California Baptist University Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. 2026 admissions, NCLEX-RN pass rate.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
CBU was the first four-year university in Riverside County to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program combines faith-integrated education with strong clinical partnerships across the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles County, including Kaiser Permanente and Loma Linda VA.
Overview & Why Students Choose CBU
In the heart of the Inland Empire, California Baptist University offers nursing education that blends rigorous clinical training with a faith-based mission. CBU was the first four-year university in Riverside County to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and today its graduates are recruited by the region’s top healthcare providers.
Whether you are a first-time college student, a second-degree seeker considering the Entry-Level MSN, or an RN advancing with an MSN or DNP, the College of Nursing at CBU offers CCNE-accredited pathways at every level, all approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate data for CBU was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. For current pass rates and state comparisons, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing report and the school’s nursing website.
Five reasons students choose CBU
🏆 First BSN in Riverside County
CBU pioneered the four-year BSN in the county; the program is well established and respected by local employers.
🏥 Inland Empire Clinicals
Rotations at Corona Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Loma Linda VA, Parkview Community Hospital, and other facilities across the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles County.
📚 Faith-Integrated Education
Nursing curriculum is taught from a Christian perspective, preparing students to serve with compassion in diverse settings.
🎓 Multiple Entry Paths
Traditional BSN, online RN to BSN (12–16 months), Entry-Level MSN for non-nursing bachelor’s holders, and DNP for advanced practice.
💻 Flexible Graduate Options
Entry-Level MSN pre-licensure is on campus; post-licensure MSN and DNP offer online and hybrid options for working nurses.
Nursing Programs Offered
California Baptist University’s College of Nursing offers pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral study. All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Traditional BSN (Pre-Licensure)
124 units total. Pre-nursing prerequisites overlap with general education; then six full-time semesters of nursing coursework on campus. Clinical rotations across the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles County. NCLEX preparation integrated. Fall and Spring cohort starts.
RN to BSN
For licensed RNs with an ADN or diploma. Completable in 12 to 16 months, fully online. Designed for working nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree.
Entry-Level MSN
For students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Pre-licensure portion is full-time on campus; post-licensure portion is online or in-person. Leads to RN licensure and MSN. Tuition: $815 per unit (pre-licensure).
MSN (Post-Licensure)
For RNs with a BSN. Tracks and format vary; $690 per unit. Check the school website for current concentrations (e.g., FNP, Nurse Educator) and delivery mode.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
36–47 units over 6 semesters. Asynchronous online instruction with in-person residencies. Requires MSN from an accredited program. $715 per unit.
BSN applicants apply via NursingCAS and must be admitted to CBU as traditional undergraduates (pre-nursing) first. Prerequisites must be completed by the end of the term before the intended start (Spring semester for Fall cohort; Fall semester for Spring cohort).
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
California Baptist University’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its BSN and Entry-Level MSN cohorts was not publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed for this guide. The school states that graduates perform well on the NCLEX-RN and are recruited by the region’s top healthcare providers.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement (BSN) | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Official source for current data | California Board of Registered Nursing |
Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with the California Board of Registered Nursing and CBU’s College of Nursing. Requirements and reported outcomes can change.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
CBU admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses, but the 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 to guide your conversations with CBU and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether CBU requires TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, 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 CBU wants those 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 support: Which programs are approved for F‑1 or other visa types, what financial documentation is required, and how clinical placements fit within your immigration status.
Requirements change frequently. Verify everything with CBU’s International Admissions and the California Board of Registered Nursing. This is guidance only, not legal or licensing advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
CBU’s BSN program is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must be admitted to CBU as traditional undergraduates (pre-nursing) and then submit a separate application via NursingCAS for the nursing program.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better by the application deadline (last 60 semester units may be used if cumulative is not eligible)
- Science GPA of at least 2.8
- TEAS score of 64% or above; exam must be taken in person within 6 months of the deadline; up to 3 attempts per application, 30 days between attempts
- All prerequisites completed by end of Spring (for Fall start) or end of Fall (for Spring start)
- At least 18 years old before the cohort start (August 15 for Fall; December 15 for Spring)
- Health clearance, background check, and drug screening once accepted
Application timeline (BSN)
| Entry Term | Application Window | Prerequisites Due |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | November–February (see Important Dates on CBU site) | End of Spring semester prior |
| Spring | June–September (see Important Dates on CBU site) | End of Fall semester prior |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum Cumulative GPA | 3.0 (or last 60 units) |
| Minimum Science GPA | 2.8 |
| TEAS Required | Yes; minimum 64% |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Attend an information session if possible—CBU recommends it to clarify admission guidelines and prerequisites. Submit official transcripts to NursingCAS from every college attended. Send TEAS scores to “CA Baptist U.” Prepare for the TEAS; the program uses the attempt with the highest science score (up to 3 attempts).
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school applicant
Apply to CBU as a traditional undergraduate and declare pre-nursing. Complete prerequisites with strong grades; aim for a 3.0+ cumulative and 2.8+ science GPA. Take the TEAS before the NursingCAS deadline and consider attending a CBU information session.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, consider the Entry-Level MSN as an accelerated path into nursing. Otherwise, complete BSN prerequisites and apply to the traditional BSN. Highlight any healthcare or service experience in your application.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
CBU’s online RN to BSN (12–16 months), MSN, and DNP are designed for working nurses. Check program-specific GPA and licensure requirements on the school website and emphasize clinical experience and career goals.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition at CBU varies by program and level. Below are key figures from the sources reviewed; confirm current rates on the university’s official tuition and financial aid pages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level MSN (Pre-Licensure) | $815 per unit |
| MSN (Post-Licensure) | $690 per unit |
| DNP | $715 per unit |
| Undergraduate (BSN) Tuition | Not publicly disclosed in sources reviewed; see CBU tuition page |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
Tuition and fees change annually. For a current breakdown of undergraduate tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans, visit the official CBU Financial Aid and tuition pages.
Complete the FAFSA and check CBU’s financial aid office for institutional scholarships and the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program for qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
CBU states that graduates are recruited by the region’s top healthcare providers. For specific outcomes and employer data, see the school’s nursing program page and career services.
Is CBU 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 California Baptist University and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a faith-integrated, CCNE-accredited nursing education in Southern California
- Are seeking strong Inland Empire and regional clinical partnerships (Kaiser, Loma Linda VA, etc.)
- Prefer a traditional BSN or an Entry-Level MSN as a second-degree path
- Are working RNs interested in online RN to BSN, MSN, or DNP options
- Value being part of the first four-year BSN program in Riverside County
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need the lowest-cost public tuition (CBU is private)
- Prefer a secular or non-faith-based learning environment
- Want a program in the Bay Area or Northern California only
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN (BSN and Entry-Level MSN pre-licensure are on campus)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Riverside sits in the Inland Empire, one of Southern California’s largest and fastest-growing regions. Healthcare demand is strong across Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, with major systems and community hospitals providing a wide range of clinical placement opportunities.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | Major integrated system; CBU students complete rotations at Kaiser facilities in the region. |
| Loma Linda University Health / VA | Loma Linda Veterans Administration and affiliated medical center; tertiary and veteran care. |
| Corona Regional Medical Center | Community hospital in Corona; part of CBU’s clinical partnership network. |
| Parkview Community Hospital | Community hospital; one of several Inland Empire sites used for clinical rotations. |
CBU nursing students gain experience across the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles County, meeting California BRN clinical requirements while building skills in diverse settings. California’s demand for RNs remains high statewide.
Student Experience & Campus Life
CBU’s College of Nursing is located on the university’s 162-acre campus in Riverside. Nursing students use simulation and skills labs and complete clinical hours at partner facilities across the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles County.
Nursing is the #1 most popular major at CBU. The program emphasizes evidence-based care, critical thinking, and a biblical perspective on compassionate practice. Students take courses in mental health nursing, community and public health, and transcultural patterns of health.
The campus is in the Inland Empire with access to major Southern California metro areas. CBU offers a full range of student organizations, spiritual life programs, and support services.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Riverside, CA
- Address
- 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504, US
- Telephone
- (951) 343-4700 (College of Nursing); 1-800-782-3382 (campus operator)
- Contact email
- nursing@calbaptist.edu
- Website
- www.calbaptist.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official CBU BSN website and download the program information and application requirements.
- Review the prerequisite course list and compare it to your transcripts; confirm deadlines (prerequisites by end of Spring for Fall start; end of Fall for Spring start).
- If required, register for the TEAS exam (minimum 64%; in person, within 6 months of deadline). Confirm TEAS requirements on the official BSN application page.
- Draft a list of questions for the College of Nursing or admissions; consider attending an information session.
- Reach out to current CBU nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences.
- Begin outlining your personal statement or application materials for your target program.
- Check the NursingCAS and CBU application windows (Fall: Nov–Feb; Spring: June–Sept) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Baptist University a good school for nursing?
CBU’s College of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. It was the first four-year university in Riverside County to offer a BSN and has strong clinical partnerships across the Inland Empire, including Kaiser Permanente and Loma Linda VA.
What GPA do you need for CBU’s nursing program?
BSN applicants need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (or last 60 semester units) and a science GPA of at least 2.8. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee acceptance.
Does CBU require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. CBU’s BSN program requires the ATI TEAS with a minimum score of 64%. The exam must be taken in person within 6 months of the application deadline. Up to 3 attempts per application cycle are allowed, with 30 days between attempts.
How competitive is admission to CBU’s nursing program?
Admission is competitive. The program uses NursingCAS and considers GPA, TEAS scores, and prerequisites. The acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does CBU offer an accelerated BSN?
CBU offers an Entry-Level MSN for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree—a graduate pathway into nursing. The traditional BSN is 4–5 years depending on prerequisites. An online RN to BSN (12–16 months) is available for licensed RNs.
What are the clinical placement sites for CBU nursing students?
Clinical rotations take place at facilities across the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles County, including Corona Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Loma Linda Veterans Administration, Parkview Community Hospital, and others as assigned.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for CBU?
CBU does not publish a single first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in the sources reviewed for this guide. For current pass rates and comparisons, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing annual report and the school’s nursing website.
References
- California Baptist University — Bachelor of Science in Nursingcalbaptist.edu/academics/programs/bachelor-of-science-nursing
- CBU BSN Application Requirementscalbaptist.edu (application requirements)
- CBU Contact / Directorycalbaptist.edu/contact
- CBU Financial Aidcalbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX and licensurern.ca.gov
- Tuition data sourced from CBU official website; confirm current rates on the school’s tuition and fee pages.
- All other data as provided in our inputs. Any data point marked ‘Not publicly disclosed’ is based on the unavailability of this information in the 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 the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy