Nursing
College of Health and Social Sciences
Dean: Don Taylor
School of Nursing
BH 371
Phone: 415-338-1802
Director: Lynette Landry, Ph.D., R.N.
Associate Director: Mary Ann van Dam, Ph.D., R.N., P.N.P.
Faculty
Professors: Baj, Ferretti, Girouard
Associate Professors: Davis, Eaton, Fisher, Landry, Renwanz-Boyle, van Dam
Assistant Professors: Carabez, Chou, Doan, Li, Orsi, Privé, Serber
Clinical Faculty/Full-time Lecturers: Greenwald, Kedrowski, Rovera, Vitale
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing: Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Academic Nursing Programs Offered
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Prelicensure: for entry into the nursing profession
- Advanced placement: for RNs without a baccalaureate degree
Master of Science in Nursing/ Post Master's Certificate
- Prelicensure: entry level into the nursing profession for students with a baccalaureate degree in another field; pre-licensure and graduate specialization components in administration, adult acute care, pediatrics, women’s health, and community health
- RNs with bachelor's degrees in nursing or other disciplines can specialize in administration, adult acute care, pediatrics, women's health, community health, or family nurse practitioner
- Post-master's certificate: family nurse practitioner for nurses with masters’ or doctoral degrees
The School
The mission of the School of Nursing is to: (1) provide baccalaureate and graduate education in nursing for a diverse student body; (2) prepare graduates to provide quality nursing care, leadership, and advocacy to meet the health care needs of diverse populations; and (3) to improve health care and nursing practice through research, scholarship, and service to the community.
Goals:
- To provide a learning environment conducive for students with diverse learning styles and needs.
- To develop clinicians, leaders, advocates, and change agents to function in evolving health care systems.
- To increase the number of nurses from underrepresented groups in nursing.
- To prepare nurses who support, use, and disseminate research in practice.
- To provide service to the community through faculty and student leadership, consultation, research, and clinical practice.
At the baccalaureate level, the program provides the basis for professional nursing practice, service and leadership and for pursuing life-long learning including graduate education. Students in the master’s program prepare for professional roles in practice, administration, education and research. The master’s program is designed to meet the critical need for qualified nurse leaders and advanced practice nurses in primary care, acute and chronic care, long term care, home care, and community/public health.
There are approximately 300 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students enrolled in the school who represent the diversity of the community we serve. The School of Nursing is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the California Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Western Institute of Nursing Research.
Career Outlook
The Bachelor of Science degree prepares students for entry-level positions in professional nursing practice. Graduates are prepared to take a national licensure examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses and for positions in maternity, pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, gerontology, psychiatric/mental health, community health, long-term care and home-care. In addition, they are eligible for public health nursing certification in California upon licensure as a registered nurse. For RNs, the Bachelor of Science degree builds upon previous nursing education and experience for professional role development.
Master of Science graduates provide leadership and expertise in a variety of settings as expert clinicians, administrators/managers, teachers and researchers assuring health and healthcare for people of all ages. Clinical Nurse Specialists, as expert clinicians, managers, program planners and case managers, serve specific client/patient populations in acute, chronic, inpatient, outpatient and community/public health settings. Graduates of the nursing administration emphasis hold positions in nursing management, administration, and as entrepreneurs across a variety of health care settings. Graduates prepared as family nurse practitioners hold positions in a variety of primary care and hospital settings. Graduates of all emphases are eligible for positions in program planning and evaluation and to serve as clinical faculty for schools of nursing. The master's curriculum also prepares students for entry into nursing education at the doctoral level.
Notes for Prospective Applicants
In addition to the requirements listed for each educational level in the materials that follow, there are special considerations for all nursing students:
- Informational sessions about the school and application processes will be offered. Please check the web site for dates, times and locations.
- The School of Nursing reserves the right to make changes in the admissions process or curriculum to accommodate programmatic needs. Students will be advised and assisted in making adjustments to these changes.
- Students may apply to only one of the programs offered by the school in a given admission year.
- Course equivalency information may be found at http://www.assist.org.
- Students must have personal health insurance.
- Prior to the beginning of each semester, students must meet specific health requirements including immunizations, tuberculosis testing, etc.
- Background checks are required for all prelicensure students prior to starting clinical.
- Students are required to purchase specified equipment and pay laboratory fees for certain courses.
- Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) for health care providers as offered by the American Heart Association is required.
- A State Board licensure examination preparation program is incorporated throughout the nursing program for an additional fee.
- Students must have use of an automobile for the community health nursing experience and to travel to clinical sites that may not be served by public transportation.
30-Unit LVN Option
A 30-unit LVN option is available on a space available basis. Students must contact the School of Nursing prior to admission and registration for advising about course placement and space availability. Upon completion of the program, the LVN will not receive a degree, but will be eligible to take the California state licensure examination for Registered Nurses.
Bachelor of Science (Prelicensure)
The School of Nursing offers prelicensure (RN) bachelor’s degree programs at the San Francisco campus and in the Sequoia Health District (the Sequoia Hospital/SF State Baccalaureate Nursing Program at Cañada College). The Sequoia/Cañada program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Sequoia Health District with additional support from the San Mateo Community College District, Sequoia Hospital and the CSU. The course of study is the same for each although admission requirements vary. Students are encouraged to explore the specific requirements on the web site as they vary for each site and from year to year.
Applicants to the baccalaureate nursing program may be current students at SF State or transfer students. As freshmen applicants are not admitted to the university as nursing majors, students can be admitted as undeclared with an interest in nursing or to an alternate major. The undeclared with an interest in nursing designation does not guarantee admission to the nursing major. All students applying to the nursing program must be accepted into the University and meet University requirements (see earlier sections of the Bulletin). Students applying to the nursing program have specific prerequisites for the program (see details that follow).
Admission/Application Information
- Application period: generally early October to late November.
- Application materials and instructions will be posted on the web site.
- Both School of Nursing and University applications must be submitted (for those not already SF State students).
- Optional supplemental criteria: foreign language proficiency, multi-cultural work or volunteer experience and health related work or volunteer experience are also used as admission criteria.
- Sequoia applicants must also verify their residency and completion of prerequisite course work in the San Mateo Community College District.
- Applicants will be notified of the decision regarding acceptance into the program in the spring.
Criteria for Admission to the Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Undergraduate students must be admissible to the University in accordance with existing criteria as stated in the undergraduate admission requirements section of the University Bulletin. In addition, students seeking to major in nursing must meet the following criteria and prerequisites.
Prospective students must:
- Be California residents.
- Have an all-college total GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application.
- Receive a minimum grade of C in all nursing prerequisites.
- Complete University general education requirements.
- Take the results of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V).
Nursing Prerequisites
The courses listed below or those which are comparable as listed on www.assist.org are required for acceptance into the nursing major. No more than one course should be in progress during the spring semester/winter quarter following submission of an application.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 210/ BIOL 211 |
General Microbiology and Public Health/Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 328 | Human Anatomy (must include a laboratory component if taken elsewhere) | 4 |
| BIOL 610/ BIOL 611 |
Principles of Human Physiology/Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 101/ CHEM 102 |
Survey of Chemistry/Laboratory | 4 |
| COMM 150 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 |
| ENG 214 | Second Year Written Composition - English | 3 |
| MATH 124 | Elementary Statistics (quantitative reasoning) | 3 |
| PHIL 110 | Critical Thinking I | 3 |
Total for Prerequisites: 28 units
Courses required for RN licensure in California
Prior to applying for RN licensure, the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires students to have completed a minimum of 16 semester units comprising natural sciences, behavioral, and social sciences. To complement the anatomy, physiology, and microbiology prerequisites, it is highly recommended that students complete a general psychology course prior to taking NURS 444 and NURS 445 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Theory and Practicum and any additional behavioral or social science course as needed to fulfill the BRN's requirement.
