (ANT 315)
   • Abnormal Psychology
   • Introductory Statistics or Intermediate Algebra
   • Lifespan Development or Developmental Psychology
   • Human Anatomy/Physiology with Lab (2 semesters)
   • Organic and Biochemistry for Health Sciences with Lab
   • Human Microbiology with Lab
3. Clearances *:
   • CPR Certification
   • Background Check Clearance
   • Health Clearance
   • Drug Testing
   • Proof of Health Insurance
   • Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance
4. Pre-Admission Examination * ^
5. Passport Photo *
6. Three Recommendations completed on forms provided
   • Must be from sources who can personally attest to the candidate’s potential for scholarly and professional success: one personal, one academic, and one employer. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations.
7. A Comprehensive essay of no more than 1000 words that includes the following elements:
   • Purpose for entering the program
   • Significant events and influences that have affected your approach to life
   • Long-term professional goals
   • Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University
   • Essay must be submitted in APA format
8. Successful Interview with the College of Nursing *

* Not required to enroll in pre-nursing curriculum; must be complete after acceptance to the EL-MSN pre-licensure and MSN postlicensure programs.

^ Not required to enroll in MSN post-licensure program.

Additional Requirements for MSN Post-Licensure Admission

1. Master of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited university
2. Current California Registered Nursing (RN) license
3. Professional resume that includes current clinical practice
4. Prerequisites must be completed recently
   • Advanced pathophysiology
   • Pharmacology
   • Physical assessment
   • Advanced Nursing Leadership