Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a time limit on how long ago science pre-requisite courses have been taken and can still be used to meet your entrance requirements to the program?
No, there isn't any time limit. We will accept courses no matter how long ago they were taken.
2. What Chemistry courses will articulate, or be equivalent, to your CHEM 110
See course equivalency chart on BSN website. http://nursing.csuci.edu/Course_Equivalency_Chart.doc
CHEM 110 Course Description:
Fundamentals of chemistry including the composition of atoms and molecules, mass balance, energy, properties of gases and solutions, solubility, diffusion, ionic strength, acid-base chemistry, and basic nuclear chemistry. Structure and reactivity of inorganic, organic, and biological molecules. Enzyme catalysis, including the metabolism of sugars, lipids, and proteins. Hazards of chemicals and their interactions with the human body.
3. I notice that your Anatomy and Physiology courses at Cal State Channel Islands are offered as a year-long sequence. Will you accept separate Anatomy and Physiology courses?
Yes, provided each Anatomy or Physiology course is taken separately as a 4-5 unit/per semester (not quarter) course, and includes a lab, we will accept these for the prerequisites A & P. We do not accept a single semester of combined Anatomy/Physiology intended as a 'stand alone' course. It must be a two semester sequence of A & P I and A & P II, or separate semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology, both with labs. If you took the combined A&P class, take Physiology separately and we will accept that as your A & P requirement.
4. Can I meet with a Nursing Counselor or Advisor at Cal State Channel Islands?
Unfortunately we don't have the "manpower" to meet individually with prospective students. Nursing Information Sessions are presented by Nursing Advisors at regular times throughout the year. At the end of each session, additional time is provided for individual questions and a review of unofficial transcripts, if needed.
5. How do I know if a course that I've previously taken will meet the entrance requirements for the program?
If you have completed coursework at Community College(s) and have questions about course equivalents, check with your Community College Counselor or check on www.assist.org. If you attended an out-of-state or private school, or the University of California, we recommend that you attend one of our Nursing Information Sessions. Individuals can bring unofficial copies of their transcripts to these sessions and if time permits, Nursing Advisors will meet with you to discuss course equivalents.
6. I have completed college coursework or a degree outside of the United States. How do I know which of these credits will be accepted at Cal State Channel Islands?
First, you'll need to have this coursework evaluated by an independent evaluation company. Here is a link to an evaluation companies that applicants with international documents can use.
http://www.ierf.org/
We will not evaluate foreign transcripts which have not first been evaluated by an independent evaluation company.
7. Do you accept 2nd Bachelor Degree students for Nursing at California State Channel Islands?
Yes, 2nd Bachelor Degree students can be admitted to the University as Pre-Nursing students and can apply to be admitted. Please refer to the University Admissions Web site for information on the admissions requirements for being admitted to the University as a 2nd Bachelor Degree Student. Students will also need to meet all the 8 nursing prerequisites and BRN required list of courses; Cultural Anthropology or Sociology and Psychology.
8. Do you admit students twice a year?
No, we do not have spring admissions on the Camarillo campus. The next opportunity to enter any of our Nursing programs will be for entry in the fall.
9. Who has to take the TEAS exam?
The TEAS exam, or Test of Essential Academic Skills, is designed as a predictor of success for Nursing program applicants. This exam is only required for Generic/Basic BSN applicants; it is not required for RN to BSN applicants. This test is created by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Testing, their Web site (www.atitesting.com) has information about review books and online practice exams. Testing dates will be administered in January and June of each year. Please check nursing website for dates and times.
10. I have heard that all Bachelor degree students at the University must complete a Language Other Than English requirement. Is this true?
Yes, a graduation requirement for all Bachelor Degree students at the University is the Language Other than English requirement. And this requirement applies to 2nd Bachelor degree students, as well, who are pursing the B.S. in Nursing degree. Please visit the following University Web site to learn more about this requirement:
http://www.csuci.edu/academics/catalog/2008-2009/12_policiesandregulations/49_languageandmulticulturalrequirements.htm
11. Will I get credit for having a CNA license if I’m admitted to the program?
Unfortunately, a student that has a CNA license cannot receive additional credit. However, the student will receive admission supplemental criteria points if the student has worked or volunteered in the field.
12. If I took Nursing prerequisites course and received a grade that I didn’t like, and took that same class again, what grade will you accept.
We will average both grades.
13. Is sign language considered a language?
Yes, sign language is considered a language.
14. What is Generic/Basic BSN (Track I)?
Generic/Basic BSN is a three-year, full-time, cohort program which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Upon program completion, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX State Board Exam (RN License Exam) and are eligible for the California Public Health Nurse Certificate. This program is intended for students who do not hold an RN (Registered Nurse) or LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) license.
15. What is (Track II)? RN to BSN & ADN – BSN
RN to BSN is a two-year, part-time, cohort program for licensed RN’s which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Program applicants are required to complete previous Nursing coursework at a regionally-accredited institution. In addition, the Fast Track Program (14 month) is for new ADN graduates who wish to complete a BSN degree in a 14 month program. Both programs meet primarily on Fridays, except during clinical courses Public Health & Leadership.