Note: These courses may also satisfy GE Segment II requirements.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum
(usual course of study)
Required Courses
First Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 311 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 312 GW | Foundations in Nursing Theory - GWAR | 3 |
| NURS 313 | Foundations in Nursing Practicum | 2 |
| NURS 314 | Nursing Skills Lab | 2 |
| NURS 315 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 316 | Health Assessment Skills Lab | 1 |
Total First Semester: 14
Second Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 321 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 322 | Medical Surgical Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 323 | Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 324 | Geriatric Nursing Theory | 3 |
Total Second Semester: 12
Third Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 334 | Maternity Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 335 | Maternity Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 336 | Pediatric Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 337 | Pediatric Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 338 | Nursing Research | 3 |
Total Third Semester: 15
Fourth Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 444 | Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 445 | Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 446 | Community/ Public Health Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 447 | Community/ Public Health Nursing Practicum | 3 |
Total Fourth Semester: 12
Fifth Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 556 | Nursing Leadership Theory | 3 |
| NURS 557 | Capstone Practicum | 3 |
Total for Fifth Semester: 6
Total required nursing courses: 59
Total for nursing major: 75
Bachelor of Science for RNs
(Advanced Placement Option for Licensed Nurses)
The advanced placement option (APO) is designed for RNs with associate degrees or diplomas in nursing interested in obtaining a baccalaureate nursing degree. The APO curriculum allows credit for some previous course work and has flexible scheduling to accommodate the practicing nurse. Students have the option to study part-time or full-time. If a student meets University general education and other degree requirements, it is possible to complete the course of study in one to one and a half years through full time study.
Admission/Application Information
- Application period is generally early October to late November.
- Application materials and instructions will be posted on the web site.
- Both School of Nursing and University applications must be submitted for those who are not already SF State students.
- RNs may receive credit for previous nursing education.
- The maximum number of transferable units is 70.
Criteria for Admission to the APO
- Admitted to the University (University applications must be submitted at the same time as the application to the school).
- Successful completion of an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The program must be accredited
- Licensure as an RN in the State of California by the start of the program.
- An all-college total GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of the application.
- All nursing prerequisites completed with a minimum grade of C.
Prerequisite Courses
The courses listed below or those which are comparable as listed on www.assist.org are required for acceptance into the nursing major.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 210/ BIOL 211 |
General Microbiology and Public Health/Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 328 | Human Anatomy (must include a laboratory component if taken elsewhere) | 4 |
| BIOL 610/ BIOL 611 |
Principles of Human Physiology/Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 101/ CHEM 102 |
Survey of Chemistry/Laboratory | 4 |
| COMM 150 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 |
| ENG 214 | Second Year Written Composition - English | 3 |
| MATH 124 | Elementary Statistics (quantitative reasoning) | 3 |
| PHIL 110 | Critical Thinking I | 3 |
Total for prerequisites: 28
The APO course of study
- Completion of University general education requirements.
- Besides nursing course work, all APO students will need upper division coursework within the University to meet the requirements towards the degree.
- There are 120 units, minimum, to complete the nursing Bachelor of Science degree. (70 units of course work is transferable.)
Required Courses
The following are required nursing courses to be taken (or challenged):
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 300 GW | Bridge to SFSU Advanced Placement - GWAR | 3 |
| NURS 301 | Assessment of Prior Theoretical Learning in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 302 | Assessment of Prior Clinical Learning in Nursing | 6 |
| NURS 324 | Geriatric Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 338 | Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 446 | Community/ Public Health Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 447 | Community/ Public Health Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 558 | Professional Practice Concepts Theory | 3 |
| NURS 559 | Professional Practice Concepts Practicum | 3 |
Total: 30
Total for major: 58
APO Challenge Procedures
Challenge of courses is an acceptable means of demonstrating competency in nursing courses. Challenge exams are developed by faculty who teach the course and are based on the content that is included in the course. RN to BSN students may receive credit for courses through challenge exams. Each student will have an adviser who will work with them to determine what courses can be challenged and to plan an appropriate course of study. If a student is challenging courses by examination, they pay tuition, register for the course and take the examination at the beginning of the semester the course is given. Upon successfully completing the challenge exam and at the end of the semester when the course is given, the student will be given a grade for the course. If the student is not successful in challenging the course, they must take the course.
Master of Science in Nursing
The School of Nursing provides master’s level educational opportunities for registered nurses and individuals with a bachelor’s degree in other fields who wish to enter the nursing profession.
Registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees in nursing can enter the master’s program by demonstrating they have met nursing content comparable to that in the SF State baccalaureate program.
Registered nurses without a nursing bachelor’s degree may need additional nursing coursework such as community health and research. The school offers the nursing Master of Science degree for RNs at the SF State campus and partner hospital locations on the Peninsula.
Individuals who are not nurses but have a bachelor’s degree may apply to the generic nursing Master of Science program. Students in this program spend their first five semesters completing theory and clinical course work with other pre-licensure students. Upon completion of these courses the students take a national licensing exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse in California. Students must be licensed to progress with graduate level studies. In addition, to the master’s degrees.
Registered nurses who already hold master’s degrees may apply to the post master’s family nurse practitioner (FNP) certificate program (graduate level coursework).
The master’s level curriculum includes both core courses and specialty courses. The core courses, the portion of the program for all students, include nursing theory, advanced practice nursing roles, pathophysiology, research, leadership, health policy and ethics for advanced practice nurses. Units taken in addition to the core program are selected with graduate nursing faculty advisement. Students are engaged in clinical practice experiences throughout the curriculum and complete their studies with a thesis or field study.
Please note that students taking post master’s FNP certificate courses and students in the group taking courses at partner hospitals will take courses through the College of Extended Learning and have a different enrollment processes.
Admission/Application Information and Requirements for the Master’s Degree
For all applicants:
- Visit the School of Nursing web site for specific application dates.
- Meet general requirements for admission to graduate study at SF State and submit a separate application to the Division of Graduate Studies.
- Include a written goal statement.
- Students whose primary language is not English must earn a minimum score of 550 on the paper Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 80 overall on the internet based (iBT) TOEFL.
- All graduate students are required to establish written English proficiency (see information below) by submitting results of the analytical writing section of the GRE at the time of application. A score of 4.0 or above is required.
- Three references from a work colleague or supervisor.
- Provide a resume or curriculum vitae.
For RN applicants:
- Courses in inferential statistics and an undergraduate nursing research course are recommended.
- Some of the prerequisite courses may be challenged or waived for students who have extensive professional experience and have participated in mandatory continuing education programs for R.N. licensure.
For non-RN (generic master’s) applicants:
- Generic (non-RN students) must have completed all prerequisites at the time of application to the program.
- Provide evidence of health related work or volunteer experience
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: A score of 4.0 or above on the analytical writing section of the GRE. Level Two: Demonstration of English proficiency on the final paper for NURS 794.
Generic Nursing Master of Science Degree
Qualified applicants are accepted into the generic nursing Master of Science program conditionally. They may enroll in graduate courses in the fourth semester of the pre-licensure course work. Prior to enrolling in NURS 802, students must have successfully completed all prelicensure prerequisites, prelicensure courses, and must attain status as a registered nurse in California (successful completion of the NCLEX exam).
Prerequisites
The courses listed below or those which are comparable as listed on www.assist.org are required for acceptance into the program.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 210/ BIOL 211 |
General Microbiology and Public Health/Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL 328 | Human Anatomy (must include a laboratory component if taken elsewhere) | 4 |
| BIOL 610/ BIOL 611 |
Principles of Human Physiology/Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 101/ CHEM 102 |
Survey of Chemistry/Laboratory | 4 |
| COMM 150 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 |
| ENG 214 | Second Year Written Composition - English | 3 |
| MATH 124 | Elementary Statistics (quantitative reasoning) | 3 |
| PHIL 110 | Critical Thinking I | 3 |
Total units: 28
Courses required for RN licensure in California
Prior to applying for RN licensure the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires students to have completed a minimum of 16 semester units comprising natural sciences, behavioral, and social sciences. To complement the anatomy, physiology, and microbiology prerequisites, it is highly recommended that students complete a general psychology course prior to taking NURS 444 and NURS 445 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Theory and Practicum and any additional behavioral or social science course as needed to fulfill the BRN's requirement.
Pre-licensure Nursing Courses
First Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 311 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 312 GW | Foundations in Nursing Theory - GWAR | 3 |
| NURS 313 | Foundations in Nursing Practicum | 2 |
| NURS 314 | Nursing Interventions Practicum | 2 |
| NURS 315 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 316 | Health Assessment Skills Lab | 1 |
Total for First Semester: 14
Second Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 321 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 322 | Medical Surgical Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 323 | Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 324 | Geriatric Nursing Theory | 3 |
Total for Second Semester: 12
Third Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 334 | Maternity Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 335 | Maternity Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 336 | Pediatric Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 337 | Pediatric Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 338 | Nursing Research | 3 |
Total for Third Semester: 15
Fourth Semester
Pre-licensure Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 444 | Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 445 | Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 446 | Community/Public Health Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 447 | Community/Public Health Nursing Practicum | 3 |
Graduate Core Course
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 720 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 |
Total for Fourth Semester: 15
Fifth Semester
Final Pre-licensure Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 556 | Nursing Leadership Theory | 3 |
| NURS 557 | Capstone Practicum | 3 |
Graduate Core Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 706 | Health Care Policy and Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 711 | Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| NURS 716 | Advanced Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning I | 3 |
Total for Fifth Semester: 15
Sixth Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 703 | Principles of Education and Use of Information Technologies in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 715 | Pharmacological Principles Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NURS 717 | Advanced Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning II | 3 |
| NURS 794 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 801 | Graduate Nursing Practicum I | 4 |
Total for Sixth Semester: 16
Seventh Semester
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 702 | Healthcare Policy and Nursing Issues | 3 |
| NURS 721 | Program Planning and Financial Managment in Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 732 | Ethics in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 802 | Graduate Nursing Practicum II | 4 |
| NURS 895 or NURS 898 |
Field Study Master’s Thesis |
3 |
Total for Seventh Semester: 16
Total for degree: 103
RN-Master of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses
Required Core Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 702 | Health Systems Management | 3 |
| NURS 703 | Education, Informatics, and eTechnology in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 706 | Health Care Policy and Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 711 | Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NURS 715 | Pharmacological Priniciples Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NURS 716 | Advanced Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning I | 3 |
| NURS 717 | Advanced Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning II | 3 |
| NURS 720 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 721 | Program Planning and Financial Management in Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 732 | Ethics in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 794 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 801 | Graduate Nursing Practicum I | 4 |
| NURS 802 | Graduate Nursing Practicum II | 4 |
| NURS 895 or NURS 898 |
Field Study Master’s Thesis |
3 |
Concentration/Emphasis or Electives (8 - 12 units)
Units on advisement
Total for graduation (varies by emphasis): 44 - 52
Emphases
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
This emphasis offers the graduate student the opportunity to take additional courses for certification by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The CNS is an advanced practice nurse holding a master’s degree with a specific area of clinical nursing specialization such as adult and critical care, women’s health, community/public health, and pediatrics. The role of the CNS is defined by the needs of a select client population and clinical expertise of the nurse. Specialized role content is included in NURS 801 and NURS 802.
Nursing Administration
This emphasis enables students to combine the nursing perspective and principles of business to become effective and successful managers and administrators. Courses may also be taken in the College of Business with the advice and approval of the adviser.
Students in this emphasis are not required to take NURS 711, NURS 715, NURS 716, and NURS 717 in the nursing core.
Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) concentration requires 52 units and a total of 600 clinical hours. The FPN concentration is designed to prepare FNPs for primary care practice. The following courses are required in addition to the 44 units of RN-MSN required core courses. Family Nurse Practitioner students take NURS 810 and NURS 811 in lieu of NURS 801 and NURS 802.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 708 | Diagnosis and Management in Primary Care | 4 |
| NURS 810 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I | 4 |
| NURS 811 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum II | 4 |
| NURS 812 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum III | 4 |
Total for concentration: 19
Advancement to Candidacy
The student must resolve any admission conditions as soon as possible after beginning the graduate program. The Advancement to Candidacy form should be completed and filed in the Division of Graduate Studies after the student has completed 24 units. The Proposal for Culminating Experience form must be completed and filed before he/she enrolls in the culminating experience course, either NURS 895 or 898. See the Graduate Division web site for more details http://www.sfsu.edu/~gradstdy/.
Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
The post master’s family nurse practitioner (FNP) certificate allows master’s and doctoral prepared nurses to attain certification as an FNP in the State of California after completing 30 units of post-graduate work. Completion of the certificate verifies to the California Board of Registered Nursing that the students satisfy all requirements for licensure as family nurse practitioners. The program also provides documentation to professional organizations that all requirements for national certification examinations were completed. The certificate program includes the courses listed below. Sequencing is determined in consultation with an adviser.
Post Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 708 | Diagnosis and Management in Primary Care | 4 |
| NURS 711 | Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NURS 715 | Pharmacological Principles Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NURS 716 | Advanced Pathophysioglogy and Diagnostic Reasoning I | 3 |
| NURS 717 | Advanced Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning II | 3 |
| NURS 810 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I | 4 |
| NURS 811 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum II | 4 |
| NURS 812 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum III | 4 |
Total for Certificate: 28
Admission/ Application Information for the FNP certificate Program
Admission Requirements
- Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
- Current RN licensure in California.
- One year or 2,000 hours of recent relevant clinical nursing experience.
