California State University Bakersfield: BSN, RN-to-BSN & MSN Review (2026)
California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield: BSN, RN-to-BSN, and MSN. NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
CSUB Nursing serves California’s Central Valley with a BRN-approved, CCNE-accredited Traditional BSN (3 years, fall entry only), RN-to-BSN, and graduate DNP-FNP and MSN-DNP options. The program is impacted; confirm deadlines and requirements each cycle with the Department of Nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose CSUB
Located in Bakersfield at the southern end of California’s Central Valley, California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) offers nursing education in a region with strong demand for nurses and diverse clinical settings. The Department of Nursing is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Whether you are a first-time college student aiming for the Traditional BSN, a licensed RN completing an RN-to-BSN, or an advanced practice nurse pursuing a DNP, CSUB provides pathways from pre-licensure through doctoral study.
Official first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by school and cohort are published by the California Board of Registered Nursing. For the most current CSUB figures and state comparisons, consult California BRN pass rates.
Five reasons students choose CSUB
📜 BRN & CCNE Accreditation
Programs are approved by the California BRN and accredited by CCNE, supporting licensure eligibility and quality standards.
🏥 Central Valley Clinical Access
Bakersfield and the Central Valley offer diverse hospital and community clinical placements where demand for nurses remains high.
🎓 Traditional BSN & Graduate Options
Traditional BSN (3 years / 6 semesters), RN-to-BSN, DNP-FNP, MSN-DNP, and post-graduate nurse educator certificate (PG-NEC).
💵 CSU Tuition
As part of the California State University system, CSUB offers in-state tuition and financial aid; a high percentage of students receive grants or scholarships.
📢 Recognized Programs
CSUB Nursing programs have been recognized among the best in the state; see the department website and BRN for current outcomes.
Nursing Programs Offered
CSUB’s Department of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate pathways, all BRN-approved and CCNE-accredited where applicable.
Traditional BSN (Pre-Licensure)
3 years / 6 semesters with summers off. Impacted program; one cohort per year with fall entry. Prerequisites and upper-division nursing coursework with clinicals. Leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. See Pre-Licensure Student Handbook for curriculum and requirements.
RN to BSN
For licensed registered nurses with an ADN or diploma who want to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Program structure and delivery (online/hybrid) are detailed on the CSUB Nursing RN-to-BSN page.
DNP — Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP)
Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner focus. Prepares graduates for advanced primary care practice. Check the department website for format (online/hybrid) and admission cycles.
MSN to DNP
Post-Master’s DNP for nurses who already hold an MSN. Designed for advanced practice nurses seeking the terminal clinical degree.
PG-NEC (Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate)
Certificate for nurses who want to specialize in nursing education. Details and requirements are on the CSUB Nursing graduate pages.
Programs are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Verify current status on the CSUB Nursing and accreditor websites.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Official first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for California pre-licensure programs are published by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). CSUB’s Department of Nursing has been recognized for strong outcomes; for the most current cohort-specific rate and cohort size, consult the BRN.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not publicly disclosed on this page. See California BRN. |
| Job Placement (BSN) | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
| Source | California BRN — NCLEX Pass Rates |
For context on how CSUB’s rate compares to state or national averages, and for the latest cohort data, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rate report and the CSUB Department of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
CSUB admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses. 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 CSUB and the California Board of Registered Nursing—not as a replacement for their official instructions.
- English-language proficiency: Whether CSUB 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 CSUB wants those reports submitted.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document 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 within your immigration status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Before you rely on any single blog, video, or forum post, verify everything with CSUB’s International Admissions and the California BRN.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
CSUB’s Traditional BSN is impacted: there are generally more applications than seats each year. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The Department of Nursing has specific admission criteria and deadlines; review the Pre-Licensure Student Handbook and the CSUB Nursing admissions pages for the current cycle.
- University admission to CSUB and completion of prerequisites per the program roadmap
- GPA and course requirements as stated in the Pre-Licensure Student Handbook (current year)
- TEAS or other standardized test if required—confirm on the official admissions page
- Application by the nursing program deadline (Fall entry only; dates posted each cycle)
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Notes |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | Fall only. Information sessions and deadlines are posted on the CSUB Nursing website (e.g. Fall 2027 cycle info typically by mid‑September). |
| RN-to-BSN / Graduate | Check the respective program pages for application windows. |
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed (impacted program) |
| Minimum GPA | See Pre-Licensure Student Handbook |
| TEAS Required | Confirm on official CSUB Nursing admissions page |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Attend a virtual information session when they are offered; they cover admissions requirements and process. Complete prerequisites with strong grades and confirm whether TEAS or other tests are required for your cohort. Submit your application by the stated deadline—late applications are typically not considered.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 First-time / high school applicant
Apply to CSUB and complete the pre-nursing prerequisite coursework per the program roadmap. Focus on strong grades in science and math. Check the nursing department site for information sessions and exact deadlines for the fall cohort you are targeting.
🔄 Second-degree / career-change applicant
CSUB offers a Traditional BSN (3 years / 6 semesters), not an accelerated BSN. Plan for prerequisite completion then the full BSN sequence. If you already have an RN license, the RN-to-BSN pathway may be a better fit.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
RN-to-BSN, DNP-FNP, and MSN-DNP are designed for working nurses. Check GPA and license requirements on the graduate and RN-to-BSN pages. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals in your application.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
CSUB is part of the California State University system; tuition and fees follow CSU rates. For the most current figures, visit the official CSUB Financial Aid — Costs page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (In-State) | CSU system rate; see CSUB Financial Aid |
| Undergraduate Tuition (Out-of-State) | Not publicly disclosed on this page. See CSUB. |
| Fees, Housing, Books | Not publicly disclosed. See CSUB Cost of Attendance. |
| Federal School Code (FAFSA) | 007993 |
| Financial Aid | High percentage of students receive grants or scholarships; see CSUB Office of Financial Aid. |
Tuition and fees change annually. For a current, detailed breakdown (including nursing program costs if published), visit the official CSUB Financial Aid — Costs page.
Complete the FAFSA (school code: 007993) or CADAA as applicable. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state/federal aid may be available to qualifying nursing students. See CSUB Financial Aid.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | See California BRN pass rate report |
| Job Offers at Graduation (BSN) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni Employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
For information about specific employers hiring CSUB nursing graduates, see the school’s outcomes or career services page at csub.edu/nursing.
Is CSUB 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 CSUB and who might be better served elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want BRN-approved, CCNE-accredited nursing education at a CSU
- Prefer a Traditional BSN with fall-only entry and a clear 3-year roadmap
- Are based in or want to work in the Central Valley / Bakersfield region
- Are working RNs seeking RN-to-BSN or DNP-FNP / MSN-DNP options
- Are comfortable with impacted admission and competitive selection
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are looking for an accelerated BSN (ABSN) or spring BSN entry
- Want a program in a major metro like Los Angeles or San Francisco
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN pathway
- Prefer a small private school with very small cohorts
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Bakersfield is the largest city in Kern County and an important healthcare hub for California’s Central Valley. Major systems in the region include Dignity Health (e.g. Mercy Hospitals), Adventist Health, and Kern Medical. Demand for nurses in the Central Valley remains strong, supporting diverse clinical placement and job opportunities for CSUB graduates.
CSUB nursing students gain clinical experience in hospital and community settings across the Bakersfield and Central Valley region. For a current list of clinical partners, contact the Department of Nursing or see the Pre-Licensure Student Handbook.
Student Experience & Campus Life
CSUB’s Department of Nursing is located on the Bakersfield campus. Nursing students complete simulation and clinical experiences as part of the curriculum. The university offers student organizations, support services, and campus life activities. For details on simulation labs, nursing clubs, and student resources, see the CSUB Nursing website.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Bakersfield, CA
- Address
- 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311, US
- Telephone
- (661) 654-2011
- Contact email
- See CSUB Nursing for department contact
- Website
- www.csub.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official CSUB Nursing website and download the current Pre-Licensure Student Handbook and program materials.
- Review the prerequisite course list and roadmap on the CSUB Nursing and catalog pages and compare to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS or other exam—confirm on the official CSUB Nursing admissions page for your cycle.
- Draft a list of questions for a CSUB admissions counselor or the Department of Nursing.
- Reach out to current CSUB nursing students or alumni on LinkedIn to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare for information sessions (BSN applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target entry (Traditional BSN is fall only) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University Bakersfield a good school for nursing?
CSUB’s Department of Nursing is BRN-approved and CCNE-accredited, offers Traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, DNP-FNP, and MSN-DNP programs, and has been recognized among the best in the state. For official NCLEX pass rates, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing.
What GPA do you need for CSUB’s nursing program?
Minimum GPA and course requirements are described in the Pre-Licensure Student Handbook. Prospective applicants should review the current admission requirements on the CSUB Nursing website.
Does CSUB require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Admission criteria for the Traditional BSN are detailed in the Pre-Licensure Student Handbook and on the CSUB Nursing admissions pages. Confirm whether TEAS or other standardized tests are required for your application cycle.
How competitive is admission to CSUB’s nursing program?
The Traditional BSN at CSUB is impacted; there are generally more applications than available seats each year. Acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does CSUB offer an accelerated BSN?
CSUB offers a Traditional BSN (3 years / 6 semesters with summers off) and an RN to BSN pathway for licensed RNs. An accelerated BSN track is not currently listed; confirm program options on the official CSUB Nursing website.
What are the clinical placement sites for CSUB nursing students?
Clinical placement sites are arranged by the Department of Nursing in the Bakersfield region and Central Valley. For a current list of partner facilities, contact the CSUB Department of Nursing or see the program handbook.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for CSUB?
Official first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by cohort are published by the California Board of Registered Nursing. For the most current CSUB figures, consult the BRN at rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.
References
- CSUB Department of Nursingcsub.edu/nursing
- CSUB Traditional BSNcsub.edu/nursing/traditional-bsn
- CSUB Financial Aid — Costscsub.edu/financial-aid/costs
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates
- California BRN — Board approval and educationrn.ca.gov
- 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 CSUB and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 15, 2026· Last reviewed: Mar 15, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy