San Jose State University Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN at San Jose State University in San Jose, California. NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing (TVFSON) at San Jose State University is CCNE-accredited and offers a full range from BSN through DNP in the heart of Silicon Valley. Students benefit from Bay Area clinical partnerships and an online DNP that serves nurses across California.
Overview & Why Students Choose San Jose State
Located in San Jose at the south end of the San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose State University’s The Valley Foundation School of Nursing (TVFSON) gives nursing students access to one of the nation’s largest and most diverse healthcare markets. As part of the California State University system, SJSU combines public affordability with CCNE-accredited programs from BSN through DNP.
Whether you are a first-time college student, an ADN-prepared RN seeking a BSN, or an experienced nurse pursuing an MSN or DNP, TVFSON offers pathways at every level. The school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and San José State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
NCLEX-RN pass rate data for SJSU was not available in the provided inputs/sources. For the most current outcomes and state comparisons, confirm with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the school’s official outcomes page.
Five reasons students choose SJSU nursing
📍 Silicon Valley location
Clinical and career opportunities across the Bay Area’s major health systems, tech-integrated care, and diverse populations.
🎓 BSN through DNP
Pre-licensure BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator), and online DNP—all CCNE-accredited.
🩺 Advanced specializations
Post-RN certificate options in Wound Care, Ostomy Care, and Foot & Nail Care alongside degree programs.
💵 CSU value
Public university tuition and financial aid; in-state students benefit from California State University pricing.
💻 Online DNP
DNP program delivered online so nurses across California can pursue the terminal practice degree.
Nursing Programs Offered
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University offers pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral study. All programs are CCNE-accredited. Confirm current structure and delivery on the official programs page.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Full-time pre-licensure program for candidates new to nursing. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
RN to BS in Nursing
Post-licensure program (bridge/advanced placement) for RNs with an ADN who want to earn a BSN.
MS — Family Nurse Practitioner
For BSN-prepared nurses with an unrestricted California RN license. Prepares for primary care FNP practice.
MS — Nurse Educator Specialization
For those with a BSN or ADN; prepares graduates to teach in academic and clinical settings.
Wound, Ostomy, Foot & Nail Care
Post-baccalaureate RN advanced specialization programs in wound care, ostomy care, and foot and nail care.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Online program for nurse leaders and advanced practice clinicians; available to nurses across California.
SJSU offers a Preceptor and Clinical Mentorship CE course for RNs who precept or mentor students. Confirm application windows and requirements on the school website.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate data for San Jose State University’s nursing program was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source for latest data | California Board of Registered Nursing and SJSU School of Nursing |
Readers should confirm the latest NCLEX statistics and any state benchmarks with the California Board of Registered Nursing and the school before relying on pass rate data for decision-making.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
SJSU admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; exact steps, documents, and test scores vary by country, visa type, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist—not a replacement for official instructions from the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Whether SJSU requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or another exam, and the minimum scores for undergraduate vs. graduate nursing programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign secondary or nursing education must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another service and how the school wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, required financial documentation, and how clinical placements align with your immigration status.
Requirements change frequently. Verify everything with SJSU’s International Student and Scholar Services and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
San Jose State University’s nursing programs use a separate application process from general university admission. Admission is competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Requirements and deadlines vary by program (BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP).
- Admission to SJSU and completion of any pre-nursing or prerequisite coursework
- Minimum GPA (confirm current requirement on the School of Nursing website)
- TEAS or other test requirements (confirm on official admissions page)
- Application windows and deadlines for your target program and term
Application timeline
Application open and deadline dates vary by program and entry term. Confirm current dates on the SJSU nursing future-student info and admissions pages.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | Confirm on official admissions page |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Attend an info session or group advising if offered; the school encourages prospective students to attend. Align your application with the program you want (pre-licensure BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. MSN/DNP) and confirm all prerequisites and test requirements on the official site.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Plan for the pre-licensure BSN path: strong grades in science and math, and healthcare exposure through volunteer or shadowing. Confirm prerequisite courses and application deadlines on the SJSU nursing website.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
SJSU offers a traditional BSN and an RN-to-BS in Nursing for ADN-prepared RNs. An accelerated BSN was not listed on the official programs page; confirm current options. The RN-to-BSN or MSN may suit you if you already have or will have an RN license.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
RN-to-BSN, MSN (FNP, Nurse Educator), and the online DNP are designed for working nurses. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals. Confirm GPA and license requirements for each program on the school website.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition at San Jose State University follows the California State University system rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Specific tuition and fees for nursing programs were not provided in the inputs used for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (In-State / Out-of-State) | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources. CSU system rates apply. |
| Graduate Tuition (MSN / DNP) | Not publicly disclosed in provided sources. |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed. See the school’s Cost of Attendance and financial aid pages. |
| Financial Aid | Complete the FAFSA; SJSU financial aid and nursing-specific scholarships may be available. |
For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official SJSU Bursar and Financial Aid pages. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state/federal aid may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement Rate | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For outcomes and where graduates work, see the school’s outcomes or career services page at sjsu.edu/nursing.
Is San Jose State the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and location. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at SJSU and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited BSN through DNP at a public CSU
- Want to train in the Bay Area / Silicon Valley healthcare market
- Are ADN-prepared RNs seeking RN-to-BSN or MSN/DNP
- Prefer or need an online DNP (California-wide)
- Are interested in FNP, Nurse Educator, or wound/ostomy/foot specialization
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are set on an accelerated BSN (ABSN)—confirm if SJSU offers one
- Want a PhD in Nursing (SJSU offers DNP, not PhD)
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Prefer a smaller or non-urban campus
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
San Jose and the greater Bay Area form one of the nation’s largest healthcare markets, with major systems including Stanford Health Care, Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, Regional Medical Center of San Jose, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and O’Connor Hospital, among others. Demand for nurses in California and the Bay Area remains strong.
SJSU nursing students can access diverse clinical settings across the South Bay and wider Bay Area. Confirm current clinical partners with the School of Nursing.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing is located on the SJSU campus in downtown San Jose. Students have access to simulation and skills labs; specific facility names and student organization details can be confirmed on the school website. The Bay Area location offers access to tech, healthcare, and community outreach opportunities.
Prospective students are encouraged to attend info sessions and group advising; see the nursing department’s future-student page for dates and how to connect with current students and faculty.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- San Jose, CA
- Address
- 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, US
- Telephone
- (408) 924-1000
- Contact email
- See nursing contact page
- Website
- www.sjsu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official SJSU School of Nursing website and download any program brochures or handbooks.
- Review the prerequisite course list for your target program (BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP) and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS or other exam. Confirm current test requirements on the official nursing admissions page.
- Draft a list of questions for an SJSU nursing admissions or advising contact.
- Reach out to current SJSU nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare for any interviews (BSN applicants).
- Check application deadlines for your target program and term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Jose State University a good school for nursing?
SJSU’s The Valley Foundation School of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and offers BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN (FNP, Nurse Educator), and DNP programs in the Bay Area. Confirm current NCLEX outcomes and job placement with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
What GPA do you need for San Jose State University nursing?
Minimum GPA requirements were not provided in the sources reviewed for this guide. Confirm current prerequisites and GPA criteria on the official SJSU School of Nursing and admissions pages.
Does San Jose State University require the TEAS exam for nursing?
TEAS or other test requirements for the BSN and other programs were not specified in the provided inputs. Check the school’s official nursing admissions page for current requirements.
How competitive is admission to San Jose State University’s nursing program?
Admission is competitive; acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed. The school uses a separate application process for nursing. Verify current criteria and deadlines on the SJSU nursing website.
Does San Jose State University offer an accelerated BSN?
SJSU offers a traditional pre-licensure BSN and an RN-to-BS in Nursing (post-licensure). An accelerated BSN track was not listed on the official programs page; confirm current offerings on the school website.
What are the clinical placement sites for San Jose State University nursing students?
Clinical placement sites were not listed in the provided inputs/sources. The Bay Area offers many hospitals and health systems; confirm current partners with the School of Nursing.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for San Jose State University?
NCLEX-RN pass rate data for SJSU was not available in the provided inputs/sources. Confirm current outcomes with the school and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
References
- The Valley Foundation School of Nursing — Programs and accreditationsjsu.edu/nursing
- SJSU Nursing Programssjsu.edu/nursing/programs
- SJSU Future Student Info Sessionssjsu.edu/nursing/future-student-info
- SJSU Bursar — Tuition and feessjsu.edu/studentaffairs/bursar
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX and licensurern.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. Data marked “Not publicly disclosed” was unavailable in the sources reviewed for this guide.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy