Sonoma State University Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
BSN and MSN at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Sonoma State’s School of Nursing combines CCNE accreditation and California BRN approval with a focus on climate and health (Nurses Climate Challenge), over 50 years of educating nurse practitioners and leaders, and programs from Pre-Licensure BSN through MSN FNP and a Post-Master’s FNP certificate—all in the North Bay.
Overview & Why Students Choose Sonoma State
Sonoma State University, in Rohnert Park in California’s North Bay, is part of the California State University system. Its School of Nursing and Health Sciences has educated over 4,000 nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse leaders in more than 50 years. The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing and the post-graduate APRN certificate program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Whether you are a pre-licensure student aiming for a BSN, an RN with an ADN considering the Post-Licensure BSN (CNECM), or an RN ready for the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track or the Post-Master’s FNP certificate, Sonoma State offers CCNE-accredited pathways in a region with strong demand for healthcare professionals.
SSU’s nursing programs are CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved. NCLEX outcome data was noted as “to be posted shortly” on the school site; for current pass rates, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Five reasons students choose Sonoma State
✅ CCNE & BRN
Full CCNE accreditation and California BRN approval for BSN and MSN programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate.
🌍 Climate & Health
Partnership with the Nurses Climate Challenge to integrate climate and health into nursing education.
🩺 North Bay Clinicals
Education for practice in community health agencies, advanced practice settings, and acute care across the region.
💵 CSU Value
Public CSU tuition and fees; cost of attendance varies by living situation (e.g. at home vs off-campus).
📋 MSN FNP & Certificate
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and Post-Master’s FNP certificate for RNs seeking advanced practice.
Nursing Programs Offered
Sonoma State’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs, all CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved. The department does not offer a DNP or PhD in Nursing.
Pre-Licensure BSN
Traditional baccalaureate program for students seeking initial RN licensure. Prerequisites (Statistics, Critical Thinking, English, Oral Communication, Microbiology, Physiology, Anatomy, Integrated Chemistry) must be completed with a grade of B or better. TEAS required; CNA licensure required before program start. Application via CalState Apply and NursingCAS (Oct 1–Jan 23).
Post-Licensure BSN (CNECM)
Upper-division program for registered nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing. Requires 120 total units including upper-division nursing, general education, research, evidence-based practice, community health, and nursing policy. This program has at times not accepted new applications; confirm current status on the nursing website.
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner
Prepares RNs with a bachelor’s degree for advanced practice as Family Nurse Practitioners. Two years’ full-time RN experience preferred; 3.0 GPA; current California RN licensure; BSN preferred. Applications Oct 1–Jan 31 via CalState Apply and NursingCAS.
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner certificate for nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing. CCNE-accredited post-graduate APRN certificate program.
Sonoma State does not offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing. Graduates seeking a doctoral degree would need to apply to another institution.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Sonoma State University’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. The school’s website states that “Student Achievement Outcome Data (update to be posted shortly)”—suggesting outcomes are reported to CCNE and may be published later.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source for official data | California Board of Registered Nursing |
Before relying on any single statistic, confirm current NCLEX pass rates and benchmarks with the California Board of Registered Nursing and Sonoma State’s School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Sonoma State admits international students and California licenses internationally educated nurses, but the **exact steps, documents, and test scores** vary by country, visa category, and whether you are seeking a student visa or RN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist to guide your conversations with SSU and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether SSU or the CSU system 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 university wants reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing requirements: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document translation requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit your immigration status.
Requirements change frequently. Verify everything with Sonoma State’s admissions or international office and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Sonoma State’s nursing programs are competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Pre-Licensure BSN requires two applications (CalState Apply and NursingCAS) plus the School of Nursing application fee; no late applications are accepted.
- Minimum overall college GPA 3.0
- All prerequisites with grade of B or better (Statistics, Critical Thinking, English Composition, Oral Communication, Microbiology with lab, Physiology with lab, Anatomy with lab, Integrated Chemistry)
- Maximum of one science and one non-science prerequisite may be in progress by the nursing supplemental due date
- TEAS exam completion required
- CNA licensure before program start (not required at time of application)
- Completed essays as required
Application timeline
| Program | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Licensure BSN | NursingCAS Oct 1–Jan 23; CalState Apply Oct 1–Dec 1 | Application must be in verified status by Jan 23 |
| MSN FNP | NursingCAS Nov 1–Jan 31; CalState Apply Oct 1–Jan 31 | Confirm current dates on nursing.sonoma.edu |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (Pre-Lic BSN) | 3.0 overall |
| Prerequisite grades | B or better in all |
| TEAS Required | Yes (Pre-Licensure BSN) |
| CNA before start | Required for Pre-Licensure BSN |
Complete all prerequisites with B or better and aim for a GPA above 3.0. Take the TEAS early and prepare thoroughly. Obtain CNA licensure before the program start date. Attend a pre-nursing advising orientation or information session; confirm all deadlines and fees (CalState Apply, NursingCAS, and School of Nursing fee) on the official nursing website.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 Pre-licensure / first-time applicant
Complete Statistics, Critical Thinking, English, Oral Communication, Microbiology, Physiology, Anatomy, and Integrated Chemistry with B or better. Maintain a 3.0+ GPA. Take the TEAS and obtain CNA licensure. Apply during the Oct–Jan window via CalState Apply and NursingCAS.
🩺 RN seeking BSN or MSN
Post-Licensure BSN (CNECM) may be closed to new applicants—confirm on the website. For MSN FNP: two years’ full-time RN experience preferred, 3.0 GPA, current California RN license, BSN preferred. Apply via CalState Apply and NursingCAS during the stated window.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Sonoma State University, as part of the California State University system, charges systemwide tuition plus campus-based fees. Below are key figures for 2024–2025; 2025–2026 rates are higher (see official site).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (1–6 units/sem, in-state) | $1,764/semester (2024–25) |
| Undergraduate tuition (7+ units/sem, in-state) | $3,042/semester (2024–25) |
| Campus-based fees (undergrad) | ~$1,270/semester (2024–25) |
| Total registration (7+ units, in-state) | ~$4,312/semester (tuition + fees) |
| Nonresident tuition (additional) | $420/unit (2024–25); $444/unit (2025–26) |
| Cost of attendance (full year, at home) | ~$23,478 (2024–25) |
| Cost of attendance (off-campus) | ~$35,732 (2024–25) |
| Graduate tuition/fees | See SSU Financial Aid / Student Charges pages |
Rates are subject to change. For 2025–2026 tuition ($1,869 / $3,225 for 1–6 / 7+ units) and current fees, visit SSU Student Charges and Financial Aid Cost of Attendance.
Complete the FAFSA. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying nursing students. Check SSU Financial Aid for grants, loans, and scholarships.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
The department has educated over 4,000 nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse leaders. For NCLEX and job-placement data, see the school’s outcome updates and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Is Sonoma State the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, learning style, career goals, and life circumstances. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Sonoma State and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want CCNE-accredited BSN and MSN FNP at a public CSU in the North Bay
- Can meet a 3.0 GPA and B-or-better prerequisites and are prepared to obtain CNA licensure (Pre-Lic BSN)
- Are RNs seeking an MSN FNP or Post-Master’s FNP certificate
- Value integration of climate and health in nursing education
- Prefer a medium-sized campus in wine country with access to Bay Area clinicals
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) or a DNP/PhD in Nursing
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN
- Cannot secure CNA licensure before program start (Pre-Lic BSN)
- Prefer a large urban research university
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Sonoma County and the North Bay are home to hospitals, medical groups, and community health agencies. The San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento are within reach for clinical rotations and employment. California’s demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses remains strong.
SSU educates students to practice in community health agencies, advanced practice settings, and acute care. Clinical placement sites are not fully listed in the provided inputs/sources; contact the School of Nursing for a current list of partners in the North Bay and beyond.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Sonoma State’s main campus is in Rohnert Park (1801 E. Cotati Ave). The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers information sessions each semester (including Zoom sessions) and welcomes contact about information not on the website. The department emphasizes flexibility, resilience, professional leadership, cultural perspective, and lifelong learning.
Over 50 years the department has educated thousands of nurse practitioners, educators, and leaders. For simulation labs, student organizations, or honors programs, check the nursing and student life pages on the SSU website.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Rohnert Park, CA
- Address
- 1801 E. Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, US
- Telephone
- (707) 664-2655 (SSU main)
- Contact email
- See nursing.sonoma.edu for department contact
- Website
- www.sonoma.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Sonoma State School of Nursing website and note information session dates.
- Review the prerequisite list (Statistics, Critical Thinking, English, Oral Communication, Microbiology, Physiology, Anatomy, Integrated Chemistry) and compare to your transcripts; aim for B or better.
- Register for the TEAS exam if you have not taken it. Confirm application windows (CalState Apply, NursingCAS, School of Nursing fee) on the nursing site.
- Draft questions for a pre-nursing advising orientation or information session.
- Reach out to current SSU nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences.
- If applying to Pre-Licensure BSN, plan to obtain CNA licensure before program start.
- Mark the Jan 23 (Pre-Lic BSN) or Jan 31 (MSN) deadline and complete both CalState Apply and NursingCAS with verified status by the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sonoma State University a good school for nursing?
Sonoma State’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences is CCNE-accredited and BRN-approved, offering Pre-Licensure BSN, Post-Licensure BSN (CNECM), MSN FNP, and a Post-Master’s FNP certificate. The department has educated over 4,000 nurse practitioners, educators, and leaders over 50+ years.
What GPA do you need for Sonoma State’s nursing program?
Pre-Licensure BSN requires a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0. Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of B or better. MSN applicants need a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Does Sonoma State require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. Completion of the TEAS exam is required for the Pre-Licensure BSN program.
How competitive is admission to Sonoma State’s nursing program?
Admission is competitive. Pre-Licensure uses a minimum 3.0 GPA, TEAS, prerequisites at B or better, and CNA licensure before program start. Meeting minimums does not guarantee acceptance.
Does Sonoma State offer an accelerated BSN?
Sonoma State offers a traditional Pre-Licensure BSN and a Post-Licensure BSN (CNECM) for RNs with an ADN. The Post-Licensure program has at times not accepted new applications; confirm current status on the nursing website.
What are the clinical placement sites for Sonoma State nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are not fully listed in the provided inputs/sources. The school educates students to practice in community health agencies, advanced practice settings, and acute care. Contact the School of Nursing for a current list of clinical partners in the North Bay and beyond.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Sonoma State?
NCLEX-RN pass rate for Sonoma State is not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. The school’s website notes that student achievement outcome data was to be posted shortly. Confirm with the California Board of Registered Nursing for current data.
References
- Sonoma State University School of Nursing and Health Sciencesnursing.sonoma.edu
- Pre-Licensure BSN Requirementsnursing.sonoma.edu
- MSN Requirementsnursing.sonoma.edu
- SSU 2024–25 Student Charges/Feesseawolfservices.sonoma.edu
- SSU Cost of Attendancefinancialaid.sonoma.edu
- California Board of Registered Nursingrn.ca.gov
- All other data as provided in inputs. Data marked “Not publicly disclosed” is based on unavailability in official 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 Sonoma State and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 17, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy